Press Release

SCOTTISH COUNCILS GAIN FORMAL MARINE AQUACULTURE PLANNING ROLE

21 November 2006

We warmly welcome news that Scotland’s councils will be formally responsible for deciding marine fish farm planning applications from April 2007.

In 1998 we agreed to a voluntary interim scheme, which gave the lead role of deciding upon marine fish farm planning applications to local authorities.

However, the non-statutory nature of this arrangement meant it has not been widely or clearly understood.

The Planning Bill, introduced by the Scottish Parliament and due to come into effect on 1 April 2007, will formalise the powers of local authorities over aquaculture planning applications.

Our Head of Scottish Marine Estates, Ian Pritchard, said: “It has been a long time coming, but it’s excellent news. Formal transfer of the planning role will enable us to concentrate on our ownership role. Meantime we will work closely with the Scottish Executive and each of the local authorities concerned in order to help ensure that the transfer runs smoothly.”