Planning Service
Marine Fish Farm Development
Marine Fish Farm in the Planning System - Marine Fish Farming developments (out to the 3 mile limit) came into the jurisdiction of the Planning System in Scotland on the 1 April 2007 when the Town & Country Planning (Marine Fish Farming (Scotland)) Order 2007 came into force.
Prior to this date, development consents for the marine fish farms fell within the jurisdiction of The Crown Estate (PDF, 20K).
Statutory Planning Authority - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the statutory Planning Authority for new marine fish farming development as well as material changes to existing fish farms in the Outer Hebrides.
Planning Policy - All planning applications for marine fish farm developments are currently assessed and determined in accordance with the Western Isles Development Plan with due regard for Scottish Planning Policy and other relevant national guidance and ‘material’ planning considerations.
New Local Development Plan - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is in the process of developing a new Local Development Plan – The Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan (OHLDP) – Proposed Plan and has also prepared Draft Supplementary Guidance (SG) for Marine Fish Farming development. Both the OHLDP- Proposed Plan and the Draft SG for Marine Fish Farming (PDF, 9.6M) were published for public consultation on the 16 September 2011 with a closing date on the 10 November 2011. The OHLDP is proposed for examination in 2012.
Environmental Impact Assessment - All Marine fin-fish farming developments are subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulation 2011(EIA). The Scottish Government provides useful guidance on EIA including access to templates to assist in the EIA process (SARF024)
Marine Scotland - The Scottish Government through Marine Scotland also provide a host of other useful information and relevant guidance on Marine Fish Farming.
Pre- Application Advice - Developers are invited to discuss their proposals with the Comhairle Planning Service at the earliest stage possible. Developers should contact the Planning Service to make an appointment by telephoning 01851 822690 or by e-mail to planning@cne-siar.gov.uk.
Planning Protocol - The Scottish Salmon Producers Association has produced a Protocol For Preparing Planning Applications For Aquaculture Development and developers are encouraged to refer to the Protocol in developing their proposals.
Marine Fish Farm Planning Application Form - The Comhairle has adopted a national application form for Marine Fish Farm Development Planning Applications.
Marine Fish Farm Planning Application Form (PDF, 65K) - Marine Fish Farm Guidance Notes (PDF, 70K)
Marine Fish Farm – Notice to Owners of Land or Seabed (PDF, 80K)
Useful Contacts – Links to further information and advice.
