Concerns raised over protected areas

Orkney Islands Council may push forward with calls for a possible moratorium on any more environmental designations being placed in the county, following concerns raised by OIC Convener Steven Heddle.

Agreement was reached by councillors to move forward with further discussions on the issue, when it was on the agenda of the OIC development and infrastructure committee which met yesterday, Tuesday.

The Scottish Government is committed to the establishment of further Marine Protected Area’s around numerous locations of the coastline of the country, including Orkney, with a consultation on the issue set to get underway.

Councillor Heddle was concerned on what such designations could mean when it comes to restrictions on development in such areas.

It was agreed by councillors that discussions on the issue will continue, including the possibility of a call for a moratorium by the council.

Councillor Heddle said that the issue had also raised concern in the Western Isles, with the council there fundamentally opposed to the introduction of such designations, and had unanimously agreed a position of seeking a 10 year moratorium on the introduction of any new environmental designations in the Outer Hebrides.

Engagement between the OIC and the Scottish Government will continue during the consultation period on the issue.