Views sought on Orkney aquaculture

Orkney Islands Council (OIC) is asking for the public’s views on fish farming and related developments in the county’s waters.

Draft planning guidance for aquaculture activity in Orkney has recently been published by the council for public consultation.

The draft version of the Supplementary Guidance Aquaculture is now available on the OIC website here and at customer service points for a six-week period of consultation from March 16 to April 27.

The online version of the document is interactive, with users able zoom in and out of maps of different areas of Orkney to see specific places in detail.

The maps include potential constraints for future development and sensitive areas that could be affected by future proposals.

James Green, Senior Policy Planner with the Council, said: “We have been working closely with industry bodies including local aquaculture and fisheries interests throughout the development of the draft guidance, and a range of statutory consultees including SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage.”

Following the consultation, the draft guidance will be revised and reported to the council for approval.

Representations can be made either by emailing devplan@orkney.gov.uk or by post, to The Planning Manager, Development and Marine Planning, Development and Infrastructure, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.