19 February, 2008

COMMENTS are being sought on a new document that is setting out to help improve Shetland's marine planning system.

The Shetland Marine Spatial Plan has been drawn up by Dr Lorraine Gray, of Scalloway's NAFC Marine Centre.

Shetland is one of four pilot areas for this new approach to planning activities in coastal waters, led by the Scottish Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative (SSMEI).

"In the past, some people may have felt excluded from the planning process, which is why the Scottish Government has led this pilot - to test a more integrated and efficient marine planning service," Dr Gray said.

The plan brings together a range of different interests in the marine environment and aims to work as a guideline for decision making on how Shetland's marine environment is used.

Martin Holmes, Shetland coastal zone manager, said: "The success of the Shetland Marine Spatial Plan hinges on developers and environmental consultants referring to it before they lodge an application for a works licence or planning permission and in all stakeholders consulting it when a proposal for a new development arises."

The plan is available for consultation as of tomorrow (Wednesday) until 16 May. The document can be downloaded from the NAFC's website at www.nafc.ac.uk and is also available at the Shetland Library.

Dr Gray added: "We are looking for feedback on how the plan will impact upon their work as well as their opinion on whether it will add value to the current planning regime.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in marine and coastal issues and the local environment to read the information and comment on it. All responses will be considered and articulated in a final review report which will be submitted to the Scottish Government for their consideration."

The other three pilot areas are the Clyde, the Berwickshire coast and the Sound of Mull.