Marine Spatial Planning
Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters
Consultation Events
Consultation
The approach to the preparation of both the Framework for the MSP and Regional Locational Guidance is based on a combination of consultation and technical analysis. The two processes work in tandem with one informing the other. Consultation ensures that all sectors of the marine community, the public and all organisations with responsibilities for the overall protection of the marine environment are given the opportunity to be actively involved in the development of the MSP.
For Further information can be found in The Proposed Approach (PDF 6MB)
Land Use Plan Preparation
One of the challenges for marine spatial planning is to link into land use planning activities and establish an integrated approach to the use, development and protection of resources across the land/sea interface. The local authorities in this area (Highland Council and Orkney Council) are currently in the early stages of preparing Local Development Plans (LDPs) and, in the case of Highland Council, a Coastal Development Strategy is in preparation. As these plans are being prepared to similar timescales there is an opportunity to link the preparation of LDP, the Coastal Development Strategy and MSP processes.
Several Consultation Events are planned for August 2009:
-
On the 8th of August Orkney Islands Council will meeting the public at the Kirkwall County Show. Information on the Local Development Pland and the Marine Spatial Plan will be available including this Leaflet (PDF 0.7MB).
- On 12 August a stakeholder consultation event is being held at t3UK conference room, Thurso.
- On 14 August Orkney Islands Council are hosting a stakeholder consultation workshop in Kirkwall.
Anyone wishing to obtain further information or wishing to attend should get in touch with Iain.bell@aecom.com or david.ritchie@aecom.com
More information on consultation events will be posted later in August.
Anticipated Consultation Events
The tables below summarises proposed consultation activities. A more detailed consultation plan is being finalised with Marine Scotland, Orkney and Highland Councils and full details will be published in July 2009.
Proposed Consultation Activities
| Consultation Activity (Joint consultation events with Councils are shaded) |
Timing |
Participation |
|---|---|---|
Stage: Definition and Scope of MSP Framework and Regional Locational Guidance |
||
Initial meetings |
February to May 2009 |
This includes members of the Marine Energy Spatial Planning Group, local government, developers and agencies such as Scottish Natural Heritage. |
Presentations at conference and other events directly related to marine spatial planning or marine renewable energy |
March to April 2009 |
Presentations to inform those attending these events. |
Proposed Approach (This document) |
Published May 2009. Comments requested within 5 weeks of publication. |
Publicly available document which anyone can comment. Will be targeted at key stakeholders and other interested parties. |
Stage: Preparation of the Draft MSP Framework and Locational Guidance |
||
Further meetings with key stakeholders |
Throughout 2009 |
Key national and local stakeholder groups, organisations and individuals. One-to-one meetings designed to deal with specific matters. |
Local workshop(s) in Orkney and Caithness. The events are envisaged to provide the opportunity for presentation and workshop based activities focusing on thematic issues which can be made relevant to both the Local Development Plan and the Marine Spatial Plan. |
August - to provide information prior to finalising the Draft MSP Framework.
|
Bringing together key local stakeholder groups into a single forum. A wide range of interested parties will be invited including user or the marine environment and developers. |
Combined exhibition with Council staff at main agricultural shows or similar local events.
|
These events are typically in August. |
Meeting, informing and getting feedback from the public at popular local events. |
Stage: Consultation on Draft Framework for MSP and Locational Guidance |
||
Publish Draft Framework and Location Guidance for consultation |
September - October 2009 |
Available for all. Publicise locally, in newspapers and other media including local radio. |
Public consultation. Travelling exhibition to the main north and south isles of Orkney and around Caithness and Sutherland would ensure maximum awareness and opportunity for public to be involved in the LDP and Marine planning process. |
The tour would fall within our consultation period (Sept-Nov) following the publication of the Draft Framework. The audience could comment on the draft Framework for the MSP |
Local people and organisations, including remote communities. |
Consultation Report |
Published with Framework and Locational Guidance in January 2010. |
Available for all to comment. |