Dive Into the New Rules: Scottish Marine Fish Farming Set for Big Changes!

Scotland's marine landscape is about to get a splash of change with the Town and Country Planning (Marine Fish Farming) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2025. This legislation aims to clear the waters for fish and shellfish farming by extending planning control zones from 3 nautical miles to the full 12-mile territorial limit off the Scottish coast. Let's break down what this means for marine farming, local authorities, and the environment.

What’s the Big Change?

Marine planning zones are the geographic areas where local authorities can oversee planning controls. Previously, these zones only extended 3 nautical miles out to sea. The new amendment pushes this boundary to 12 nautical miles, aligning with the 1997 Act's definition of "development" for fish farming. This means that developers can now seek planning permission for projects further out at sea, opening up new possibilities for marine farming innovation and expansion.

Why Now?

Back in 2007, when marine planning was first tackled, it was thought unlikely that farms would venture beyond 3 nautical miles. Fast forward to today, and advancements in technology are making offshore farms not just feasible, but attractive. The 2025 amendment closes a significant regulatory gap, allowing the burgeoning fish and shellfish farming sector to explore these new horizons while ensuring environmental and community standards are maintained.

What Does This Mean for Developers and Local Authorities?

Developers looking to expand their marine farms between 3 and 12 nautical miles can now submit planning applications to local authorities, just like they do for developments closer to shore. This shift promises a more streamlined and consistent approach to marine farm development, and ensures that all proposed projects are subject to the same rigorous assessment and stakeholder engagement.

Stakeholder and Public Consultation

The Scottish Government isn't diving into this change without input. A 12-week consultation gathered opinions from local authorities, environmental agencies, aquaculture businesses, and the public. The majority supported the expansion, recognizing the potential for new development opportunities and better regulatory oversight. However, concerns were raised about the capacity to handle increased planning applications and potential impacts on other marine sectors. These have been addressed in the consultation report, ensuring a balanced approach to the new policy.

Financial and Environmental Impact

The good news for businesses is that there are no additional costs associated with the new planning zone boundaries. The extension aims to bring more stakeholders, including fisheries and marine users, into the planning process, ensuring that developments are well-considered and sustainable.

In essence, the extension of marine planning zones marks a significant step forward for Scotland's marine economy, offering new opportunities for growth while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Keep an eye on the horizon as these changes set sail in April 2025!