Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan

Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 2005

Section 8(1) Screening Determination

In accordance with Section 8(1) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, Orkney Islands Council has formally determined, in consultation with Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (now named NatureScot), that implementation of the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan is likely to have significant environmental effects. Therefore, a Strategic Environmental Assessment is required, and an environmental report will be prepared alongside the Plan.

The related Statement of Reasons is below.

Gareth Waterson

Corporate Director

Enterprise and Sustainable Regeneration

Statement of Reasons

The Screening Assessment has found that implementation of the majority of the projects proposed by the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan is likely to result in neutral or minor positive environmental effects.

However, the effects of certain projects are less clear due to the lack of detailed descriptions at this stage. In particular, NatureScot’s Consultation Response considered that, without the availability of detailed information on the locations and design of these projects, the likelihood of significant adverse effects, including cumulative effects, on both biodiversity and cultural heritage assets could not be ruled out.

It has, therefore, been agreed that the Plan will undergo Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and an environmental report prepared alongside it, as well as, where necessary, a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA).