Orkney Islands regional marine plan

This document contains the public participation plan for developing the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan, covering the waters around Orkney to 12 nautical miles offshore. It explains how communities, businesses and other organisations can share their views through online information, public meetings, workshops and written responses. It also sets out the seven stages of plan preparation, including environmental and other impact assessments, a 12-week consultation expected from August to November 2024, and planned publication of the final plan in late 2025, subject to possible independent investigation.

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This document contains a summary of consultation feedback on the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan and the changes made before finalising it. It covers engagement with communities, schools, businesses and other stakeholders, including 35 written responses and more than 450 comments. The report explains updates to policies on sustainable development, climate and nature, local communities, fishing, aquaculture and other marine activities, as well as monitoring and supporting assessments.

This document contains the Statement of Public Participation for developing the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan. It explains how Orkney Islands Council will involve communities, businesses, agencies and other interested groups, and sets out the seven stages from plan preparation and assessment to consultation, approval, publication and ongoing review. It includes an indicative timetable, with a 12-week public consultation planned for August to November 2024 and final publication expected in late 2025, subject to possible independent investigation.

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This document contains a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the proposed Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan, which guides sustainable development and use of coastal and marine waters. It describes the environmental baseline and key issues, including climate change, biodiversity, water quality, coastal change, landscapes, heritage and community wellbeing. It compares alternatives and assesses the plan’s likely effects, finding broadly positive outcomes with mitigation needed for possible impacts from development and marine activities. It also sets out consultation, monitoring and review arrangements.

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This document contains the draft Habitats Regulations Appraisal Record for the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan. It assesses the plan’s possible effects on protected European marine and coastal sites, including policies for aquaculture, ports, infrastructure, renewable energy and tourism. After applying safeguards, Orkney Islands Council concludes that the plan would not harm the integrity of any protected site, either alone or alongside other plans. The draft was published for consultation from 1 August to 25 October 2024.

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This document contains the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment for the proposed Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan. It considers three options and recommends adopting the updated plan after public and stakeholder consultation, to give clearer rules for managing marine development while protecting nature, communities and local economic opportunities. It assesses likely benefits, costs and risks for businesses, including small firms and marine sectors, and finds mostly limited additional costs, with some moderate costs for environmental and community assessments. It also concludes the plan is unlikely to restrict competition or affect consumers.

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This document contains an Islands Communities Impact Assessment for the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan, which guides sustainable development and environmental protection in Orkney’s marine waters. It describes the islands, marine environment, key industries and climate change pressures, and summarises engagement with communities and organisations. The assessment finds that the Plan applies equally across Orkney and is unlikely to affect any island community significantly differently, so a full assessment isn’t required.

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This document contains an Equality Impact Assessment for the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan, which guides marine development while protecting the environment and supporting local communities. It outlines stakeholder engagement, including public consultation, community events and school workshops. The assessment found no significant or discriminatory impacts on people with protected characteristics or those facing socio-economic disadvantage. The plan and assessment will be reviewed through ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

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This document contains a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment screening for the Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan. It outlines the Plan’s aim to support a healthy, sustainable marine environment and thriving local communities. The screening finds no clear direct or indirect effects on children or specific groups of children, so a full assessment isn’t required. A further assessment will be included in the first Plan review report.

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