Abstract
Our seas and coast are an integral part of day-to-day life in Orkney and play a significant role in the local economy, transportation, recreation and our unique way of life. This Orkney Islands Regional Marine Plan (‘the Plan’) marks an important milestone in the ongoing sustainable management of our marine environment.
Orkney Islands Council has prepared the Plan on behalf of Scottish Ministers in accordance with the Delegation of Functions (Regional Marine Plan for the Scottish Marine Region for the Orkney Islands) Direction 2020.
The Plan sets out an integrated planning policy framework for marine development and activities in the Orkney Islands marine region, whilst ensuring the quality of the marine environment is protected, and where appropriate, enhanced. It supports the delivery of a vision for Orkney’s coastal and marine environment, economy and communities. This vision will be delivered through the Plan objectives and implementation of the Plan policies. To accord with the statutory purpose of a regional marine plan, the policies relate directly to public authority decision making on development and activities, and the consideration of use in the marine environment.
Public authorities must take any authorisation or enforcement decision in accordance with the appropriate marine plans, unless relevant considerations indicate otherwise. The appropriate marine plans are any national marine plan which is in effect, and for decisions that relate to a Scottish marine region, any regional marine plan which is in effect for the region. The Plan will be used by public authorities in the determination of relevant licences, permissions and consents.
The Plan’s policy framework consists of a suite of general policies and a suite of sector policies. These policies express intent and guide decisions to achieve the Plan’s aim and objectives and the delivery of sustainable development in Orkney.
Once adopted, the implementation of the Plan will be monitored and evaluated to consider the extent to which the Plan vision, aim and objectives are being met. This monitoring and evaluation process will inform the ongoing review of the Plan’s effectiveness, using appropriate indicators.
The Plan’s appendices provide supporting information to assist plan users.