INTRODUCTION

scenic image - aerial view of lough

Marine fin fish and shellfish farming in Scotland is now well established. While salmon and mussel farming are still the mainstay of the industry, there is constant innovation in methods of production. Experiments with farming other fish and constant developments in scale of operating, feeding technology, growth stimulants and safety requirements, mean that this dynamic industry is continuing to expand and develop.

The search for new sites puts pressure on other land and sea based industries and, particularly, on the environment.

This guidance offers advice on how to assess and address the landscape and visual impact of marine aquaculture developments. It does not deal with the other environmental, social or economic issues raised by this type of development. It aims to ensure that those involved in aquaculture developments are well informed on landscape issues, and provides them with a clear framework for making positive decisions about the siting and design of both onshore and marine-based facilities.

Nevertheless, in some circumstances, where landscapes are complicated in character or sensitive to change, developers should consider employing a landscape architect to advise on the potential landscape impacts of a proposal and how these might be resolved.

Landscape

We are all responsible for maintaining and enhancing a landscape of quality and exceptional diversity of character in Scotland. It is of benefit to all industries that this clean and attractive environment is managed sympathetically, and with broad social, economic, cultural and environmental needs in mind.

As a result, this guidance places particular emphasis on the need to identify an appropriate location for development in the first place. As the industry expands, it will become more difficult to identify new locations where landscape can accommodate the scale and nature of this type of development. In addition, the incremental expansion of individual fish and shellfish farms will be increasingly difficult to accommodate within the relatively intimate scale of Scotland’s coastline. Nevertheless, well located developments can positively contribute to landscape character, and create opportunities to reinforce the landscape as a working environment.

Perceived wildness and sense of remoteness are valued as a diminishing resource, but in addition, the rich variety and distinctiveness of the character of all our landscapes is recognised as an important asset. All developments are expected to respect the diversity of landscape character and sustain the qualities which reinforce experience of place. With careful siting and layout, aquaculture can make a positive contribution to revitalising the landscape, for example through reusing redundant buildings and introducing an energising sense of human activity.

The nature of Scotland’s coastline means that aquaculture development is often highly visible, either from land or sea. The importance of visibility, whether in relation to classic vistas, or as a contribution to the experience of place, cannot be underestimated. Aquaculture should not need to be hidden from view, but should be well enough sited and designed to fit in with the surrounding character and contribute to a lived in landscape.

The Aims of this Guidance

With this in mind, the aims of this guidance are to:

The Role of Consultees

Aquaculture development requires authorisation before it can be established. During this process, both Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Local Planning Authorities will pay particular attention to the potential impact of a proposal on the landscape.

Moreover, Local Planning Authorities expect applications for planning permission to contain supporting evidence in relation to economic and environmental issues.

In the future, therefore, when Local Authorities have responsibility for authorising aquaculture developments, applicants should be prepared to offer such evidence. The guidance offered in this document may be used to assist in the identification and presentation of landscape evidence when preparing planning applications.

This report was commissioned by SNH, the Crown Estate (CE) and Scottish Quality Salmon (SQS) and has involved consultation with representatives of the industry and the planning authorities.

It is expected to be used by both those who develop and manage aquaculture facilities and those who comment on applications for development.

Information on the procedures relating to authorising aquaculture developments can be found in the draft Procedure Guidance Note issued by SOAEFD (SERAD’s predecessor), entitled ‘Interim Scheme for the Authorisation of Marine Fish Farms in Scottish Waters’.

How to Use This Guidance

This guidance is divided into three sections, which reflect the key decisions a potential developer makes when locating, siting and designing aquaculture development.

The first section explains how to identify an appropriate location for development from a landscape perspective. It outlines the locational guidance available, and identifies the key issues of strategic significance to consider when assessing potential development within a broad landscape area.

The second section goes on to explain landscape character and visual assessment in detail. It highlights the issues most relevant to the siting and layout of aquaculture development within a chosen location.

The third section illustrates detail design considerations, including those which relate to the onshore facilities which may accompany some offshore developments.

Finally, this report complements other published documents. Appendix 1 illustrates in tabular form what these other documents contain, and from where they can be obtained.