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Coastal Management
Topic Goal
To ensure the sustainable use, development and management of
the coastal area.
4.1 The coast is a complex and dynamic environment where
development needs to be carefully considered and managed. Shetland has
approximately 900 miles of indented coastline consisting partly of exposed
cliffs and shores bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. In terms
of coastal planning guidance, the coastline is considered to be undeveloped,
except for areas at Lerwick and Sullom Voe. Although much of the coastline may
appear isolated or remote, there is always considerable marine activity. There
are several sites around the coast of national and international importance for
nature conservation reflecting its outstanding quality. No part of Shetland is
more than 3 miles from the coast; the sea and the coastline are therefore
central to life in Shetland. Many agencies have an involvement and interest in
the development and management of the coastline and it is important for all
parties to work in partnership to achieve a sustainable approach to its
enhancement, conservation and development.
Coastal Development
4.2 Around the coast of Shetland a network of ports,
piers and harbours provide for the fishing industry, recreation and the
movement of commercial cargo and passengers. In terms of the economy, the oil
and fishing industries are the most important. Oil exploration and extraction
in the seas to the east and the west have provided wealth and employment. In
the short-term the continued operation of the oil terminal at Sullom Voe is
central to the future prosperity of the Islands.
4.3 There is pressure for new fishing piers and ferry
terminals, with the possibility of replacing some ferry routes with fixed links
being investigated. The Council is producing a Harbour Development Programme to
examine the issues. There is also considerable potential for wave and tidal
power generation around the coast and care will need to be taken to control the
landward developments when they arise.
4.4 Globally it is likely that sea-levels will rise
significantly over the next hundred years and that storms will become more
severe. Around Shetland a sea-level rise of 0.8 - 0.9 metres is predicted and
there could be serious consequences for established coastal settlements. The
Council will not approve new development at low ground levels near to the coast
where there is a significant risk of future inundation or erosion. The Council
has had a coast protection policy in place since 1995 although under the
relevant Act, there is no requirement for the Council to undertake coast
protection work. Coastal flooding is not a major issue in Shetland, but this
situation is subject to regular assessment. Policies in the Plan take account
of flood risk.
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Policy CST SP1
The Council will adopt the
precautionary principle when considering development applications at coastal
sites. Proposals to build below the 5 metre contour will not normally be
approved unless there are overriding reasons to do so. Given the undeveloped
nature of the coastline any new development should be sensitively designed. The
Council with others will also seek to protect water quality. |
Aquaculture
4.5 The development of marine finfish and shellfish
farming over the past two decades has brought significant economic and
employment benefits to Shetland. However, the industry has some impact on the
environment and there is some concern over increased risk of disease. Planning
permission is concerned with land-based developments required to support the
aquaculture industry and such facilities in isolated, remote or sensitive
locations will be resisted, unless there is an overriding planning need for the
development. Aquaculture shore base developments which are granted will have
reinstatement conditions attached.
4.6 Marine fish farming developments fall within the
scope of the Zetland County Council Act 1974, which places a duty on the
Council to promote the conservancy of, and control of development in, the
coastal area of Shetland between MHWS and the 12 mile limit. While the
Structure plan provides the broad locational and policy framework within which
the industry can develop in a sustainable manner, the Council's Works Licence
Policy provides detailed guidance on the placing of works in the sea, on the
seabed or on the foreshore. The Council is also committed to developing a more
comprehensive approach to coastal zone management. This will be taken forward
by a range of interested industry, fishing and environmental groups.
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Policy CST SP2
In determining applications for works
licences, the Council will take account of the following factors:
- The implications for fishing interests.
- The need to ensure that safe navigation is
maintained.
- Existing marine fish farms in the locality.
- The availability of any necessary infrastructure and
potential impact on existing infrastructure, when relevant.
- The implications for recreational interests.
- Potential effects, including cumulative, on the
environment and natural heritage interests.
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Policy CST SP 3
The Council with others will establish
a Coastal Zone Management Plan that meets the needs of the Shetland community.
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Partners
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SIC Development Committee |
SIC Resources Committee |
SIC Marine Operations Department |
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Scottish Executive |
Shetland Aquaculture Organisations |
Shetland Fisheries Organisations |
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Shetland Marina Users' Association |
The Crown Estate Commissioners |
Shetland Amenity Trust |
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Scottish Natural Heritage |
Scottish Environment Protection Agency |
North of Scotland Water Authority |
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Sullom Voe Terminal and the Oil Companies |
Energy Companies |
SIC Operations Division |
Strategies
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SIC Harbour Development Programme |
SIC Local Transport Strategy |
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SIC Works Licence Policy |
Shetland Amenity Trust Beach Access Audit |
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SIC Coast Protection Policy |
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Plan Performance Indicators
- The number of planning consents granted for development below
the 5 metre contour.
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