Two Brooms Coastal Plan (part of CoastAtlantic Interreg project)

Two Brooms

Abstract: 

This plan has been prepared to guide the use and development of the coastal zone in the Two Brooms area. The policies and recommendations in this plan are guided as far as possible by the ecosystem approach and seek to address the deamnds of all sectors in a sustainable way. One of its key aims has been to produce a local planning framework, which can help to integrate aquaculture more effectively with other interests.

Sea Basin(s): 
Atlantic
Country: 
Other
Year: 
September 2006
Application in MSP: 
Applied in an MSP process
Sectors: 
Aquaculture
Fishery
Nature protection
Offshore renewable energy production
Tourism
Under water cultural heritage
Type of Issue: 
Coexistence of uses
Economic aspects
Environment aspects
Land-sea interactions
Social aspects
Type of practice: 
Pilot plan
Stage of MSP cycle: 
Analyse spatial aspects
Cross-border / trans-national aspect: 
No
Coherence with other processes: 
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Key words: 
aquaculture planning
coastal zone management
fisheries management
Source / Links: 

http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/198/planning_-_long_term_and_area_policies/162/coastal_planning/3

http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/190/coastal_plan_for_the_two_brooms_area

Map: http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/1110/policy_map

 

Questions this practice may help answer

  • How can a plan be developed for coastal areas?
  • How can terrestrial and maritime spatial planning be integrated?
  • What kind of spatial policies are appropriate for coastal areas?

Implementation Context

 A pilot project to develop a non-binding plan for a coastal area with high scenic value and traditional maritime activities and opportunities for maritime development.  The plan provides policy guidance for key activities, to be taken into account in planning decisions for individual activities.

Aspects / Objectives

  • To guide the use and development of the coastal zone in the ‘Two Brooms’ area – Loch Broom, Little Loch Broom, the Summer Isles and Gruinard Bay.
  • To provide a broad overview for the use of the coastal waters over the next 5-10 years where none has existed before.
  • To promote a balanced approach: one which can safeguard the area’s core natural assets and sustain or enhance its productivity over the longer term.
  • To help in the evaluation of development proposals, help to minimise conflicts of interest, and guide investment.

 

Method

  • Description of the features and use of the area
  • Identification of the key issues and opportunities
  • Development of a coastal plan, covering:
    • Aquaculture
    • Commercial fishing
    • Nature conservation
    • Business and Rural Development
    • Recreation and Tourism
    • Shore access and marine traffic
    • Renewable energy
    • Landscape
    • Cultural and built heritage

Main Outputs / Results

 

  • General Guidance: Policies, Proposals and Recommendations by Sector

    • Aquaculture: description, policies to guide development
    • Commercial fishing: issues, impacts, proposals and advice
    • Nature conservation: assets, policies
    • Business and Rural Development: supportive policies
    • Recreation and Tourism: description, policies to guide development
    • Shore access and marine traffic: issues, policies
    • Renewable energy: impacts, constraints, policies
    • Landscape: designations, pressures, landscape character assessment, policies
    • Cultural and built heritage assets, policies
  • Interface with terrestrial plan for the area
  • Area-specific guidance, for each local area covered in the plan: general description, existing uses, policy considerations, area policies
  • Offshore areas: current activities, opportunities and constraints, policies
  • Monitoring and follow-up proposals

 

TransferabilitY

Example of a pilot plan for a local coastal area, with emphasis on ICM.

Responsible Entity

Highland Council, Scotland

Costs / Funding Source

Interreg 3B Coastatlantic Project, European Regional Development Fund

Contact Person

Highland Council, Scotland

http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/591/council_and_government/535/customer_services