Permitted development rights for fin fish and shellfish developments: consultation

2. Why We Are Consulting

2.1 The Capacity Working Group ( CWG), part of the restructured Ministerial Group for Sustainable Aquaculture, was established in 2013 to work with the Scottish Government to effect improvements to the planning and consenting process. The Scottish Government have consulted with industry, statutory planning consultees and local authorities through the CWG, accessing their expertise during the process.

2.2 A number of suggested improvements to PDR were identified; including to both existing PDR legislation and guidance. There has been a particular focus to improve the PDRs relevant for shellfish farmers. Desired legislative changes to PDR are described in sections 6, 7 and 8. Improvements to guidance will be taken forward separately.

2.3 The purpose of this consultation paper is to seek views on whether these legislative changes should be introduced.