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Marine planning

Marine and Coastal Access Act implementation consultations

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have published two consultations relating to the development of the marine planning system in the UK. The first consultation relates to the Marine Policy Statement that will be the first part of new systems of marine planning being introduced around the UK. It will provide the high level policy context within which marine plans will be developed, and set the direction for marine licensing and other relevant authorisation systems. Further information

The second consultation sets out the marine planning system in England for the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and other interested organisations and persons. It aims to provide a context for the Marine Policy Statement consultation by outlining the planning system in England as a whole. Further information

Both consultations run until 13 October.

We are responsible for preparing marine plans for the English inshore and offshore regions according to the policies and objectives set out by the Government.

Marine planning will contribute to the effective management of marine activities and more sustainable use of our marine resources.

We, along with other organisations, will have a duty to take decisions in accordance with the Marine Policy Statement and marine plans in respect of proposed developments in the areas covered by the plans, unless relevant considerations indicate otherwise.

There are two levels in the marine planning system: the Marine Policy Statement at a UK level and marine plans at national and sub-national level.

The Marine Policy Statement

The Marine Policy Statement will set out the policy objectives that will contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom marine area. It will create the framework for consistent and evidence based decision making offering certainty about government policy intentions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ aim is to consult on the draft Marine Policy Statement during summer 2010 and to finalise the Marine Policy Statement by spring 2011. For further details see www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/legislation/planning.htm

Marine plans

The second level will consist of a series of marine plans that will interpret and present the national policies within the Marine Policy Statement and apply area specific policy where appropriate within marine plan areas.

Marine plans must be consistent with the Marine Policy Statement, ensuring a strong link between national policy and local application.

The Marine Policy Statement and marine plans will guide and direct decisions in the marine environment. Marine plans will be a source of information which marine stakeholders can use when considering where and how they might carry out activities.

The intention is to achieve consistency, where these operators and regulators in a given area are steered by the same plan. All marine stakeholders will benefit from the planning system, which will bring about a reduced regulatory burden and more joined up licensing system.