Local control over new laws over marine developments around Shetland should be the future says Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott.
He has given his support to Shetland Islands Council's call for it to be allowed to build on its experience of control over marine developments when marine planning powers under the Marine (Scotland) Act are shared out.
In a letter to Richard Lochhead, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, Tavish Scott supports SIC's response to a Government consultation on Marine Licensing for Scotland.
Tavish Scott says that the Government should accept the Council's "sensible suggestions such as the inclusion of Local Authorities as statutory consultees." He is also backing moves to stop further costs for the owners of boat moorings, already taxed by the Crown Estate. He said;
"Shetland boat owners should not have to pay for a licence on top of the Crown Estate's existing tax."
Tavish Scott is arguing that the Council's most important points are those calling for local consultation and for delegating the proposed licensing scheme to a local level. Noting the Council's 35 years of experience of local management of marine developments which they have gained as they have exercised their powers under the ZCC Act, he argued that "it makes sense to build on this, rather than to replace it."
Tavish Scot said;
"I want the Scottish Government to give these proposals serious consideration."
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