The siting and design of aquaculture in the landscape: visual and ...

Contents
Section 1
Introduction 1
1.1 Landscape 2
1.2 The aims of this guidance 3
1.3 Landscape and visual considerations
in the land use planning system 3
1.3.1 Scottish planning policy 3
1.3.2 Development plans 3
1.3.3 Supplementary planning guidelines 3
1.3.4 Environmental assessment 3
1.3.5 Preparing planning applications 3
1.4 How to use this guidance 4
Section 2
Choosing a Location 5
2.1 Location options 6
2.2 New developments 6
2.3 Consolidating existing developments 6
2.4 Location 6
2.5 National Marine Plan 7
2.6 Development Plan policies 7
2.7 Designated areas 8
2.8 Remoteness and ‘isolated coast’ 9
2.9 Landscape character assessment 10
2.10 Visual impact 10
2.11 Cumulative development 11
Section 3
Siting and Layout: Landscape Character 14
3.1 Landscape character 15
3.2 Coastal landscape character 15
3.3 Using this section 17
3.4 Steep-sided narrow lochs 18
3.4.1 Key characteristics 18
3.4.2 Implications for siting and layout 19
3.5 Sheltered but expansive lochs 21
3.5.1 Key characteristics 21
3.5.2 Implications for siting and layout 22
3.6 Indented coasts, bays and narrow straits 24
3.6.1 Key characteristics 24
3.6.2 Implications for siting and layout 25
3.6.3 Key characteristics 26
3.7 Open and expansive coasts 28
3.7.1 Key characteristics 28
3.7.2 Implications for siting and layout 28
3.8 Land use pattern 30
3.8.1 Settlement and infrastructure 30
3.8.2 Land management 32
3.8.3 Shore-based facilities 32
Section 4
Siting and Layout: Visual Character 34
4.1 Key considerations from high-level viewpoints 35
4.2 Key considerations from low-level viewpoints 36
4.3 Context of view 37
4.3.1 Key visual sensitivities 37
Section 5
Detail Design 39
5.1 Designing structures 40
5.2 Finfish farm water-based structures 40
5.2.1 Finfish cages and top nets 41
5.2.2 Feed barges, lifting gear and on-farm
accommodation for staff, ancillary rafts for
generators and other infrastructure 42
5.2.3 Feed pipes 43
5.2.4 Lighting 43
5.3 Shellfish farm water-based structures 44
5.3.1 Buoys and long-lines 44
5.3.2 Rafts and other water-based structures 45
5.4 Land-linked pontoons and jetties 45
5.5 On-shore and shoreline-based development 45
5.5.1 Buildings, yards and associated infrastructure 46
Section 6
Oyster Farms 47
6.1 Oyster trestles 48
6.2 BST adjustable long lines 49
Conclusions 50
Annex One
Environmental Assessment 51
Annex Two
Acronyms and Glossary 52
Annex Three
Bibliography and Useful Publications 53
Annex Four
Useful Websites 54
The siting and design of aquaculture in the landscape: visual and landscape considerations.
November 2011. Prepared by Alison Grant, Landscape Architect.