« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Next Steps
Communities and other stakeholders have sought reassurance that they will have an opportunity to be fully consulted on proposals. This consultation is the first of several opportunities for people to submit views and influence final decisions. The process for finalising proposals for a Coastal and Marine National Park are set out in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000.
Analysis of responses to this consultation paper will inform decisions on the preferred location for Scotland's first Coastal and Marine National Park and developing proposals on functions and powers for the Park Authority for further consultation.
The next stage in the process would commence when Ministers publish a 'proposal' for a Coastal and Marine National Park. The proposal from Ministers would be set out in a written statement, specifying the general area of the Park and the functions which the National Park Authority would be expected to exercise. The area would be defined in general terms at this stage, since the purpose of the process would be to provide for a consultation which would inform the decision of the Scottish Ministers on issues such as the boundaries and administrative responsibilities of the Park.
Scottish Ministers may appoint SNH or another body to act as Reporter and to consult widely on the National Park proposal. Decisions will be guided by how we can make the process as inclusive as possible.
Scottish Ministers would then consider the Reporter's advice, or views submitted to them directly if a decision is taken not to appoint a Reporter, and prepare a draft Designation Order. The Reporter's advice would be published when received by Ministers.
The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 requires Scottish Ministers to undertake a public consultation on the draft Designation Order lasting at least 12 weeks, following which Ministers would consider the consultation responses and revise the draft Designation Order if appropriate.
The final stage would be to seek Parliamentary approval of a National Park Designation Order before the designation can be brought into effect and the National Park Authority established.
Given the nature of these requirements it is unlikely that a Park designation could be achieved before late 2008.
« Previous | Contents | Next »