For Argyll

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZM) for Loch Fyne is to be submitted in draft form to relevant area committees of Argyll and Bute Council in the first week in August. This will be followed by a six week public consultation period which will be advertised on the council’s website and in the local press. Copies of the plan will be available for downloading from the council website and will also be offered in hard copy and CD format. Community Councils and Pubic Libraries will each receive a printed copy. There will be two public meetings during the consultation period - one in Lochgilphead and one in Strachur, covering interests on both sides of the loch. For further information phone Mark Steward on 01631 567972. He is the council’s Marine and Coastal Development Manager.

So what IS this Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan? It is concerned with wildlife, recreation, navigation, history, archaeology, conservation and visual aesthetics. It covers policies for each area of the lochside in relation to the potential development of shoreside piers, jetties, slips, car parks etc and to the management of marine and farmed fish and shellfish alongside the land-based facilities such enterprises require. The Plan, when finalised and adopted, will be used to provide non-statutory guidance to council planners and to the council itself in policy-making and decision taking.