New proposals to streamline and improve efficiency of the planning process have been unveiled in a bid to enhance Scotland's £367 million aquaculture industry.

The Planning Reform for Aquaculture document published yesterday by Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney and Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, will:

* Make clear what is required by way of information to support a planning application

* Streamline procedures to remove any unnecessary barriers

* Improve decision-making to attract further investment in aquaculture in Scotland

* Make sure responses from public agencies are proportionate and focused

Ahead of a debate on aquaculture in the Scottish Parliament today, Ms Cunningham said: "The Scottish Government wants to see Scotland's aquaculture industry go from strength to strength, these changes will allow this to happen in a sustainable way.

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"According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, aquaculture is the only way to meet the surging global demand for seafood. Scotland is well placed to embrace this and benefit from further investment in the sector; we are recognised globally as a land of food and drink with the iconic Scottish Salmon playing an important role in this reputation.

"Scotland's aquaculture is worth more than £367 million to the Scottish economy and is a lifeline to many of Scotland's fragile rural communities. But we are not complacent and want to build on this success."

Mr Swinney said: "Aquaculture is becoming an increasingly important sector and, in these challenging times, we must ensure Scotland's planning system supports recovery and the long term development of our economy.

"This publication builds on the Scottish Government's work to ensure planning is increasingly efficient, joined up and effective. It will lead to more certainty and speed of decision making for the aquaculture industry, which will be vital for jobs and communities around Scotland."

(GK)