Residents and users of Loch Etive are being asked to provide their views on the future use and development of the loch for the next five years.

The draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZM) will, once finalised, set down guidelines for council planners, other regulators and stakeholders when considering any future proposals for the loch and its coastline.

The council has been developing the ICZM Plan for Loch Etive for 2011-2016, in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners, for some time. The objective of such plans is to establish sustainable levels of economic and social activity in our coastal areas, while at the same time protecting the natural environment.

The council’s Executive has now agreed that the Loch Etive draft should go out for public consultation which will run from October 8 to November 19 and include drop-in events at Taynuilt, Connel and North Connel.

The plan area includes all of Loch Etive extending west of the Connel narrows to include Ardmucknish Bay and Dunstaffnage Bay. Any activity which occurs on or directly affects the marine environment from the land has been considered during its development.

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Its objectives are:

-To provide guidance for local authority planners, regulators and stakeholders to guide future marine and coastal development to sustainable locations and assist decision-making for development proposals.

-To provide guidance and recommendations to help minimise conflicts of interest, assist management and future planning of marine and coastal activities and guide future investment.

-To recognise, promote and help safeguard areas important for marine and coastal wildlife, habitats, landscape and historic heritage.

-To ensure the views, aspirations and needs of local stakeholders and communities are captured and recognised, through maximising opportunities for stakeholder involvement in the plan development process.

Policies and recommendations have been formulated after reviewing the current use of the areas and identifying key coastal management issues and development opportunities.

Councillor Robert Macintyre, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: "This draft plan could be a significant piece of guidance in the use and development of the coastal zone of Loch Etive over the next five years and aims to aid the evaluation of development proposals, help minimise conflicts of interest and guide future investment.

"Extensive consultation with local communities, stakeholders and regulatory bodies has been at the heart of its development. Our aspiration is that this plan will be used by these same groups and organisations to guide sustainable management of the coastal and marine resource, in order to secure the future of both the natural environment and the economic needs of the communities which are dependent on it.

"I would urge anyone who has an interest in Loch Etive to let us know their views on the draft ICZM Plan as part of the public consultation."

(GK)