The Scottish Government has unveiled plans to strengthen its Scottish Planning Policy in relation to onshore unconventional oil and gas.

The new Scottish Planning Policy, which is scheduled to come into force from 2014, will reinforce environmental and community protection, as well as community consultation guidance in relation to planning applications for unconventional gas extraction.

It will also introduce the need for buffer zones in relation to such planning applications.

Included in the changes to the policy, it stated that the planning system must "minimise the impacts of extraction on local communities, built and natural heritage, and the water environment."

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It added that the proposals "should also provide an adequate buffer zone between sites and settlements."

Commenting on the announcement, Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "Any proposals for the extraction of unconventional oil and gas extraction are considered through the planning process and the appropriate regulatory regimes.

"In considering such proposals it is important that the views of the local communities, and the impact on the environment are given due consideration in the planning process.

"Today's announcement of a strengthening of the planning rules in relation to unconventional oil and gas, through provision of buffer zones, highlights that this government listens to local communities and the those calling for stronger environmental protection."

Mr Wheelhouse added: "As well as the planning process each proposal will be considered through the appropriate regulatory regimes and SEPA's guidance. Proposals for coalbed methane or shale gas production in Scotland will be studied on their merits, informed by reliable and substantive information on availability of resources and the manner and practicalities of their exploitation.

"There are no environmental permissions which would allow hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Scotland at this time."

(JP/CD)