Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-08968 on 27 April 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/98191.aspx.

On 26 April 2017, 31.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-08968 on 27 April 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/98191.aspx.

Section 2 of The Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) Regulations 2010, as amended, define Scottish Natural Heritage as the only consultation body providing nature conservation advice in Scottish waters on ship to ship transfers. Schedule 2 of those Regulations require the Secretary of State for Transport to have regard to any representation made by a consultation body when reaching a licence decision.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-08390 on 26 April 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

Managing flood risk at the catchment level through a portfolio of measures is key to achieving sustainable flood risk management and a statutory requirement set out in the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. Scottish Government guidance on Sustainable Flood Risk Management (http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2011/06/15150211/0) and SEPA’s Natural Flood Management Handbook (https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/163560/sepa-natural-flood-management-handbook1.pdf), further reinforce the importance of working across catchments and coastlines to reduce flood risk.

The Scottish Government’s guidance on options appraisal for flood risk management http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00500974.pdf) describes how the associated benefits of natural flood management are considered as part of decision making in selecting measures. SEPA and the responsible authorities considered both the positive and negative effects of any action, including effects on biodiversity. Where natural flood management actions were identified, more detailed assessments of opportunity (carried out in the natural flood management studies) will consider where additional benefits may be accrued, such as river restoration that benefits both Water Framework Directive status and flood risk.

The 14 Flood Risk Management Strategies and Local Plans include 104 actions with a natural flood management element; most of these actions are flood studies. Nearly all of the flood studies will be funded through this budget. Where local authorities subsequently decide to implement natural flood management measures, this budget will also be the main source of funds for works on the ground.

Under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, lead local authorities are required to provide an interim report on the progress that has been made towards implementing all actions in the local flood risk management plan. This review and report of the plans is to be no earlier than June 2018 and no later than June 2019. A final report is also required, due between June 2021 and June 2022. The final report will include an assessment of progress made towards implementing actions, including natural flood management, and a summary of any reasons for non-implementation.

To support delivery of the natural flood management actions outlined in the flood risk management strategies, local authorities and other responsible authorities have committed to undertaking 85 natural flood management studies. These studies will examine the potential contribution of natural flood management in greater detail and, where appropriate, provide an initial specification for works on the ground. Some of these studies are being progressed as part of wider flood protection studies, while others are stand-alone natural flood management studies. Currently, 36 studies are underway and three have been completed on the South Esk (Angus), Glen Moss at Kilmacolm, and River Nith at Kirkconnel. Of the remaining studies, 35 are due to commence within the current planning cycle (2015-2021) while 11 will commence in the next planning cycle (2022-2028).

8 planning appeals have been determined under Ministerial Direction since April 2016.