Marine Planning

Marine planning in the UK is a strategic approach to managing the seas and coastal areas to ensure sustainable development while protecting the marine environment. It involves creating marine plans that guide the use of marine resources and activities, balancing economic, environmental, and social objectives.

Key aspects of marine planning include:

• Sustainable Development: Ensuring that marine activities, such as fishing, shipping, and renewable energy projects, are conducted in a way that supports long-term environmental health and economic growth.
• Environmental Protection: Safeguarding marine habitats and species by considering environmental impacts in planning decisions.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities and stakeholders in the planning process to reflect their needs and priorities.
• Integration with Land Planning: Coordinating marine and terrestrial planning to create cohesive policies and strategies.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is responsible for preparing and implementing marine plans in England. The Solent sits within the South Marine Plans that cover the inshore and offshore waters from Folkestone in Kent to the River Dart in Devon. 

In November 2024, the Solent Forum helped the MMO to run a marine plan implementation training session in Portsmouth. This session has been designed to provide marine planning training and guidance to support applicants, decision-makers and other stakeholders to effectively implement marine plans. Under section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, it is a legal requirement for all public authorities to fully consider marine plans in all decisions that affect the UK marine area.

Sessions covered include:

• Overview of marine planning, statutory requirements of marine plans and the tools and guidance available to support plan use.
• Marine Plan Policy Assessment and considerations required for successful applications and decision-making.
• Marine and land-use planning integration and best practice.