Question reference: S5W-07337
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 20 February 2017
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 28 February 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) environmental experts, broken down by specialism, (b) chartered landscape architects, (c) planners and (d) solicitors are used by its Energy Consents Unit to assess section 36 and 37 applications under the Electricity Act 1989.
Answer
In assessing such applications, the Scottish Government relies on advice from its statutory stakeholders namely, Local Planning Authorities, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish National Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland. In addition, subject to the details of the application, a wide range of other stakeholders may also be consulted where their specific expertise is required. Details of the individuals and resources utilised by these organisations is an operational matter for each of the bodies concerned and is not held centrally.
The Energy Consents Unit also utilises solicitors within Scottish Government Legal Directorate and on a project specific basis may also consult with Senior Counsel and the Lord Advocate.