Chamber and committees

Hazel Appleton submission of 10 June 2021

PE1864_FF - Increase the ability of communities to influence planning decisions for onshore windfarms

I agree with this petition based on the fact that it is of the utmost importance that communities and local councils have the final say on any application that does not fit into their local development plans or if it against the majority will of the community which will be affected.

With the current Scottish system if a planning application is refused it is more than likely that the developer will appeal and this appeal is a very costly process, both to the Local planning authority (LPA) and also to any community that feels that the reporters decision is not conducive to the will of the community. In the case of the reporter making the final decision the community can only appeal on a point of law. This is a hugely expensive procedure and in many cases the community not being in a financial position to fight the case in court therefore withdraws. The developer has major financial backing behind them and can always fight the battle. This is extremely unfair.

In England windfarm applications are determined by the LPA and relevant communities, irrespective of size, and I believe that this should be adopted in Scotland. Due to this system in England developers have flocked to Scotland because they believe that the Scottish Government will always grant consent for their onshore applications. Our Scottish communities are overwhelmed at the vast amounts of applications and are unable to fight fairly because of the financial implications incurred.

I agree that everyone in Scotland should reap the benefits of renewable energy, but those benefits should not come at any cost. That is what current Guidance in Scottish Planning Policy and National Planning Framework 4, the Energy Policy Statement and related documents all say. It is not enough to pay lip service to the cliché of “the right development in the right place”.

The Scottish Government should bring planning legislation for the determination of windfarm developments in line with that of England. I also would like to see an advocate or legal advisor appointed to give professional help to local communities when faced with intimidation and bullying from major developers so that our community voices are heard.