Question reference: S6W-26526
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 27 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 15 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the views of north east Scotland communities and campaign groups are fully considered by the Energy Consents Unit when assessing planning applications under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act 1989.
Answer
It is vital that everyone has the opportunity to engage in decisions about future development. We are clear that this engagement must begin as early as possible by developers, at the pre-application stage. It should be effective, collaborative and meaningful, in order to truly influence the final application.
Once a section 36 or 37 application has been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit, members of the general public or groups may make direct representations and comment to the Scottish Ministers.
Scottish Ministers take these views into account, alongside all other application documentation in making their decision.