Current status: Answered by Stephen Gethins on 20 July 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the resourcing within its Planning and Environmental Appeals Division in relation to renewable energy appeals, and what action it is taking to address any identified gaps.
The Scottish Government regularly reviews Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) resourcing to ensure it can effectively discharge its statutory functions.
This review is consistent with the wider principles of the public service reform strategy that aims to deliver a more collaborative and efficient public service across Scotland.
Alongside its existing workload, the DPEA has experienced a significant increase in renewable energy-related casework, particularly in relation to onshore wind developments, strategic electricity transmission infrastructure, and associated wayleave and anticipated compulsory purchase order cases.
DPEA has implemented a range of operational improvements to support increasing workloads. These include enhanced forecasting and case management, strengthened engagement with consenting colleagues and transmission operators, the early allocation of reporters to priority cases, expansion of its pool of consultant reporter's, to help manage increasing volumes efficiently, increased use of digital processes, and ongoing review of procedures and guidance. Together, these measures are designed to ensure cases are handled as efficiently and proportionately as possible whilst maintaining the quality and robustness of decision-making.
The Scottish Government will continue to keep DPEA's resource requirements under review, within the principles of the wider public service reform strategy, to ensure it is able to support the timely determination of planning and energy infrastructure projects that are critical to delivering Scotland's net zero targets and long-term energy security.