Green energy campaigners have warned that proposed changes to planning laws in Scotland could have a significant knock-on effect for the country’s renewables targets – and hit the country in the pocket.
The Scottish Government will close its consultation on planning laws today, with a proposal to limit onshore wind farm applications.
The proposed rules come after campaigners prevented a new 23-turbine wind farm at a Highland beauty spot last week, with the Government admitting at the time that planning should reflect the scale and character of the landscape.
A survey earlier this week by the National Trust for Scotland claimed 72% of Scots felt they had ‘no influence’ over wind farms being built on their local landscape.
But Scottish Renewables chief executive Niall Stuart said the new rules would slow down development of the onshore wind industry.
“Scotland is renowned for its fantastic landscapes, and clearly there are many parts of the country that are simply not suitable for large scale wind farms or any other form of development,” he said.
“However, these proposals could block wind power in most of the country, with worrying consequences for the industry, for communities and landowners and for the Scottish economy.
“Feedback from industry suggests that these new rules could put the brakes on at least 1.4 gigawats of onshore wind projects – threatening some £2billion of future investment lost along with a number of much-needed job opportunities.
“These new rules could also severely limit the economic and social opportunities given to communities across Scotland to build, own and benefit from onshore wind farm developments.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said they were still firmly behind renewable energy production.
“We strongly support renewable energy generation, including onshore wind, while at the same time working to protect our communities and most environmentally important areas,” she said.
“The consultation on the third National Planning Framework recognises the continuing growth of the renewables sector as a key opportunity for Scotland, and the draft Scottish Planning Policy has explored the role of planning in guiding wind energy development to appropriate locations.
“Many people and organisations have taken the opportunity to respond to these consultations. Ministers will carefully consider all views and opinions raised.”
