The UK environment secretary has urged Scottish ministers to consider new rules to give communities greater say over windfarm applications.
It follows the introduction of new guidance in England which allows councils to put residents’ concerns over the need for renewable energy, taking into account the impact of turbines on landscape and heritage.
Owen Paterson admitted it was very much “horses for courses” because while there were areas in England where there was intense opposition to the installation of subsidised wind turbines because of damage to the environment, in areas such as Northern Ireland there remained significant investment in the industry.
While he did not want to interfere in Holyrood business, he said ministers in Edinburgh should “reflect on the powers being given to communities down south”.
“It is not for me to decide what happens at a Scottish level,” Mr Paterson said.
“What the Scottish Government should do is reflect on England. We have made very clear that local landscape, local topography, local environment and local heritage questions can now be used to override national renewable energy targets.
“It would be a good thing if politicians in Scotland reflected on the advantages to give local people a clear power of decision.”
Scottish campaigners fear that the guidance to English local authorities will lead to developers concentrating their efforts north of the border.
The Scottish Government said a new draft Scottish Planning Policy was currently out for consultation until July 23 with all submissions welcomed.
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