April 1, 2008
Scotland
Scotland
The SNP Government intends to do nothing about the number of speculative planning applications for onshore wind farms being made in Perthshire, it was revealed in a parliamentary answer to MSP Murdo Fraser.
In a parliamentary question, Murdo asked the SNP Government how it intends to reduce the number of speculative planning applications for onshore wind farms.
In response, the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stewart Stevenson stated: “Under planning legislation there are no powers to prevent planning applications being made.
“However, the preparation of up-to-date policies by planning authorities which reflect Scottish Planning Policy 6 Renewable Energy should provide greater certainty for developers and local communities.”
Murdo also asked whether the Scottish Government intends to review the existing planning guidance on renewable energy developments. But the Minister stated there were no plans to review national policy on onshore wind developments.
Murdo said: “The SNP Government has made it clear that they are happy for wind farm developers to submit as many planning applications for wind farm developments as they wish in Perthshire.
“It is disappointing that the SNP Government is not prepared to create ‘no go’ areas for applications. I believe that large parts of Perthshire should be automatically ruled out for a wind farm application due to their natural beauty and importance to the local tourism industry.”
1 April 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/04/01/wind-farm-bids-blasted/