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SNP Ministers ride roughshod over local democracy as they force through dozens of wind farm plans
Credit: Douglas Dickie · 28 Dec 2025 · scottishdailyexpress.co.uk ~~
The Nats have approved 47 applications despite objections from either the local council or community council.
SNP Ministers have been accused of treating Scottish communities with contempt after it emerged they had forced through nearly 50 unwanted energy developments. The Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government’s own database shows the Nationalist executive has approved 47 applications since 2020/21 despite form al objections from local councils or community councils.
The vast majority (66%) were for wind farms, with a further 19% involving battery energy storage systems. Of the plans, 47% were approved despite an objection from the local authority, something that would trigger an inquiry.
One development, the Kendoon to Tongland Pylon Reinforcement Project in Dumfries and Galloway, went ahead even after a public inquiry agreed that it should be scrapped. Shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden said the figures were proof that SNP ministers are “riding roughshod” over the views of local communities.
He said: “Communities across Scotland are being treated with contempt by the SNP when it comes to major energy infrastructure. Wind farms, mega-pylons and battery storage systems are being pushed through against the clear wishes of the people who have to live beside what are often monstrosities that blight the landscape in rural areas.
“The SNP are riding roughshod over councils and residents – and now Nationalist, Labour and Reform MSPs want to strip away what little rights local communities still enjoy. We have repeatedly said that local communities must be front and centre of any proposals and should retain a veto when it comes to giving projects the green light.
“We need a temporary pause so we can rethink how these projects are delivered – and the Energy Consents Unit must be abolished so that local people, not bureaucrats, have the final say.”
It comes as Ministers consider a 70-mile pylon scheme through two Scottish regions that has been objected to by 10,000 people. The SSEN Transmissions project will see 350 pylons, some up to 75 metres tall, built between Kintore in Aberdeenshire, and Tealing in Angus.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our planning and consenting system ensures that local communities can always have their say. Any objections and material considerations raised are carefully balanced when determining applications.
“Potential impacts on communities, nature and cultural heritage, including cumulative impacts, are important considerations in the decision-making process.
“Applications made under the Electricity Act 1989 are determined by Scottish Ministers, reflecting the strategic, national importance of energy infrastructure decisions. The Energy Consents Unit administer these applications on their behalf, in full accordance with all applicable legislation.”
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