Written Question · S3W-03249 · Session 3
When ministers expect that their early review of planning, including proposals to require local authorities to take account of renewable en…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers expect that their early review of planning, including proposals to require local authorities to take account of renewable energy as part of their local planning process, as set out in the 2007 SNP election manifesto, will be completed.
The answer
The government believesthat Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 6 – Renewable Energy providesa sound national policy context and that planning authorities should address thelocational aspects of renewable energy development, either by updating their localpolicies or by preparing supplementary planning guidance.
Specifically withregard to wind development wewant to see the SPP’s provisions taken forward urgently, with local authoritiesengaging with communities and other parties in the preparation of locational strategiesin the form of supplementary planning guidance. These local frameworks should providegreater certainty for developers and local communities and speed up the decisionmaking process. We see this approach as striking the right balance between nationaland local responsibilities.
It is likely thatauthorities will have to review and update their existing policy and we believethere is also scope for authorities to work collaboratively. To assist the authoritiesat a time when they are addressing the challenges of delivering a modernised planningsystem, we shall make available a source of expert advice and issue national guidanceon the preparation of the supplementary planning guidance. The chief planner hastherefore written to planning authorities.
SPP6 states in itsopening paragraphs the energy policy target of 40% of electricity generated fromrenewable sources by 2020 and notes that this is not a cap. This government hasambitions for a balanced approach to renewable energy encompassing a range of measureswhich extend beyond that. The SPP6 provides for a planned approach to deliveringthe target through setting the overall policy for preparing spatial frameworks,including the safeguarding of areas designated for their national and internationalnatural heritage value and greenbelts. It gives a clear role to local authoritiesand national park authorities in relation to local interests and designated areas,in the identification of broad areas of search and in setting policy criteria whichaccord with the SPP.
Specifically withregard to wind development wewant to see the SPP’s provisions taken forward urgently, with local authoritiesengaging with communities and other parties in the preparation of locational strategiesin the form of supplementary planning guidance. These local frameworks should providegreater certainty for developers and local communities and speed up the decisionmaking process. We see this approach as striking the right balance between nationaland local responsibilities.
It is likely thatauthorities will have to review and update their existing policy and we believethere is also scope for authorities to work collaboratively. To assist the authoritiesat a time when they are addressing the challenges of delivering a modernised planningsystem, we shall make available a source of expert advice and issue national guidanceon the preparation of the supplementary planning guidance. The chief planner hastherefore written to planning authorities.
SPP6 states in itsopening paragraphs the energy policy target of 40% of electricity generated fromrenewable sources by 2020 and notes that this is not a cap. This government hasambitions for a balanced approach to renewable energy encompassing a range of measureswhich extend beyond that. The SPP6 provides for a planned approach to deliveringthe target through setting the overall policy for preparing spatial frameworks,including the safeguarding of areas designated for their national and internationalnatural heritage value and greenbelts. It gives a clear role to local authoritiesand national park authorities in relation to local interests and designated areas,in the identification of broad areas of search and in setting policy criteria whichaccord with the SPP.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-03249 by reference.