Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S7W-01328 · Session 7

Whether it considers that planning applications continuing through the planning process, where there is no realistic prospect of a grid con…

Answered Asked by Rachael Hamilton Con Lodged 25 Jun 2026

The question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that planning applications continuing through the planning process, where there is no realistic prospect of a grid connection being secured, represents an efficient use of public resources.

The answer

Answered by Ivan McKee on 14 Jul 2026 · 19 days after it was lodged, on time

The Scottish Government is committed to using public resources more efficiently and effectively. Electricity is a matter generally reserved to the UK Parliament under the Scotland Act 1998, including electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply, and the operation and management of the electricity network. Decisions regarding grid connections are the responsibility of the National Energy System Operator (NESO), not the Scottish Government.While Scottish Ministers exercise devolved consenting functions under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for generating stations in Scotland exceeding 50MW, applications must be considered and determined in accordance with the statutory framework established by that Act and any applicable regulations.There is no restriction on any person making an application for consent under the Electricity Act 1989, or for planning permission under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, other than as stipulated under those Acts or any applicable regulations.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-01328 by reference.