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Planning excellence recognised
11/03/2010
Europe's largest onshore windfarm has been named overall winner of the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.
Scottish Power's Whitelee windfarm at Eaglesham Moor impressed the judges with its scale, low level of objections and use of innovative technological solutions.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh today by John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth.
Mr Swinney said:
"These awards celebrate the positive contributions that individuals and organisations in both the public and private sector make to enabling high quality development in Scotland.
"An efficient planning service is key to delivering strong and sustainable economic growth in Scotland, and particularly to the development of a low carbon economy - something our future success as a nation depends on.
"I congratulate all winners on their achievements, particularly those behind the overall winner, Whitelee windfarm. These awards demonstrate the important part planning processes play in supporting Scottish industry, particularly those with strong green energy credentials that have a role in cutting emissions and supporting vital Scottish jobs."
Other award winners include: in the Development Plan category, Highland Council's Open Space in New Residential Development: Interim Supplementary Guidance, and Sustainable Design in Argyll and Bute. In the Development Management category an award went to the Glasgow Urban Model. In the Development on the Ground category awards were presented to Renfrew Town Centre Regeneration and Gardyne's Land in Dundee. In the Community Involvement category an award went to Neilston Renaissance Town Charter.
Commendations were presented to Banknock and Hagg Special Initiative for Residential Led Regeneration, Aberdeen City and Shire Structure Plan 2009 and Spiers Locks Masterplan Framework and Engagement Process.
The Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning is an annual event which aims to raise the profile of planning and encourage good practice. They look to promote quality developments that have been achieved through effective planning processes.
Today's ceremony was held at The Hub in Edinburgh.
The awards are judged by Joan Burnie, Associate Editor of the Daily Record, Richard Holland, Development Manager, Mansell Construction Services Ltd; and Ben Train, Town Planning Manager (Scotland & NI), Tesco Stores Ltd.