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SPP Principles
8. The policies in this SPP recognise that future renewable generation technologies, the electricity market generally and transmission grid availability in particular may develop in ways that cannot be foreseen. The intention is to review the position regularly. In the first instance, the focus should be on facilitating early progress towards national targets in a way that guides and co-ordinates development so that full consideration is given to those projects that can most effectively contribute to these targets, both in terms of environmental acceptability and grid connectivity whilst, at the same time, recognising that new distribution and transmission networks can be developed to harness Scotland's renewables potential.
9. The Scottish Ministers expect planning authorities to make positive provision for renewable energy developments by:
- supporting a diverse range of renewable energy technologies including encouraging the development of growing and new technologies;
- recognising the importance of fully engaging with local communities at all stages of the planning process;
- guiding development to appropriate sites; and
- ensuring that environmental, economic and social benefits are fully exploited;
while at the same time:
- meeting international and national statutory obligations to protect designated areas, species and habitats of natural heritage interest and the historic environment from inappropriate forms of development; and
- minimising impacts on local natural heritage, communities, tourism, recreation and aviation interests.
Site selection
10. Planning authorities should use the development plan process to set the framework for considering proposals for all renewable energy developments in their areas. This framework should in particular include the identification of areas of search for onshore wind farm developments. The identification process should be informed by an assessment of the area's potential to provide a realistic contribution to Scotland's 2020 target and beyond. This SPP sets out the considerations that should be taken into account when taking forward this work.
Local communities and renewable energy
11. The Scottish Ministers attach considerable importance to public participation in the planning process. This is a major theme in the ongoing modernisation of the planning system. Community participation is especially important in planning for renewable energy. It can help provide an opportunity to engage local people actively in the development of schemes; to address concerns about possible impacts; and to explain the wider benefits of renewable energy. This enables people to form opinions founded on the best possible information and transparency. Planning authorities and developers should work closely with local communities at all stages of the planning process. Public concern or support, based on relevant planning matters, will be one of a number of material considerations that should be taken into account when considering proposals.
12. There is potential, particularly in rural areas, for communities to invest in ownership of renewable energy projects or to develop their own local projects. Small scale wind farms, such as those proposed by local communities, may be able to supply electricity to the local distribution network and therefore avoid the need to use grid capacity on the transmission network. The Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company ( HICEC) is able to assist community groups develop renewable energy projects designed to generate a revenue for investment in a community's development. Further details are available at www.hie.co.uk/community-energy.html. The Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative is funded by the Scottish Executive and managed jointly by the Energy Saving Trust and HICEC to provide grants, advice and project support to assist the development of new community and household renewable schemes in Scotland. Further details are available at www.est.org.uk/schri. Planning authorities should put in place policies which encourage and support communities in developing such initiatives.
13. Community Trust Funds are often voluntarily provided by some commercial developers to communities in the vicinity of renewable energy developments. These can be used to fund a variety of projects, including energy conservation initiatives, within the local community. Community wind farm projects can also provide local communities, as a whole, with opportunities to invest in projects with local long term environmental, social and/or economic benefits. Planning authorities may facilitate and encourage such initiatives so long as it is recognised that any benefit, including mechanisms for negotiating with communities, is offered entirely at the discretion of the developer. The presence or absence of such schemes should not be taken into account when assessing whether a specific proposal is acceptable in planning terms.
Economic benefits
14. A Partnership for a Better Scotland2 confirms that the top priority of the Scottish Executive is to grow Scotland's economy. This includes the start up and growth of Scottish business, encouraging and supporting key manufacturing industries and supporting innovation and technology transfer to grow high value and high skills businesses with the potential for expansion. Going for Green Growth: a Green Jobs Strategy for Scotland3 sets out how this priority should be delivered through sustainable economic development.
15. The Scottish Ministers believe that a thriving renewables industry in Scotland has the potential to enhance Scotland's manufacturing capacity, to develop new indigenous industries, particularly in rural areas, and to provide significant export opportunities. The planning system has a key role in supporting Scotland's economic competitiveness and employment market. The scope for developments to contribute to local or national economic development priorities should be a material consideration when considering policies and decisions, particularly when local impacts can be satisfactorily mitigated.
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