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Chapter 4 - Conclusion
4.1 This research paper analysed the responses to the
consultation on fees payable by applicants Electricity Act
(Scotland) Regulations1990. The responses covered local
authorities, private companies, trade bodies and
individuals with an interest in the area.
4.2 26 responses to the consultation were received, the
majority from local authority planning departments.
Although there was a disappointing response from industry
it should be noted that the Scottish Renewables Forum, who
are the representative body for the renewables industry in
Scotland, did respond.
4.3 Respondents across the five groups broadly accepted
the proposed scale of fees proposed in the consultation
document and the suggestion that planning authorities be
recompensed for work they carry out on electricity act
cases.
4.4 However, respondents rejected the proposed
reimbursement arrangements outlined in the consultation
paper. The concerns centred around the following:
- the four month time limit in which to claim full
reimbursement
- a need to provide the Scottish Executive with a
detailed breakdown of the costs incurred
- that section 37 applications are based on voltage
and not distance
- that no fee is recovered for overhead lines not
exceeding 132kv.
4.5 The Scottish Executive has reviewed the findings of
the consultation and come to the following conclusions:
- The four month time limit will be dropped and
planning authorities will not be held to timescales for
payment. Following this, the minimum fee payable to
planning authorities will also be abandoned.
- Planning authorities will still be required to
produce invoices to the Executive after they have
completed an application. This will allow the Executive
to assess payment and comply with our financial and
accounting practices.
- We shall change the determining factor for section
37 applications from voltage based to distance based.
From the responses we received during the consultation,
the conclusion was reached that an incremental increase
in fee structure proportionate to the length of line
involved is the fairest and most effective method of
cost recovery. A schedule for cost reimbursement based
on distance has been created.
- It is accepted that all applications requiring an
EIA are resource intensive and, as such, local
authorities should be reimbursed for costs incurred
during these applications.
4.6 The Scottish Executive has also considered other
issues which were raised by a fewer number of respondents.
For example, no additional mega watt bandings for section
36 developments below 100 MW will be created.
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Analysis of Responses
Chapter 3: Analysis of Questions
Annex A: Consultation Paper
Annex B: Distribution List