Changes to Planning for Wind Farms Over Protests

Jul 10 - Herald, The; Glasgow (UK)

Ministers will today try to confront the widespread anger over plans for wind farms throughout Scotland by announcing new guidelines on their planning approval.

A day before the Westminster government is expected to set out its plans for Britain's energy future, Malcolm Chisholm, the Communities Minister, is to outline new regulations intended to steer applicants away from protected and sensitive locations to reduce the potential for conflict with communities and environment campaigners.

He is also to clarify rules on placing wind turbines and solar panels on homes and in gardens. The executive has been trying to encourage homeowners to increase the extent of small-scale power generation through "micro-renewables".

The government's plans for energy are expected to include support for new nuclear plants. But today's stress in Scotland on renewable energy reflects the desire of Jack McConnell's administration to shift the focus on to Scotland as the major contributor to renewable energy.

The country has much of Europe's potential for onshore and offshore wind, tidal and wave power, plus potential for carbon capture, in which polluting emissions are pumped into oil wells.

The guidelines are intended to make it easier for councils to take decisions on wind-farm applications and new grid connections. Campaigners against them have the support of Scottish Tories, who want a moratorium on wind farms.

Mr Chisholm's guidelines are to be published on the same day that Scottish National Party leaderAlex Salmond presents the findings of an energy commission set up by the SNP. Headed by Professor Stephen Salter, it is conditional on the SNP's pledge to rule out new nuclear plants if it wins power, as devolved powers give Holyrood two separate means to block any such proposal.

Another commission, conducted by members of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, was recently critical of the Holyrood administration for its alleged lack of clear planning guidelines for onshore wind developments, and for failing to make it clear where grid connections are to be positioned.