Renewable Energy: Scottish Planning Policy 6

Sharing Good Practice 6th December 2007, Battleby

Following the publication of Scottish Planning Policy 6 in March 2007, we held a Sharing Good Practice event to discuss the implications for the nature and landscapes with local authorities. The key outcome from SPP6 is the requirement for local authorities to produce spatial frameworks for wind farms of over 20MW, which will identify:

• broad areas of search where proposals are likely to be supported subject to specific proposals satisfactorily addressing all other material considerations;
• areas that can be afforded significant protection through spatial policies;
• the criteria to be followed in the remainder of the plan area where the approach will be to consider applications on their merits, against clear criteria and mindful of the support given in this policy to the promotion of renewable energy developments.

Natural heritage considerations will form a key element of the spatial frameworks and we are keen to engage with local authorities to ensure the best possible outcomes for the natural heritage.

Copies of the presentations delivered on the day can be downloaded below:

• Scottish Government Policy Update  , Sue Kearns, Scottish Government
• Where are we now? an SNH view  , Jane Clark, SNH 
• Where are we now? an industry view  , Jason Ormiston, Scottish Renewables
• Outline of SPP6 and its requirements, Nick Evans, Scottish Government
• Natural Heritage Guidance and information  , Brendan Turvey, SNH
• An Inquiry reporters perspective  , Mike Culshaw, DPEA, Scottish Government
• Cumulative impacts - an SNH perspective, Bill Band, SNH.
• Notes from the workshop sessions can be downloaded here  .

For further information on the event, please contact Brendan Turvey 01738 458624