Managing applications

Early engagement

Our aim is to help deliver a faster planning process by focussing on the pre-application stage of development management, and by making our data, information and guidance more easily available.

Early engagement helps to identify the likelihood of any significant impacts on nature and landscapes and helps developers to adjust their plans accordingly before they are well advanced. We therefore encourage developers and their consultants to engage with the relevant local Area Office at the earliest stages of the development management process.

Service Level Statement

Due to the increasing number of applications for renewable energy developments and the significant demands that these place on our staff resources, we have developed a Renewable Energy Service Level Statement    (updated May 2011). This outlines the minimum level of service that developers, their advisers and planning authorities should expect from us. We will engage more than this in cases where a development could significantly affect the quality and enjoyment of Scotland's natural heritage.

To discuss the Service Level Statement please contact Brendan Turvey:   brendan.turvey@snh.gov.uk    01738 458622

If you have concerns about our engagement in a particular proposal you should approach the relevant Area Manager in the local SNH Area Office.

To ensure a prompt response, all enquiries relating to offshore wind and marine renewables should be sent in the first instance to marinerenewables@snh.gov.uk. Should you require to speak to a Renewable Energy staff member please refer to the Contacts page.