Spatial framework and guidelines for wind energy development
What is it?
This Supplementary Guidance (SG) is intended to replace
previous supplementary planning guidance for wind energy
development issued in 2005. It will apply to all developments
although the spatial strategy will only apply to schemes of
greater than 20MW. When adopted it will apply to new schemes
and extensions to, and re-powering of, existing schemes. It
will also apply to schemes above 50MW which are determined by the
Scottish Ministers where the Council is a statutory consultee.
How many parts to the SG will there be?
The SPG will be divided into two parts.
Part 1: A spatial framework for wind energy
developments based on the capacity of the built and natural
environment to accommodate it.
Part 2: Guidance on addressing environmental,
social and economic effects when preparing wind energy
proposals
The Guidance will support the implementation of a range of
policies. It will set out a consistent approach to be applied
across Perth & Kinross to assist developers in preparing wind
energy developments. While the SG is unlikely to set new policy it
may and this will be incorporated into the Local Development Plan
in due course. The SG when completed can be taken into
account as a further material consideration so has weight as a
supplement to the Development Plan.
What sort of matters will it cover?
When preparing wind energy proposals a range of environmental,
social and economic effects need to be considered by developers.
The guidance will provide general advice on range of issues that
must be dealt with for planning reasons. These include aircraft and
radar, biodiversity, cultural heritage, landscape and visual, local
amenity, local economy (including tourism), soils and hydrology and
telecommunications. The document when published will not provide
guidance on other renewable energy development or
micro-generation. These will be covered by another but
related SG.
What is screening?
As part of the process we have to consult SNH, SEPA and Historic
Scotland on whether the plan, programme or strategy is likely to
raise issues of significant environmental impact. Schedule 2
of the Environmental Assessment Act sets out criteria for
determining the likely significant effects on the
environment.
We send 'screening reports' to the consultation authorities
to determine whether the plan, programme or strategy
is likely to have significant effects on the environment.
Have you submitted a screening report to the SEA Gateway?
We sent our screening report on the SPG to the SEA Gateway
on 6 November 2008. A copy of the screening report can be
downloaded from this page.
