Glenurquhart and Strathglass
Wind Energy Project
Planning
Scoping report
As part of the planning process a detailed description of the proposed project has been submitted to Highland Council which they distribute to consultees, such as SNH and SEPA for their comment. If you wish to view this document please download the following file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) to view this file.
Download the Scoping Report - 17.6Mb
National planning context
The project has considered Scottish Planning Policy 15: Planning for Rural Development, and PAN 73: Rural Diversification(Scottish Government 2006). The Glenurquhart & Strathglass Wind Energy Project is a rural diversification scheme: "Rural Diversification helps to broaden the economic activity of rural areas, providing opportunity and creating a more balanced and stable economy." (PAN73) This Advice Note goes on to further discuss the diversity of the rural economy, "There are many activities that make a valuable contribution to the rural economy that are less immediately obvious such as..quarrying, waste disposal, hydro-electric schemes and wind turbines".
Highland Council Structure Plan context
The Highland Council Structure Plan considers the relevance, suitability and sustainability of renewable energy projects in the Highland area, with a key aspect of safeguarding and enhancing the environment. This Structure Plan is founded on three principles of sustainable development, and in a local context they are (part1.4):
- Supporting the viability of communities
- Developing a prosperous and vibrant local economy
- Safeguarding and enhancing the natural and built environment
Small scale wind energy developments are examined in section 2.12.5 of the Plan: "Small scale wind energy developments, for a single building or a community, are considered to be particularly relevant for Highland, given the remote nature of many settlements. Such applications will generally be supported". Section 2.12.11 further examines small scale projects: "A key means by which new renewable energy projects can provide local benefit is if they improve the supply of electricity for local residents or communities.The Council views small-scale community projects as particularly appropriate for the Highland area, especially for remoter settlements in the west and north". Policy E8 states: "The Council will support efforts to make more provision for community renewable energy projects".
Planning application
All reports should be complete by October 2008 and it is intended that a planning application for the project will be made to Highland Council by the end of 2008.