The UK and Scottish governments have set out proposals to improve the planning system for large energy projects in Scotland.
In collaboration with the Scottish government, the UK government has launched a consultation on the proposed changes to make the planning system.
The changes aim to also help ensure that affected communities can have their say on proposals at the right time in the process.
Currently it can take up to four years to approve large electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland, under UK legislation that has been in place since 1989.
The uncertainty for investors and communities created can lead to higher costs being passed onto bill payers.
Meanwhile, new large-scale electricity projects in England and Wales can take around half as long on average to be determined.
In collaboration, the two governments aim to support the rollout of new clean energy projects while giving communities early and meaningful opportunities to be heard.
The consultation proposes making it a requirement that communities and wider stakeholders are consulted at pre-application stage.
In terms of current Scotting energy infrastructure project, this year Balfour Beatty the first phase of a £690 million electricity network project, to supply some of the remotest parts of Scotland as well as a contract to construct three new substations in Argyll.
Elsewhere, RJ McLeod was named the main contractor on the construction of an 11-turbine wind farm in Scotland, back in July.
The proposed reforms include:
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- Pre-application requirements: New standardised processes for developers to engage with local communities and stakeholders before submitting an application.
- Appealing decisions: Standardising the appeals process, with set criteria for challenging decisions on new energy infrastructure and a 6-week time limit in which objections can be raised.
- Public Inquiries: Reforming the public inquiry process which is automatically triggered when Planning Authorities raise objections to new energy infrastructure.
- Changes to planning consent: New powers to allow the government to revoke, suspend or vary consents for energy infrastructure projects under specific circumstances.
- Necessary wayleaves: government to charge developers a fee for submitting wayleave applications to place overhead lines on private land.
It comes after the UK government confirmed Aberdeen as the headquarters for the publicly-owned company Great British Energy, that will own and invest in clean power projects across the UK.
UK energy minister Michael Shanks said: “Scotland has huge potential to propel the UK towards our clean power by 2030 goal, with its natural resources, energy expertise and highly skilled workforce.
“Together with the Scottish Government, we are modernising outdated bureaucratic processes to make sure Scotland is firmly open for business as we build the UK’s clean energy future.”
Acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy Gillian Martin said: “These long-awaited UK legislative reforms will help support Scotland realise our clean power ambitions, while providing investors with confidence that a more robust and efficient process is being applied.
“This will in turn support our net zero ambitions, enable economic growth and ensure our communities have an enhanced opportunity to be heard.”
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