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The Scottish Government’s commitment to generate a low carbon economy by producing electricity from Scotland’s abundance of natural energy sources has recently been increased from 50% to 80% by 2020. The Scottish Executive’s policy is to encourage the development of renewable energy both as a response to Scotland’s own climate change commitments and as a measure to promote the Scottish economy. Given the amount of wind, solar PV and hydro capacity already consented and in the planning system, it is clear that Scotland is well placed to meet the target set by the Executive.
We use wind turbines with hub heights averaging 30m, and tip heights of less than 50m. There are fewer restrictions for this size of turbine which means that planning could be granted in a matter of months. Local Authority Planning Guidelines are in place to protect the impact of turbines on the environment and the community and we are very sensitive to these issues, installing our turbines with all due consideration and care. Access Energy screens all our turbine suppliers to determine quality, reliability and eligibility for the FIT scheme.
The Planning Process
The design and location of any wind turbine should reflect the scale and character of the landscape and careful consideration should be given to ensure that the impact to the landscape is minimised. When considering a site for the erection of a wind turbine, we assess the following criteria to determine suitability from both an economic and environmental perspective.
- Landscape and Visual Impact assessment
- Local Authority and National Statutory designations:
- World Heritage Site
- National Scenic Area (NSA)
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- Preferred Area of Search
- Special Protection Area (SPA)
- Historic Monument Site
- National Parks
- Desktop assessment to determine buffer zones for residential dwellings, roads, paths, waterways and power lines.
- Wind speed assessment using the Department of Energy and Climate Change national database.
- Infrastructure assessment to determine suitable articulated vehicle access for initial construction and future maintenance.
- Assessment of the Zone of Theoretical Visibility.
- Cumulative Impact Assessment.
- Noise and shadow flicker analysis.
- Aviation assessment to identify potential impact on flight paths and radar.
- Ecological assessment.
- Impact Assessment on National Cultural Heritage, Archaeology and Historic Environment.
- Assessment of the proximity of Grid Connection including cost appraisal for infrastructure upgrades, cable routes and associated works.
The above process involves ongoing consultation with the following key organisations to ensure expert guidance throughout and minimise any planning risks:
- Scottish National Heritage (SNH)
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Ministry of Defence (MOD)
- National Air Traffic Services (NATS)
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Planning
Access Energy plc
45 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh
EH2 4HQ
