Thank you for your email of 29 January 2014, to Mr Mackay, Minister for Local Government
and Planning. I work in the electricity division of the Scottish Government and have been
asked to reply -.
On your request for a system of compensation to be built into planning for those living near
windfarms, “the planning system operates in the long term public interest. It does not exist to
protect the interests of one person or business against the activities of another.
In distinguishing between public and private interests, the basic question is whether the
proposal would unacceptably affect the amenity and existing use of land and buildings which
. ought to be protected in the public interest, not whether owners or occupiers of neighbouring
or other existing properties would experience financial or other loss from a particular .
development. ”
The difference (in terms of compensation rights) between people living near a proposed high
speed rail link or motorway and those near windfarms comes down to whether the
developments are classified as “public works” and whether compulsory purchase order
powers apply.
The Scottish Government has no powers under energy regulation to direct developers to pay
compensation.
I hope you find this helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Natalie Stevenson
Policy Officer, Renewable Routemap
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