Removal of sustainability from planning requirements ‘a retrograde step for Scotland’ – Scottish Renewables

“Tackling the climate emergency means making the best use of Scotland’s natural resources to generate the energy we need to power our lives sustainably.“The presumption in favour of sustainable development meant the benefits of renewable energy projects should be accorded proper weight when applications for new projects were being considered by planners.“Scotland’s planning process is one of the most robust in the world, and the renewable energy industry is committed to working with that process, in partnership with government and communities, to ensure that the climate emergency and our net-zero commitments are central to planning decisions.“Removing the presumption in favour of sustainable development is a retrograde step for Scotland, and the renewable energy industry in particular. It flies in the face of the Government’s commitment to tackle climate change and the positive policy announcements in yesterday’s (Sept 1) Programme for Government and will present serious issues to the development of the energy projects which we need to provide clean power, transport and heat as we progress towards a 2045 net-zero target.”

“With no transition or grace period for applications already in the planning system planning authorities are now able to refer to this consultation, and The Scottish Government’s apparent intention to remove its support for sustainable development, and afford the presumption minimal weight by treating the consultation as a material consideration.“While the proposed changes are at consultation stage, the uncertainty the proposal creates is significant in the short term. While we await the outcome of the consultation, planning authorities and reporters will be bound to reconsider the weight to be given to the presumption in the light of clear proposals from The Scottish Government to delete it. At worst, the presumption will immediately lose its force.”