CALL FOR PETITION SUBMISSIONS

Now it’s your turn to have a say!

We have received further information from the Scottish Parliament concerning the Petition which we submitted at the end of March.

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to increase the ability of communities to influence planning decisions for onshore windfarms by—

• adopting English planning legislation for the determination of onshore wind farm developments;
• empowering local authorities to ensure local communities are given sufficient professional help to engage in the planning process; and
• appointing an independent advocate to ensure that local participants are not bullied and intimidated during public inquiries.

Read the full Petition at:

http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/windfarms

As the Scottish Parliament reached the end of its session shortly after our Petition was lodged, it left us unable to collect signatures of support.  The collection of signatures is not a requirement and is the preferred option of many Petitioners.  As we were assured the Petition would be processed and determined in the usual manner, we decided to proceed in order to enable it to be fast tracked as soon as a new Committee was formed after the election.

We were contacted  by the Petitions Team (1 June) informing us that members of the public now have the opportunity to send submissions to the Committee in support of the Petition.  In order to have the Petition heard before Summer recess, they have given us a deadline of 14 June.

You can send the Committee your views if you want to:

• show your support for a petition that is not collecting signatures or has stopped collecting signatures
• say what you think about a petition
• share views or information about what the petition is asking for

You can find more information at https://www.parliament.scot/get-involved/petitions/your-views-on-petitions

The Committee’s decision on whether or not to support a Petition will be based on the evidence it receives so submissions outlining why you think we should enjoy the same ability to influence planning decisions as communities in England and/or your own stories of the difficulties you have encountered with understanding and taking part in the planning/appeals process, are all very important.  Your opinion on the need for professional help to steer you or your group through the Inquiry process would also be helpful. Have you been unable to afford any professional help?;  did you feel disadvantaged by not having any?

Please let them know your thoughts/experience on any of the matters raised in the Petition by sending your submission to petitions@parliament.scot by the 14 June, quoting the petition name and reference number and including your name and address.  There is also a template available on the right hand side of the Petition’s website under “Related Content”  https://archive2021.parliament.scot/gettinginvolved/petitions/ViewPetitions.aspx

PE01864: Increase the ability of communities to influence planning decisions for onshore windfarms

If you can spare the time, please also contact your MSPs or any groups or individuals who may be unaware of the Petition and encourage them to get involved.

Also attached is the Scottish Government Chief Planner’s response to our Petition.  You may wish to take this into account when you respond!  Many thanks

PE1864 Response from Chief Planner

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