Anyone can object to a planning application. All comments will be considered, but only comments which raise material planning considerations can be taken into account when an application is decided. Objections may not always result in planning permission being refused, because there are other factors such as the planning policies of the council (Local Development Plan) and central government (National Planning Policy 4) which may outweigh the objections.
The strength or volume of local opposition (such as petitions or multiple copies of the same objection letter) is not in itself a material planning consideration, but if the content of such objections is focused on the material planning issues then they can be taken into account.
Material planning considerations can include (but are not limited to):
- Scale and dominance of the proposal
- Highway safety
- Drainage and flood risk
- Effect on private water supplies
- Noise
- Flicker
- Tourism
- Cumulative effects
- Impact on peat
- Light pollution from aviation safeguarding lights (turbines 150m or over)
- Effect on listed buildings and conservation areas
- Effect on trees and wildlife/nature conservation
- Impact on the community/individual dwellings
- Socio Economic benefits
- Central Government policy (NPF4)
- Local Development Plan
- Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
Issues which cannot be taken into account
- Who the applicant is/the applicant’s background
- Loss of views
- Loss of property value
- Strength or volume of local opposition
- Personal circumstances are generally not a material planning consideration
Scrutinise all of the documents accompanying the application and take a note of any errors or other information with which you do not agree. Include any information which you believe has been omitted but which is relevant to the determination of the application.
Start your objection with the planning reference number and the name of the development
Do not forget to write the magic words “I Object to this application because”………….
You have local knowledge, use it to your advantage. What do you know about the area and in particular, the proposed site, that the applicant does not?
Always include your name and address. Email addresses will not be published.
If it is a s36 (>50MW) development which will be determined by the Scottish Ministers: send your objection to the Energy Consents Unit representations@gov.scot or on the website www.energyconsents.scot/Register.aspx or by letter to
Scottish Government
Energy Consents Unit
4 th Floor
5 Atlantic Quay
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow, G2 8LU
Your Council is only a consultee to s36 wind farms not the decision maker but they have the right to decide whether or not to object to the application. If the Planning Committee vote to object then it will trigger a public inquiry so it is very important to lobby your Councillors and convince them to do so. There is a greater chance of having the development refused if an Inquiry is held. Tell them of your concerns and send them a copy of your objection. If they are on the planning committee they will read but cannot respond.
For applications of <50MW send your objection direct to your local planning authority. They are the decision makers for these smaller developments.
For Offshore Windfarms send to Marine Scotland
Scottish Government
Marine Scotland Licensing Operations Team
Marine Laboratory
375 Victoria Road
Aberdeen
AB11 9DB
You may be offered the opportunity to speak at a Planning Committee meeting before the Councillors make a decision and you will be informed in writing if this is the case. Only some local authorities allow this.
Finally, don’t forget to contact your Community Council and let them know about your concerns. It is better to turn up in person. Give them a copy of your objection. They must represent the views of the community. They are statutory consultees so an objection from them holds some weight.
Note: Some planning authorities treat pro forma letters and petitions as one objection. An individual, well written objection based on material planning considerations is preferable.
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