Energy schemes approved despite local objections – Daily Business

SNP ministers have been accused of ignoring the objections of local communities to approve 47 energy developments since 2020.

The Energy Consents Unit (ECU) of the Scottish Government is responsible for approving all electricity infrastructure over 50 megawatts.

Analysis of the database by the Scottish Conservatives has revealed that two-thirds (66%) of the developments concerned wind farms, with a further 19% involving battery energy storage systems.

Almost half (47%) were forced through despite the local authority objecting and triggering a public inquiry, whilst one development, the Kendoon to Tongland Pylon Reinforcement Project, went ahead even after a public inquiry agreed that it should be scrapped.

Scottish Conservatives energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: “Communities across Scotland are being treated with contempt by the SNP when it comes to major energy infrastructure.

“Wind farms, mega-pylons and battery storage systems are being pushed through against the clear wishes of the people who have to live beside what are often monstrosities that blight the landscape in rural areas.

“The SNP are riding roughshod over councils and residents – and now Nationalist, Labour and Reform MSPs want to strip away what little rights local communities still enjoy.

“We have repeatedly said that local communities must be front and centre of any proposals and should retain a veto when it comes to giving projects the green light.

“We need a temporary pause so we can rethink how these projects are delivered — and the Energy Consents Unit must be abolished so that local people, not bureaucrats, have the final say.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “Our planning and consenting system ensures that local communities can always have their say.

“Any objections and material considerations raised are carefully balanced when determining applications.

“Potential impacts on communities, nature and cultural heritage, including cumulative impacts, are important considerations in the decision-making process.”

They added: “Applications made under the Electricity Act 1989 are determined by Scottish ministers, reflecting the strategic, national importance of energy infrastructure decisions.

“The Energy Consents Unit administers these applications on their behalf, in full accordance with all applicable legislation.”