![\"SSEN](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SSEN-power-line-and-pylon.png\")
SNP ministers have been accused of ignoring the objections of local communities to approve 47 energy developments since 2020.<\/p>\n
The Energy Consents Unit (ECU) of the Scottish Government is responsible for approving all\u00a0electricity\u00a0infrastructure over 50 megawatts.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Scottish Conservatives energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: \u201cCommunities across Scotland are being treated with contempt by the SNP when it comes to major energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n \u201cWind 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe SNP are riding roughshod over councils and residents \u2013 and now Nationalist, Labour and Reform MSPs want to strip away what little rights local communities still enjoy.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have repeatedly said that local communities must be front and centre of any proposals and should retain a\u00a0veto\u00a0when it comes to giving projects the green light.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need a temporary pause so we can rethink how these projects are delivered \u2014 and the Energy Consents Unit must be abolished so that local people, not bureaucrats, have the final say.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: \u201cOur planning and consenting system ensures that local communities can always have their say.<\/p>\n \u201cAny objections and material considerations raised are carefully balanced when determining applications.<\/p>\n \u201cPotential impacts on communities, nature and cultural heritage, including cumulative impacts, are important considerations in the decision-making process.\u201d<\/p>\n They added: \u201cApplications made under the Electricity Act 1989 are determined by Scottish ministers, reflecting the strategic, national importance of energy infrastructure decisions.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Energy Consents Unit administers these applications on their behalf, in full accordance with all applicable legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n \t <\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Douglas-Lumsden.png\")