News / New wind farm guidance
SCOTTISH Natural Heritage (SNH) has published a new set of guidance to help small scale wind farm developments.
The government’s environment agency said the document covers siting, design and assessment issues such as protected areas for birds, and cumulative impact of onshore wind farms.
Peter Hutchinson, head of advice on planning and renewables at SNH, said: “We support renewable energy as a means of addressing the challenge of climate change.
“The aim of our advice is to make sure the right developments happen in the right places.
“We recognise that it would be impractical for us to get involved in all applications. Given the demand on our resources from larger scale renewable energy development, we will be more selective and targeted in our engagement with small scale wind energy proposals.
“This means we will provide guidance on good practice and target our detailed advice on applications that require environmental impact assessment or a habitats regulations appraisal.”
The new wind farm guidance is available on the SNH website as follows:
Assessing the impact of small-scale wind energy proposals on the natural heritage
www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A669283.pdf
Guidance on Assessing Connectivity with Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A675474.pdf
Assessing the cumulative effects of onshore wind energy developments
www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A675503.pdf
Siting and designing of small scale wind turbines of between 15 and 50metres in height www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A675507.pdf
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
