Letters / Convenient policy vacuum
In response to Vic Thomas’ letter (Undemocratic dream; SN 10/7/12) regarding wind farm planning policy: there’s no need to bring in more consultants, as they’ve already been here and done a landscape capacity study.
It formed the rationale for a draft Interim Planning Policy (IPP) on wind farms of over 20MW, which at the time was a requirement for local authorities under Scottish Planning Policy (SPP6).
This was in 2010, and was out for consultation at about the same time as the nine councillors voted to approve the Viking wind farm.
Indeed I believe the same landscape capacity study informed much of the planning officer’s report which recommended that the council object to the wind farm.
Since the consultation period ended in December 2010, that draft IPP has disappeared from public view (although I still have an electronic copy on my computer), and the Scottish government, rather conveniently for wind farm developers, no longer has SPP6 as a policy.
James Mackenzie
The Lea
Tresta
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.