Public engagement for sub-20MW wind turbine proposals – good practice guidance

Good practice guidance for local authorities, developers, landowners, community representatives and other relevant stakeholders on public engagement for wind turbine proposals; principally below 20MW generating capacity.


1. Background

This document provides good practice guidance for local authorities, developers, landowners, community representatives and other relevant stakeholders on public engagement for sub-20 MW wind turbine proposals. It arises from Public Petition PE1469 [1] that sought the Scottish Parliament's support in urging the Scottish Government to increase the neighbour notification distance for wind turbine proposals from the present 20 metres.

The guidance first discusses considerations and matters arising from the public petition and relevant legislation and procedures for wind turbine development . Existing guidance, policies and research are then summarised, referenced and signposted to build upon learning and development in the field to date. From that suite of materials, recommendations are identified for each relevant stakeholder group.

The final section of the report details the measures considered as good practice in public engagement. This document complements other sources of advice and good practice guidance on community engagement.

1.1 Public Petition PE1469 [2] sought the Scottish Parliament's support in asking the Scottish Government to increase the neighbour notification distance for wind turbine proposals from the present 20 metres.

1.2 The Scottish Government recognises that some communities and individuals have concerns about the siting of wind turbines. Change to statutory requirements is not proposed. Instead, this good practice guidance on public engagement on proposals involving wind turbines aims to provide practical help on engaging with the public. This position was agreed by the Local Government and Regeneration Committee on 20 August 2014, after which the public petition PE1469 was closed.

1.3 Draft good practice guidance was consulted upon between October and December 2014. Details of the consultation findings are summarised in the consultation analysis report and full responses can be accessed at:

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/01/3542

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