The Scottish Government has been forced to safeguard Scotland’s most naturally scenic areas from windfarm development following longstanding public protest.
It was confirmed today that 19 per cent of the country, identified as national parks or national scenic areas, will not have turbines built over them in future.
However, the measures – announced as part of the National Planning Framework 3 document – do not wholly cover wild lands, which could still be developed on if planners or the Scottish Government can be persuaded.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has warned that the SNP cannot be allowed to compensate for the ban in areas of natural beauty by allowing more windfarms to be built in other places.
Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Murdo Fraser said:
“Public opposition to wind turbines in areas of high scenic value has been growing, and that has forced the Scottish Government to respond with this announcement.
“These measures will afford a greater degree of protection than currently exists, but windfarms will still be possible on wild lands.
“We need a complete overhaul of planning policy for wind power to ensure that decisions are taken at a local level.
“It’s critical that areas of natural beauty are protected, but the problem goes far beyond that.
“People living in rural settings are still constantly subjected to the threat of developers – egged on by the Scottish Government – building massive turbines on their doorstep.
“And the SNP, in its unreasonable drive to generate 100 per cent of electricity from renewables, cannot be allowed to place more windfarms in other areas to make up for this announcement today.”