Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has slammed the SNP approach to renewable energy projects, following publication of new figures on the number of wind farm planning appeals.
In the past year wind-farm developers have appealed against a record 53 planning decisions to the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals service.
Residents and local communities have been left increasingly frustrated when the Scottish Government has intervened to overturn local planning decisions.
Commenting on the increasing number of appeals Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“These latest figures are indicative of a planning process that is overwhelmed by the sheer number of speculative applications they receive.
“The Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals Service has been inundated with appeals causing a real stretch on resources.
“Furthermore, these statistics are symptomatic of the Scottish Governments perverse strategy on renewable energy. Rural residents have been let down by centrally dictated policies that place huge strains on local communities.
“If the SNP continues to steam-roller local people they will face even greater opposition to their renewable programme than already encountered.
“We need a balanced renewables strategy, with a more controlled approach to wind development. Policy based on fact rather than fiction would also help.”