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The following steps are a general description of the planning process which varies on a case by case basis.
Pre-application discussion
Planning application preparation
Supporting documentation
Consideration and consultation
Pre-application discussion
The planning process will normally begin with discussions with the Council's planning officers and consultees. These talks serve to inform all parties about the particular issues relevant to the project.
The discussions may include whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the proposal. If an EIA is required it is important to establish the aspects of the environment to be considered in the assessment at an early stage. The scope of the EIA is usually agreed following circulation of a Scoping Report to stakeholders in the EIA process such as the local authority, Scottish National Heritage (SNH), Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Historic Scotland.
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Planning application preparation
The final application will be the culmination of a long and detailed design, consultation and environmental assessment process that takes several years to complete. Most wind farm applications are made to the Council. Where the generating capacity is more than 50MW, applications are made to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit.
Supporting documentation
When the planning application is submitted to the Council (<50MW) or Scottish Government (>50MW), it will be accompanied by substantial environmental and technical information. This information will be provided in the form of an Environmental Statement which is made publically available on submission at suitable locations (such as libraries and council buildings). The Environmental Statement will also be sent to EIA consultees for comment as part of the EIA consultation process.
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Consideration and consultation
The Scottish Government will make a decision on the application after considering comments from local residents and statutory bodies including Council members, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Historic Scotland and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) as well as those of other interested organisations, local groups and individuals.
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