|
The application for planning consent is a vital process in the development of a wind farm. Without this a farm will never be completed. The following steps are a general description of the planning process which varies on a case by case basis.
Pre-application talks
Planning application preparation
Supporting documentation
Consideration and consultation
Decision
Pre-application talks
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 determine whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the site.
Top of page
Planning application preparation
Next we will prepare a planning application that sets out the details of the proposal as informed by:
- the pre-application discussions with the Council & Scottish Government
- other consultees
- community consultation undertaken by us prior to lodgement (consultation events are noted on the Community page)
Supporting documentation
The planning application, which will be submitted to the Scottish Government due to the scale of the proposal, will be accompanied by substantial information to aid all consultees to provide comment on the proposal. This information will be provided in the form of an Environmental Statement and will be made public on the submission of the planning application.
Top of page
Consideration and consultation
It is hoped that the Scottish Government will make a decision on the application within 6 months of submission. They will determine the planning application after considering comments from a variety of bodies including Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Historic Scotland and the RSPB as well as those of other interested organisations, local groups and individuals.
Decision
The applicant has a right to appeal:
- if the decision is a refusal
- against conditions of approval
- if the application is not determined within the statutory time period
Top of page 
| 
