Europe added 6.1GW of new wind power capacity during the first half of the year, prompting optimism that 2017 will prove to be a “bumper year” for the sector, according to WindEurope.
Business Green 28th July 2017 read more »
Ministers are under pressure to take more account of local opinion after figures showed that council objections to wind farms are regularly overruled by the Scottish government. Two thirds of wind farm developments rejected by councils last year were pushed through by the government on appeal. Seventeen applications were refused but 11 of the decisions were overturned. Some turbine developments have been approved in areas designated “wild land”. Alexander Stewart, a Conservative MSP who compiled the figures, said the government’s approach showed “clear contempt for local democracy”. Last year Creag Riabhach, a 22-turbine windfarm on the Altnaharra Estate, near Lairg, was approved despite being located in wild lands. The Scottish government insisted that “clear planning policies” were in place to ensure that wind farms are developed only in appropriate locations. A spokesman said: “Planning reporters consider all relevant information and representations from the community.”
Times 2nd Aug 2017 read more »
