Consultation under way on Moray wind energy policy

Date Added - 10/07/12

Moray Council has today launched a consultation on new draft wind energy policy guidance.

The guidance has been prepared to ensure that the council has a clear, robust and up-to-date policy framework to comply with Scottish planning policy which reflects the pressure for different scales of turbine proposals.

Copies of the draft guidance and the accompanying landscape capacity study can be viewed online at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_80938.html

Paper copies will be available at libraries and council access points later this week while users of Facebook and Twitter will also be able to access the documents.

In addition, drop-in exhibitions have been arranged for four venues in early September.

They will take place at the Fleming Hall in Aberlour on September 4; Elgin Town Hall on September 5; the Longmore Hall in Keith on September 6 and Forres Town Hall on September 10.

All the exhibitions will be open from 2.30pm to 8.30pm and Moray Council planning staff will be on hand throughout to explain the guidance and discuss wind energy policy issues.

Councillor Douglas Ross, chairman of the council’s planning and regulatory services committee, said: “This lengthy consultation is very important to the council and I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to give their views as when eventually approved, the policy will guide our determination of wind turbine applications for the next few years.

“I was keen that the consultation was extended beyond the holiday period to ensure as many people as possible can actively take part.  This is why the public meetings are so important as our planning staff will be on hand to answer individual or group queries before a response is submitted to the council.

“The draft guidance identifies preferred search areas for wind turbine developments, but it is important that the full text of the guidance and landscape capacity study is read to understand the opportunities and constraints for further wind energy development in Moray.”

The consultation will continue until September 14 and comments on the draft guidance should be submitted online or in writing to Gary Templeton, Principal Planning Officer, Moray Council, High Street, Elgin IV30 1BX.