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Press release statements covering all aspects related to wind farms and other relevant press matters, ensuring comprehensive and up-to-date information for public and media audiences.

Industrial Wind Turbine Sites in Proposed New National Park 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

Industrial Wind Turbine Sites in Proposed New National Park
Recently we received an official response from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, regarding the proposed amendments to the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) concerning industrial wind turbine sites, within a new national park.

In light of the ongoing confusion surrounding an image being frequently shared, which claims that industrial wind turbine sites will be permitted within the new national park, we felt it necessary to clarify what is actually being proposed and what this means for the development of new industrial wind turbine sites within a new national park.

– Introduction:

The Scottish Government is currently developing bespoke planning policies for industrial wind turbine sites, particularly in relation to the creation of new national parks, such as the proposed Galloway National Park. This report outlines the government’s position, focusing on the necessity of a tailored regulatory approach that balances the need for renewable energy projects with the protection of Scotland’s natural landscapes. Information is drawn from government consultations, official documents, and correspondence from the Scottish Government.

– Proposal for a New National Park:

As part of its broader strategy to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, the Scottish Government has proposed the creation of a new national park in Galloway. Public consultations, led by NatureScot, are currently in progress to evaluate the suitability of this area, engaging stakeholders from local communities, land-based industries, and environmental groups. This consultation will shape the park’s boundaries and functions, ensuring it aligns with the social, economic, and environmental needs of the region.

URL:
https://www.nature.scot/doc/national-park-proposal-galloway-reporter-plan

Hands Off Our Hills remains neutral on this matter and will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders in our efforts to prevent the development of industrial wind turbines, regardless of whether the Galloway National Park is established.

– Tailored Policies for Industrial Wind Turbine Sites:

There is a common misconception that the creation of a new national park will automatically allow the unrestricted development of industrial wind turbine sites within it. However, this is not the case. The Scottish Government has emphasised that any new policies related to industrial wind turbine sites will be bespoke to the new national park, with stricter regulatory frameworks than those applied to existing parks under National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). These bespoke policies will enforce rigorous planning conditions to ensure that any new or existing wind energy projects adhere to national and local environmental protection standards.

URL:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-4/

At no point during the consultation process or in official documents has it been suggested that industrial wind turbine sites will be permitted without regulation. On the contrary, the Scottish Government has emphasised that any new wind turbine developments must demonstrate a clear need and will be subject to rigorous environmental and landscape impact assessments.

If these requirements are not met, it is likely that applications for industrial wind turbine sites within a proposed national park would be denied.

URL:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/development-plan-amendment-regulations-consultation-summary-responses/

– Consideration of Existing Industrial Wind Turbine Sites:

The Scottish Government must consider the presence of existing industrial wind turbine sites within the boundaries of any proposed national park. These sites may require upgrades, extensions, or modifications as technology advances. A blanket prohibition on turbines would significantly restrict the ability to replace outdated technologies with more efficient systems.

As these sites reach the end of their operational lifespan, it is the Scottish Government’s position to establish policies that allow for their continued operation or upgrading, subject to more stringent environmental standards.

However, it seems that this approach enables developers to continue applying for extensions or upgrades to existing sites under conditions similar to those outside national park boundaries, as is currently the case.

URL:
https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/development-plan-amendment-regulations/

– Regulatory Amendment Process:

The regulations being introduced by the Scottish Government will allow for amendments to NPF4, tailored to the unique circumstances of a new national park. These amendments are designed to make the planning system more responsive to evolving needs such as the development of industrial wind turbine sites.

The amendment process consists of:

1. Engagement and Justification: Stakeholder engagement to justify amendments to the planning framework, particularly in relation to industrial wind turbine sites.

2. Preparation of Amendments: Following consultations, amendments will be prepared and scrutinised by Parliament, including statutory environmental assessments.

3. Adoption and Implementation: Once approved, these amendments will be incorporated into NPF4, ensuring that any new wind energy developments in the park are subject to the new, stricter regulatory framework.

– Important Consideration for Sharing Information:

When sharing information or summarising the amendments to NPF4, it is important to avoid presenting a blanket statement such as “turbines will be allowed within a new national park.” This statement is misleading and oversimplifies a position that is more nuanced than it suggests.

The amendments to NPF4 appear to focus primarily on safeguarding existing sites from policies that could limit their expansion or renewal, rather than providing definitive support for new industrial wind turbine developments within a new national park.

It is crucial to recognise that NPF4 is only one part of a broader regulatory framework, and misrepresenting these amendments could obscure this critical context.

A more accurate statement of the Scottish Government’s position under the proposed amendments to NPF4 would be:

“The proposed amendments to NPF4 will permit ‘new applications’ for industrial wind turbine sites within a new national park, marking a shift from the current position.”

“However, it is equally important to note that these applications will be subject to extensive requirements and stricter regulations. Without compelling evidence demonstrating the necessity of such developments, these applications are likely to face objection.”

– Hands Off Our Hills Focus:

Regardless of individual opinions on the establishment of a Galloway National Park, it is essential that we, as a group committed to opposing industrial wind turbine developments, set aside any differences on this issue.

Our primary focus here at Hands Off Our Hills remains unchanged: to prevent the construction of industrial wind turbine sites within the Galloway Hills.

Whether one supports or opposes the creation of a national park, we urge everyone to remain united in this shared objective and continue to reinforce our position, industrial wind turbine sites are not welcome on our hills.

Together, we can effectively resist these developments!

– For further details, please refer to the following URLs:

National Park Proposal for Galloway:
https://www.nature.scot/doc/national-park-proposal-galloway-reporter-plan

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4):
https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-4/

Consultation Summary of Responses:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/development-plan-amendment-regulations-consultation-summary-responses/

Development Plan Amendment Regulations Consultation:
https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/development-plan-amendment-regulations/

Galloway National Park Proposal and Industrial Wind Turbine Sites 800 422 Hands Off Our Hills

Galloway National Park Proposal and Industrial Wind Turbine Sites


Hands Off Our Hills (HOOH) – Official Statement Regarding the Galloway National Park Proposal and Industrial Wind Turbine Sites.

30th September 2024

As an organisation, Hands Off Our Hills maintains a neutral stance on the proposal for the Galloway National Park. We recognise that there are potential benefits and negatives to a National Park, and there are varied opinions on the matter. However, as an organisation, it is important that we remain impartial and open to all perspectives.

While we acknowledge that the creation of a National Park may not directly prevent wind turbine developments, historical evidence from other National Parks shows that it could help slow the volume of applications and approvals for such projects. We are not trying to mislead anyone on this point, but rather provide a balanced view based on factual information.

The Scottish Government is currently reviewing potential amendments to the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), which may allow renewable energy projects, including wind turbines, to be considered within newly designated National Parks. However, it is important to highlight that this proposal has emerged from a limited consultation process, with approximately 50 responses received across Scotland.

This limited engagement raises concerns about the transparency and inclusiveness of the process. Any amendments to a National Framework such as NPF4 should follow established procedures, ensuring broad consultation, full transparency, and adherence to proper regulatory guidelines. This includes allowing for thorough public and stakeholder participation, ensuring that all voices are heard, and that the changes reflect a comprehensive and balanced approach to national planning, this doesn’t seem to be the case in this instance and Hands Off Our Hills will be questioning the process.

It is important to clarify that while Paragraph 4(B) of NPF4, as of 13th February 2023, states that “development proposals for wind farms in National Parks and National Scenic Areas will not be supported,” this does not amount to a blanket prohibition. Rather, it indicates a presumption against such developments but does not entirely preclude their consideration under exceptional circumstances.

To date, no large-scale wind turbines have been constructed in Scotland’s two existing National Parks—Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, and the Cairngorms. The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 ensures that any development in these protected areas undergoes rigorous scrutiny, distinct from developments outside National Park boundaries, particularly with regard to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Any potential changes to NPF4 would not guarantee the approval of wind turbines within newly designated National Parks, such as the proposed Galloway National Park. Rather, these amendments would allow for the possibility of renewable energy projects being considered “if required,” introducing flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the planning process. Speculation regarding the removal or amendment of Paragraph 4(B) remains premature, as no draft publication has been made public to date.

Crucially, future applications for industrial wind turbine sites would still be subject to stringent assessment, including compliance with the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Wind Turbine Spatial Framework, which continues to classify National Scenic Areas as Group 1—areas where wind farms “will not be acceptable.” There is currently no proposals to change or modify the Wind Turbine Spatial Framework and Hands Off Our Hills will continue to campaign effectively against such proposals.

We strongly encourage all stakeholders, including the media, and other organisations to engage with the facts and ensure that discussions surrounding the proposed Galloway National Park and potential renewable energy developments remain accurate and well-informed. Misrepresentation of these facts can cause unnecessary confusion and hinder meaningful dialogue, potentially bordering on illegal behaviour. It is important that individuals conducting research do not rely on shared comments or opinions presented as factual evidence, but instead seek out verified information to contribute constructively to the ongoing discussions.

As an organisation, Hands Off Our Hills remains committed to our core campaign goals, but we also recognise the importance of continued and constructive dialogue with key stakeholders, including NatureScot, the Energy Consents Unit, the Galloway National Park Association, and renewable energy companies. It is crucial that we use every opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard in the management of renewable energy projects within the Galloway Hills. Should a Galloway National Park be established, we stand ready to engage with any changes that may arise and if required adjust our campaign accordingly.

We will continue to facilitate open discussion regarding the proposed Galloway National Park on our platforms, but we kindly request that all members, stakeholders, and media respect our organisation’s neutral stance. We also ask that unwarranted behaviour is avoided, we fully understand that becoming a National Park would not stop wind turbine developments and nor are we attempting to state otherwise, what we are stating is that it could potentially slow down the current onslaught of applications and approvals that are occuring across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

Please note that personal views expressed by our administrators should not be misconstrued as official positions of Hands Off Our Hills, we are all entitled to our own personal opinions outside our administrative roles, and we openly allow our team members to put forward their personal opinions.

Any official stance by Hands Off Our Hills will be communicated in the same formal manner as this statement.

We unequivocally assert that the Galloway Hills are not for sale. These hills do not belong to any individual, corporation or organisation, and we strongly oppose any attempts by large international companies to acquire or exploit this land. The Galloway Hills are an invaluable part of our natural heritage, and we are dedicated to safeguarding them from commercial exploitation. Our position is clear: the Galloway Hills are not a commodity. Hands Off Our Hills will continue to stand against any efforts to sell, industrialise, or damage this unique landscape and its areas of historical significance.

We hope this statement clears up any misconceptions, false assumptions and misquoted phrasing that may have arisen about our position. Should anyone wish to clarify our stance further, please do not hesitate to contact us via our website: www.handsoffourhills.co.uk.

Kind regards,
Hands Off Our Hills

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