Social Value Ideas for Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA)

Community hearing to be held

A dedicated community session was agreed in principle, with broad support from community councils, residents, the applicant and the reporter. The purpose is to allow local people to raise concerns aft…

“"So, given that the sessions we've already discussed would likely involve professional debate between expert witnesses and legal representation. I did…”

Site inspection arranged

An accompanied site inspection was confirmed for the following day starting at 2:00 pm, with transport arrangements to be coordinated. This is a procedural action rather than a procurement decision, b…

“As you know I've inspected the site already uh end of last year. Uh, how it was agreed I would do an accompanied site inspection which I mentioned ear…”

Landscape assessment method accepted

The parties broadly agreed that the applicant's method of assessing effects on the Lammermuir Hills Special Landscape Area using NatureScot special landscape quality guidance was appropriate, even tho…

“Point A. Is the method outlined by the applicant the best one to consider the impacts and effects of the proposal on the Lamure Hills special landscap…”

Applicant Closing Submission Deadline

Faw Side wind farm applicant required to submit closing written submissions to inquiry addressing MOD's objections and supporting case for suspensive condition approval.

“the 27th of March for the applicants”

MOD Closing Submission Deadline

Ministry of Defence required to submit closing written submissions to inquiry regarding Faw Side wind farm application and MOD's objections to proposed development and suspensive condition mechanism.

“closing submission dates, and they are the 20th of March for the Ministry of Defence and the 27th of March for the applicants”

NPF4 National Development 3 designation - transmission infrastructure

Proposal designated as National Development 3 (strategic renewable electricity generation and transmission infrastructure) under National Planning Framework 4 (effective February 2023). This designati…

“Strategic renewable electricity generation and transmission infrastructure... the principle of the development does not need to be agreed in later con…”

NPF4 Policies 1 & 11 - climate crisis and renewable energy support

NPF4 Policy 1 designates climate and nature crises as foundations of National Spatial Strategy, requiring significant weight to be given to proposals addressing these crises. Policy 11 (Energy) encour…

“The intent of Policy 1 is to encourage, promote, and facilitate development that addresses the global climate and nature crises. Decision makers are i…”