Scottish Tories demand community veto over new energy projects
Local communities should be given a veto over new energy projects, the Tories have insisted, amid fears that ministers are “ignoring their concerns”.
Scottish Conservative energy and net zero spokesperson Douglas Lumsden called for there to be a guarantee that “local communities will always be able to call a halt to such projects if they do not meet local needs”.
He made the demand as he accused both the SNP government at Holyrood and the Labour administration at Westminster of being “totally disconnected” from the views of those living in areas where new energy projects – including battery storage facilities and new pylons – are proposed.
It comes as the UK Government is working towards reforming the planning process south of the border and speeding up grid connections as part of its efforts to make the UK a “clean energy superpower”.
However, Mr Lumsden claimed: “Communities up and down Scotland feel they are being silenced by both the SNP and Labour governments when it comes to new energy projects being approved.
“Despite the widespread opposition of local people, ministers in both governments are routinely ignoring their concerns.”
Insisting that it is “only the Scottish Conservatives who are standing up for local communities and their right to have a say in the planning process”, the Tory MSP insisted that local views should be “front and centre” when proposals are being considered for planning consent, and that communities “should still have a veto when it comes to giving projects the green light”.
Mr Lumsden, an MSP for the North East region, stated that communities in that area “are deeply concerned that the changes put forward will mean governments ride roughshod over their views”.
He added: “The SNP and Labour are totally disconnected from those living in areas where new energy projects, such as pylons, battery storage facilities and substations, are proposed.
“Both parties should show common sense and commit to exploring alternative solutions. That means backing our calls to guarantee local communities will always be able to call a halt to such projects if they do not meet local needs.”
Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland has some of the most stringent environmental impact regulations anywhere in the world and our planning and consenting system ensures that local communities can always have their say.
“The proposed reforms are about making the determination process more efficient – not making it easier for projects to get consent.
“They retain the important statutory role of councils in the process, while suggesting a more proportionate and tailored approach to examining applications where objections are raised.
“They also include proposals that would require developers to consult communities much earlier in the planning process, which will ensure affected communities can more meaningfully influence the process of project development.
“We believe that communities should be at the heart of our renewable energy transition, and it is vital that they share in the significant economic and social benefits which will be created as we develop our resources.
“Over the past 12 months, more than £30 million has been awarded in community benefits in Scotland, up from £25 million in 2023 – and we are currently consulting on how communities could receive additional benefits from renewable energy developments.”
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “As shown by independent analysis from the National Energy Systems Operator, clean power is achievable, and can create a cheaper, more secure energy system.
“Securing Britain’s clean energy future will require improving infrastructure to get renewable electricity on the grid. Without this infrastructure, we will never deliver clean power for the British people.
“We are working with the Scottish Government to improve the consenting process for electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland, while ensuring communities who live nearby can see the benefits of this.”