Seòmar agus comataidhean

Applications to constructonshore wind farms would only come before the Inquiry Reporters Unit if theywere the subject of appeals, of applications called in by Scottish ministers orof proposals under the Electricity Act 1989 for which an inquiry was necessary.We consider that the unit is appropriately resourced to deal with the currentlevel of such applications.

Applications to planning authorities are generally accompanied by a fee. The intention is that this feeshould recover the full costs incurred in handling the application fromregistration to determination. Planning fees are reviewed annually with theintention that full recovery of overall outlay is achieved for Scotland asa whole. No information is gathered on whether authorities make profits orlosses for specific cases, or types of cases. The Executive has made noassessment of the costs involved in considering proposals under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 either to the Executive itself or to planningauthorities.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-3098 on 29 October 2003. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-3098 on 29 october 2003.All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

Guidance is given in National Planning PolicyGuideline 6: Renewable Energy Technologies (NPPG 6). This was revised inNovember 2000. National Planning Policy Guideline 6: Renewable EnergyTechnologies balances ourobligation to tackle climate change with the need to safeguard Scottishcommunities and the environment. In particular, it confirms that “developmentsshould not be permitted where they would have a significant long termdetrimental impact on the amenity of people living nearby, and where the impactcannot be mitigated satisfactorily”. As with all planning applications, legitimate publicconcern is a material planning consideration. It is for the decision maker todecide what weight should be given to each material consideration.Like all national planning policies, NPPG 6 is kept under review.

We are still considering thisissue and I hope to make an announcement before Christmas.

As I advised the member in myresponse on 23 July to his question S2W-1160 on 4 August 2003, as minister responsiblefor the water industry in Scotland, I have regular meetings with Scottish Water on a widerange of issues

This issue is still underconsideration.

I have regular meetings with representatives of Scottish Water and last met them on Tuesday this week. We discuss a range of topical issues at these meetings.

As minister responsible for the water industry in Scotland, I have regular meetings with Scottish Water on a wide range of issues. We discussed this at our most recent meeting on 7 July.