The Planning Process

 

A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposal has been undertaken. The results will be presented in an Environmental Statement which will be submitted to Aberdeenshire Council with the Planning Application.

Planning Policy

The Hill of Fiddes wind farm proposal has been developed within Aberdeenshire’s development plan framework to ensure compliance with planning policy. The relevant policies are contained in the following documents:

  • North East Scotland Together structure plan
  • Aberdeenshire Local Plan
  • Use of Wind Energy in Aberdeenshire, parts 1 and 2

The planning documents set out a sequential tiered approach against which to assess all wind farm applications. Tier 1 is the most sensitive and includes international nature designations. Tier 2 remains very sensitive and includes national scenic and ecological designations, green belt and sand dunes. Tier 3 includes Areas of Landscape Significance, archaeological sites, wildlife reserves, settlements and buffers around settlements. Tier 4 is the least sensitive and comprises areas not covered by Tiers 1 to 3.

Hill of Fiddes is being regarded as Tier 4 accords with adopted Planning policies.

Consultations

CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS A VERY IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND IS SOMETHING TO WHICH BROADVIEW ENERGY IS VERY COMMITTED.

Broadview Energy has been in consultation with Aberdeenshire Council and statutory consultees such as Scottish Natural Heritage, the Ministry of Defence and Ofcom since the early stages of the project. These consultations together with bird and ecology surveys and technical feasibility studies have helped determine whether this is a suitable site for a wind farm. They have also helped determine the scope of the studies required for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project.

Early consultation was held with Parish Councils to ensure they were aware of the developing project.

Current and proposed community consultation activity:

  • Public exhibition in June 2007
  • Newsletter and postal survey of local residents in July 2007
  • Press releases in local papers at important stages of the project

Any queries or requests for additional information: Jeffrey Corrigan, Broadview Energy Limited, The Old Power Station, 121 Mortlake High Street, London, SW14 8SN

hilloffiddes@broadviewenergy.com