Locating ‘power’ in wind power planning processes: the (not so) influential role of local objectors

Abstract

There have been conflicting accounts of the role and influence of local opposition within planning application outcomes for wind power developments. There is an expanding literature that considers public responses to proposed renewable energy developments and much of this suggests that public opposition is a key factor in the slow growth in renewable energy capacity. However, this paper will show that local opposition groups' power over such planning processes is very limited, and in fact extends only so far as delaying an outcome. Through a thematic content analysis of objection letters to one particular proposed wind power development, the key issues raised in connection with the development will be highlighted. Subsequently, these issues will be compared with those discussed in the official report of the planning appeals process, and it will be shown that the concerns of local objectors had little influence over the eventual verdict.

Keywords:

• renewable energy
• power
• planning
• objections

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the two anonymous referees for their valuable and constructive comments on an earlier draft of this paper. The authors are grateful to the ESRC for funding this research (ESRC CASE Award PTA-033-2005-00002).

Notes

1. Since this public inquiry took place SEIRU has been renamed as The Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals. The ‘reporter’ assigned to any appeal is appointed by Scottish Ministers, and oversees the running of the inquiry – managing the process and subsequently determining the outcome – effectively they act as judge and jury within the appeal.