Wind Power Planning: Problems and Perceptions in Practice and Procedure

Abstract

Despite the fact that the UK has the highest potential in the European Union to generate renewable energy from wind, it lags behind its European partners. The departure point for this study is provided by the fact that the land use planning system has been perceived by some to create difficulties in the pursuit of the achievement of National Action Plan targets. In the course of a review of literature, legislation, policy and case files, a number of issues emerge relating not only to operational practice but also structural concerns regarding knowledge, legitimacy and ethics. These are scrutinized in an empirical investigation which provides insights into the ontologies behind how knowledge is used and abused. Concerns are highlighted regarding the tactical manipulation of knowledge and the difficulties associated with objectifying evidence so that it can be understood, validated and authenticated. The paper concludes by reflecting on the implications for the regulatory framework, the legitimization of decisions and the ethics of the profession and how these, in turn, are conditioned by the production, use and transparency of planning knowledge.

Notes

1. As the empirical work for this investigation was conducted in 2009, the findings have been supplemented with information on subsequent developments.

2. Importantly, at the time of the completion of this investigation the IPC had been installed as the decision-making body for major infrastructure development projects in England. Since its completion the IPC has been abolished by the Coalition Government and its powers passed back to the Planning Inspectorate, though the new procedures for dealing with applications remains in place.