Section Menu

The protocols for public engagement with proposed wind energy developments

URN No: 06/1819 06/1820

These are detailed guidelines to the process of public engagement for wind energy developments.  Effective engagement between a developer, the local authority, statutory consultees and the local community can help to ensure that proposals for developments in a locality are better.  Supporting effective engagement is not about being in favour or against a particular proposed development. It is about trying to make sure that:

i) decisions made in the planning system are as well-informed, evidence-based and timely as possible, and;

ii) any development that is permitted reflects an understanding of local interests and opportunities for positive local gain.

The principles behind the protocols and guidelines on community engagement are universal.  However national policies affect the detail of the process and so there are different versions available for England and Wales to take account of this and national stakeholders' views.

England

'The Protocol for Public Engagement with proposed Wind Energy Developments in England' is available under 'Related Documents'.

Wales

'The Protocol for Public Engagement with proposed Wind Energy Developments in Wales' is available under 'Related Documents'.

(The Welsh Assembly Government acknowledge that this DTI report is a useful resource for all parties to draw on should they wish to formalise community engagement in wind farm proposals but that it has no formal status in Wales). 

Scotland

In Scotland, Planning Advice Note 81: Community Engagement follows up the Planning etc.(Scotland) Act 2006 which introduces many new ways for people to get involved in planning.  The advice in the PAN shows how everyone can take part in shaping the future of their local area and provides valuable information for planners and developers about how to engage people, and how to listen to them and understand what they want for their communities. Scottish Planning Policy 6: Renewable Energy sets out policies on renewable energy and these confirm the ways that local communities can benefit from renewable energy developments.