Number of applications for wind farms near Cairngorms National Park boundary forecast to rise
Expected changes in government national planning policy could lead to even more applications for wind farms on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park, it is being predicted.
However, there is still expected to be what is in effect a ban on such developments within the national park itself.
Members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee received an update on the current status of National Planning Framework 4 at their meeting in Grantown headquarters earlier today.
It is the long-term plan for Scotland that sets out the Scottish Government’s vision of where development and infrastructure is needed up to 2045.
Work began in 2020 and it is designed to be considerably different to the current blueprint published in 2014.
There is already concern that a 'ring of steel' is being formed round the national park with a proliferation of wind farms on the northern half of the boundary.
CNPA planning manager Dan Harris stated in his report to members: "Policy 11 which deals with energy development maintains the position that windfarm proposals in National Parks and National Scenic Areas (NSAs) will not be supported.
Policy 4 on Natural Places continues to provide the same level of protection for national parks as national designations as set out in the current plan
"However, in areas outside these areas the policy tests associated with landscape impacts have been relaxed to support wind energy developments.
"Policy 4 on Natural Places now also explicitly supports development in wild land areas that contributes towards renewable energy targets.
"In overall terms this is likely to increase the numbers of wind farm proposals in areas around the national park to meet national targets.
Individual turbines are allowed in the strath and wider national park under current policy guidelines.
