The SNP group are keen to see a resolution of this matter, and so have chosen to write directly to the minister, while the administration decide what, if any, action they are going to take.
26th February 2013.
Dear
Minister,
IMPLICATIONS
OF SCOTTISH MINISTERS DECISION TO REFUSE CONSENT TO ERECT 2 WIND
TURBINES AT GREAT BERNERA, ISLE OF LEWIS.
I
write to express my concern regarding the above decision and also
seek clarity on the implications for future development.
I
understand the referral of this application to Scottish Ministers is
through Article 15(1)(j)(v), Town and Country Planning (General
Development Proceedure) (Scotland) Order 1992. This relates
specifically to development which may affect the site of a scheduled
monument.
Is
the site of a scheduled monument considered to include the landscape
views from a particular monument and to what what extent? If it
does, this decision effectively sterilises from development huge
tracts of land in the viscinity of any such monument. A matter for
serious concern.
The
Reporter to Scottish Ministers appears to consider a “buffer zone”
exists, presumable from a statement from a planning officer that it
should exist. Is it confirmed that a buffer zone effectively now
does exist as direct result of the decision, even if such might not
appear in a local plan? The ad hoc imposition of buffer zones are a
cause for grave concern.
This
application was granted consent by the local authority and referred
to Scottish Ministers solely because Historic Scotland objected, even
though I am aware of no such concerns during consultation on the
Local Plan. Should a similar, wholely separate application be made,
it is reasonable to believe the local authority might again grant
consent, should HS not object the development would proceed. The
unfairness of a system which makes this possible is difficult to
comprehend.
I
would be obliged for your considered view on these concerns.
Yours
sincerely
Donald
Manford.
