All new developments will be required to reduce carbon emissions by
at least 15 per cent, according to new planning guidance launched today
by First Minister Jack McConnell.
Outlining the SPP6 guidance for renewable energy developments at the
Scottish Renewables Annual Conference, McConnell said that while there
needs to be a balance struck between protecting natural heritage and
giving the go-ahead to renewables schemes, he believes we are ‘firmly
on the right path’.
McConnell said: "Over the next few years we must continue to support
renewable energy developments and our planning guidance published
today, which is the most advanced planning framework in the UK, will
allow us to do that.
"Crucially, our new guidance doesn't just apply to large scale
developments. It also puts a requirement on all new developments to
reduce carbon emissions by at least 15 per cent. No other country in
the UK has gone so far. But this is just a first step. We will look
to increase this condition in the future.
"We know that a balance must be struck between protecting our
natural heritage and giving the go-ahead to new renewable schemes. But
the bottom line is that we will not have an environment to protect if
we do not take action on climate change. Action now is imperative and
I believe we are firmly on the right path."
"Five years on and our climate change programme is recognised as
being among the biggest and best in the world and we are making great
strides in tackling a range of environmental issues. But there is
still more to be done and we must continue to lead the way and be
forward thinking to make further progress."
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