Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary guidance agreed for adoption

18th August 2016

Members of The Highland Council's Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee have agreed to adopt the Onshore Wind Energy Supplementary Guidance as statutory supplementary guidance to the Highland-wide Local Development Plan.

This means that from today the Guidance will be used as material consideration in any applications and will have full weight in the planning process as part of the Development Plan once Scottish Ministers have given it their final scrutiny.

New national planning policies published in June 2014 changed how Councils are to plan for Onshore Wind Energy development so Highland Council has been in the process of reviewing their planning policies and guidance. During the process stakeholders and members of the public have had a number of opportunities to take part in public consultation at each stage.

The guidance identifies a spatial framework showing areas with potential for wind farm development as a guide for developers and communities. It sets out the criteria for assessing whether specific development proposals are appropriate and clear guidance for communities seeking to explore small-scale on-shore wind development opportunities. It also takes into account that other areas need to be protected due to their importance, for example for nature conservation or landscape value.

As part of the consultation process the Council has taken account of local considerations, landscape and visual sensitivities and potential for cumulative impact to appraise where there may be strategic capacity for development and to provide clear guidance for pressure areas. This has been undertaken for Loch Ness and work is underway for other study areas.

Committee Chairman, Councillor Audrey Sinclair said: "I would like to thank stakeholders, community groups and members of the public for their involvement in the consultation. This is an important piece of work as it sets out how we, as the planning authority, will manage onshore wind energy development proposals. As a council we are supportive of the development renewable energy but we have to find a balance and be able to make informed decisions using robust guidance.

"Using this guidance, we can continue to ensure protection of the areas of sensitive locations throughout the area, whilst directing the development industry towards the more limited opportunities that will continue to exist in other areas. We now have detailed landscape studies and guidance for Loch Ness with ongoing work on the other areas of the Highlands, such as Caithness, Black Isle and Easter Ross. This will provide further assistance for prospective developers and decision makers alike."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

The Payday Heist: Why Your Payroll System Might Be a Fraudster’s Easiest Target

Imagine a dedicated employee logs into their bank account on payday, only to find it completely empty.  When they contact HR, the records show their salary was successfully processed but sent to an entirely different bank account.  

Today : Local Authority

Paper Targets vs. Human Crises: The Reality of the Highland Housing Strategy

The Highland Council’s newly unveiled Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2027–2032 paints a glossy, optimistic picture of the region's future.   It promises a steady pipeline of 700 affordable homes a year, framed alongside a booming £10–£16 billion "Growth Deal" linked to green freeports and renewable energy expansion.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Highland Council Housing Investment: £84 Million Programme Faces Delays as Building Costs Rise

Highland Council is forecasting expenditure of almost £75 million on its housing capital programme during 2026/27, against an original budget of nearly £84 million, as rising building costs, project delays and the availability of additional government funding influence its investment plans.   A Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital monitoring report, covering expenditure to 31 August 2026, is being considered by the Housing and Property Committee on 4 November.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Highland Council's Housing and Property Plans: Progress Being Made, But Costs and Contractor Shortages Remain a Problem

Highland Council is making progress on a range of housing and property projects, but rising construction costs, shortages of contractors and uncertainty over future funding continue to threaten delivery.   A progress report covering the second quarter of 2026/27 is being considered by the Housing and Property Committee on 4 November.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Almost 2,500 Empty Homes in Highland: Can the Council Turn Empty Properties into Much-Needed Housing?

Highland Council is stepping up its efforts to bring long-term empty properties back into residential use, but early results from its £1 million Empty Homes Challenge Fund suggest that turning the policy into actual homes may prove more difficult than anticipated.   A report going before the Council's Housing and Property Committee on 4 November provides an update on the strategy introduced in November 2025.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Highland Housing: Homelessness Reaches Record Level Despite Good Council Performance

The number of people presenting as homeless in the Highlands has reached its highest level in three years, highlighting the growing pressure on housing services despite some encouraging performance figures from Highland Council.   A report covering the six months from April to September 2026 is being considered by the Council's Housing and Property Committee on 4 November.  

3/11/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland's Growth Ambitions: Billions in Investment Promised, But Can the Numbers Really Add Up?

Highland Council has set out an ambitious vision for the economic future of the Highlands, with the possibility of attracting between £10 billion and £16 billion of public and private investment over the next 25 years.   On paper, it is an impressive prospect.  

3/11/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness Committee approves six Community Regeneration Fund applications - £237,155

The Caithness Area Committee which met (Monday 2 November 2026) has approved six applications submitted to the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF).   This approval securing significant investment to support local projects that will benefit communities across the north.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.