Locating 'power' in wind power planning processes: the (not so) influential role of local objectors.

Aitken, Mhairi; McDonald, Seonaidh; Strachan, Peter

Abstract

There have been conflicting accounts of the role and influence of local opposition within planning application outcomes for wind power developments. There is an expanding literature that considers public responses to proposed renewable energy developments and much of this suggests that public opposition is a key factor in the slow growth in renewable energy capacity. However, this paper will show that local opposition groups' power over such planning processes is very limited, and in fact extends only so far as delaying an outcome. Through a thematic content analysis of objection letters to one particular proposed wind power development, the key issues raised in connection with the development will be highlighted. Subsequently, these issues will be compared with those discussed in the official report of the planning appeals process, and it will be shown that the concerns of local objectors had little influence over the eventual verdict.

Citation

AITKEN, M., MCDONALD, S. and STRACHAN, P. 2008. Locating 'power' in wind power planning processes: the (not so) influential role of local objectors. Journal of environmental planning and management [online], 51(6), pages 777-799. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09640560802423566

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 1, 2008
• Online Publication Date: Nov 20, 2008
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2008
• Deposit Date: Aug 11, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 11, 2014
• Journal: Journal of environmental planning and management
• Print ISSN: 0964-0568
• Electronic ISSN: 1360-0559
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 777-799
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09640560802423566
• Keywords: Renewable energy; Power; Planning; Objections
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1017