Policy - Hydro - Scotland - By Council
General Guidance
Several councils do not provide specific planning guidance for Hydro Developments (*). This may be due to a small potential for or a lack of existing hydro developments (esp. micro-hydro schemes). However general planning guidance for the hydro schemes is given on the General Guidance page.
Aberdeen City
Aberdeenshire
Angus
Argyll & Bute
Clackmannanshire
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee City
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
City of Edinburgh
Falkirk
Fife
Glasgow City
Highland
Inverclyde*
Midlothian*
Moray*
North Ayrshire*
North Lanarkshire*
Orkney Islands*
Perth & Kinross*
Renfrewshire*
Scottish Borders
Shetland Islands*
South Ayrshire*
South Lanarkshire
Stirling
West Dunbartonshire*
West Lothian*
Western Isles (Eilean Siar)*
General Advice for Small Hydro Projects
Guidance from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) states that:
"While most schemes are designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, SEPA is also reminding landowners that it pays to make sure that your scheme meets the necessary standards for both the environment and planning laws."
Therefore if you are considering a hydro scheme, you are required to apply for authorisation from SEPA, to ensure that there is no significant impact on the water environment. Draft guidance is available from SEPA for those considering hydro developments, and applications will be considered on a case by case basis:
Link: www.sepa.org.uk/water/water_publications.aspx
Link: http://www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/news/2009/sepa_guidance_for_small_sustai...
Other resources:
Community Renewable Energy Toolkit - Scottish Government: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/917/0115761.pdf
CARES Scheme: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/04/2642012communityrenewables
Aberdeen City
Aberdeenshire
Angus
Argyll & Bute
Clackmannanshire
Hydro power developments, including enhanced output from existing installations, will be supported subject to detailed assessment and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts. Developments involving impoundment, major channel alteration, new vehicular access routes or overground grid connections will not normally be acceptable in National Scenic Areas. In Park area developments, the objectives of the designation of the Park and the overall integrity of the area should not be compromised. All proposals will also be assessed according to their cumulative impact on the river system concerned, in terms of water quality, nature conservation, flood risk and fisheries.
Where hydro projects compromise the protection and conservation of wildlife, wildlife habitats and other natural features the following will apply:
(i) Development which will impact adversely upon the identified conservation interest of a designated or proposed area of international or national importance for nature conservation will not be permitted unless it is demonstrated that the objectives of designation and overall integrity of the area will not be damaged or that there is no alternative solution and there are overriding public interest imperatives.
(ii) Development which may affect a site of local importance for nature conservation (including non designated sites, and habitats and features listed in Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive) will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that it will have no significant adverse impact on the conservation interest of the site, habitat or feature.
(iii) All development proposals will be considered in the light of the recommendations and findings of the Local Biodiversity Action Plans (and related Habitat Action Plans and Species Action Plans). Where there is, in the planning authority's opinion, a potential adverse effect upon local biodiversity, an ecological appraisal of the development will be sought and considered before the proposal is determined.
The following apply to water resources management:
(i) As a general principle the Councils will seek to secure the retention of remaining undeveloped flood plains, in the interests of floodwater retention, biodiversity, and amenity and in these areas development will not normally be permitted.
(ii) Development proposals in areas of known significant flood risk will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that no suitable alternative location exists, and if a flood risk assessment (prepared in consultation with SEPA) indicates that the risk can be satisfactorily mitigated by works which will not lead to increased flood risk elsewhere, or unacceptable habitat loss.
(iii) Ecological approaches to surface water management (Sustainable Urban Drainage) will be sought in association with new development.
(iv) Flood protection and run-off attenuation works in association with development will be permitted only if long-term maintenance and management arrangements are in place.
(v) The Councils will not support development that may adversely affect the ecological, landscape and flooding characteristics of the Forth Estuary unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the overall integrity of the area will not be damaged or that appropriate mitigation measures can be implemented.
Link to council page: http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/
Link to council policy page: http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/property/structureplan/chapter3/14/
Dumfries & Galloway
Dundee City
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
City of Edinburgh
Falkirk
Fife
Glasgow City
Highland
Details on Highlands renewable energy development can be found on pages 121-124 of the Local Development Plan (2012), and specific details on hydro-electric developments are outlined on pages 46-49 in the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy and Planning Guidelines (2006).
In the Highlands, planning issues for hydroelectric schemes incorporate run of river schemes as well as larger reservoir stored flow through generators and pumped storage schemes. The main issues potential planners have to mitigate for are connected to landscape and amenity, the disruption of existing water flows and the general ecology and specific migratory fisheries associated with them. There are also potential common access, infrastructural, and noise issues associated with plant construction, however, these are more prevalent with larger operations where there are associated significant requirements for raw material acquisition and transport, and concrete production for reservoir structures and substantial power distribution requirements. Additional impacts of reservoir construction and water flow damming are the effects that this has on recreation and amenity in the area, land and habitat loss, flooding, and groundwater patterns and careful liaison with the appropriate agencies and stakeholders (e.g. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Fisheries Committee and local Fisheries Trusts) in the areas will be necessary.
The following issues fall under Highland Council planning control:
(i) Landscape and scenic issues from dam wall and valley flooding
(ii) Cumulative impacts including feeder areas/inter-catchment transfers, and landscape impacts in areas of high recreational value
(iii) Dam impact on freshwater courses and ground water
(iv) Specific migrating fish sensitivities (salmon, sea trout, lamprey, arctic charr, trout and eel) from flow diversion
(v) Specific habitat, invertebrate, and habitat-specific animal sensitivities
(vi) Connection infrastructure
(vii) Distribution grid capacities and upgrades
(viii) Disruption of freshwater fisheries and other river/valley users
(ix) Impact on tourism and recreation amenities
(x) Localised dwelling and built heritage losses and wider flood management issues.
A table of Specific Planning Requirements and Guidance for Hydroelectric expands further on issues such as targets for development, the planning process, possible positive effects possible negative effects and infrastructure, and can be found from pages 46-49 in the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy and Planning Guidelines (see link below).
Link to council page: http://www.highland.gov.uk/
Link to Local Development Plan: http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/93148364-903F-48D3-AA7C-81468BC05C95/0/HwLDP_WEB.pdf
Link to Highland Renewable Energy Strategy: http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/DA6EF327-46B5-4904-8E1D-CD622B103C77/0/hresmay2006.pdf
Inverclyde
Planning Information
Focus on renewable energy production has mainly been through wind energy. However hydro schemes are also being currently assessed by Inverclyde council and funding was approved in January 2011 to commission a report investigating the potential for small hydro electric schemes with a generating capacity of less than 100kW at a number of locations in Inverclyde.
At present, Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is not currently available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
Proposals will also need to show that they do not have an adverse impact on specific conservation areas within Inverclyde, such as the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and West Renfrew Hills Scenic Area.
http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/planning-and-the-environment/planning/renewable-energy?pg=2
Community Benefit
No specific funding is available for community renewable projects. Howevever Inverclyde council maintains a website called 'Inverclyde4Community' which provides information on government, lottery, EU, non government and charitable trust funding opportunities in Inverclyde.
http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/community-grants/
Midlothian
Planning Information
Scope for Hydro energy developments in Midlothian is likely to be small and limited to 'run of river' type schemes. There is greater potential for wind energy developments, therefore Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
Relating to the Midlothian region specifically, renewable energy proposals will need to show that they will not cause a significant adverse effect on areas of nature conservation, such as Pentland Hills Regional Park and the Green Belt.
Community Benefit
No specific funding for renewable community projects is available through Midlothian Council- however they maintain a funding database which provides information and sources of funding for community projects:
http://www.open4community.info/midlothian/
Moray
Planning Information
In Moray there are currently no Hydro Schemes in place, although there may well bescope for small-scale 'run of river' projects. Therefore, Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
Community Benefit
Moray Funding Support provides information and support for community groups to access grants towards potential community renewable energy projects:
http://www.morayfundingsupport.org/
The Moray Community Partnership website also provides a source of information for community grants available in the Moray region. The Green Energy Trust provides grants to Local community groups and not for profit organisations for the installation of renewable technologies up to £25,000 for up to half the cost of the chosen renewable technology.
http://www.yourmoray.org.uk/resources/Funding.htm
North Ayrshire
Planning Information
Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page. However Supplementary Guidance on Micro-renewable planning applications is currently being developed. (see:
http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/BusinessAndTrade/PlanningAndBuildingStandards/Planning-LocalDevelopmentPlan/SupplementaryGuidance.aspx )
Community Benefit
North Ayrshire adminsters the 'Community Development Grant' Scheme Award available to community groups up to £2,000. North Ayrshire 4 Funding also provides information for community groups on how to apply for grants from outside organisations:
http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/BusinessAndTrade/SupportForBusinesses/CommunityPlanning/NAyrshire4Funding.aspx
North Lanarkshire
Planning Information
The scope for Hydro development is limited due to the geographical setting of North Lanarkshire.
Therefore, Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
Specifically relating to North Lanarkshire, there are four Special Areas of Conservation, one Special Protection Area and thirteen sites of Special Scientific Interest (see http://scenetwork.co.uk/node/86#NorthLanarkshire). Any renewable developments would therefore be required to show that they would not cause any adverse effect on these areas.
Community Benefit
Sources of funding for community hydro projects can be found through external organisations or from North Lanarkshire Council. The council website provides a link to 'Grantnet' which provides a databse of organisations from which funding can be sourced: http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7570
North Lanarkshire council also has a 'Community Planning Pilot EU Funds Award'. Further information is available via:
http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7569
Renewable Energy Strategy:
http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16016
Orkney Islands
Planning Information
The scope and potential for Hydro development in Orkney is limited due to the geographical nature of the islands. Therefore Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
Specifically relating to Orkney, renewable developments will need to demonstrate that the proposal will not result in significant adverse effects on designated nature conservation sites and natural heritage sites, specifically Orkney World Heritage sites, sensitive ridge lines and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Community Benefit
The Community Development Fund, administered by Orkney Island Council provides financial support for a wise range of local projects. Grant assistance up to 50% (up to a maximum of £100,000) can be made towards projects with capital costs of at least £5,000.
More information can be found here:
http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Council/C/Community-Development-Fund.htm
Perth & Kinross
Planning Information
The scope and potential for Hydro development in Perth & Kinross is significant with 29 planning applications for hydro schemes currently active. There is significant scope for development of small scale hydro schemes (i.e. 'run of river').
Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
http://www.pkc.gov.uk/Planning+and+the+environment/Planning/Development+plan/Development+plan.htm
Community Benefit
Community funding is available through a number of organisations and information can be found through Perth & Kinross' Grant Direct website: http://www.open4community.info/perth/
Renfrewshire
Planning Information
Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
Community Benefit
Community funding is available through a number of foundations (including the Ibrahim Foundation and the Santander Foundation) for grants up to £50,000. More information is available through the Renfrewshire council website:
http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/webcontent/home/services/community+and+living/funding/ce-gm-fundingopportunities
Scottish Borders
Planning Information
There are currently no examples of micro-hydro schemes in the Scottish Borders region. However there is significant potential for 'low head' systems to be developed using especially using unused mill runs on the River Tweed and its tributaries, and appropriate developments could utilise old mill buildings for this purpose.
However, the River Tweed is of international conservation value, therefore all proposed hydro schemes in this area will be carefully assessed. Proposals are encouraged to have early consultation with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agnecy (SEPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). All protected wildlife species and conservation areas must be considered throughout the construction and operation phase of such a development. Hydro development should be sensitive to ecologically important rivers as weirs and pipelines could have a significant effect. The visual impact of proposals should also be taken into consideration, especially in open landscapes.
A license from SEPA will be required for any abstraction and discharge from the turbine of the proposed development.
Community Benefit
Communities can apply to the E.On Sustainable Energy Fund, which supports community energy projects which produce energy or income to be used by a community organisation. Grants are available up to £20,000.
Specific Community development funds are available within certain areas of the Scottish Borders to support community renewable developments:
Longpark Community Fund (Parish of Stow Community Council area)
www.scottishcf.org
Carcant Community Fund (Heriot Community Council area)
www.scottishcf.org
Toddleburn Community Fund (Parish of Stow, Heriot and Oxton Community Council areas)
www.scottishcf.org
Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund (Abbey St Bathans, Bonkyl & Preston, Cranshaws Ellemford and Longformacus, Duns and Gavinton Fogo & Polwarth Community Council areas)
www.blackhillcommunityfund.co.uk
Dun Law Trust (Falla, Heriot, Humbie, Oxton & Channelkirk Community Council areas)
www.dunlaw.org
The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is available to community groups who are interested in using renewable energy.
http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/downloads/file/2660/a-z_funding_guide
Renewable Energy Strategy:
http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/downloads/file/2678/renewable_energy
Shetland Islands
Planning Information
The potential for hydro development is very small in Shetland and is limited to small micro-renewable schemes utilising 'run of river' systems on small burns or rivers. Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
Community Benefit
There is the potential for community ownership of micro-generation schemes for which the community could generate income through the Feed In Tariff.
Renewable Energy Strategy:
http://www.shetland.gov.uk/economic_development/documents/ShetlandRenewableEnergyStrategy-approved27August2009.pdf
South Ayrshire
Planning Information
Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page. However South Ayrshire council recognises the need to promote "sensitive" renewable energy production, to which the landscape of South Ayrshire has a range of resources. The council however will seek to ensure that developments do not result in having an aunacceptable impact on the natural or built environment.
Community Benefit
South Ayrshire council has launched a Community Development Fund which can be accessed by community organisations in order to access professional expertise which can be utilised in order to develop improvements to the local community. Up to £50,000 is available.
http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/news/new-community-development-fund.aspx
South Lanarkshire
Planning Information
South Lanarkshire council recognises that onshore windpower is most likely to be the most suitable form of renewable development within its boundaries in contributing towards meeting current renewable targets.
The majority of small hydro schemes will be 'run of river' types, where water is taken from a river behind a weir and returned to the watercourse after passing through the turbine. Such schemes could impact on the water quality, fisheries and aquatic and riparian habitats / species. Development of such schemes must comply with South Lanarkshire's Local Plan (SLLP) regarding the protection of the Natural and Built environment and specific environmental policies protecting 'Natura 2000' (i.e. Special Protection Areas) conservation sites, european protected species and National Nature Reserves and Sights of Specific Interest.
Proposals within the 'Green Belt' should meet criteria set out within the Local Plan and must not have any unnacceptable effect on the landscape character or significant adverse visual impact. Proposals should also avoid any detrimental affect on local Natural Heritage sites.
Community Benefit:
The Renewable Energy Fund (REF) is available to provide grants up to 50% of the total 'eligible' costs for renewable developments for trusts / co-operatives / community groups / associations.
http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/335/community_advice/744/renewable_energy_fund/3
Also available is the Developing Local Communities Fund- which can provide up to 100% of total 'eligible' costs for capital projects up to a maximum of £5000 per project.
http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/335/community_advice/744/renewable_energy_fund/4
Link: http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/3988/renewable_energy_supplementary_planning_guidance_december_2010
Stirling
Planning Information
A Hydro scheme is classified as either: using a dam to retain a head of water which is then released through a turbine or a 'run of water' whereby river flow is used to drive a turbine either from a diverted portion of flow or more directly. The topography of the area within Stirling Council lends itself to micro / small scale hydro installations of both these types.
Environment, Archaeology and Conservation Areas
New Hydro developments or enhancements of the output from existing installations will generally be supported by Stirling council, subject to a detailed assessment of the adverse environmental impacts.
Rivers Dochart, Teith and Endrick are "Natura" sites- therefore have environmental protection. Proposals which are over 0.5MW in power generation will be subject to a discretionary EIA. Proposals over 1MW are referred to the Scottish Government under the Electricity Act. Proposals involving impoundment, major channelalteration, new vehicular access routes or overground grid connections will not be permitted in National Scenic Areas.
In the Loch Lomond National Park area, proposals should demonstrate that the objectives of the designation of the Park and the overall integrity of the area will not be compromised.
Proposals will be considered according to their cumulative impact on river systems, water quality and flood risk and the effect on fisheries.
Connection to the Grid
Ideally sited close to an existing grid connection point.
Community Benefit
No information available
Stirling LDP Topic Paper 21: Renewable Energy Developments: http://www.stirling.gov.uk/__documents/planning/future-development/local-development-plan/supporting-reports-ldp/21-renewable-energy-developments.pdf
West Dunbartonshire
Planning Information
Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page.
With specific regard to West Dunbartonshire, renewable energy developments will be considered if they are able to show that they will not have a significant effect on the visual landscape, especially the Kirkpatrick Hills Regional Scenic Area and the Green Belt.
West Lothian
Planning Information
Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page. However general renewable energy development guidelines are provided in the Council's Local Plan.
West Lothian Local Plan: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/1210/161/178/wllp
Renewable Energy Strategy: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/downloaddoc/1799514/1842967/renewables
Western Isles
Planning Information
Specific Planning Guidance for Hydro Projects is currently not available, however general planning guidance can be found on the General Guidance page. However general guidance on renewable planning applications indicate that the Western Isles Council will support projects which meet the targets and objectives of the National Planning Framework, the Climate Change Act, and the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan as long as the local community, environment and natural heritage of the surrounding area is not adversely affected.
Community Benefit / Funding
Funding is available locally through the Developing Alternative and Renewable Energy (DARE) Fund, which granta available for community renewable projects up to £50,000.
The Western Isles Community Planning Partnership also supports community development such as community ownership of energy generation.
Link: http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/creatingcommunities/index.asp
Link: http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/renewable/dare.asp
Report: http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/renewable/documents/areschemesevaluation.pdf
Sound of Harris Development: http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/renewable/documents/areschemesevaluation.pdf
