PLANNING PROCESS

As the project will be over 20MW it is classed under the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 as a Major Development.  An application for planning permission will be made to the Local Planning Authority, in this case Dumfries and Galloway Council.  Major Developments require pre-application consultation between developers and communities.  RES has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Dumfries and Galloway Council to start this process.

The Process:

1. A proposal of Application Notice (PAN) is submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council, local community councils and other consultees. Proposal of Application Notice (PDF)...

2. Dumfries and Galloway Council has 21 days from receipt of the PAN to decide what, if any, additional consultation is required.

3. A minimum consultation period of 12 weeks starts following the approval of the PAN.  This means an application for planning permission to Dumfries and Galloway Council cannot be submitted within the 12-week period.  During this time the minimum consultation activity as set out in Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 - consult with the community council and hold a public event must be undertaken along with any other activities set out in the PAN and required by Dumfries and Galloway Council. 

4. An application can be submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council any time after the 12 weeks, along with the Environmental Statement and Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report.  The PAC Report documents the consultation undertaken and addresses any comments made during the consultation period.

5. Dumfries and Galloway Council will validate the application and it will appear on the weekly planning list.  This starts the four-month determination period during which time anyone can make a representation to the Dumfries and Galloway Council. The planning officer will consult with statutory consultees and prepare the committee report.

6. The application will go to the Planning Applications Committee to be determined.