Abstract
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) view groups of three or fewer wind turbines with an o utput greater than 50kW to be ‘small-scale wind energy’, even when the turbines themselves might be quite large. This small-scale wind energy development makes a valuable contribution to managing climate change, but it is important to ensure that it happens in the right places and that natural heritage impacts are minimised. There is however a limit to the engagement SNH is able to have with individual small-scale wind energy proposals, and this will normally be restricted to proposals that require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or where a protected area is likely to be affected (see our Service Statement for Planning & Development). This guidance aims to help applic ants and planning authorities consider the natural heritage impact of small-scale wind energy proposals without the need for direct input from SNH. The guidance seeks to promote a consistent and proportionate level of assessment, but ultimately it is for the planning authority to determine what is required. In some locations this may differ from what we suggest. For smaller wind energy development of less than 50kW, please refer to our guidance on micro-renewables.