TY - JOUR
T1 - Locating ‘power’ in wind power planning processes: the (not so) influential role of local objectors
AU - Quiroz-Aitken, Mhairi
AU - Seonaidh, McDonald
AU - Strachan, Peter
PY - 2008/11/20
Y1 - 2008/11/20
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
U2 - 10.1080/09640560802423566
DO - 10.1080/09640560802423566
M3 - Article
SN - 1360-0559
JO - Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
JF - Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
ER -