New guidance on wind farms released

New guidance has been released on the construction of windfarms, which could lead to a change in environmental legislation if proven effective.

Scottish Renewables, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection agency and Forestry Commission Scotland have joined together to produce the guidance, which is aimed to ensure that the windfarms pose fewer risks to the environment, the Courier reported.

Susan Davies, director of policy and advice at Scottish Natural Heritage, said: "This environmental guidance takes what we have learnt in recent years about building wind farms and shares it with all those involved in the industry."

Policy manager for onshore wind at Scottish Renewables Rosie Vetter added that the use of windfarms and renewable energy is growing in Scotland - a comment which could encourage government officials to make the guidance binding environmental legislation in a bid to protect local areas.

One of these areas includes Aberdeen as the city was declared as an Air Quality Management Area due to its high level of toxic emissions.

Posted by Claire Manning