RE: Meygen22 Jul 2025 20:53
regarding meybess, here's my take with a bit of a timeline to show my reasoning.
the application is made under section 36 of the electricity act 1989
back in 2023, it was determined that an environmental impact assessment (eia) was not required - see screening opinion at hxxps://www.energyconsents.scot/applicationdetails.aspx?cr=ecu00004838&t=6
highland council opposed the development, against the guidance of officers - hxxps://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationdetails.do?activetab=documents&keyval=sfbtacih0fm00
if the development was subject to an eia, this objection would automatically trigger a public local inquiry - see hxxps://www.gov.scot/publications/good-practice-guidance-applications-under-sections-36-37-electricity-act-1989/pages/7/
given there is a no eia requirement, i don't believe there is an automatic pli, but that is an assumption. i haven't found guidance regarding section 36 applications without eias - would love someone more knowledgable to confirm or deny!
however, i believe ministers can determine an inquiry should take place. some local residents are encouraging that - see "representation 018 further comment" received on 09 jun 2025 and published on 25 jun 2025 here hxxps://www.energyconsents.scot/applicationdetails.aspx?cr=ecu00004838&t=0
you can find "mey bess action group" organising objections here hxxps://www.********************711813121519508
if there were to be an inquiry, it would take months before a decision is made. i've looked at some previously cases at hxxps://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/casesearch.aspx and haven't an analogous one where an eia is not part of the application so estimating the delay is difficult. you'd hope it would not be as long as 15 months as seen for this case, given the lack of eia - hxxps://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/casedetails.aspx?id=124028
comments most welcome!
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