LDPs should include renewable energy developments including grid infrastructure

The Local Development Plan has primacy when considering planning applications, yet renewable energy developments do not form part of the LDP and neither does grid infrastructure.  This has to change.  If onshore renewable energy developments and grid infrastructure were part of the LDP at least local people and communities would have the democratic right to comment and make alternative suggestions. 

Currently local communities are having these significant renewable developments and grid infrastructure thrust upon them.  Their lives are shattered and they cannot sell their homes in order to relocate.  Under the current planning system, people and communities have no right of appeal other than to pursue decisions through a very costly judicial review.

The Planning System should exist for Scotland's people and not for Developers/Investors.

Local people and communities understand the need for renewable energy and most, if not all, want to contribute to this.  However, most rural communities are having renewable developments sprung on them.  They perceive these fait accompli complex applications to be unnecessary, in the wrong location and without thought to the local community and environment.  They consider the planning system to be working with Developers/Investors for Profit before public good.

The Scottish Government has recognised that depopulation of areas of the Highlands is a problem; and the explosion of renewable energy developments and manner in which grid infrastructure is being railroaded through is blighting the whole land.  No regard has been or is being paid to cumulative impacts which are basically industrialising rural Scotland nor is any thought being given to the health, wellbeing, and distinctive qualities of community life of Scotland's rural communities.

Scotland proclaims itself to be a democratic country, yet Scotland's people have no say in how their communities and areas are shaped and planned except through Local Development Plans.  It is long past time that renewable energy developments and grid infrastructure form part of the Local Development Plan process.