§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department has taken to reduce the length of time taken over planning inquiries for(a) wind farms and (b) hydro-power projects; and if he will make a statement. [52445]
§ Mr. MacdonaldA new regulatory and best practice framework for planning inquiries for all types of development was introduced last year. This should reduce the overall time taken to determine proposals for wind farms and hydro-power projects which go to inquiry.484W Scottish Office officials are currently working jointly on guidance for developers for consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage and other interested parties.