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Locating 'power' in wind power planning processes: the (not so) influential role of local objectors

Author

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  • Mhairi Aitken
  • Seonaidh McDonald
  • Peter Strachan

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Mhairi Aitken & Seonaidh McDonald & Peter Strachan, 2008. "Locating 'power' in wind power planning processes: the (not so) influential role of local objectors," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(6), pages 777-799.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:51:y:2008:i:6:p:777-799
    DOI: 10.1080/09640560802423566
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yvonne Rydin & Lucy Natarajan & Maria Lee & Simon Lock, 2018. "Do local economic interests matter when regulating nationally significant infrastructure? The case of renewable energy infrastructure projects," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 33(3), pages 269-286, May.
    2. Aitken, Mhairi, 2010. "Wind power and community benefits: Challenges and opportunities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(10), pages 6066-6075, October.
    3. Nadaï, Alain & Labussière, Olivier, 2017. "Landscape commons, following wind power fault lines. The case of Seine-et-Marne (France)," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 807-816.
    4. Hübner, Gundula & Leschinger, Valentin & Müller, Florian J.Y. & Pohl, Johannes, 2023. "Broadening the social acceptance of wind energy – An Integrated Acceptance Model," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    5. Pepermans, Yves & Loots, Ilse, 2013. "Wind farm struggles in Flanders fields: A sociological perspective," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 321-328.
    6. Richard Cowell, 2017. "Decentralising energy governance? Wales, devolution and the politics of energy infrastructure decision-making," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 35(7), pages 1242-1263, November.
    7. Thomas Lauf & Kristina Ek & Erik Gawel & Paul Lehmann & Patrik Söderholm, 2020. "The regional heterogeneity of wind power deployment: an empirical investigation of land-use policies in Germany and Sweden," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 63(4), pages 751-778, March.
    8. Diógenes, Jamil Ramsi Farkat & Claro, João & Rodrigues, José Coelho, 2019. "Barriers to onshore wind farm implementation in Brazil," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 253-266.
    9. Kaldellis, J.K. & Kapsali, M. & Kaldelli, El. & Katsanou, Ev., 2013. "Comparing recent views of public attitude on wind energy, photovoltaic and small hydro applications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 197-208.
    10. Wolsink, Maarten, 2020. "Distributed energy systems as common goods: Socio-political acceptance of renewables in intelligent microgrids," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    11. Chad Walker & Jamie Baxter & Danielle Ouellette, 2014. "Beyond Rhetoric to Understanding Determinants of Wind Turbine Support and Conflict in Two Ontario, Canada Communities," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 46(3), pages 730-745, March.
    12. Sarah Armstrong, 2014. "Siting Prisons, Sighting Communities: Geographies of Objection in a Planning Process," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 46(3), pages 550-565, March.
    13. Ottinger, Gwen & Hargrave, Timothy J. & Hopson, Eric, 2014. "Procedural justice in wind facility siting: Recommendations for state-led siting processes," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 662-669.
    14. Bidwell, David, 2013. "The role of values in public beliefs and attitudes towards commercial wind energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 189-199.
    15. Haggett, Claire, 2011. "Understanding public responses to offshore wind power," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(2), pages 503-510, February.
    16. Natarajan, L. & Rydin, Y. & Lock, S.J. & Lee, M., 2018. "Navigating the participatory processes of renewable energy infrastructure regulation: A ‘local participant perspective’ on the NSIPs regime in England and Wales," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 201-210.
    17. Leibenath, Markus & Wirth, Peter & Lintz, Gerd, 2016. "Just a talking shop? – Informal participatory spatial planning for implementing state wind energy targets in Germany," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 206-213.
    18. Roddis, Philippa & Carver, Stephen & Dallimer, Martin & Norman, Paul & Ziv, Guy, 2018. "The role of community acceptance in planning outcomes for onshore wind and solar farms: An energy justice analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C), pages 353-364.

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