Peter Ward
Well, it’s that time of year again when New Year’s resolutions are at the forefront of our minds. A fresh start to the year is for many accompanied with a gym membership or a plan to undertake more exercise. So it is timely that recent figures (released by Scottish Renewables and taken from the outdoors and fitness app Strava) have demonstrated that wind farm tracks have helped cyclists and runners clock up more than 13,000 miles in less than four years.
This example of renewable energy tracks being put to good use not only demonstrates how popular these routes have become with cyclists, runners and walkers, but also provides a good example of the community benefits that can arise from renewable energy developments. The figures also show how access to Scotland’s great outdoors has been opened up to thousands of people across the country, and how renewable energy developments have created benefits beyond their economic and environmental contributions.
I welcome these statistics. As well as being a keen cyclist myself, the firm is Official Legal Advisor to Scottish Cycling and title sponsor of the Scottish team competing in the UK’s Revolution Series. From a legal perspective, I am pleased the statistics show how the benefits of renewables developments are reaching the local community.
The Scottish Government have been keen to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are enjoyed by the local communities in which developments are situated. Whilst the Government cannot compel wind farm developers to offer community benefits, through accepted standards of best practice, the Scottish Government has played a part in seeking to realise community benefits. These local benefits can include a variety of initiatives – from direct ownership of renewable projects by communities and local businesses, shared ownership of and community investment in commercial schemes, but also local contracting and associated employment benefits, skills training, opportunities for educational visits, environmental enhancements and, of course, creation of footpaths and tracks.
The varying nature of community benefits illustrates that there is no “one size fits all” approach, and it is important the community benefit model meets the requirements of both the developer and the local community. A key feature is ensuring that the community and the developers are clear at the outset as to what is to be gained and achieved from the community benefits proposals, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the developer and local community in the process. We have in the past adopted a focused and inclusive approach to working with communities and developers, so as to foster consensus, and a strong sense of ownership of the process. This has helped ensure the legal structure of community benefits are structured appropriately.
The provision of walking and cycling paths and trails are not the primary purpose of wind farm development, however, the recent published statistics demonstrate how community benefits can realise a very welcome boost for the local community.
It may also even help with any fitness related New Year’s resolutions......
Peter Ward is a senior associate at Burness Paull
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