During the scoping stage, we undertake early consultation with a range of stakeholders. We use their feedback to identify and inform the key issues we have to consider as we develop the site’s design. These stakeholders include statutory, non-statutory and community organisations, such as:
- Local planning authorities
- Community organisations (e.g. community councils)
- Local residents
- Environmental bodies (e.g. RSPB)
- Conservation bodies (e.g. Scottish Natural Heritage)
At this point we also produce a scoping report, which includes the first designs for the project. This is followed by a scoping response report, which includes comments from all the bodies we’ve consulted with. Both reports are publicly available for anyone to review.
Prior to submitting a planning application, we carry out public consultation and share details of the proposal in at least two public exhibitions in the local area near to the proposed site. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to share their views of the proposal, and these views are taken into account in the final site design.