Question
Large clean energy projects and transmission project lines need planning consent from the Scottish Government. Delays mean that Scottish electricity consumers pay more. In a recent report, CBI Scotland says: “Planning is the concern business leaders across Scotland raise with us most consistently, and the frustrations they describe are…too much inconsistency, not enough speed” and a growing sense that planning has become a barrier to investment and growth—a responsibility of the Scottish Government. Does the Minister agree that the Scottish Government need to get a grip on the planning system?
Answer
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is why we have worked with the Scottish Government to make approving energy infrastructure in Scotland simpler. Those reforms are intended to help Scotland to realise our clean power ambitions while providing investors with greater confidence, yet we continue to hear from industry that the Scottish planning system is holding back growth. Planning is also the mechanism that the SNP uses to block new nuclear energy projects in Scotland, costing us up to 5,000 skilled jobs in the last decade alone.33% point-scoring 17% vibes
Verdict: GREEN (80/100)
The single question point was answered directly. The minister explicitly agreed with the Member's view that the Scottish planning system is holding back growth, and pointed to industry's views and joint work with the Scottish Government to simplify energy infrastructure approvals. The reply gives no timescales or specific measures, so a follow-up asking for detail on that joint work would be reasonable, but the core question was clearly answered.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the Minister agrees that the Scottish Government needs to get a grip on the planning system (for large clean energy and transmission projects). | Addressed | Direct | The minister explicitly agrees with the hon. Member ('absolutely right'), and the reply backs this with the claim that industry says the Scottish planning system is holding back growth, plus reference to joint work with the Scottish Government to simplify energy infrastructure approvals. |