SNP ministers have ignored the objections of local communities to approve almost 50 energy developments since 2020, new analysis by the Scottish Conservatives has revealed.
The Energy Consents Unit (ECU) of the Scottish Government is responsible for approving all electricity infrastructure over 50 megawatts.
Its database shows that 47 developments have been approved since 2020-21 despite the formal objection of local councils or community councils.
Two-thirds (66%) of these developments concerned wind farms, with a further 19% involving battery energy storage systems.
Almost half (47%) were forced through despite the local authority objecting and triggering a public inquiry, whilst one development, the Kendoon to Tongland Pylon Reinforcement Project, went ahead even after a public inquiry agreed that it should be scrapped.
Shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden said the figures were proof that SNP ministers are “riding roughshod” over the views of local communities.
Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden said: “Communities across Scotland are being treated with contempt by the SNP when it comes to major energy infrastructure.
“Wind farms, mega-pylons and battery storage systems are being pushed through against the clear wishes of the people who have to live beside what are often monstrosities that blight the landscape in rural areas.
“The SNP are riding roughshod over councils and residents – and now Nationalist, Labour and Reform MSPs want to strip away what little rights local communities still enjoy.
“We have repeatedly said that local communities must be front and centre of any proposals and should retain a veto when it comes to giving projects the green light.
“We need a temporary pause so we can rethink how these projects are delivered — and the Energy Consents Unit must be abolished so that local people, not bureaucrats, have the final say.”
Notes to editors
47 energy projects were approved by the Scottish Government despite the objection of local councils or community councils. Since 2020-21, 47 projects were approved despite local opposition, 66% of which were wind farms, with a further 19% relating to battery energy storage systems. (Energy Consents Unit, Accessed 10 October 2025, link).
Almost half of these projects were approved after a public inquiry (47%). Public inquiries are usually triggered when the local authority responsible for the development formally objects. One project, the Kendoon to Tongland Pylon Reinforcement Project, went ahead even after a public inquiry agreed that the project should be scrapped. (Energy Consents Unit, Accessed 10 October 2025, link).