Policy 7: Renewable energy non-statutory guidance

This document contains non-statutory guidance from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) regarding Policy 7 of the Local Development Plan 2021, which focuses on renewable energy. The guidance aims to support planning applications that incorporate renewable energy systems within the Cairngorms National Park and outlines considerations for various renewable energy proposals, including hydro-electricity, wind energy, biomass, energy from waste, solar power, and heat pumps; it emphasizes minimizing adverse impacts on the environment, landscape, community, and cultural heritage and directs readers to relevant resources from NatureScot and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The document offers specific guidance for different types of renewable energy systems, encompassing site selection, potential impacts, and necessary assessments, and stresses the importance of early engagement with relevant authorities and adherence to the mitigation hierarchy to minimize adverse effects.