To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessement of the impact that her review of renewable energy planning will have on live renewable energy planning applications (i) during the review; and (ii) when any new policy is published.

(i) My Department’s Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) provides a robust policy framework against which to assess all types of planning applications, including proposals for renewable energy development.

During the review of this important subject area, planning authorities will continue to determine planning applications for renewable energy development proposals taking into account: the Local Development Plan; the SPPS, Planning Policy Statement 18: ‘Renewable Energy’ and its associated Best Practice Guidance; local circumstances and characteristics; the advice of statutory consultees, and all other material considerations.

(ii) Any new published policy, by way of an amendment to the SPPS, will be a material planning consideration which must be taken into account by planning authorities in plan making and decision taking.

Ultimately, the interpretation, relevance and weight to be attached to planning policy and all other material considerations will be a matter of planning judgement for the planning authority.