Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) are using “gagging” clauses in their agreements with landowners involved in the planning process for their offshore wind farms, EA1N and EA2. These clauses offer financial incentives to individuals and groups to withdraw objections and/or desist from objecting to their plans. SPR claims that these gagging orders are “normal commercial arrangements”. We do not believe this is the case. Development consent and planning hearings are distorted if those who might reasonably be expected to object are quietly silenced and given financial incentives to withdraw opposition.
There can be no justification for making payments or imposing conditions which undermine a statutory planning inquiry conducted in accordance with public law principles.
SEAS Latest Submission to the Secretary of State, 31 January 2022
Negotiations with Affected Persons, SEAS Deadline 8 Submission March 2021
Therese Coffey MP speaks out, 24 February 2021
Request for Information, SEAS Additional Submission 22 February 2021
Complaint Letter, SEAS Additional Submission 14 February 2021