6.57 The need to find renewable sources of energy will become more pressing in the near future as supplies of fossil fuels are depleted and the significant social and economic impacts from events such as flooding and the destruction of natural habitats become more apparent. It is likely that one of the responses to this will be an upsurge in demand for the development of renewable energy projects. Despite Glasgow’s predominantly urban form, potential exists for renewable energy generation, particularly through, for example, small-scale wind, hydro, waste to energy and geothermal projects. The City must be prepared to respond in a positive and structured way to proposals of this type.
6.58 The development of detailed policies will allow the Council to set out its position on renewable energy and to specify its requirements and standards in this respect. Such policies will also assist and guide developers in the preparation of applications and will aim to encourage innovation.
6.59 The production of a City-wide strategy on renewable energy and energy management would enable the Council and its partners to identify the issues, opportunities and actions associated with renewable energy development in the City.
The City Council will continue to support innovative proposals which promote, or incorporate, the generation of power from renewable sources.
The City Council will, by 2004, produce a City-wide strategy and supporting policies on renewable energy and energy management. In the interim, the policy guidelines for dealing with renewable energy development, which are set out in NPPG 6, will be followed. These indicate that there will be a presumption in favour of such development, except where landscape character, nature conservation, built heritage or quality of life will be significantly affected.
