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Useful links

The organisations/bodies listed below may be useful sources of information in relation to hydropower developments. Some of these organisations will be directly involved in the determination process but others are listed for information only.

• British Hydropower Association (BHA)
  The British Hydropower Association (BHA) is the professional trade body representing the interests of the UK hydropower industry and its associated stakeholders in the wider community at regional, national and global levels. The BHA website provides useful information on hydropower in the UK, development opportunities, and legislation.
  
  
• District Salmon Fishery Boards
  The Salmon Fishery Boards were established to protect, preserve and develop salmon fisheries in Scotland. They represent, co-ordinate and promote the interests of Scottish salmon and sea trout fisheries, and generally take the necessary steps to protect, preserve and develop salmon fisheries in Scotland, while also having regard for the environment and other fauna and flora. There is also an Association of Salmon Fishery Boards which attends to the general interests of its member boards.
  
  
• Marine Scotland 
  Marine Scotland was established on April 1 2009 as a Directorate of the Scottish Government. It incorporates the functions and resources of the former Scottish Government Marine Directorate in Edinburgh and the former Fisheries Research Services Freshwater and Marine Laboratories at Pitlochry and Aberdeen. 
  
  
• Planning authority
  The planning authority will consider the acceptability of proposed hydro schemes in terms of land use. It will consult relevant statutory consultees on the likely impact of such proposals and request their advice on the scope of environmental impact assessments prepared. Consideration will also be given to relevant Scottish planning policy and the authority’s own local development plan and strategic development plan (where appropriate), along with any relevant supplementary planning guidance. Key considerations from a planning perspective include:
  
  • contributing to the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets;
  • landscaping;
  • appropriate sighting of structures associated with the proposals;
  • routing of supporting pipelines and road networks;
  • potential impact on sensitive habitats, protected species and existing water users.

For hydropower developments less than or equal to 1MW you need to contact your local authority regarding planning.
For hydropower developments more than 1MW you need to contact the Scottish Government regarding planning.

• Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS)
  Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) is an independent freshwater conservation charity representing Scotland’s national network of rivers and fisheries trusts and foundations. The core objective is the conservation and enhancement of native freshwater fish and their environments in Scotland.
  
  
• SEPA
  In addition to the guidance available on this section of the website, you can get in touch with SEPA to discuss any issues relating to hydropower developments by contacting our hydropower enquiry mailbox.
  
  
• Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
  Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is a responsible authority with statutory duties to secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland’s natural heritage. It aims to foster an understanding and enjoyment of it, and encourage its sustainable use. SNH supports the development of renewable energy as part of the Scottish Government’s targets to address climate change, provided there is an appropriate technology mix and that renewables are developed alongside energy efficiency targets and measures to reduce energy demand. SNH seeks a strategic approach in which renewable energy development is guided towards the locations and the technologies most easily accommodated within Scotland’s landscapes and habitats, without adverse impact, and which safeguard elements of the natural heritage which are nationally and internationally important.