At the beginning of May, the government submitted for consultation a draft amendment to the Act on investment in wind power plants. Its main objective is to LIBERALISE the 10H rule, however the lengthening of administrative procedures may prove to be a serious problem.
Under the proposed regulations, wind farms may still be located only on the basis of a local spatial development plan, but the commune council will be able to set the distance between the farm and the buildings at less than 10H, and at least 500 metres.
The use of the new possibilities will require an ADDITIONAL PUBLIC DISCUSSION WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF RESIDENTS. Moreover, the legislator intends to extend the time limits for public review of the draft local plan and receipt of comments on it.
This, in turn, combined with other changes, will lead to a serious extension of the already time-consuming procedures.
Besides, it should be remembered that EVEN THE BEST PROCEDURES WILL NOT SOLVE THE PRIMARY PROBLEM OF NEGATIVE ATTITUDE OF THE RESIDENTS.
Hence, apart from formal facilitations it is important to adequately promote wind energy and to point out its benefits.