Freedom of Information Request - Stromar Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Scoping (ENQ/2024/0039) – NatureScot Consultation Timeline
Date: 15 September 2025
Our ref: SIR181432/A5423095
Information Request – Stromar Offshore Wind Farm Onshore Scoping (ENQ/2024/0039) – NatureScot Consultation Timeline
Your Request
‘I am requesting information under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 regarding NatureScot’s involvement in the Stromar Offshore Wind Farm onshore scoping consultation (ENQ/2024/0039).
Specifically, please provide:
1. The date on which Aberdeenshire Council first sent NatureScot the onshore scoping consultation report (ENQ/2024/0039).
2. The consultation response deadline communicated to NatureScot at that time.
3. Any subsequent request(s) from NatureScot for an extension to this deadline, including:
• the date such a request was made,
• who within NatureScot made the request,
• who the request was sent to (e.g., named officer(s) at Aberdeenshire Council), and
• the reason given for the extension.
4. Confirmation of whether an extension was granted, by whom, and the revised deadline date set for NatureScot’s response.
5. Copies of any correspondence (emails or letters) between NatureScot and Aberdeenshire Council concerning the consultation deadline for ENQ/2024/0039.
This request is limited to records between 1 January 2024 and 30 April 2024.’
Our Response
Following a search of the information we hold our response is below.
The date on which Aberdeenshire Council first sent NatureScot the onshore scoping consultation report (ENQ/2024/0039)?
We received a consultation request from Aberdeenshire Council on 17 January 2024.
The consultation response deadline communicated to NatureScot at that time?
30 January 2024.
Any subsequent request(s) from NatureScot for an extension to this deadline?
Confirmation of whether an extension was granted, by whom, and the revised deadline date set for NatureScot’s response?
The extension request details are attached separately.
We are withholding the name of the NatureScot adviser and the names of the officers at Aberdeenshire Council. Releasing personal data into the public domain in response to an access to information request would breach the Data Protection Act 2018. We are therefore withholding the information under 11(2) (Personal Data) of the EIRs.
Copies of any correspondence (emails or letters) between NatureScot and Aberdeenshire Council concerning the consultation deadline for ENQ/2024/0039?
Our response is attached separately.
We have marked out (redacted) personal data in the documents provided. Releasing the personal data into the public domain in response to an access to information request would breach the Data Protection Act 2018. We are therefore withholding the information under EIRs Regulation 11(2) (Personal data).
How We Handled Your Request
We believe you have asked for environmental information as defined in the Environmental Information (Scotland Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’), so we are dealing with your request under those regulations. To be able to use the EIRs, we must apply an exemption under section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (‘FOISA’). The Scottish Information Commissioner’s guidance recommends that public authorities apply this exemption to environmental information and handle request under the EIRs.
If you would like to find out more about the access to information legislation, there is a guidance booklet available on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website.
Review and Appeal
I hope this information meets your requirements, but if you are dissatisfied with how we have responded to your information request, please write to us within 40 working days explaining your concerns. You can contact us at Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW or email us at [email protected]. We will carry out a review of our response and contact you with our findings within 20 working days.
If you are not satisfied following this, you can make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner within 6 months. The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer,
NatureScot
