The first conversation about any potential community benefits may involve the renewable energy business approaching the community(ies) or vice versa. Most likely, where a renewable energy business is approaching communities, this will mean the community council if there is one, or another prominent local group, or the local authority. Alternatively, if communities are aware of a potential development in the area, they may wish to discuss the opportunity for community benefits through the community councils or other locally representative body (if there is no community council for the area), who may then wish to approach the renewable energy business.
Gathering information
At this stage the aim is to gather as much information as possible about the renewable energy business’s thinking around the shape of any community benefits package. What might they offer, to which communities, and on what terms? They may have a standard policy or approach in place that guides how they invest in communities in the area of benefit. Certainly it’s worth looking online to see if the renewable energy business has been involved in any other established sites in the UK – though sites in Scotland will be more relevant. The Register of Community Benefits in Scotland provides information on arrangements in place in other communities and links to case studies.
Prior to contacting or responding to an approach from a renewable energy business it is helpful if those representing the community(ies) can get ready to communicate with the renewable energy business in a cohesive and organised way, ideally speaking with one voice (see module 5 for more information).
Early Engagement
Communities are advised to engage in discussions with the renewable energy business over community benefits as early as possible. The sooner discussions start, the sooner relationships may build and the more likely the business and community may come to understand each other’s position. It is also less likely that an opportunity will be missed; the community will have the best chance to shape the community benefit package in a way that fits with the local context and can start planning for it. This in turn will likely mean any community benefits achieve greater impact in the longer term and are viewed as something positive by local people.
Early discussions are recommended as once planning consent is secured the renewable energy business is more likely to prioritise the next stage in the development – for example securing finance, fulfilling planning conditions and construction.
