The UK Government has issued its response to a consultation on reforming the Scottish planning process.
After carefully reviewing the evidence received, the UK Government intends to proceed with the overall reform package, largely as proposed in the consultation document.
The proposal for a limitation to amendments to applications will not be taken forward.
A more limited version of the proposal to allow the Scottish Government to vary consents without an application will be taken forward.
The package of reforms is designed to strike the important balance between streamlining the system for electricity infrastructure consenting in Scotland and continuing to ensure that communities have a voice in the planning process, and development is carried out in an environmentally sensitive way.
The changes will be delivered via measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, and through associated regulations and guidance.
The UK Government will work closely with the Scottish Government to implement the reforms.
Last year, in collaboration with the Holyrood, London launched a consultation on proposed changes that will make the system for considering large energy projects in Scotland more efficient, while also ensuring affected communities can have their say on proposals at the right time in the process.
Currently it can take up to four years to approve large electricity infrastructure projects in Scotland, such as power lines and onshore wind farms, under UK legislation that has been in place since 1989.
By making vital updates to the energy consents system in Scotland, the UK and Scottish governments aim to support the rollout of new clean energy projects while giving communities early and meaningful opportunities to be heard.
The consultation proposes making it a requirement that communities and wider stakeholders are consulted at pre-application stage.