Following reports that the Scottish Executive are to claim additional powers over planning in Scotland, SNP Deputy Leader Nicola Sturgeon MSP condemned the plans ands centralisation of powers. 

Ms Sturgeon hit out at the Labour/Liberal Exec for planning to circumvent due process in order to impose unpopular and unneeded developments in Scotland such as nuclear power stations and dumping suites for high level radioactive waste.

Ms Sturgeon said:

"This report only confirms our view that Labour, with the support of their Liberal lapdogs, are looking to impose new nuclear power stations in Scotland after the General Election.  This power grab by Labour and the Liberals is a desperate attempt to circumvent due process and impose unpopular and unneeded developments in Scotland.

"This only underlines the fact that these proposed developments cannot stand up to public or parliamentary scrutiny.  With Scotland's huge renewables potential, nuclear power stations are not only unwanted but also unneeded.  Rather than railroading such developments through, Labour and the Liberals should be listening to the concerns of local communities across the country. 

"This is an unparalleled centralisation of powers, and one people across Scotland will be up in arms over.  The Executive should release full details of this secret plan now."