Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces the lifting of the ban on onshore wind development in England, aiming to double wind capacity by 2030.
- The Climate Change Committee has recommended 35GW of onshore wind by 2035 to achieve net zero.
- New planning policies streamline processes, treating wind projects like other energy developments.
- Local communities will gain benefits while participating in planning decisions.
- The move has received a mixed response from industry leaders and stakeholders.
In a significant shift in energy policy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the immediate removal of the de facto ban on onshore wind development in England. This strategic decision, unveiled in Reeves’ inaugural major speech as Chancellor, aims to boost energy independence and double the capacity of onshore wind to 30GW by the year 2030. Reeves highlighted the government’s ambition to align its initiatives with the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation of achieving 35GW of onshore wind by 2035 as a milestone towards the United Kingdom’s net zero target.
Previously, under stringent planning policies, onshore wind projects faced challenges due to mandatory inclusion in local development plans and opposition from local communities, which often impeded progress. However, these policy barriers have been dismantled. The revised planning framework now places onshore wind on equal footing with other energy developments, according to the government. This change, effective from 8 July, is set to be officially communicated to Parliament on 18 July during the State Opening.
The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will further incorporate proposals to facilitate renewable energy development, including plans to integrate large-scale onshore wind farms into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime. This integration is expected to expedite planning applications. The government has articulated its strategy to empower local communities, ensuring they play a crucial role in planning processes, with expectations of receiving benefits from hosting renewable infrastructure. An update to the Community Benefits Protocol for Onshore Wind in England is anticipated soon.
Reeves’ announcement encompasses broader infrastructure decisions, including a shift towards national rather than local decision-making on major projects to streamline processes and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles. Additional planning officers are to be appointed to expedite these initiatives. The chancellor also reasserted the party’s aim to meet its manifesto pledge of building 1.5 million new homes during its initial term by reviewing and adjusting the greenbelt boundaries for potential development of brownfield sites. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is set to initiate this process by contacting local councils.
The industry has responded with cautious optimism. Richard Robinson, President of AtkinsRéalis UK & Ireland, welcomed the acceleration of infrastructure delivery as crucial for economic growth. Sophie Lee from Stantec highlighted ongoing challenges such as grid capacity, stressing the importance of upgrading infrastructure to accommodate increased power from renewable sources. Meanwhile, industry bodies like RenewableUK endorsed the move, viewing it as a decisive action to overcome historical obstacles to clean energy expansion.
While acknowledging the positive outlook for planning permissions, legal expert James Gibson tempered expectations by noting the limitations in current regulations, which still preclude onshore wind from certain approval processes and national energy policy statements. He emphasized that while the revisions mark progress, developers must still navigate intricate planning environments.
Environmental and legal experts also weighed in. Mike Childs from Friends of the Earth praised the government’s forward-thinking approach as a significant step towards climate objectives and the reduction of energy costs through renewable power. Legal practitioners, like Charles Richardson of Kingsley Napley, noted the opportunities now available for landowners interested in renewable projects, although they highlighted ongoing challenges such as grid connections and community opposition.
Overall, the policy shift represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s energy landscape, with substantial implications for the future of renewable energy development, housing, and local economic growth. Industry leaders and stakeholders are keenly observing the execution of these changes, which are poised to transform the energy and infrastructure sectors in the coming years.
The government’s decision to lift the onshore wind ban marks a critical step in advancing renewable energy and modernising planning policies.
