Receive free UK energy updates
We’ll send you a myFT Daily Digest email rounding up the latest UK energy news every morning.
The UK government has partially eased rules that effectively ban new onshore wind farms in England, although critics argue that the changes are not sufficient.
On Tuesday, communities secretary Michael Gove introduced “new measures to allow local communities to support onshore wind power projects,” emphasizing that this would only apply in areas with community backing.
However, Paul Maile, head of planning and infrastructure consenting at Eversheds Sutherland, expressed skepticism about the tweaks, stating that proposals for new wind farms will not solely be considered based on their planning merits.
Prior to the rule changes, a single local objection could block the development of an onshore wind farm. The ban was implemented by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015 amid concerns from Conservative MPs and party members about potential backlash from communities worried about the impact of turbines on rural landscapes.
According to trade body RenewableUK, only two new turbines were built in England last year, with most development taking place in Scotland.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak initially indicated that he would maintain the ban upon entering office, but he softened his stance in December and launched a consultation on relaxing the rules to prevent a rebellion by pro-onshore wind MPs.
Supporters argue that onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy and that more projects are necessary to meet the UK’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The changes announced by Gove modify the National Planning Policy Framework, requiring community concerns to be “appropriately addressed” rather than “fully addressed.” They also expand the criteria for designating areas suitable for wind development.
However, critics contend that the new rules still impose stricter planning requirements on onshore wind projects compared to other forms of infrastructure.
“We will still face a planning system that treats onshore wind differently than every other energy source or infrastructure project,” said James Robottom, head of onshore wind for RenewableUK.
Rod Wood, managing director of Community Windpower, cautioned that windfall taxes imposed on electricity generators last year continue to impede investment, regardless of planning rules.
“While we absolutely welcome any developments that remove barriers to building new onshore wind farms… it’s important not to get too excited by the decision,” said Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK.
The government’s announcement received criticism from Ed Miliband, the shadow climate secretary, and Greenpeace UK, who referred to the changes as “feeble tweaks” and “just more hot air”.
However, energy secretary Claire Coutinho emphasized that onshore wind has a vital role in transitioning to cleaner energy, and that the changes will expedite projects where local communities are supportive.
To garner more local support, the government is exploring ways to ensure that those living near wind turbines directly benefit from them, such as through community facility payments or electricity bill discounts.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
