The UK government has launched a consultation on proposed changes to planning policy around onshore wind in England.
It follows commitments earlier this month to revisit National Planning Policy Framework with a view to making it easier for local authorities to approve new schemes where there is local support.
Currently, NPPF requires any new onshore wind development to be sited in specific areas designated in a local council’s development plan, for impacts identified by the affected community to have been fully addressed, and proposals to have community backing.
Changes put forward in the consultation include basing planning approval on impacts having been “satisfactorily addressed” and projects having “demonstrable local support”.
Westminster said it will “provide further information” as to exactly how planners can judge whether planning impacts are satisfactorily addressed, and community support has been demonstrated.
Councils would also be able to approve projects in other areas within their boundaries, “outside the overly rigid requirement for onshore wind sites to be designated in the development plan”.
Consenting decisions for onshore wind applications will meanwhile continue to be made at a local level, rather than through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime.
“We continue to believe that decisions on onshore wind are best made by local authorities, in consultation with their communities,” the consultation paperwork states.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities noted its intention is to consult on a “more localist approach” that provides planning authorities with more flexibility to respond to the views of their communities.
Further policy changes are proposed to enable repowering schemes where planning impacts “are or can be made acceptable”.
The consultation will run up until 2 March 2023, and forms part of a wider call for feedback on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill.
Commenting on the consultation, Regen Chief Executive Merlin Hyman said: “Regen is pleased to welcome the government’s consultation on relaxing the planning rules for onshore wind development. Onshore wind has a critical role in accelerating the UK’s path to net zero emissions. Without the current planning barriers, we would have more onshore wind turbines, cheaper power and lower carbon emissions.
“Our view is that local ownership and engagement is vital to the success of onshore wind development to ensure communities are not only engaged in the decision-making process but can benefit from wind farms in their local area.
“We know there is overwhelming public support for renewables and onshore wind, and Regen has long been a strong advocate for local ownership models and shared benefits schemes. We look forward to participating in the consultation and bringing in the voices of our members in the next few weeks.”