New Labour government overturns Tory onshore wind restrictions
In a major shift in energy policy, the new Labour government has announced the removal of significant barriers to onshore wind development in England. The changes were outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who described the previous Tory government’s restrictions on onshore wind as “absurd”.
The Tories had implemented a de facto ban on onshore wind since 2015, making it much more difficult for new projects to be approved. Reeves stated that the government would now look at options to bring onshore wind development under the umbrella of the nationally significant infrastructure planning regime, meaning decisions would be made at a national rather than local level.
A key change is that onshore wind will now be treated the same as other energy developments in the planning process, removing the additional “community support” test that was previously required. This had often been interpreted to mean that any local opposition would block a project. The government is also doubling its target for onshore wind capacity by 2030, removing the restrictions that were in place under the Conservatives. Planning policy will be updated to place onshore wind on equal footing with other energy developments in the National Planning Policy Framework.
There will also be a consultation on bringing larger onshore wind projects into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime, allowing for quicker decision-making. Meanwhile, local communities will continue to play an essential role and will be empowered to participate in decisions on local renewable energy infrastructure. An update to the Community Benefits Protocol for Onshore Wind in England will also be published shortly.
The change in policy has been broadly welcomed by the energy sector and environmental groups.
RenewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail
“Lifting the onshore wind ban in England was long overdue and we’re delighted that Labour has made this one of its first priorities in office. This shows that the new government is determined to act fast to tackle some of the longstanding barriers which have held the UK back on developing vital new clean energy infrastructure. Public support for onshore wind remains sky-high throughout the UK at 78% according to the latest official polling, as billpayers know that new wind farms provide electricity at very low cost, as well as strengthening our energy security and tackling climate change.”
Energy UK’s chief executive Emma Pinchbeck:
“It’s excellent to see the new government prioritise planning reforms as a key enabler for economic growth and enhancing our energy security. Unblocking the planning system, removing the de-facto ban to double onshore wind and ensuring adequate resourcing for planning authorities are crucial steps the industry has long been calling for, and a cross-sector view of infrastructure requirements will be essential for the supply chain and skills development. The government’s commitment to delivering on its manifesto promises is fostering the stable and healthy business environment we’ve been advocating for, creating certainty and clarity for business.”
Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit’s (ECIU) head of energy Jess Ralston:
“British onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of energy available so the ban had in effect been pushing up bills. More onshore wind means gas power stations are needed less often, reducing the UK’s foreign gas dependency as North Sea output continues its inevitable decline. Those who switched their vote from Conservative to Labour or Lib Dem at the election are particularly supportive of onshore wind and solar so this move should certainly chime with them.”
