- Farmers, factories and schools as well as
public sector organisations could soon be able to
install small onshore wind turbines in England without
needing to apply for planning permission
-
Proposals would enable farmers, businesses and
schools to reduce their bills, while protecting
them against volatile fossil fuel markets
- Another landmark step in delivering the clean power
mission and reviving the onshore wind industry, after years
of neglect under the de facto ban in England
Farmers, schools and manufacturers could soon cut their
energy bills by installing small onshore wind turbines without
needing planning permission.
New government proposals today (Wednesday
18 March) would allow businesses and public sector
organisations to install one turbine up to 30
metres – no bigger than an oak tree –
without submitting planning proposals, making it faster
and cheaper to generate clean power on site.
Until now, planning regulations and high planning costs
have stopped many small wind projects before they began - even
where they made clear financial sense. Removing this barrier
gives organisations certainty to invest, while keeping strong
safeguards to protect landscapes and local communities.
Proposals come as the government publishes its first ever land
use framework - which shows decisively that land can be
multifunctional for food production, clean energy,
food security and nature restoration, supporting
farmers to diversify and remain profitable in the face of extreme
weather and market shocks.
The current conflict in the Middle East shows the only route to
energy sovereignty for the UK is to end its dependence on fossil
fuel markets and accelerate the transition to clean homegrown
power.
Onshore wind is one of the cheapest and quickest energy
technologies to build, and by removing barriers, the
government will help farmers, schools and
factories to build the clean homegrown power that they need
to protect themselves against volatile fossil fuel
markets.
The proposals follow the government securing the largest onshore
wind project in England for a decade during
its record-breaking renewables auction, after
years of neglect, and at a cost far lower than new gas
power stations.
Energy Minister said:
By allowing farmers, schools and
businesses to build a single small onshore wind turbine – no
larger than an oak tree – without planning permission, we are
giving them the tools to lower their bills and make the best use
of their land.
In the midst of uncertain global markets, the only way
for households and businesses to
have certainty is to invest in clean homegrown
power such as onshore wind, one of the
cheapest and quickest forms of energy to
build.
This also comes as Great British Energy and the government
through their rooftop solar scheme save up to an estimated
combined £220 million for around 250 schools and colleges over
the lifetime of the solar panels, taking pressure off finances
and securing more money to be reinvested in classrooms.
Currently, permitted development rights for onshore
wind in England apply only to small domestic turbines with strict
height and size limits.
The new proposals would extend these rights to non-domestic
premises, making it faster and simpler for organisations to
generate clean electricity on site where key siting and safety
conditions are met.
