The government has committed to a technical consultation seeking views on how local authorities can demonstrate local support when considering onshore wind development in England.
The changes to decision-making proposed in the consultation, which could reverse a de facto ban on onshore wind introduced by David Cameron, follow "positive engagement with MPs".
More than 30 Tory backbenchers led by Simon Clarke had threatened to rebel against the levelling up and regeneration bill going though Parliament unless the ban was lifted.
If agreed local authorities will continue to make decisions on onshore wind sites, a change that came into force in 2016. Previously, they were considered under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Planning (NSIP) regime.
Nevertheless planning permission would be dependent on a project being able to demonstrate local support. Applications should "satisfactorily" address any impacts identified by the local community.
Pledging the consultation, the government explained that local authorities would need to demonstrate their support for certain areas as being suitable for onshore wind, rather than the "rigid requirements" for sites to be designated in local plans.
The proposal also commits to making sure that "strong environmental protections first brought in by the government in 2015 remain", so landscapes such as national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and the green belt are protected.
Views will also be sought on how the planning system can support communities to have a say on the necessary infrastructure to connect wind farms to the grid and encourage the upgrading of existing wind farm sites.
The government said it will launch the consultation by Christmas and it will conclude by the end of April 2023.
Renewable UK's CEO Dan McGrail said: "Lifting the de facto ban will mean we can generate more cheap power to help hard-pressed bill payers and cut our dependence on gas. Creating a level playing-field for onshore wind will boost our energy security while ensuring there is local support for new projects, and we look forward to working with government and communities on the detail of a new approach".
"Backing onshore wind is one of the best solutions to the energy crisis, as projects can be up and running within a year of getting planning permission. Growing the UK’s onshore wind capacity could add £45 billion to our economy, grow our domestic renewable supply chain and support the competitiveness of British business".
Andy Fewings, partner of renewable energy at Bidwells, commented: "England has a potential for a booming onshore wind sector and that’s why investors have been lining up to support the industry for years".
"The requirement to demonstrate local support will be key for projects. Whilst this still gives onshore wind development in England a higher bar to achieve consent, it will be at the forefront of the minds of landowners as they choose developers to work with going forward".
For more information on this subject, see:
Government to launch consultation on local support on onshore wind
