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ARTICLE · 02 OCTOBER 2023

Onshore Wind And Planning Policy Changes

Walker Morris
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Planning policy changes introduced in 2015 required the backing of the local community for wind energy development, so that in effect an objection from just one person could prevent...

United KingdomEnergy and Natural Resources
Richard Sagar
Richard Sagar
Paul Dinning
Paul Dinning

“Planning policy changes made with immediate effect aim to make it easier for onshore wind projects to be developed. Local authorities will in theory have more flexibility to assess the impact of onshore wind developments, but community support will still be required.“

Onshore wind: A 'win' for developers?

Planning policy changes introduced in 2015 required the backing of the local community for wind energy development, so that in effect an objection from just one person could prevent an onshore wind development. Following a written ministerial statement from Michael Gove, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has updated the onshore wind development policies in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)1. The changes are designed to make it easier for onshore wind development sites to be approved. Going forward, local authorities will potentially have more flexibility. In addition to allocating sites in a Development plan, the

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