Policy Statement on onshore Wind

Following Labour’s rise to government after the general election, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced a key series of reforms centred around stability, investment, and reform.

These proposals aim to kickstart economic growth and improve living standards through increased infrastructure. A key step outlined by Reeves was the government’s announcement to lift the ban on onshore wind development.

Since 2020, only two onshore wind turbines have been built. Labour has since reformed the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to end the de facto ban on onshore wind turbines to secure clean energy, tackle climate change, and reduce energy bills. Where wind farm development could be halted by local objections, decisions on large developments will now be taken at a national level.

Data on energy trends based upon the UK’s renewables sector has evidenced England’s onshore wind capacity has remained at a standstill since 2017, producing just over 3000 megawatts (MW)[1], compared to Germany who deliver an output or over 61,000 MW.

Key points from the Policy Statement:

• Takes effect from the 8^th of July 2024;
• The government is committed to doubling the amount of onshore wind energy by 2030;
• Amending the NPPF through the removal of the Planning Policy Test set out in footnotes 57 and 58 to paragraph 163 of NPPF. Effectively removing the higher threshold that existed for onshore wind applications and equalises the requirements against other energy development proposals by disapplying Local Development orders, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Right to Build Orders in relation to the development of wind energy.
• Empowers local communities to participate in decision making on local infrastructure projects

Overall, the government’s reforms prioritise restoring cleaner energy and freeing the public purse for more private sector investment. Following the policy statement taking effect, there will be confirmation by the government on its position during the State Opening of Parliament, an update to the NPPF and reform to the Community Benefits Protocol on Onshore Wind in England.

Steve Gummer is a Partner and Aakash Vadher is a Paralegal at Sharpe Pritchard LLP.

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