
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced today that the Labour government has updated the 'Policy statement on onshore wind,' eliminating footnotes that imposed stringent planning barriers on new onshore wind farms in England. The move aligns onshore wind projects with the planning rules for other infrastructure developments.
This policy change honors Labour’s manifesto promise and effectively reverses the 2015 National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) update that obstructed onshore wind development due to single objections. Critics have long argued that these barriers increased energy costs and weakened energy security.
Dan McGrail, CEO of RenewableUK, praised the decision as "long overdue" and emphasized the commitment of the wind industry to work with local communities. Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade, stressed the need for further planning reforms to expedite infrastructure projects.
The update forms part of a broader planning reform initiative, with Reeves promising a new draft of the NPPF and additional planning officers to streamline critical infrastructure development. Business and environmental groups have widely welcomed the changes, viewing them as essential for advancing the UK's clean energy goals and economic growth.
Mike Childs of Friends of the Earth called the move an "important stride" toward climate goals and lower energy bills. However, the government anticipates opposition from some MPs, local communities, and conservation groups.
Source: businessgreen.com