Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about planning permission for onshore wind.
Protecting the beauty and local amenity of our countryside is something I consider with the utmost importance. At the same time, I recognise the need to boost our national capacity for renewable energy albeit that as set out above, there have been very considerable improvements made over recent years in the amount of our energy which is generated from renewable sources.
The Government has introduced changes to the planning system in England so planning permission for onshore wind would depend upon a project commanding local support and being able to satisfactorily address any impacts identified by the local community. These changes were consulted upon earlier this year.
I appreciate that there are a range of views on onshore wind, which is why I agree with Ministers that local authorities - who know their areas best - are best placed to make decisions on onshore wind. Under the new planning measures, it will be possible to take forward onshore wind projects where they can demonstrate local support and address planning impacts identified by the community. I understand that local authorities will be able to more flexibly address the planning impact of onshore wind projects as identified by local communities, with further government guidance set to be published on this.
The Government has been clear that local areas that support hosting onshore wind should directly benefit. A separate consultation has been held on proposals for improved rewards and benefits to be offered to communities backing onshore wind farms, including potential energy bill discounts. I understand that the responses received are being thoroughly analysed and the consultation outcome is expected later this year.
It is encouraging to know that renewable energies fuelled 42 per cent of the UK’s electricity generation in 2022, up from seven per cent in 2010. Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective electricity generating technologies and an important part of our energy mix, so I welcome the Government's action to ensure onshore wind projects supported by local people can be approved more quickly.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
