Wind power generation project approval

Will large wind farms be considered nationally significant infrastructure projects?

While plans still need to be implemented, Labour intends to consult on whether large wind farms will be considered nationally significant infrastructure projects. If this occurs, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband would essentially sign off large-scale projects instead of local councils.

Should big onshore wind projects be treated as 'nationally significant'?

Instead, big onshore wind projects should be treated as "nationally significant", the National Infrastructure Commission said. This would allow major schemes to bypass local planning requirements. There has been an effective moratorium on onshore wind development since 2016.

Will new onshore wind farms need planning permission?

Government is seeking to achieve this by removing new onshore wind farms above 50MW from the consenting regimes in the Planning Act 2008 and the Electricity Act 1989. The effect of this will be that new applications for onshore wind farms in England and Wales will need to apply for planning permission through the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Will the UK see a surge in wind farms in 2024?

Labour’s July 2024 announcement that removes restrictions on onshore turbine planning, it’s hoped that this step in the right direction toward clean energy in the UK will see a surge in operational wind farms over the next several years.

How can wind energy development be permitted?

Footnotes to paragraph 163 (no longer apply) 57 (no longer applies) Wind energy development involving one or more turbines can also be permitted through Local Development Orders, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.

Should onshore wind farms be considered 'nationally significant'?

Future planning decisions about large onshore wind farms should be taken out of the hands of local authorities in England and Wales, government advisors have said. Instead, big onshore wind projects should be treated as "nationally significant", the National Infrastructure Commission said.