Specialists comment on Ed Miliband's decision to scrap the ban on onshore wind farms
The UK Government has announced a significant policy shift, lifting the ban on onshore wind turbines in England to support renewable energy development and help meet climate targets. This move reflects a growing commitment to expanding wind power as part of the country's clean energy strategy.
The revised planning policy for onshore wind farms removes previous restrictions, allowing these facilities to be built without the need for inclusion in local development plans. Onshore wind is now on the same footing as other energy developments under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Frank Elsworth, Head of UK Onshore Development at Vattenfall, welcomed the decision, expressing the need for speeding up consent processes and securing enough capacity through the annual Contracts for Difference auctions. Renewable UK's Head of Policy, James Robottom, also welcomed the removal of the onshore wind ban.
However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie criticised the policy, calling it an attack on the countryside and expressing concerns about farmland and food security. Former Conservative MP for South Thanet, Craig Mackinlay, signed a letter encouraging the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to keep the ban, citing concerns about expanding intermittency of power and food production in a country with limited land.
The industry reaction towards the removal of the ban for onshore wind farms has been widely positive. Octopus Energy CEO Zoisa North-Bond praised the decision, stating it will boost UK-wide investments in renewable energy. North-Bond suggested that the government should enable zonal pricing for energy to slash bills and unlock investment in new renewables.
The UK Climate Change Committee recommends increasing the existing 15GW supply of onshore wind capacity to 35GW by 2035. The ultimate aim for the onshore wind ban reversal is to help generate more renewable energy in the UK, contributing to the country's ambitious climate goals.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced ending the absurd ban on new onshore wind in England and consulting on bringing it back into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime. The removal of the de facto onshore wind ban, in place for nine years, by the new Labour Government is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future for England.
