It is great news for the Renewable Energy Industry as the Government has announced the lifting of the onshore restrictions in England, removing barriers for the country to achieve its decarbonisation goals.
More details on the Government’s onshore wind announcement are available here.
What has changed?
There are two main changes:
- The Government has made an immediate change to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to remove footnotes which have restricted onshore wind energy development in England, the changes will be included in an upcoming update to the NPPF.
- Additional changes are proposed to ensure wider support for renewable energy development and this will include a consultation to consider large onshore wind energy proposals under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process, with the aim of reducing determination periods and speeding up the delivery of new projects.
What does the lifting of the onshore wind ban in England mean for Developers?
The changes, once fully implemented, are expected to significantly reduce consenting risks for onshore wind projects in England. A number of developers have already been looking into new sites in England in anticipation that a new Government would likely make policy updates. With minimal onshore wind development taking place since 2016, the English market represents a relatively untapped resource compared to the more mature markets in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How can TNEI help?
TNEI has worked on 400+ onshore wind projects in England. We can provide expertise in the following areas:
- Feasibility assessments;
- Environmental Impact Assessments (and specialist coordination);
- Planning and consenting;
- Shadow flicker assessments;
- Noise assessments;
- Socio economic assessments;
- Onshore wind farm design and project management;
- Grid connection studies; and,
- Power systems studies.
If you are looking for assistance with your projects please contact us.
