Ministers survey whether to permit the construction of wind farms if local communities provide their permission.
The government has reversed its ban on the onshore wind by stating that turbines could be constructed provided local populations accept the projects.
The Department for Levelling Up has launched a consultation to examine how councils can “show local support and respond to community feedback when considering onshore wind development in England.”
And if residents agree to the installation of wind farms, their energy costs might be reduced as well.
David Cameron effectively prohibited onshore wind farms when he removed them from the government’s green energy subsidies.
And when asked about his opinion during the summer Tory leadership contest, current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated that he supported the prohibition.
Since he assumed power, however, there has been a growing revolt on the Tory benches demanding that it be lifted.
Around thirty-five members of parliament, including former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, endorsed an amendment to the Levelling Up Bill proposed by former housing secretary Simon Clarke to permit the development of new onshore wind farms in England.
Others in the party, though, reportedly wrote to Mr. Sunak urging him to maintain the prohibition.
The law is expected back in the Commons the following week, and the government has already altered its 300,000-per-year mandated house-building objective to assure its passage.
Michael Gove, secretary for Levelling Up, stated in a letter to members of parliament that the government “recognizes the diversity of views” within the party, but added, “We believe that decisions on the onshore wind are best made by local representatives who know their areas best and are accountable democratically.”
Positive engagement with legislators
According to a statement from the department, “planning approval would be contingent on a project’s ability to demonstrate local support and adequately resolve any concerns identified by the local community.
“Local authorities would also be required to demonstrate their support for some locations as suited for onshore wind, moving away from rigorous requirements for sites to be specified in local plans,” the document continued.
In addition, the government stated that some safeguards would remain in place; for instance, National Parks and the Green Belt would remain turbine-free.
As part of the consultation, however, the government would “ask comments on building local partnerships for supporting communities, so that those who choose to host new onshore wind technology may reap the benefits of doing so, such as cheaper energy bills.”
According to the statement, the policy choice resulted from “good engagement with MPs.”
And rebellion leader Mr. Clarke stated that he was “very glad” to see a “reasonable resolution” struck on the matter.
Campaigners and energy companies also applauded the U-turn, with Octopus Energy stating that the elimination of “red tape” would assist reduce the United Kingdom’s reliance on fossil fuels.
However, Labour’s Lisa Nandy accused ministers of being “in office but without authority”, stating, “Fresh from caving to their MPs on housing goals, they are now being put into this situation because they are too weak to withstand another backbench rebellion.
“We will need to see the details, but if it leaves in place a very restrictive system for onshore wind – the cheapest and cleanest type of energy – it will continue to deprive Britain of cheaper energy prices and enhanced energy security during an energy crisis.”
Wera Hobhouse, a Liberal Democrat member of parliament, stated that the government had “dragged their feet for years” about the issue, but questioned if the U-turn went far enough.
She stated, “Even this U-turn would make it far too difficult to launch onshore wind projects.” “Renewable energy companies will be required to jump through hoops, risking the continuation of a de facto ban on onshore wind.
Why is it that this Conservative administration is perpetually behind the curve on climate action?
The consultation on modifications to the National Planning Policy Framework will begin this month and end in April 2023.
