The Government will relax restrictions on building onshore wind farms in England, with an existing rule that requires new turbines to be built on pre-designated land to be scrapped.

Current planning rules mean that turbines must be build onshore on land specifically identified for development in the land-use plans drawn up by local councils. This will now be considerably relaxed, although any new onshore wind farm will be subject to approval and local consultation.

Responding to the announcement, RenewableUK’s CEO Dan McGrail said: “Lifting the de facto ban will mean we can generate more cheap power to help hard-pressed billpayers and cut our dependence on gas. Creating a level playing-field for onshore wind will boost our energy security while ensuring there is local support for new projects, and we look forward to working with Government and communities on the detail of a new approach.”

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