New rules will allow businesses to install small wind turbines

New government proposals will allow commercial businesses and public sector organisations to install one onshore wind turbine up to 30 metres in height, without submitting planning proposals.

Currently, permitted development rights for onshore wind in England apply only to small domestic turbines with strict height and size limits.

The new proposals would extend these rights to non-domestic premises, making it faster and simpler for organisations to generate clean electricity on site where key siting and safety conditions are met.  The government said:

Until now, planning regulations and high planning costs have stopped many small wind projects before they began – even where they made clear financial sense. Removing this barrier gives organisations certainty to invest, while keeping strong safeguards to protect landscapes and local communities.”

The proposals come as the government publishes its first ever land use framework – which it says shows decisively that land can be multifunctional for food production, clean energy, food security and nature restoration, supporting farmers to diversify and remain profitable in the face of extreme weather and market shocks.

The government noted that onshore wind is one of the cheapest and quickest energy technologies to build, and so the removal of the planning barriers will allow a range of property owners, from farmers to schools trusts to factories to install onsite power to protect themselves against volatile fossil fuel markets.

The move follows recent announcements of  Great British Energy funding for rooftop solar for schools and hospitals.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

By allowing farmers, schools and businesses to build a single small onshore wind turbine – no larger than an oak tree – without planning permission, we are giving them the tools to lower their bills and make the best use of their land.