WINDS OF CHANGE PUT ONSHORE TURBINES BACK ON THE AGENDA FOR ENGLISH LANDOWNERS
After seven years of planning restrictions, onshore wind in England could soon be back on the agenda thanks to a surprise announcement in the Chancellor’s mini budget on 23rd September stating as part of the Government’s Growth Plan of measures to “bring onshore wind planning policy in line with other infrastructure”.
The announcement blindsided the renewable energy sector despite recent pressure to roll back a 2015 intervention by David Cameron’s government that effectively killed the chances of projects winning consent. The proposed policy shift will rewire National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) guidance on how local authorities in England treat wind farm applications.
As a result, landowners and farmers in England who have previously been advised that turbines are not an option are now being encouraged to reconsider their potential, with the energy source likely to be seen as playing an important role in the UK’s efforts to achieve carbon net zero status.
Since 2015, National Planning Policy has stipulated that unless an application for one or more wind turbines is located in an area identified as suitable for wind technology and receives local support, the application will be refused. As such, developers have not been prepared to take that risk, so since 2015, onshore wind has all but ceased in England with a 97% drop in the number of turbines awarded planning permission in England between the years of 2016 and 2021 compared to between 2009 and 2014.
With this proposed change in policy, it’s likely we are now going to see more developers approaching landowners to secure their land for a potential wind development.
There are other practical considerations for farmers and estate owners to bear in mind. A good grid connection is always a necessity for any energy scheme. Access is key, but many challenges can now be overcome with the use of specialist equipment. There are also limitations on potential locations. Applications in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will struggle to secure planning consent and a buffer zone from nearby residential properties is necessary as well as a high average wind speed being needed.
The popular Feed-in Tariff scheme closed to new applicants in 2019, therefore developers will focus on larger developments that can generate a profit whilst being subsidy-free.
If farmers and landowners have previously written off wind turbines as a diversification option, it would be worth reviewing their position in light of this recent announcement. We are aware of developers proactively contacting landowners with a view to earmarking sites and it is important that anyone who is approached takes advice from an agent like Carter Jonas with knowledge of the market and an understanding of the value of sites.
Contact Martin Williams, Associate Partner in the Energy team for advice via martin.williams@carterjonas.co.uk.
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