Rural councils compelled to approve more wind and solar farms under new planning rules

Under the revised National Planning Policy Framework, local authorities must actively support projects that contribute to renewable and low-carbon energy production. This shift means councils that reject such proposals will face the risk of expensive legal appeals, which developers are likely to win, making it increasingly difficult for local authorities to block these developments.

Angela Rayner's planning overhaul is expected to pave the way for large-scale wind farm developments across England, similar to those already seen in Scotland and Wales, but with the potential for much larger machines than previously used.

The changes come on the heels of Scotland's recent approval of the tallest wind turbines in the UK, standing over 823 feet tall, and Labour's decision to lift the ban on onshore wind farms in England.

While the guidelines still allow councillors on planning committees to refuse projects, any rejections are expected to be challenged and likely overturned on appeal.

Read at Business Matters