Labour to allow 30m wind turbines at schools and hospitals in planning shake-up

"Under the proposed changes, ministers will extend permitted development rights, currently limited largely to domestic properties, to cover non-domestic sites including public sector buildings and commercial premises."

"A turbine of this size can generate up to 50 kilowatts of power, which the government says is sufficient to meet the full electricity demand of a medium-sized farm or significantly offset consumption at sites such as schools and hospitals."

"Energy minister Michael Shanks said the reforms would give organisations 'the tools to lower their bills and make the best use of their land', describing onshore wind as one of the cheapest and quickest forms of energy to deploy."

"Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader and energy spokesman, described the move as 'intrusive', accusing the government of weakening planning protections in pursuit of its net zero agenda."

Labour proposes allowing wind turbines up to 30 meters tall at non-domestic sites like schools and hospitals without full planning permission. This change aims to extend permitted development rights beyond domestic properties, enabling organizations to generate their own electricity and mitigate energy costs. Current regulations limit turbine heights for homes, but the new framework would allow larger installations, capable of generating significant power. Energy minister Michael Shanks emphasizes the reforms as a means to lower bills and enhance energy resilience amid global price volatility, despite criticism from opposition and rural groups.

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