Planning reforms outlined by Government are essential for Britain’s energy security

Commenting on the proposals, RenewableUK’s Environmental Policy Analyst Juliette Webb said: “We’re pleased that Ministers across four Government departments have recognised our key recommendations to reform the planning process as a matter of urgency, to enable much-needed renewable energy projects to go ahead faster. The current planning system moves at a glacial pace – it can take four or five years to get approval for an offshore wind farm. If we’re to cut people’s energy bills, boost Britain’s energy security and meet our net zero target, the Government must reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and streamline the way the system works to make it more agile and responsive.      

“In particular, it’s good to see that Ministers have listened to industry on the need for early and meaningful engagement between project developers and the statutory bodies we work with, and a commitment to scale up the resources required within the planning system to make it work more efficiently, as this will enable us to deliver critical renewable infrastructure.

“It’s also important to preserve safeguards which protect wildlife and ensure that the views of local communities are given due weight during the planning process. As responsible developers, we only build projects in the right areas, in places where there is community support for them. The Government’s proposals make it clear that the right balance will be struck to ensure that projects will only go ahead when those safeguards have been met, and we fully support this environmentally sensitive approach”.