The onshore wind turbines of Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm in Romney Marsh, United Kingdom. Enviornmental campaigners have welcomed Labour’s decision to lift the Tories’ ban on new onshore wind developments.
In one of the new government’s first acts, the department for energy and net zero confirmed that future projects will be treated in the same way as other planning applications.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: “The onshore wind ban has been in place for more than nine years. We’ve been in government 72 hours, we’ve lifted it.
“That’s the pace we’re going to move at. We’ve got to become a clean energy superpower for energy independence, to cut bills, to create good jobs and tackle the climate crisis. We’re getting on with it.”
The onshore wind ban has been in place for 9 years.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) July 8, 2024
We've been in government for 72 hours, we've lifted it.
That's the pace we're going to move at. pic.twitter.com/Hd2B1q8oE2
Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said: “By ending the onshore wind ban in England, Labour is making an important stride towards delivering on our climate goals, while also paving the way for lower bills, as renewables produce some of the cheapest and cleanest energy available.
“By harnessing the country’s vast renewable power potential, the new government is staking its claim as a global leader in the green energy transition.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the change as she also announced major changes to the planning system to allow the building of more homes as part of the government’s moves to boost economic growth.
