Responding to today's Written Ministerial Statement loosening planning restrictions for new onshore wind in England, Sam Hall, Director of the Conservative Environment Network, commented:
"Today’s announcement is a positive step towards unblocking new onshore wind in England. It significantly loosens the two planning tests created in 2015 that have acted as a de facto ban. Although not a full normalisation as some have called for, these revised tests open the door to new onshore wind investment in England, which will reduce consumer bills, emissions, and gas imports. The new policy also provides reassurance to communities that they won’t have schemes imposed on them and ensures residents can benefit financially from hosting this infrastructure."