Joining up the dots, this appears to mark a turning point for renewable energy and the planning system, as the new administration looks to meet its manifesto pledges, including zero-carbon power by 2030 and reform of the planning system.
This won’t be an easy task, when the consequence of delivering these ambitions will be a network of pylons, underground and undersea cables as currently proposed across parts of the UK. Nearly 20 windfarms are planned or are already functioning off the East Coast, with National Grid already raising concerns about the capacity of the grid in East Anglia to distribute the renewable energy that will be connected to it by 2030. In response plans to build 112-mile-long power line from Norwich to Tilbury in Essex is currently out for consultation, which is attracting opposition from campaigners, local councils and some MPs about whether this is the best solution to transfer the renewable energy coming ashore.
So, what can we expect next? Following the above-mentioned Policy Statement taking effect from the 8th July, further changes are anticipated under an upcoming update to the NPPF. Further reform is expected to support renewable energy development, including large onshore wind projects under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime.
We are also to expect a revised National Policy Statement in due course. The hope is that alongside the clear intent, we will get clear and precise policy and guidance to ensure that the planning system supports nationally critical energy infrastructure from NSIP’s down to local level decisions.
What needs to happen next?
Fundamentally, we need a revised NPPF and supporting guidance that properly reflect the principles of current/future National Policy Statements with a clear intent and clarity on achieving sustainable development through the delivery of energy infrastructure. This must include clear hooks and or criteria on the weighting in decision making for such development, thus avoiding unnecessary delays and expense on appeals and call ins.
To be clear, renewable energy and essential supporting energy infrastructure takes time to plan and deliver. If we are to truly rely on these objectives for energy security and carbon zero power by 2030, the planning system needs to be supportive and clear to avoid obstacles, not add them. However, let’s not be naïve, we also need transparency and buy in to enable communities to understand and support these objectives, which as ever will be the hardest task.
