Wind Energy Planning

Conservative Councils’ Poor Wind Farm Record

Conservative Councils refuse more wind farm planning applications than Labour Councils according to figures released this week.

The Figures on wind farm approvals released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change show that Conservative Councils approved 44.7 megawatts (MW) of onshore wind energy schemes whilst Labour Councils approved 68.3 MW. This is despite the Conservatives controlling the majority of rural Council areas where wind farms in England are usually proposed.

Renewable Energy Projects Could be Pre- Judged under New Conservative Policy

Under proposals by the Conservative party, renewable energy projects could be judged as acceptable or unacceptable before local politicians have the project information before them.
According to Bob Neill – Shadow Planning Minister, the Conservatives would allow local politicians who have voiced premature opinions on planning applications the right to vote on the same [...]

How Does the New Conservative Local Powers Policy Affect Renewable Energy?

UK opposition leader, David Cameron recently unveiled the Conservatives new policy on returning powers to local government. In doing so however he proposes taking away much needed funding provided to local authorities through the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant – a grant that rewards councils for ensuring their district plans are up to date.

The Conservatives argue that their policy paper is about more local control over decision making and funding.