Statement from Darren Edwards, Head of Sustainable Energy at leading consultancy Fisher German

Given the fact that onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of renewable energy, the Government's decision to relax, what was in effect a ban on onshore windfarm projects in England, has been welcomed by many," commented Darren Edwards, Head of Sustainable Energy, Fisher German.

"However, there is a question as to whether these changes go far enough. Planning rules still require new onshore wind turbines to be in 'suitable areas' in planning policy documents, although with most authorities not having pinpointed such areas, they can now also be identified through supplementary planning documents. Also, it is unclear how much or little opposition is needed to prevent new turbines from obtaining planning permission as community support remains a requirement.

"In what was a key opportunity for the Government to enhance our national energy security and move us closer to achieving our 2050 Net Zero ambitions by fully re-opening the door to onshore wind, they have failed to fully grease the hinges meaning the door will continue to stick. Given how long it has taken for the planned change to come forward and the amount of pressure it required to trigger it, in many respects it is disappointing, but nevertheless it is definitely a step in the right direction.

"As a firm, we have been involved in the UK wind sector for over 20 years, from single turbines for self-supply to expansive developments of hundreds of megawatts to power cities. We know that there remains an appetite from landowners to diversify and host wind turbines and that they are happy to work with their local communities to do so. With public attitudes towards renewable energy generally having changed markedly in response to increasingly severe weather events driven by climate change, now the emphasis really is on finding 'suitable areas'.

"According to the University of the West of England, between 2016 and 2021 there was a 97% decrease in planning permissions granted for onshore wind turbines. That is the scale of the challenge previous legislation put in front of us. The new announcement should help somewhat but clearly it remains to be seen how effective it will be.

"If deployment for onshore wind can return to anywhere near pre-2016 levels, it will only help the ongoing transition away from fossil fuels and build on the 40% contribution renewable energy made to electricity supplies last year. This can only help in the fight to combat those severe weather events.

"As a business, we have actively been supporting our clients in Wales and Scotland with their new onshore wind projects in recent times, so we hope to get involved in more new projects in England once again, off the back of this announcement."