Why the Planning Process is failing to deliver government renewable energy generation targets

June 25th 2008

In 1999 the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities first identified that the planning process is a “grave hindrance to achieving the necessary growth in renewables”. Nearly ten years on and nothing has changed – the planning system still remains the most significant barrier to achieving the delivery of wind energy.

The Problem – Bureaucracy

Two thirds of all wind projects are refused by District Councils at the planning stage, and two thirds of all appeals are upheld by the government – a lot of bad decisions being overturned, eventually. And wind energy is the only major generation source that depends for planning on District Councils – the government deals with all others for very good reasons. District councils are not up to the job, on the whole. Local authorities routinely abdicate from the decision making process, refusing applications on unjustified and spurious grounds; placing undue weight on objections from vociferous ill informed minorities; making little attempt to understand the issues and resolve conflicts.

The actions of local authorities have resulted in years of unnecessary delays, cost council tax payers tens of thousands of pounds, and prevented the generation of millions of kilowatt hours of renewable electricity.

Dale challenged Adair Turner over the problems with planning on the BBC Radio 4’s PM show. Listen to it here.