Avoiding Confrontation: Securing Planning Permission for On-Shore Wind Energy Developments in England: Comments from a Wind Energy Developer

摘要

The Energy White Paper is the first acknowledgement from Government that the planning system is a significant obstacle to the development of renewables in the UK (Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 2003). However, in order to implement reforms and develop best practice to ensure that on-shore wind energy developments contribute to government targets for renewable energy generation, dialogue is needed between all stakeholders. The premise of this paper is therefore to put forward mechanisms to avoid confrontation in the planning system over the suitability of locations for wind turbines. The authors have extensive experience as town planners from both local government and the wind industry and would welcome feedback and comments from readers on the issues and proposals discussed.