'A very positive signal': Sunak set to U-turn on wind and solar planning rules

James Murray
clock • 9 min read
'A very positive signal': Sunak set to U-turn on wind and solar planning rules

Government promises consultation on easing planning restrictions on onshore wind farms, as Environment Secretary reveals proposed blanket ban on solar projects on farmland to be shelved – but critics warn 'we will need to see the detail'

Rishi Sunak is set to perform a major U-turn on controversial planning restrictions for onshore wind and solar farms, in a move that could help unleash billions of pounds of new investment and significantly...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Wind

Wind and solar power delivered record share of UK electricity in 2025

Wind and solar power delivered record share of UK electricity in 2025

New government figures confirm renewable electricity from wind, solar, and biomass accounted for record 52.5 per cent share of UK power mix last year

Michael Holder
clock 02 April 2026 • 4 min read
Plans advance for Port Talbot floating offshore wind hub

Plans advance for Port Talbot floating offshore wind hub

Associated British Ports agrees terms with government for funding support to help deliver new port infrastructure

James Murray
clock 27 March 2026 • 3 min read
Crown Estate unveils plans for 6GW offshore wind leasing round

Crown Estate unveils plans for 6GW offshore wind leasing round

Seabed manager confirms Offshore Wind Leasing Round 6 is scheduled for the first half of 2027, but conservationists fear adverse impact on seabird populations

James Murray
clock 27 March 2026 • 4 min read