Breaking Barriers: The Return of Onshore Wind

A Turning Point For Onshore Wind In England

After nearly a decade of restrictions, England is finally reopening the door to onshore wind. On 4 July 2025, the Labour government announced a sweeping reform that ends the effective ban on new onshore wind developments in England. This policy reversal not only removes key planning barriers but also signals a significant shift in the UK’s commitment to affordable and sustainable energy. In this blog, we unpack what changed, why it matters, and what needs to happen next.

Planning Policies That Stalled Progress

In 2015, the government introduced subtle but powerful changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that made it nearly impossible to build new onshore wind farms in England. By requiring developments to be located in sites designated in local plans and to have “community backing,” the government imposed two conditions that rarely aligned. The impact was dramatic: planning approvals for onshore wind in England fell by 97% compared with the previous six years, effectively grinding development to a halt south of the Scottish border. The restrictions reflected political tensions within the governmental party, where support for renewables often clashed with concerns over local opposition and landscape aesthetics.

A Change In The Wind

While the previous government softened these restrictions slightly in 2023, introducing a vague “broad community support” clause, it did little to reinvigorate the market. Developers still faced complex approval pathways and inconsistent local policies. However, that changed in July 2025. The newly elected government party, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, removed both of the restrictive NPPF footnotes that had limited development. Onshore wind is now treated like any other energy infrastructure, and large-scale projects may soon be routed through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) system to streamline planning even further.

Ambitious Targets for 2030

This policy reform isn’t just about removing red tape — it’s tied to a much bigger goal. The government aims to more than double the UK’s onshore wind capacity to 35 gigawatts by 2030, up from the current 16 GW. For context, the UK has a total wind power capacity of around 30 GW, split between offshore (15 GW) and onshore. The new target acknowledges that onshore wind is one of the cheapest, fastest ways to generate clean electricity. It also reflects strong public backing: surveys show around 75% of the UK population support onshore wind developments.

Lessons From Scotland And Europe

While England’s wind market stagnated under the ban, Scotland pressed ahead. Over 90% of all new UK onshore wind capacity since 2016 was developed in Scotland, where planning laws remained supportive. This divergence highlights just how damaging the English restrictions were to national progress. Across Europe, countries with simplified planning laws and active community benefit schemes have also seen steady onshore wind growth. England now has the chance to catch up, but doing so will require more than regulatory change.

Challenges Ahead: More Than Just Planning

Despite the policy breakthrough, several challenges still threaten to slow momentum. First and foremost is the need for substantial grid upgrades. Connecting new wind farms to the grid requires significant infrastructure investment and coordination. Second, community engagement will be crucial. While public support is generally high, individual projects can still encounter local resistance if not managed with care. Developers must offer local benefit schemes, such as reduced bills or community investment funds, to secure long-term trust.

There’s also the opportunity to re-power ageing wind farms. Many early-generation turbines are reaching the end of their operational lives. Replacing them with modern, higher-capacity models could dramatically boost output without requiring new land. Lastly, policy consistency is vital. Investors need clear, long-term signals that the UK is serious about its renewable commitments, not just for this parliament, but for the decades to come.

The Future Of Onshore Wind Starts Now

The lifting of England’s onshore wind ban marks a turning point in the UK’s energy journey. With clear policy direction, ambitious targets, and overwhelming public support, the stage is set for a new era of clean, affordable power generation. But the work doesn’t end with removing red tape. Real progress will depend on smart planning, community collaboration, grid investment and a stable political environment. If delivered well, this shift could be a defining moment in the UK’s journey to net zero — and a win for both the economy and the environment.