Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 36
36
Accepted
Paragraph: 131
Planning system design inadequate for balancing local concerns with electricity infrastructure rollout
Conclusion
Despite recent reforms to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime in respect of energy infrastructure and to the National Planning Policy Framework, we are not convinced that the current design of the planning system is adequate to balance local concerns and interests against the need for rapid rollout of electricity infrastructure.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the importance of supporting renewables infrastructure and states it will accelerate delivery through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, consult on extra measures in the NPPF, and introduce future standards for new homes to boost clean energy.
Paragraph Reference:
131
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Government agrees with the importance of supporting the delivery of new renewables infrastructure. Therefore, through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the Government will accelerate infrastructure delivery by streamlining the delivery process for critical infrastructure including accelerating upgrades to the electricity grid and boosting renewable energy, which will benefit local communities, unlock delivery of our 2030 clean power mission and net zero obligations, and secure domestic energy security. The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should have a positive strategy in place to promote energy from renewable and low carbon sources. As part of plans to triple solar power and reintroduce onshore wind, we are consulting on extra measures in the National Planning Policy Framework that highlight the importance of renewable energy generation to our clean energy ambitions. We have also consulted on revising planning policy to increase the threshold for larger solar projects in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Regime. Government has recently confirmed that new homes and buildings will, where appropriate, play an important role in the drive for solar, delivering cleaner energy and lower bills to millions of households and businesses. Future standards next year will set our new homes and buildings on a path that moves away from relying on volatile fossil fuels and ensures they are fit for a net zero future. Government has also consulted on extra measures in the National Planning Policy Framework, which governs the planning applications of smaller projects, which highlight the importance of solar power to our clean energy ambitions.