The UK government has released its response to the consultation titled “Developing Local Partnerships for Onshore Wind in England,” revealing a significant level of engagement from stakeholders in London.
According to the government's report, 76 responses were received from various stakeholders, encompassing developers, operators, suppliers, legal and consultancy services (36%), local government bodies (21%), as well as public and commercial representatives including charities (21%).
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A majority of respondents expressed support for the proposals put forth by the government, signaling its intent to advance these initiatives. Feedback from stakeholders also highlighted the need for clearer communication regarding the expectations surrounding the community benefits process.
Ana Musat, executive director of policy at RenewableUK, emphasized the industry's commitment to engaging with local communities in a transparent and flexible manner, aimed at fostering trust and ensuring tangible benefits for all involved parties.
In her statement, Musat underscored the importance of flexibility, advocating for a collaborative approach between communities and developers to determine the form and scope of benefits, tailored to the specific context of each wind farm project.
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She proposed establishing a standard level for community benefit funds across the UK, suggesting £5000 per megawatt of capacity as a benchmark. This, she argued, would not only provide consistency nationwide but also offer clarity for investors and developers regarding their obligations.
However, Musat also raised concerns about the current planning restrictions on onshore wind projects in England, citing September's changes to planning policy as insufficient to address the existing barriers. She emphasized the need to reform the planning system to enable communities to fully benefit from proposed wind farm developments.
Minister for Nuclear and Renewables Andrew Bowie echoed the government's support for onshore wind projects with clear local community backing, emphasizing the potential for communities to directly benefit from clean electricity generation.
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Bowie announced plans to modernize the existing Community Benefits Protocol and establish it as official government guidance, aimed at clarifying the benefits communities can expect from hosting onshore wind farms. Additionally, the government intends to create a public register to enhance transparency surrounding community benefit schemes.
These proposed changes, Bowie asserted, will empower communities in England to make informed decisions regarding onshore wind developments and ensure adequate compensation for their participation in the country's renewable energy transition.
