Overview

This bill grants local planning authorities in England and Wales the power to set minimum distances between onshore wind turbines and homes in their area. These distances will be determined as a multiple of the turbine's rotor diameter, with a default of ten times the diameter.

Description

The Onshore Wind Turbines (Proximity of Habitation) Bill aims to give local councils more control over the planning of onshore wind farms. The bill allows councils to define a "recommended best practice set-back distance" in their neighbourhood development plans. This distance will be expressed as a multiple of the wind turbine's rotor diameter.

Key Provisions:

• Local Authority Powers: Councils can specify minimum distances between wind turbines and homes, overriding existing regulations.
• Default Distance: Unless a council decides otherwise, the minimum distance will be ten times the turbine's rotor diameter.
• Council Decision-Making: Councils can adjust this multiple, but only after a full council debate and vote.
• Definitions: The bill clarifies definitions of "habitation" (including farmhouses) and "neighbourhood development plans".
• Geographic Scope: The bill applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to directly impact government spending, as it primarily shifts decision-making power to local authorities. Any costs associated with implementing the changes would likely fall upon local councils.

Groups Affected

• Local Planning Authorities: Gain greater control over wind turbine placement near homes.
• Residents near potential wind farm sites: May experience either increased protection from turbines or limitations on wind farm development, depending on council decisions.
• Wind energy developers: May face challenges in securing planning permission depending on local council decisions regarding set-back distances.

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