The ban on onshore wind farms that allows a single person to block their construction is set to be scrapped immediately, according to Rishi Sunak. The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer is making a compromise to appease Tory rebels and prevent an upcoming rebellion over the building of new wind turbines.
Compromise to End De-Facto Ban
The government will pledge to end the de-facto ban on onshore wind, but only when there is enough local support. Councils will be required to demonstrate that they have addressed and listened to the concerns of those trying to block wind farms, and there will be changes to the strict planning rules. Additionally, local authorities will have a greater say in deciding the location of new projects.
Permission Eased for Existing Wind Farms
Firms will be permitted to expand and rebuild existing wind farms without needing to obtain the same level of permissions. As part of government proposals, individuals who live near wind turbines and agree to have them installed in their back garden will be eligible for reduced energy bills.
Tory Rebels Expected to Back Down
A group of up to 25 Tory rebels are expected to withdraw their amendment to the forthcoming energy bill following confirmation of these measures by ministers. Talks between Number 10 and a group of MPs, including former climate chief Sir Alok Sharma and former Levelling Up Secretary Simon Clarke, have been ongoing for over a week.
Government's Commitment to Climate Change
Sir Alok Sharma emphasized the importance of the government's proposal and expressed hope that they have listened and are willing to progress. He criticized the current situation where just one objection can prevent the construction of a wind farm, calling it an outdated and inconvenient veto. He also warned that any party wavering on environmental protection would face consequences at the ballot box.
Promised Changes
The government has long promised to overhaul the outdated planning rules but has yet to implement the changes. Rishi Sunak previously pledged to maintain the de-facto ban, which was introduced by former Prime Minister David Cameron. However, he was compelled to change course due to a rebellion by his own backbenchers in December.
Public Opinion and Government's Response
Polling from Britain Remade indicates that around two-thirds of Brits would be supportive of a wind farm in their local area. Ministers are expected to state that a single objection will not be sufficient to block proposals for wind farms.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the de-facto ban would be lifted as soon as possible, stating that onshore wind projects should have the consent and benefits of local communities. They also emphasized the importance of allowing the sector to thrive and regarded the proposed changes as a significant step forward.
Leading the Tory rebellion, Alok Sharma emphasized the importance of the government's proposal and expressed hope that they have listened and are willing to progress. He criticized the current situation where just one objection can prevent the construction of a wind farm, calling it an outdated and inconvenient veto. He also warned that any party wavering on environmental protection would face consequences at the ballot box.
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https://hellofaread.com/politics/more-small-boat-migrants-arrive-at-dover-as-nearly-1000-crossed-channel-at-weekend/
