The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guides how planning applications are assessed in England, and in the c. 70% of the country without an up-to-date local plan, it plays a big part in how planning decisions fall. The NPPF outlines the government’s planning policies and together with the accompanying Planning Practice Guidance, offers guidance on how to apply them.
And, in case you missed it, the long-awaited December 2024 update to the NPPF brought about some major changes for smaller renewable energy generation and storage projects. These changes remove the previous de-facto moratorium on new on-shore wind projects, and highlight a stronger focus on tackling climate change and moving towards net zero.
With these updates there are exciting opportunities for power developers, which is why it’s crucial to understand what these changes mean. In this blog, we’ll delve into the key changes from the December updates to the NPPF and share how LandTech helps renewables developers navigate these updates with ease.
TCPA or NSIP?
To begin, there are two major planning pathways for renewable energy projects, larger projects need to form part of a National Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) until the Planning Act 2008, while projects that fall under a certain generation threshold can be progressed as part of a Planning Application under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA).
The Planning Act determined the threshold to be 50MW for onshore wind and solar, which meant that all but the smallest applications were classified as ‘significant infrastructure’. The Government has consulted on a change to this threshold, proposing to increase it to 100MW for onshore wind for solar. This change will bring many more smaller projects within the remit of the TCPA system, to which the NPPF applies.
Local authority renewable site allocations - a 'flexible' approach
Another crucial update in the latest NPPF: in §165 (b) the NPPF now requires local plans to ‘consider’ identifying suitable areas for renewable energy sources. Given the lack of certainty involved in a new need only to ‘consider’ this, and the length of time it currently takes to get a local plan actually adopted, this isn’t going to change the world on its own.
For developers, this change might lead to differences across LPAs. Some may actively designate land for renewables, while others might not. This makes it super important for developers to have access to comprehensive land and planning data.
That's where LandTech’s Site Sourcing tool comes in handy. It helps developers find viable land even when LPAs don't formally allocate renewable energy sites. By tapping into detailed planning data, policy insights, and ownership information, developers can proactively identify and assess suitable locations.
Strengthening climate change considerations
For decision making, the changes to the NPPF are slightly more significant. As you’ll be (hopefully) aware, planning decisions are all about ‘weight’ - it’s up to the planning officer to decide what weight to give different policies within their decision. The new NPPF (§168) stipulates that:
When determining planning applications for all forms of renewable and low carbon energy developments and their associated infrastructure, local planning authorities should:a) not require applicants to demonstrate the overall need for renewable or low carbon energy, and give significant weight to the benefits associated with renewable and low carbon energy generation and the proposal’s contribution to a net zero future;
b) recognise that small-scale and community-led projects provide a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions;
c) in the case of applications for the repowering and life-extension of existing renewable sites, give significant weight to the benefits of utilising an established site.
This is great news for renewable developers. Not only does it offer a clearer policy framework that aligns with net zero goals, but with climate considerations embedded into planning decisions, there's increased support for renewable energy projects. This change reinforces the importance of renewable energy in achieving the UK's decarbonisation targets and encourages local authorities to prioritise such projects.
This also means renewable developers who are already focusing on climate-friendly solutions may find themselves with a competitive edge. As the framework emphasizes climate impacts, projects that demonstrate strong environmental benefits are more likely to gain favour.
By integrating climate considerations into planning decisions, this update not only aligns renewable projects with national policy goals, but also paves the way for a more supportive and predictable planning process. It's a win-win for both the environment and the renewable energy sector
The role of renewables in the Green Belt
Even with the broader support for renewables in the NPPF, the restrictions on Green Belt development are still in place. This means renewable projects face challenges, especially when they need to be close to existing grid infrastructure.
To help overcome this, LandTech offers essential data on grid capacity and infrastructure, helping developers figure out connection feasibility early on in the site selection process. By pinpointing locations with suitable grid access - and those considering Green Belt land - developers can reduce project risks and streamline planning applications.
Addressing local authority resource challenges
One big challenge in the planning system is that many LPAs are under-resourced, leading to delays in approving renewable energy projects. The complexity of these applications needs specialist knowledge, but many LPAs don't have dedicated renewable energy planners.
While we can’t conjure up more resources in the area for LPAs, our data-driven insights can help enable developers to submit well-prepared applications, reducing the risk of delays. By providing access to planning history, topography, policy insights, and site feasibility assessments, our platform empowers developers to present strong applications that address potential planning concerns right from the start.
A positive step, but more support needed
The December 2024 NPPF updates, along with changes introduced to the NSIP thresholds, represent a positive step for renewable energy developers, providing stronger policy support and clearer planning pathways. However, challenges remain, particularly around Green Belt restrictions and local authority resourcing.
To successfully navigate these changes, developers need access to the right data and tools. LandTech offers powerful solutions to identify viable sites, assess planning feasibility, and streamline applications. By leveraging our platform, renewable and power developers can make informed decisions, reduce planning risks, and accelerate project delivery.
Want to explore how LandTech can support your renewable projects? Speak to one of our experts by clicking below.
