Renewable Energy

Powering Change: Labour’s Bold Move to Revitalize Onshore Wind Farms

July 8, 2025

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A minister has pledged to dismantle obstacles hindering the development of new onshore wind farms, coinciding with Labour’s unveiling of its onshore wind strategy. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy, Michael Shanks, visited the Westmill Wind Farm located on the Oxfordshire-Wiltshire border near Swindon, where he engaged with stakeholders and beneficiaries of the facility. Established in 2008, this wind farm is notable for being the first fully community-owned onshore wind farm in southern England, despite facing over 15 years of bureaucracy to secure planning approval.

The government emphasizes that reforming planning regulations is pivotal for achieving its clean energy objectives by 2030. Following Labour’s electoral victory in 2024, the party reversed the onshore wind farm ban imposed by the prior Conservative administration in 2015. The newly introduced Onshore Wind Strategy represents a proactive initiative to bolster the industry, focusing on refining the planning process and enhancing community involvement.

During his visit, Shanks highlighted the advantages of onshore wind, including the generation of “skills and investment, and supply chain jobs right across the country,” which are essential for meeting green energy targets. He pointed out that recent reforms indicated in the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill are key steps towards making the planning framework more efficient and less cumbersome. Shanks emphasized that while local communities’ voices in the planning process are critical, it is essential that project developments do not become mired in extensive and costly planning applications.

Mark Luntley, chair of the Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative, praised the strategy’s emphasis on community engagement and buy-in as vital for ensuring acceptance of similar renewable projects in the future. Overall, the government’s strategic approach aims to invigorate the onshore wind sector, facilitating a transition to cleaner energy while fostering local participation and investment.

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