Search: go

The UK Planning System

The determination of planning applications is a primary function of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). In Great Britain all wind turbine applications below 50MW in capacity are determined by LPAs, and larger projects are submitted to the relevant national Government for consideration. In Northern Ireland the situation is slightly different, with all applications currently determined by the Northern Ireland Planning Service, and agency within the Department for Environment. In determining an application, a planning officer will make a recommendation based on the content of local, regional and national planning policy and applicable legislation. All planning decisions should be based on planning considerations alone. The final decision for a wind turbine application is usually decided by a Local Authority Planning Committee. Click here to find out more about UK planning policy and legislation.

Each country of the UK has its own distinct planning system, with responsibility for town and country planning devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. Planning legislation varies somewhat across the countries of the UK, and must itself take account of European and International legislation. Each country has its own national planning policies – the documents which set out planning guidance at a national level on a variety of planning topics. A Local Planning Authority (LPA), in consultation with its community, is responsible for preparing local planning policies, which take into account the unique needs and character of the local community and area, whilst adhering to policy and legislation set at a national and regional level.

England
The Department for Communities and Local Government of the UK Government sets policy on planning in England. The UK (England and Wales) planning system was recently reviewed with the introduction of The Planning Act in December 2008. The legislation builds on the proposals set out in the Planning White Paper, published on 21 May 2007, and introduces a new system for nationally significant infrastructure planning, alongside further reforms to the town and country planning system. Also of note taking place in England is the Killian Pretty Review, a detailed review of the process for seeking planning permission. The aim of the review is to identify reasons for delay in deciding planning applications, and make recommendations for dealing with these and reducing unnecessary burdens for all parties involved in the process. BWEA have been proactively involved in both The Planning Bill and Killian Pretty Review, and have responded to consultations on both. Click here to see BWEA's consultation responses.

Local Planning Authorities in England are responsible for determining all wind turbine proposals under 50MW in capacity. Under the provisions of the 2008 Planning Act, it is expected that by 2010, all projects over 50MW in capacity will be determined by The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC); currently projects greater than 50MW are determined by The Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, in consultation with Local Planning Authorities.

Scotland
The Scottish Government is responsible for the planning system of Scotland. Scotland's planning system is undergoing the most significant modernisation in over 60 years; The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 introduced substantial changes, and work is underway to implement the provisions of this Act. The Act fulfils, and is part of a wider package of modernisation set out in the White Paper, 'Modernising the Planning System' (June 2005), which includes measures to allow different types of development to be dealt with in different ways to allow for prioritisation of resources, more devolution of decision making and appeals, and exempting very minor developments from the planning application process.

Local Authorities in Scotland are responsible for determining all wind turbine proposals under 50MW in capacity. All projects exceeding 50MW are determined by the Scottish Government, in consultation with Local Planning Authorities.

Wales
The Welsh Assembly Government is responsible for the overall framework of the planning system in Wales, and operates with the aim to meet its objectives for sustainable development. The delivery of everyday planning services is normally carried out by the 25 LPA's in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government has indicated that TAN8, the national renewable energy policy for Wales, is shortly to be refreshed.

Local Planning Authorities in Wales are responsible for determining all wind turbine proposals under 50MW in capacity. All projects over 50MW in capacity are to be determined by The Infrastructure Planning Commission, but are currently determined by The Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, in consultation with Local Planning Authorities.

Northern Ireland
The Planning Service is responsible for developing and implementing, Government planning policies and development plans in Northern Ireland, and operates within the Department of the Environment of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Planning Service prepares national planning policy and development plans, and administers development control. Therefore all wind farms proposals in Northern Ireland are determined by the Planning Service.

In 2007, The Planning Service published draft PPS18 – the first ever national planning policy for renewable energy for Northern Ireland. The final version of PPS18 has not yet been published.