Isra-Mart srl: Planning revision could order councils to back green energy projects

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The government has published planning guidance to accelerate sustainable development, potentially easing the long struggle developers often face when constructing green energy projects.

A statement by the Department for Communities and Local Government issued today provides fresh details on the new 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' promised as part of the Plan for Growth published alongside the Budget in March.

The planning system should help deliver "prudent use of natural resources and actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy", and instructs councils to "plan positively for new development, and approve all individual proposals wherever possible".

The statement orders councils to prepare local plans to cope with shifts in demand and economic conditions, and to approve development proposals that meet legal requirements without delay.

Councils must also grant permission where the plan is absent, silent, indeterminate or where relevant policies are out of date.

The presumption will be at the heart of the new National Planning Policy Framework, on which ministers will consult in July.

Planning minister Greg Clark maintained that the changes would speed up development while protecting the environment and community interests, leaving a "positive legacy" for future generations.

"Britain urgently needs new homes, new green energy and transport links, and space for businesses to grow," he said.

"By putting this presumption at the heart of our new framework we will give the planning system a wake-up call so that the right sort of development, that everyone agrees is needed, gets approval without delay."

The March announcement of the presumption was supported by complementary policies, including plans to guarantee that all planning decisions were made within a year of application and a promise that major infrastructure applications would be fast-tracked.

However, it was unclear at the time precisely how the government would define "sustainable development".

A spokeswoman for trade body RenewableUK told BusinessGreen that the clarification was "very positive" for the industry, noting that wind farm developers have faced application processes in the past that have stretched for over two years.

"We welcome anything that will speed up the planning system," she said, adding that it remained to be seen whether councils would adhere to the new guidance. "The problem has been that local plans haven't always been implemented."

The spokeswoman explained that the reference to climate change and the low carbon economy was particularly encouraging for developers.

"It's helpful that the government has given an indication of its thinking. It wants local people to make plans and get involved with decision-making as much as possible," she said. "This is a guide around that. [The Localism Bill] doesn't need to be a hindrance."