The move by DESNZ (Department of Energy Security and Net Zero) comes after sustained campaigning by the NFU, and a promise from the government to streamline the planning process and bring forward proposals to cut red tape and speed up applications to better support farm productivity and UK food security.
Many farmers have invested in rooftop solar PV. But for year-round independent electricity generation a complementary single, small-medium wind turbine would be required to produce power during winter months and at night.
“This will help cut energy costs at a time when margins are extremely tight and provide long-term business resilience.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
The administrative burden of making a full planning application, and the poor prospects of permission being granted under recent planning policy, mean that only a handful of on-farm turbines have been installed since 2015, while other sources of renewable energy such as solar and biogas have continued to grow.
The new proposals announced today would allow farmers to install one turbine of up to 30 metres without needing to submit planning proposals. The current permitted development right for small turbines limits tip height to 11.1 metres.
Government has listened
Responding to the news, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “For too long, we have faced unnecessary barriers to upgrade infrastructure on farm. It’s why we have been working with government to revise planning policies to include enhanced permitted development rights for small-to-medium wind turbines to make it easier for farmers to invest in and benefit from on-farm renewable energy.
“In the NFU’s ‘Blueprints for Growth’, we highlight the precedent that was set in 2022 when permitted development rights were revised for mobile phone masts of a similar size.
“We are pleased that government has listened and will allow farmers to put up a turbine up to 30 metres – no bigger than an oak tree – without having to submit complex planning proposals. This will help cut energy costs at a time when margins are extremely tight and provide long-term business resilience, so farmers can continue to produce food for the nation alongside their work in protecting and enhancing the environment.
“The NFU will continue to work with the government to help deliver on its missions for growth. Our Blueprints can help ensure this is achieved, as by following them, the government can lay firm foundations for a sustainable and profitable future.”
The news comes as the government publishes its Land Use Framework for England, which outlines multifunctional land use as a key principle; combining food production and energy production as much as possible is one example of this.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the government was giving farmers, schools and businesses “the tools to lower their bills and make the best use of their land”.
This development also aligns with the NFU’s work on climate adaptation and business resilience, a key part of which is access to renewable energy. The ongoing conflict in Iran further highlights the need for diversification of energy supply for farmers.
