Coutinho hails ‘key role’ for onshore wind as ban is axed

Onshore wind has a “key role” to play, the new energy secretary has said as the government unveiled a relaxation of its long-standing de facto planning ban on the technology’s deployment in England. Under changes to national planning policy, councils will have to consider the view of the whole community rather than a small minority when considering onshore wind farms applications. The government’s move has been broadly welcomed but is seen by many as long overdue.