Change in public opinion relating to climate change persuaded MPs to write to the prime minister requesting removal of barriers to the construction of onshore windfarms.
A letter signed by more than 150 MPs, including 35 Conservatives and several who previously supported the very legislation the letter is addressing, has been sent to Boris Johnson asking for an amendment that would see more onshore windfarms developed.
The letter requests an amendment to the the National Planning Policy Framework to treat applications for small-scale onshore wind developments under five megawatts in the same way as other applications for renewable and low carbon energy.
The letter was prompted by the reaction to a grassroots campaign spearheaded by environmental groups Power to the People and 10:10 Climate Action.
Steve Shaw, director of Power to the People, told Utility Week that MPs were compelled by evidence presented by the groups, including information about the low costs of generating energy.
“This legislation is the main barrier to developing onshore wind sites and if this is removed it would be a much better situation, we want to level the playing field not open the flood gates,” Shaw said.
Data shows widespread support for onshore wind turbines. In every constituency more than two-thirds of people state they would be happy to live within sight of a wind turbine.
However, under current legislation a single local person can halt windfarm plans by opposing to construction.
“It’s the threat of one person complaining that undermines all the work and expense that means onshore windfarms are never proposed,” Shaw said.
He said there is “very significant” potential for onshore windfarms to be a component in drastically reducing carbon emissions
“It’s absolutely got to happen if we are going to achieve carbon emission targets, so change in legislation absolutely has to be done.”
Public support for environmental figures such as Greta Thunberg as well as David Attenborough’s call for action on climate change have resulted in what Shaw called a “shifting baseline.”
“I would not have thought even 12 months ago we would have had the change in support that we have,” he said. “I am always optimistic because we always win in the end.”