Onshore wind turbine strategy pledges to update noise assessment guidance

An Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy has been published today by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The strategy sets out steps government and industry will take to help deliver up to 29GW of onshore wind by 2030. Includes driving ambitious reforms to planning and grid connections. A consultation on permitted development rights to support small-scale deployment and repowering will be undertaken by the end of 2025. Currently, permitted development rights for stand-alone or building mounted onshore wind turbines only apply to the premises of detached houses. There are also height restrictions for standalone turbines. The strategy states these rules have not been updated since 2011 and increased demand for small-scale onshore wind turbines may allow for an update to these rules. There is a pledge to update planning and policy guidance including Guidance for the Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Turbines (ETSU-R-97).