Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has revealed plans to allow homeowners to install wind turbines in their gardens without planning permission as part of efforts to double onshore wind generation by 2030.
The consultation on relaxing planning rules would extend to residential and commercial properties, enabling farmers, semi-detached house owners and businesses to install turbines on their land.
Miliband said: "Onshore wind will play a critical role in boosting our energy independence with clean power by 2030."
"Every turbine we build helps protect families, businesses and the public finances from future fossil fuel shocks."
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has revealed plans to allow homeowners to install wind turbines in their gardens without planning permission
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The proposals form part of a broader strategy to increase the UK's onshore wind capacity from 15 gigawatts to 29 gigawatts within five years.
Shadow energy spokesman Andrew Bowie criticised the plans, accusing Miliband of "trying to turn the nation's suburbs into a giant wind farm".
Richard Tice, Reform UK's energy spokesman, called it "more madness from Ed Miliband that will despoiling our villages and streetscapes".
Tice added: "He is obsessed with running roughshod over people."
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Richard Tice, Reform UK's energy spokesman, called it 'more madness from Ed Miliband that will despoiling our villages and streetscapes'
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Wildlife charities expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts.
Kevin Austin from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds warned that, while renewable energy was crucial for meeting net-zero commitments, the Government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill could weaken nature protections.
He said: "Urgent amendments to the Bill are needed to ensure it enables development in a way that does not threaten our most precious habitats and wildlife."
Currently, only detached homeowners are permitted to install turbines without planning permission.
The consultation will examine whether to extend permitted development rights beyond the current restriction to detached homes, which represent only 23 per cent of UK housing stock compared to 55 per cent for semi-detached or terraced properties.
The consultation will consider allowing larger machines
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Current regulations limit turbine heights to 11.1 metres, or 15 metres when mounted on buildings.
The consultation will consider allowing larger machines.
Miliband's strategy envisions constructing approximately 2,500 new turbines, up to 850 feet tall, with capacities of up to seven megawatts, over the next five years.
This will replace the UK's existing 9,200 turbines, which are mostly older and smaller.
Despite the push for domestic wind power, public adoption remains minimal, with only 125 installations recorded in 2023 according to MCS data.
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