Change Is In The Wind

By Robert Stone MRICS FAAV, Agricultural Partner

The Government have announced that they are working on a Planning and Infrastructure Bill for the UK which will mainly affect England though aspects, notably for electricity infrastructure, cover Great Britain. The Bill aims to support the Government’s mission for growth and non-fossil fuel generated energy.

This Bill follows a series of announcements since Labour came into power to help unlock development and move towards the Government’s goal to build 1.5m houses by 2029 and 95% fossil-free electricity generation by 2030. They are also looking to approve 150 major infrastructure projects within this parliament.

The Bill is likely to take effect later in 2025 and aims to speed up the planning process, provide guidance in relation to strategic coordination in meeting environmental obligations, along with updating compulsory purchase legislation. This may allow the way forward for onshore wind turbines as well as making it easier for electricity infrastructure to be built in the countryside. This could have implications for landowners and occupiers with more compulsory purchase schemes coming forward and more opportunity for renewable schemes subject to grid connection.

The Government is in the process of carrying out consultations on this Bill and further readings and work will be carried out this year. This will offer both future development opportunities as well as potential hinderances to properties which will need to be navigated in the coming years.

Across the firm our experienced Chartered Surveyors and Land Agents are able to liaise and negotiate with any type of third party, across a number of professional services in order to support landowners and occupiers with minimising the impact and any scheme and to capitalise on other associated opportunities.

For bespoke advice and information in relation to compulsory purchase or renewable schemes, please contact your local rural agent or Robert Stone on 01278 765588 or [email protected].

For detailed advice on any planning related queries please contact our dedicated development land and planning team on [email protected].