Wind power generation rules

What are wind turbine safety rules?

The Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSRs) are a model set of Safety Rules and procedures to help formalise a Safe System of Work (SSoW) to manage the significant risks associated with a wind turbine, both onshore and offshore.

Do onshore wind turbines need planning permission?

All onshore wind turbines, except for small-scale domestic turbines, require planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA) in England. In September 2023, the government updated national planning policy to provide that LPAs should approve planning applications for an onshore wind farm if:

How can wind energy development be permitted?

Footnotes to paragraph 163 (no longer apply) 57 (no longer applies) Wind energy development involving one or more turbines can also be permitted through Local Development Orders, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.

What are UK wind energy regulations?

UK wind energy regulations are designed to ensure that wind projects are safe, efficient, and minimally disruptive to the environment and local communities. Regulations cover everything from site selection and construction to operation and decommissioning.

Should onshore wind planning rules be aligned with decision-making rules?

They have called on the government to align planning rules for onshore wind with the rules for decision-making on other types of energy projects to encourage its deployment and help to reach the government’s 2050 net zero target.

Should onshore wind planning rules be harmonised with other types of energy infrastructure?

Energy industry group RenewableUK said bringing the planning rules for onshore wind in line with other types of energy infrastructure, as suggested in the Commission's report, would let wind farm applications be determined on their merits.