In an effort to improve community engagement and the benefits associated with onshore wind in England, the UK Government has announced the results of a public consultation on Developing Local Partnerships for Onshore Wind in England.

The consultation sought views on possible improvements to the existing system of community engagement and benefits associated with onshore wind energy. Among the proposals put forward were the formal incorporation of best practice community participation principles into official planning guidance and the updating of the Community Benefits Protocol for onshore wind in England, in collaboration with the onshore wind industry and other stakeholders.

The majority of responses to the consultation supported these proposals, and the government intends to move forward with their implementation. The need to provide clearer signals to both communities and industry about expectations in the community benefits process was highlighted.

In addition to the initial proposals, the Government plans to take ownership of the Community Benefits Protocol and publish it as official guidance on GOV.UK. This will provide clarity on community benefits to the onshore wind industry and provide greater certainty for communities.

RenewableUK's Executive Director of Policy, Ana Musat, expressed her delight at working with the Government on updating the Community Benefits Protocol, stressing the importance of flexibility and transparency in the interactions between the onshore wind industry and local communities.

The government also plans to establish a mechanism for the onshore wind industry to formally endorse the updated Protocol, providing greater confidence and transparency for communities. In addition, a public register of community benefits is being considered to facilitate comparison of offers and encourage best practice.

These measures aim to ensure a comprehensive regime that allows communities to have their voices heard and enjoy the benefits derived from the installation of onshore wind projects. However, RenewableUK's Executive Director of Policy highlighted the need to address planning constraints so that communities can effectively benefit from proposed projects.

“Communities in England can’t benefit from a wind farm proposal that’s never put to them because the planning system is too difficult for developers to navigate. We need to end the unique restrictions on onshore wind and treat it like any other energy infrastructure, said Musat.