Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is anticipated to relax the de facto prohibition on new onshore wind farms in England in a bid to quell a potential revolt by Conservative MPs.

Government ministers intend to modify planning regulations to simplify the construction of onshore wind farms.

Last year, the UK government pledged to ease these rules by the end of April, succumbing to pressure from certain Tory MPs. Nevertheless, as restrictions persist, Conservative members have once again intervened, compelling the government to honor its commitment.

A coalition of 25 Conservative MPs, led by former COP26 president Sir Alok Sharma, had been endeavoring to prompt the government to alleviate planning constraints through an amendment to the Energy Bill.

The current rules, initiated under former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015, dictate that a single objection from an individual can impede the progress of an onshore wind project in England.

Sir Alok's amendment also aims to ensure that communities willing to host wind turbines receive direct benefits, and that local decisions regarding onshore wind developments cannot be overturned upon appeal.

MPs are slated to review the government's Energy Bill in the House of Commons upon returning from their summer recess.

Ahead of the bill's resumption, a government source disclosed to the BBC that a minister would issue a statement outlining "alterations to planning policy concerning onshore wind."

Consultations concerning the relaxation of planning restrictions and benefits for communities hosting wind farms concluded earlier this year, with the government's responses forthcoming.

The proposals, including the relaxation of the requirement for turbines to be constructed on pre-designated land, were criticized by the renewable energy sector for not going far enough.

The government maintained its support for onshore wind development in areas where local backing exists.

A government spokesperson stated, "We solicited input on changes to national planning policy that could offer local authorities more leeway to heed their communities' opinions and demonstrate their support for areas suitable for onshore wind projects."

The precise method for gauging such support has yet to be determined.

A Change in the Wind Sir Alok informed the BBC that he and the Tory MPs endorsing his amendment were awaiting the government's response to their proposals.

The former Secretary for Business and Energy advocated for the removal of the "outdated" right of an individual to effectively obstruct a wind farm.

He remarked, "The current situation we have is that just one objection can prevent a wind farm from being built. I mean, clearly, that is not a community veto. And frankly, I don't think it's a sensible way for a planning system to operate."

He also called for a "direct link" between communities accepting onshore wind farms and receiving benefits, such as reduced energy bills.

However, some other Tory MPs have opposed onshore wind projects in their regions due to concerns about their impact on local residents and landscapes.

The expected announcement on Tuesday would mark the second instance in which Mr. Sunak has been pressured by his own MPs to address onshore wind issues.

When he assumed office as Prime Minister last year, he declared his intention to maintain the effective ban on new onshore wind projects. Nevertheless, in December of that year, facing a rebellion by backbench MPs, he reversed his stance and announced the ban's forthcoming removal. Photo by HM Treasury, Wikimedia commons.