Britain seeks to allow small wind turbine installation without planning permission

LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - Britain ​is seeking ⁠to change planning rules ​to allow business and public sector organisations like schools in ​England ‌to install small wind turbines without needing planning ⁠permission, the government said on Wednesday.

* ⁠Britain’s Labour government ​is trying to decarbonise its electricity sector and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, whose costs have ​soared ‌over the past few weeks due to the conflict in Iran.

* “In the midst of uncertain global markets, the only way for households ​and businesses to have certainty is to ‌invest in clean homegrown power such as onshore wind, one of the cheapest ‌and quickest forms of energy to build,” said Energy Minister Michael Shanks.

* Under the proposals, business ​and public sector organisations would be allowed to install one ‌turbine up to 30 metres high, without submitting planning proposals.

* Onshore wind rules have been a ⁠political ⁠issue in Britain with the former ‌Conservative government issuing an effective ban on new projects in ​England ​which was overturned when Labour ‌came into power in 2024.

* A consultation on the plans will close on June 10. (Reporting By Susanna Twidale Editing by Alexandra Hudson)