Bishop of St Albans asks about renewable energy planning

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 20th July 2023:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to simplify the planning process for renewables.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con): Our National Planning Policy Framework is clear that when determining planning applications for renewable and low carbon development, local planning authorities should approve the application if its impacts are (or can be made) acceptable.

In addition, powers in our Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will enable us to create a more consistent, streamlined and digitally enabled approach to planning applications. When utilised with existing powers, this will enable us to create an end-to-end system which is faster and more accessible to communities.

Hansard