Synopsis
This order will reintroduce onshore wind generating stations to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime in England.
The capacity threshold determining whether an onshore wind or solar project constitutes an NSIP will also be set at 100 MW. Onshore solar projects currently constitute NSIPs where these have a capacity of 50 MW or greater.
Summary
The draft Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind And Solar Generation) Order 2025 is expected to amend the Planning Act 2008 on 31 December 2025.
This legislation will apply in England.
What will change?
The amendments will reintroduce onshore wind generating stations to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime in England. Onshore wind projects were previously removed from this NSIP regime and transferred into the local planning system under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
The capacity threshold for an onshore wind project to constitute an NSIP is set at 100 MW. This will also affect solar projects, which currently constitute NSIPs where these have a capacity of 50 MW or greater.
Transitional Arrangements
Transitional arrangements are also introduced for existing solar farm projects under the NSIP process or onshore wind projects subject to planning applications under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Subject to limitations, these projects will typically remain under these regimes.
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