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Written question asked by Richard Tice (Reform UK) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Michael Shanks (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Renewable Energy: Planning Permission

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that renewable energy developments are subject to appropriate oversight, transparency and accountability before planning applications are approved.

Answer

The Secretary of State makes planning decisions for renewable energy projects that are Nationally Significant, as defined by the Planning Act 2008.

Planning cases are judged on the need case for the infrastructure, weighed against local impacts, local and national planning policy. The Energy National Policy Statements, approved by Parliament, set the need case for this infrastructure and all the considerations that must be applied when deciding applications. We updated relevant National Policy Statements in 2025 and legislated through the Planning and Infrastructure Act to ensure they are updated at least every five years.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12918
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Accountability Planning permission Renewable energy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk