In the recent Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, the government committed to publishing a consultation on whether the existing permitted development rights are fit for purpose and if they could support other forms of small-scale onshore wind deployment. The Department is currently conducting stakeholder engagement to prepare for this consultation. As part of this, some stakeholders have expressed interest raising the height limit for a permitted development onshore wind turbine to 30 metres, alongside other suggestions, conditions and limits. The Government will consider all options carefully ahead of consultation.

On 8 July 2025, DESNZ launched a public consultation on consents, land access, and rights for electricity network infrastructure. This consultation includes proposals related to the expansion of permitted development rights for electricity infrastructure, as referenced on page 82 of ‘The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.’

This consultation also addresses a range of related matters such as land access rights, tree lopping, permitted development for substations, Section 37 consents, and thresholds for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. These broader reforms are intended to streamline the system, reduce burdens, and accelerate network deployment while ensuring appropriate protections for landowners, communities, and the environment.

The Government will consult this year on an ambitious package of reforms to land rights and consents processes for electricity network infrastructure based on responses to a 2022 Call for Evidence and proposals put forward by the Energy Network Association in their nine-point plan. The consultation will include proposals to expand planning consent exemptions to include low-voltage connections and upgrades in England and Wales. Any changes made to these processes will be developed with full consideration of the rights of landowners.