Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy was published in August 2004 and sets out the Government's policies for renewable energy which need to be taken into account by regional planning bodies in England and the Mayor of London in the preparation of regional spatial strategies (or the Spatial Development Strategy in London), and by local planning authorities in the preparation of local development documents. They may also be material to decisions on individual planning applications.
The Government are currently consulting on Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change which sets out how spatial planning should contribute to reducing emissions and stabilising climate change, including through renewable energy supply. The Government will be publishing in spring 2007 a guidance note on the consents process under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for power stations, including onshore wind farms, whose generating capacity exceeds 50 megawatts electrical.
The Government are working towards a Planning White Paper for spring 2007. This will set out the Government's response to Kate Barker's recommendations on planning and its proposals for dealing with major infrastructure projects, following up her and Rod Eddington's recommendations.