asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Mr Iain Wright MP, on 7 February (Official Report, Commons; col. 1321W), why applicants may not question the justification for the location of a renewable energy proposal; and whether this makes the planning process a formality. [HL3053]

The Government are keen to encourage good-quality renewable energy applications in order to meet the twin challenges of responding to climate change and ensuring security of supply. Reflecting this, our new planning policy statement (PPS) on climate change expects planning authorities in England to provide a framework that promotes and encourages renewable energy.

The PPS advises that applicants are not expected to demonstrate the overall need for renewable energy because new renewable energy projects offer crucial national benefits. Planning authorities are asked not to question the energy justification provided by the applicant for why a proposal must be sited in a particular location as this involves considerations of technical and commercial feasibility which are for the developer concerned. Planning authorities should address the environmental, social and economic impacts that arise from the proposed location of a renewable energy project.