England sees highest onshore windfarm applications in a decade

A sharp rise in proposals for onshore wind farms has been recorded in England after the Labour government lifted the de‑facto ban that had been in place since 2015. According to a Guardian analysis of government data, 45 applications for new onshore wind projects were submitted in the year to March, the highest annual total in a decade.

The lifting of the ban removed a long‑standing restriction that had limited the development of onshore wind energy. The surge in applications reflects growing interest from developers and a broader shift toward renewable energy sources as the UK seeks to meet its climate targets. The new proposals span a range of sites across England, from rural to coastal areas, and will undergo the usual planning and environmental assessments before any construction can begin.

If approved, the projects could significantly expand England’s onshore wind capacity, contributing to the country’s renewable energy mix and helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The government’s decision to reverse the Conservative‑era restrictions is seen as a key step in encouraging further investment in wind power.