£900M Lost in Economic Output from a Decade of Blocked Onshore Wind Farms

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A decade-long policy effectively blocking onshore wind farm development in England has cost the country enough clean electricity to power 1.6 million homes and the potential creation of 370 jobs per year, according to a detailed analysis by independent planning consultancy Turley.

Introduced in 2014 under the former Conservative Government, the policy allowed a single local objection to derail any onshore wind project. The result? Fifty-four proposed wind farms were either scrapped or rejected between 2014 and 2024. In that time, England missed an estimated 2.3GW of renewable energy capacity.

Turley’s findings reveal that the policy also damaged the broader economy—with £900 million in lost economic output and up to £11.5 million per year in missed Community Benefit Funds, which would have directly supported local areas hosting the wind projects.

While England stood still, other parts of the UK forged ahead. Scotland greenlit projects totalling 8.1GW, with Northern Ireland and Wales adding 0.7GW and 0.5GW, respectively, widening the renewable energy gap within the Union.

In July 2024, the new Labour Government officially reversed the restriction, lifting the de facto ban and setting an ambitious new target of 27–29GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030 across the UK.

The policy reversal marks a critical turning point — but the damage has already been done for many. A lost decade of clean energy, job creation, and economic investment now serves as a cautionary tale of how local politics can shape — or stall — national progress.

Nicola Riley, Senior Director of Net Zero Infrastructure, Turley, said, “The de facto onshore wind ban has left the Government lagging behind with its renewable energy generation pipeline. The latest policy change is a positive step forward as we are already seeing a shift in mindset at local political level and amongst communities. But policy change isn’t everything.

“Despite the de facto ban not being in place in Wales and Northern Ireland, only a small amount of onshore wind developments have been approved over the last decade. More needs to be done to overcome issues affecting onshore wind projects, such as transport and grid connection capacity.

“Lifting the de facto ban is only the first step, and it is good to see positive changes to the connection regime as part of the broader Clean Power Plan 2030. Equally supportive local policy is needed, and it is essential for Government, local authorities, industry leaders and community stakeholders to collaborate, which will result in a much more streamlined and proportionate decision-making process.

“This collaboration will create a more positive environment for applications to be made and projects delivered – producing renewable energy, jobs, community benefit funds and economic stimulus.

“Transforming ambition into action requires a concerted effort and commitment from all parties involved.”