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The government is poised to lift a de-facto ban on onshore wind after Rishi Sunak staged his second climbdown in as many days to avoid a damaging rebellion by his own MPs.
Ministers are to consult on proposals to allow new wind turbines in areas where there is demonstrable local support.
During the Tory leadership race this summer, Mr Sunak vowed never to “relax the ban on onshore wind in England, instead focusing on building more turbines offshore”.
But he was facing a growing backbench rebellion on the issue, which had gained the support of former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
Many Tory MPs want the UK to develop more energy independence in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said that the government government would launch a consultation “to explore how local authorities demonstrate local support and respond to views of their communities when considering onshore wind development in England.”
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