Relaxing of planning rules on wind turbines welcomed by Shropshire organisations

Community benefit society Shropshire and Telford Community Energy (STCE) welcomed the move to relax planning rules.

Currently working on plans for a community-owned heat network at Bishop’s Castle - which could use a wind turbine to help to heat homes, schools and community buildings - it said such schemes could cut carbon emissions and help the drive to net zero.

Robert Saunders, chair of STCE, said: “This initiative, if sensibly drafted, is long overdue. Local communities, such as Bishop’s Castle, have shown support for onshore wind power to deliver real community benefit. Fighting the climate crisis should be possible without the worry that a single objection or small minority could halt them.