Image: Penny Anderson
The UK government is currently holding a public consultation on amending the National Policy Statements (NPS) to support Clean Power plan objectives in England. Some sections have specific relevance to peatlands in the context of renewables development; therefore, we have provided a response.
The NPS provide guidance for decision makers to use when assessing planning applications. We have highlighted areas of concern in our response to some of the specific sections contained within the draft documents (EN-1 and EN-3). We feel that there is a need for greater emphasis in the NPS on the irreplaceable nature of peatland habitats and the need for avoidance of construction on these sites. We provide evidence that, as we journey closer to net zero, situating renewable sites on peatlands will result in diminishing returns as carbon will be released as a result of construction. While construction of renewables supports the 2030 Clean Power plans, the evidence points to the risk that construction on peatlands risks undermining legally binding international commitments under the 2050 Net Zero goal.
The consultation closes at 23:59 on 29th May, and we have published our response to question 3 here for those who may wish to read it or use our response to help inform your own.
The relevant documentation can be found here, and responses can be sent online or via email:
Planning for new energy infrastructure: 2025 revisions to National Policy Statements - GOV.UK
