We believe the Land Use Framework (LUF) has the potential to become a valuable evidence base to support decision making. If designed well, it could help accelerate the energy transition and promote best practice across the sector.
There is a significant opportunity for renewable energy developments to support multifunctional land; well-planned projects have been shown to deliver a range of additional benefits, including enhanced biodiversity, support for sustainable agriculture and meaningful community benefits.
However, it will be important to ensure that the LUF does not become an additional barrier to deployment. To support its success, it must avoid being overly prescriptive, and the underlying data must be regularly reviewed and updated. It should also support the prioritisation of renewable energy projects in areas where grid capacity and connection points are available and be aligned with the forthcoming Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP).
Above all, we want to ensure that this process helps to make the planning system clearer, simpler and more enabling for renewable energy and energy storage projects that make good use of land.
If you are interested in getting involved in our work on planning join us for our next Regen members planning working group on 15 May in London.
