Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind and Solar Generation) Order 2025
307
Ayes
—
100
Noes
Passed · Government won
237 did not vote
Analysis
Commons
Commons
**What happened:** On 2 April 2025, the House of Commons voted on the Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind and Solar Generation) Order 2025, a statutory instrument (a type of secondary legislation that does not require a full bill process) designed to streamline planning approval for onshore wind and solar energy projects. The Order passed by 307 votes to 100. **Why it matters:** The Order reduces planning barriers for onshore wind and solar developments by adjusting the thresholds and processes under which such projects require approval as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. In practical terms, this means more renewable energy schemes can proceed through faster planning routes, supporting the government's ambition to expand clean energy capacity. Critics argue the changes reduce the ability of local communities and local planning authorities to scrutinise and influence decisions about large energy projects in their areas. **The politics:** The vote divided largely along party lines. All 271 Labour MPs and 29 Labour and Co-operative MPs who voted did so in favour, as did all three Green MPs and six Independents. All 93 voting Conservatives, all three DUP MPs, all three Reform UK MPs, and the Ulster Unionist MP voted against. No party produced notable rebels. The vote sits within a broader pattern of the Labour government pushing through a suite of energy and planning reforms, including related divisions on the Great British Energy Bill and Contracts for Difference regulations, all aimed at accelerating the transition to renewable power.
Voting Aye meant
Support making it easier to approve large onshore wind and solar projects through national planning rules, accelerating renewable energy development
Voting No meant
Oppose removing local planning oversight for onshore wind and solar projects, citing concerns about community control and landscape impact
407 voting MPs. Each dot is one vote; left-to-right by party. Grey dots in the centre are the 237 who did not vote.
Aye
No
Absent
Labour PartyWhipped Aye
271
0
91
Conservative and Unionist PartyWhipped No
0
93
23
Liberal Democrats
0
0
72
Labour and Co-operative PartyWhipped Aye
29
0
13
Independent
6
2
5
Scottish National Party
0
0
9
Reform UKWhipped No
0
3
4
Sinn Féin
0
0
7
Democratic Unionist PartyWhipped No
0
3
2
Green Party of England and WalesWhipped Aye
3
0
1
Plaid Cymru
0
0
4
Social Democratic and Labour Party
0
0
2
Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
0
0
1
Speaker
0
0
1
Traditional Unionist Voice
0
0
1
Ulster Unionist Party
0
1
—
Your Party
0
0
1
The instrument is essential for clean power 2030, reversing the Conservative ban on onshore wind and rationalising solar thresholds to reflect modern technology while balancing national energy needs with local protections.Labour · Voted aye · Read full speech (2,830 words) →
The order bypasses local community consent, imposes huge infrastructure on rural areas against residents' wishes, and prioritises ideology over cost-benefit analysis and protection of countryside and agricultural land.Conservative · Voted no · Read full speech (1,695 words) →
Supports lifting the onshore wind ban and raising solar thresholds to prevent artificial caps, but warns the Government's NSIP approach strips local voice and nature protection; calls for land use framework and community benefit schemes like Scotland's.Liberal Democrat · Voted no_vote_recorded · Read full speech (1,022 words) →
The 100 MW solar threshold is artificially low and will enable massive solar farms on best-quality agricultural land; proposes instead mandatory solar on new homes and industrial roofs to spare countryside.Conservative · Voted teller_no · Read full speech (1,226 words) →
Protected landscapes and national parks face destruction from massive turbines; suggests alternative approaches like solar on motorway embankments and warehouse roofs instead of virgin countryside.Conservative · Voted no · Read full speech (483 words) →
The streamlined planning process delivers jobs and investment in communities; GE Vernova's expansion approval exemplifies the benefits for local economies and energy security.Labour · Voted aye · Read full speech (135 words) →
Unblocking renewable infrastructure is vital for energy independence; Scottish experience shows community benefits and investment in local roads and services make projects acceptable to local people.Labour · Voted aye · Read full speech (555 words) →
The Government must streamline planning for renewable infrastructure to break reliance on fossil fuels and reduce bills; should mandate solar and insulation on all new homes and require energy storage capacity.Labour · Voted aye · Read full speech (803 words) →
Sources
Division dataUK Parliament Votes API
DebateHansard · Commons
Stance analysisAI analysis · Claude 4.x
LicenceOpen Parliament Licence v3.0