What Happens if I Submit a Wind Turbine Planning Application Without an Aviation Assessment?

Planning applications for wind developments consider many aspects to ensure that any proposed wind development does not cause a significant and detrimental impact to the surrounding environment. One of the many topics that should be considered is the impact upon aviation safety and activity; but what happens if an aviation assessment is not undertaken?

Showstopper

Aviation is one of the most significant factors that are safeguarded for wind turbine developments due to turbines having the potential to affect a range of aviation activities for licensed and unlicensed aerodromes, radar surveillance, and military operations. The biggest risk for a planning application without an aviation assessment is refusal. Without an aviation assessment confirming that the development will not introduce significant aviation impacts, a proposed wind development is highly likely not to be accepted. 

Uncertainty

Not knowing the impact on aviation activity could lead to uncertainty regarding the proposed development. This may result in unnecessary work that could have otherwise been avoided if aviation constraints had been identified and appropriately addressed at an earlier stage of the project.

Delays

If an application is submitted without an aviation assessment, it is likely that the application will not be accepted by the planning authority until one has been undertaken, which in turn could cause delays across the entire project timeline. The required aviation assessment may delay this further by the time taken to undertake the assessment, which may include consultation with relevant stakeholders and safeguarding teams.

Further analysis, such as assessment of Instrument Flight Procedures (which can only be undertaken by an Approved Procedure Design Organisation) and implementing mitigation solutions could also cause delays to the project timeline.

Additional Costs

Additional assessments and mitigation solutions could see projects needing to cover costs that weren’t initially budgeted for. These additional costs typically range in the tens to hundreds of thousands, but may rise into the millions if there are multiple significant issues.

About Pager Power

Understanding the potential impact upon aviation activity and infrastructure is an essential part of ensuring a planning application has the best chance of being accepted. Pager Power can assist with this, from early feasibility studies, aviation impact assessments, and stakeholder engagement. For more information, visit our website.

Image accreditation: Derek Lee (August 2021) from Unsplash.com. Last accessed on 8 July 2026. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/white-wind-turbine-under-gray-sky-924QbP-Ghfk