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The energy secretary is set to overrule local residents in a planning shake-up that will see thousands more wind turbines built across Britain.

As part of his renewables blitz, Ed Miliband is seeking to classify wind turbines as “nationally significant infrastructure projects”, meaning they will have the same importance as airports and power plants.

The proposed shake-up will strip residents, communities and councils of their ability to block or amend green energy projects, The Telegraph reports.

The government predicts that £40billion of investment could be unlocked each year until 2030.

The plans are part of Mr Milibands Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which shows how Labour will attempt to meet its target of decarbonising Britain's electricity grid by 2030.

Under his reforms, any project exceeding 100 megawatts (MW) will be deemed a “nationally significant infrastructure project” (NSIP).

This means that approval for wind projects will sit with unelected planning officers, who will have powers to overrule any local opposition.

Unveiling the proposals, he said: “A new era of clean electricity for our country offers a positive vision of Britain’s future with energy security, lower bills, good jobs and climate action.

“This can only happen with big, bold change and that is why the government is embarking on the most ambitious reforms to our energy system in generations.”

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