The Welsh Government has committed to speeding up its planning decision making processes for major energy and infrastructure projects. It has faced criticism over the time it takes to determine projects, deemed developments of national significance (DNS), that it calls in.
Amongst the proposals, outlined by Economy, Energy and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans, include allowing Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) to take decisions on renewable projects up to 50 megawatt.
The current model sees the Welsh Government’s at arm’s length planning body submitting recommendations to Welsh Government ministers who then make final decisions on projects. This has seen some schemes rejected, despite being recommended for consent by PEDW planning inspectors. Ms Evans said decisions on renewable projects up to 50 megawatt resting with PEDW will speed up decision times by at least three months.
Other proposals include:
- Improve the capacity and resilience of planning services by starting to address the shortage of planners at both local and national levels; and
- Enhance government planning resource to ensure that DNS applications can be considered quicker.
The Welsh Government said the new approach, following a change to regulations, will come in effect early next year.
Five decisions on major new renewable energy projects, with combined at capacity energy output of more than 280 megawatts - although this is rarely achieved - have been approved by Ms Evans since taking up her new cabinet role September.
In recent weeks PEDW inspector reports have been received by ministers for five more applications which are under ‘active consideration,’ with a further 15 applications at various stages of acceptance and examination.
Under active consideration is a planning decision for the proposed Cardiff Parkway mainline train station and integrated 900,000 sq ft business park on the outskirts of Cardiff.
The project was called in by the Welsh Government over two years ago - having received planning consent from Cardiff Council in the spring of 2022. A decision was expected back in April. It is understood that a PEDW planning inspector has recommended the project, in which the Welsh Government has a minority equity stake, for planning approval. Earlier last month First Minister Eluned Morgan said she would make the final decision on the project.
Ms Evans said: “Planning makes a major contribution to green growth, and accelerating infrastructure planning decisions is one of the Welsh Government’s top priorities. We need to make it as efficient as possible for all concerned.
“We have already determined 10 DNS applications in 2024 compared to last year’s previous high of seven, with this number likely to continue to rise.
“The further measures I’m announcing will see the right decisions made more quickly and provide assurances that the planning system is there to support the opportunities that we know are ahead of us in terms of leading a green revolution, both at a Ƶ level and internationally.
“Delegating decision making powers to PEDW on renewable energy projects up to 50 megawatt alone will significantly reduce the end-to-end decision time, sometimes by several months, and, delivered in conjunction with improvements elsewhere in the system, will help ensure that the right projects are given thorough consideration quicker.
“Ensuring that Wales has enough planners and related professionals, with the right skills in the right areas, is also fundamental to the delivery of Welsh Government policies, and a wide-ranging consultation later this month will set out proposals for improving the capacity and resilience of planning services.
“We all want to see a well-resourced, progressive planning system and that’s exactly what these proposals will help deliver.”
On support for the renewable energy sector in Wales beyond a promise to speed up planning, Ms Evans said: “Our next steps include working with industry to develop a sector deal for renewable energy. The aim will be for government, industry, and other stakeholders to articulate a shared vision and actions to support the delivery of renewable energy projects. We need actions to remove barriers and improve outcomes for supply chains, skills, employment and community benefits.
“The Welsh Government remains steadfast in our commitment to renewable energy. By working together with communities, developers, and stakeholders, we can and will achieve our renewable energy targets, boost our economy and support our shared ambition for clean power by 2030.”
