New proposals are set to be unveiled which aim to allow infrastructure planning decisions ‘of national significance’ to Wales to be taken more quickly.
Improvements to the planning system must continue if Wales is to deliver on its decarbonisation, renewable energy and green jobs ambitions, Economy, Energy and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans is due to say today.
Five decisions on major new renewable energy projects have been approved by the Cabinet Secretary since her appointment in September, contributing over 280 MW of renewable energy for Wales – the equivalent to power more than 180,000 Welsh homes.
Speaking to representatives from across the renewable energy sector at the Future Energy Wales conference at ICC Wales, the Cabinet Secretary is set to outline plans to:
- Allow Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) to take decisions on renewable energy projects up to 50MW, reducing the end-to-end decision time by at least 12 weeks
- Improve the capacity and resilience of planning services by starting to address the shortage of planners at both local and national levels
- Enhance Government planning resource to ensure that Developments of National Significance (DNS) applications can be considered more quickly
In addition to the major renewable energy projects given the green light by Welsh Government over recent weeks, inspector’s reports have been received by Ministers for five more applications which are under active consideration and a further 15 applications at various stages of acceptance and examination.
The Cabinet Secretary will say:
“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 today 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 UK level and internationally.
“Delegating decision making powers to PEDW on renewable energy projects up to 50MW 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 next steps for the renewable sector beyond planning reform, the Cabinet Secretary added:
“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.”
The Infrastructure (Wales) Act will provide a new consenting process that streamlines and unifies consenting arrangements for renewables, as well as other large scale devolved infrastructure projects in Wales. The subordinate legislation to implement the Act is currently being consulted on.
Welsh Government said that “industry must now take the opportunity to help shape the legislation”.
The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs recently commissioned an independent review of marine planning approaches. This review will consider how Wales’ marine planning system can best support marine renewable energy while protecting and enhancing the marine environment.
