A new process comes into effect today to speed up the planning
process and make Wales a more attractive place for investors.
The process introduced by The Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024
applies to large scale infrastructure developments, including
renewable energy, waste, water, and transport projects. It
replaces the Developments of National Significance and other
existing consenting programmes.
Earlier this year hyperscale data centre operator Vantage, which
is investing billions in the Welsh economy by building new data
centres, was impressed with the speed of the planning application
process for its plans to build on the old Ford Factory site in
Bridgend.
Recognising that speeding up the planning process could attract
more investment, the First Minister told delegates at the recent
Wales Investment Summit she wanted to make Wales one of the
fastest places in the world to determine planning decisions,
including infrastructure projects.
First Minister said:
“We have made real reforms to the planning process in Wales,
investing more than ever so that the system works better and
faster for both businesses and communities.
“When you look at the pace we're moving at, the talent we're
growing and the partnerships we're building, a very clear
investment story emerges. We have all the building blocks in
place, and we are ready to scale quickly – particularly when it
comes to frontier sector businesses.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
“The new process which comes into effect today is a key part of
our plan to make Wales the fastest country in the UK to determine
infrastructure applications.
“The reforms we are implementing will drive sustainable economic
growth, deliver the infrastructure Wales needs, and create good
jobs across the country.”
Guidance is being prepared for developers relating to best
practice – particularly focused on engaging with communities.
This has been commissioned from Grasshopper Communications, a
Welsh organisation working in the industry which specialises in
community and stakeholder consultation.
The Welsh Government has also provided Planning Aid Wales
additional funding to engage with communities seeking to better
understand the changes via online guidance and community events.
Nearly £9 million was announced earlier this year to strengthen
the capacity of planning services provided by Planning and
Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
and the Welsh Government's Planning Directorate to deliver faster
decisions.
