The Welsh Government has launched a public
consultation as part of a major revision of the National
Development Framework which sets out how places,
communities, infrastructure and natural resources
should be planned and managed through the planning system in
Wales.
The consultation, running from 19 August
to 20 November 2026, invites people and organisations
across Wales to have their say on the Statement of Public
Participation, the National Conversation Engagement Plan, and an
accompanying Call for Evidence.
Siân Gwenllian, Cabinet Minister for Local Government,
Housing and Planning, said:
"This marks the start of a national conversation about the
long-term future of Wales, going beyond planning policy to
explore the role that places, communities, infrastructure, the
environment and culture should play in
shaping our nation's future to 2050.
It is part of this Government's commitment to work with
local authorities and regional partners to develop a new
Framework that meets Wales's needs, empowers local government,
and reduces costs, bureaucracy and duplication. I
strongly encourage everyone with an interest in the future of
their community,
town, city, region and nation to take
part.
"Our aim is to move towards a community-centred approach to
planning that gives communities a real say on how we secure the
homes, workplaces and infrastructure we need, and the National
Development Framework will play a key overarching role in how
those decisions are made locally, regionally and
nationally.
As part of the engagement programme, a series of both
in-person and remote events will be held around Wales during
September and October.
The national conversation will explore key themes
including:
- Wales in 2050 what the nation should be known for and what
future generations should inherit
- Homes and communities the housing and community
infrastructure Wales needs
- Economy and prosperity where jobs and investment should be
focused
- Climateand naturerecognisingone connected emergency and
acting inacoordinated way
- Movement and connectivity the future of transport and digital
connectivity
- Culture, language and nationhood how the Welsh
language and cultural identity should shape development
- Health and wellbeing how planning can support healthier lives
and reduce inequalities
The consultation launches just as the
Welsh Government has announced work has begun
onWales'sfirst Climate and Nature Action
Plan,which will bring climate and nature into
decision-making across government, helping deliver wider
priorities for healthier communities, resilient places, cleaner
air and water, green jobs, warmer homes, sustainable food and
farming, and better places to live.
The consultation documents and details of how to respond are
available at https://www.gov.wales/national-development-framework.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The NDF provides the framework for Strategic Development
Plans, Local Development Plans and decisions on
Significant Infrastructure Projects. The current NDF, Future
Wales The National Plan 2040, was adopted in 2021.
- This consultation forms Stage 2 of an approximately
four-year process to revise and publish the new NDF, with
the final Framework expected in winter 2029/30.
