New planning for Wales

In the January issue, planning barriers in Wales were explored. Now, a new process promises 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.

Recognising that speeding up the planning process could attract more investment, First Minister Eluned Morgan 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. “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.”

Check January issue

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