Wales is officially open for business for green infrastructure projects, with the news that the new Developments of National Significance regime will allow renewable energy projects from 10MW upwards to be determined by Welsh Ministers, rather than local authorities.
Local authorities have sadly been unwilling or unable to deal with the large number and complexity of projects presented to them, and as a result Wales has lagged the rest of Europe in terms of installed renewable electricity.
However the new regime promises a much brighter future. Whilst there should be no automatic assumption of improved consent rates, the consistency and the timing of determinations will be far clearer, and will galvanise the green infrastructure sector in Wales.
Commenting on the changes to Planning in Wales, David Clubb said:
“Having very recently published an article about why green businesses in England should seriously consider changing their focus to investing in Wales, I am delighted to see the new DNS regime implemented to support green infrastructure growth in Wales.
“Carl Sargeant, his predecessor Alun Davies and all the staff and stakeholders involved with this legislation have made changes which the people, communities and businesses of Wales will enjoy for generations to come.
“I’m delighted to congratulate Welsh Government on another powerful step towards Wales becoming a truly sustainable country.”