The planning process
Energy projects in Wales that have a generating capacity of between 10 MW and 350 MW are considered Developments of National Significance (DNS) and are required to obtain approval via the DNS system.
The DNS process ensures local residents have more say on the project, as there is a minimum requirement at the pre-application stage for publicising and consultation for a minimum of six weeks.
After holding public consultations and refining the proposals, anyone intending to construct a DNS must submit an application to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
Following a recommendation being made by PEDW on whether an application should be approved, the Welsh Ministers will have the final say and issue a letter containing their decision.
Further details on this process may be found on the DNS website using the link below.
A Development of National Significance (DNS) refers to infrastructure projects that are considered to be of national significance. These projects require a special planning and approval process to be granted approval under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015 which amends the Town and County Planning Act 1990 (“the Act”), and the Developments of National Significance (Wales) Regulations 2016 (as amended) and subsequent Regulations.
Energy generating projects in Wales that have a generating capacity of between 10 MW and 350 MW are DNS’s and are required to obtain approval via the DNS system.
After holding consultations and refining the proposals, anyone intending to construct a DNS must submit an application to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
PEDW will then publicise and consult on the application over a five-week representation period. Following this, an Inspector will be appointed to examine the application. The Inspector must deliver their report to the Welsh Ministers within 24 weeks, who ultimately make the decision. If approved, the Welsh Ministers will then issue a letter containing their decision on the DNS application.
A key requirement of the DNS process is for applicants to consult with stakeholders and the community prior to submitting an application. Furthermore, PEDW will also publicise and consult on the application over a five-week representation period. In our DNS application, we are required to summarise the feedback received and our responses to the feedback.
Community liaison group
We will establish a Community Liaison Group with the aim to ensure open dialogue between the community and the project team, addressing concerns and ensuring transparent communication.