Presentation by M

1. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Requirements for a thriving renewable
energy industry in Wales

2. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Presentation Outline
Current Planning Framework for Wales
Is Wales performing on renewables?
Proposed planning reform in Wales
Influence planning reform on renewables

3. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Current Planning Framework for Wales
Main statutory controls:
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
Planning Act 2008
Wales (largely) has devolved powers on Land Use / Planning
matters (Govt of Wales Act 2006)
Core land use planning policy and plans:
Planning Policy Wales (PPW) 2012 (v5)
Ministerial Planning Policy Wales
Technical Advice Notes
Circulars and Letters
Wales Spatial Plan (updated 2008)

4. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Planning Process
Typically all new developments require planning permission
(TCPA 1990). NB some ‘permitted development’
i.e microrenewbles Permitted Development Rights (Order) 2012
Decisions to be taken in accordance with the development
plan : UDP, LDP, SPG
Other relevant legislation:
Town and Country EIA Regs 1999 as amended
Water Framework Directive
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2011
Water Resources Act 1991
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010

5. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Is Wales performing on renewables?
Installed electricity capacity 2011 (restats 2012)
England 5,880MW
Wales 857MW
Scotland 4,810MW
Northern Ireland 428MW
Wales’ stated capacity operational / consented 2010:
1,600MW electricity (estimate Low Carbon Revolution 2010)
Current Welsh target: 2000MW
Potential capacity identified for Wales for 2025:
22,500MW by 2025 i.e. a 14-fold increase required in 12 years

6. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Is Wales performing on renewables?
Non wind operational or consented (estimate Low Carbon
Revolution 2010):
Biomass: 0.5GW
Microgen: Data not available
Non wind potential capacity by 2025:
Biomass: 1GW
Microgen: 1GW

7. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Is Wales performing on renewables?
Hyder report
“… failure to meet the targets sets … by almost 60%”
“… likelihood that the targets for 2020 will not be met”
Large increase in applications, peaking in 2008/9 and
2010/11
Only 5% of schemes submitted in the last 7 yrs
operational
Average consenting period is 57 weeks (wind 122 weeks
and biomass 61 weeks)
No applications determined in the 8 week period
6% of applications in 16 week period determined

8. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Changes to the Planning Framework for Wales
Sustainable Development Bill “… to embed Sustainable
Development as the central organising principle of public
services in Wales
Sustainability to be addressed through Planning Reform
White Paper and draft Planning Bill 2013 will bring about
significant change to the land use planning system for Wales
Evidence Base:
Independent Advisory Group on Planning
Arup report
The Hyder Report
The Environment and Sustainability Committee Report on Energy
and Planning
The GVA Grimley Study
The Environment Committee Report on Planning in Wales (3rd
Assembly)

9. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Changes to the Planning Framework for Wales
Independent Advisory Group on Planning and
Grimley Report:
Recommendations on almost every aspect of the planning
system:
Appeals / Third Party Rights
Welsh Planning Inspectorate
Single unified application
Among many otehrs
NSIP devolved decision making powers i.e. energy >50MW,
ports

10. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Potential changes relevant to renewables
Strategic Energy Consents Unit (part of PI, Wales) >5MW in
SSAs, >25MW outside SSAs, and ‘associated development’
Clarity on PPW scales of developments
Amend Planning Act 2008: “… decisions made in line with
Welsh planning policy”
Renewable Energy Assessments by LPAs as part of LDPs
Extended permitted development rights
Clarification on call-in procedures

11. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Potential changes relevant to renewables
Clarity of and standardised statistics and targets, and
associated monitoring (‘Routemaps’)
Mandatory pre app meetings and consultations
NRW RE consents team
Parallel consenting
Enable support for and support by LPAs
All-Wales Renewable Energy Advisory Group

12. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Where next?
Engage and influence
Industry representation
Policy and planning change – the planning system can
deliver a low carbon economy and growth
Respond to consultations individually and collectively
Shared information and analysis on planning requirements
Accentuate the wider benefits of renewables to the Welsh
economy and environment

13. Planning: Framework, Performance and Improved Delivery
Thank you
Michael Phillips
Principal Planning Consultant
Dulas Ltd
www.dulas.org.uk