Welsh Minister Seeks Talks on Greater Energy Planning Powers with UK Government

Greater decision-making powers in Wales for national infrastructure projects are being sought by Environment Minister Jane Davidson.

Ms Davidson is seeking a meeting with the UK Minister for Planning and Decentralisation Greg Clark following the announcement of the abolition of the Infrastructure Planning Commission and its merger into the Planning Inspectorate.

Ms Davidson said: ‘I am seeking an early meeting with the UK Planning Minister to discuss the implications and opportunities for Wales.

‘I was delighted that, during a debate in Plenary on 22 June about improving the planning application process, there was cross party support for securing decision-making powers for nationally significant infrastructure projects for the Welsh Ministers.’

Ms Davidson said that the proposed Decentralisation and Localism Bill, which will address the future of the IPC, presented an opportunity for Wales to seek major energy consenting powers, for which there was unanimous cross-party support for this approach.

She added: ‘I believe there is an opportunity to work together to achieve a more democratic and accountable approach to decision making on nationally significant infrastructure projects within Wales.’

Visit: wales.gov.uk

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