Representatives from the Welsh planning industry will gather next week to debate Wales’ changing planning process for major infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
The one-day event on Thursday 29 November, Planning for Major Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Projects in Wales, will be held at Eversheds’ offices in Cardiff. It will bring together developers, planners and local authorities from across Wales to discuss the new Welsh Planning Bill and debate the latest changes to the application process.
Topics under discussion will include the IAG Report, wind farm applications, planning appeals and lessons learnt so far from major infrastructure projects in Wales.
Rosemary Thomas, the Welsh Government’s Chief Planner, will discuss the Welsh Government’s commitment to resolving planning issues under a reformed planning system to be launched next year, as well as sharing plans to develop a single environment body and exploring how UK policy impacts on Wales.
Delegates will also be able to hear from other key players involved in the Welsh planning process including Ian Gambles, Director of National Infrastructure at The Planning Inspectorate, John Davies MBE, Chair of Planning Policy Review at the Independent Advisory Group, Bethan Edwards, Principal Renewables Developer at RWE Npower Renewables, Chris Sutton, Director at Jones Lang LaSalle and Eifion Bowen, Head of Planning at Carmarthenshire County Council.
Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee will also provide an address.
Karl Cradick, director at Savills and conference chair said: “This will be a rare gathering of some of the leading individuals from government and industry who are shaping Wales’s energy future.
“The conference will offer valuable insights into how Wales is responding to the energy challenge, from legal, policy, community and economic perspectives.”
Carrie Swift, Head of Waterfront Conference Company, the event organisers added: “This conference comes at a crucial time for the Welsh planning sector as we are seeing increasing rates of rejection for renewable energy project applications.
“The event provides a key opportunity for the Welsh planning industry to get together, network and get up to date on future changes to the planning process in Wales.”
For further information and to register for the conference, visit www.waterfrontconferencecompany.com or call 0207 787 1210.