Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024
| Act of Senedd Cymru | |
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| Long title | An Act of Senedd Cymru to reform the law governing the development of significant infrastructure in Wales and the Welsh marine area; and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 2024 asc 3 |
| Introduced by | Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 3 June 2024 |
Status: Current legislation | |
| History of passage through the Senedd | |
| Text of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 (Welsh: Deddf Seilwaith (Cymru) 2024) is an act of Senedd Cymru relating to infrastructure.
Background
The legislation was intended to streamline the planning processfor infrastructure.[1][2] Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said the legislation formed part of the Welsh Government's plans to make Wales the jurisdiction in the United Kingdom with the quickest approval process.[1][2]
Before this legislation, there were a lack of national policy statements.[3]
Provisions
The act introduces more rigorous responsibilities for developers, including responsibilities relating to pre-application consultation and documentation.[4]
The act allows for public authorities to charge fees for determining applications for infrastructure consent.[4]
A unified application and consent process is established covering energy, transport, waste, and water.[5]
Further developments
Plaid Cymru has called for a new Wales Bill, following from the Wales Act 2014 and Wales Act 2017, which would devolve additional powers in relation the management of infrastructure.[6]
References
- ^ a b "Planning Reforms Aim to Make Wales the Fastest in the UK for Infrastructure Applications". Business News Wales. 2 July 2025. Archived from the original on 23 July 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Welsh Government unveils major planning reforms". Deeside.com. 26 June 2025. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ Emden, Joshua; Hawkey, Dave (12 December 2024). "Everything everywhere, all at once: The need for a four nations approach to accelerate wind deployment in the UK" (PDF). Institute for Public Policy Research. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 March 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ a b Dow, Louise (11 July 2025). "Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 – Bold Vision or Budget Mirage?". Business News Wales. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ "Welsh Governments New Infrastructure Consent Regulations 2025: What You Need to Know". Transparency News. 17 June 2025. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ^ "Plaid Cymru renews calls for Wales to have same powers as Scotland". Nation.Cymru. 18 November 2024. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.