Planning Act receives Royal Assent

Legislation which will reform the planning system in Wales, to ensure that it is fair, resilient and enables development has been granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty the Queen.

At an official sealing ceremony held today (Monday 6 July) the Planning (Wales) Bill became an Act of the Assembly.

The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 will provide a modern legislative framework for the operation of the planning system. It puts in place delivery structures, processes and procedures, to make the planning system fit for the 21st Century.

The Planning Act was passed by the National Assembly for Wales on 19 May. A Bill receives Royal Assent when Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal signed with Her Majesty’s own hand signifying Her Assent are notified to the Clerk of the Assembly. The Bill then becomes an Act of the Assembly.

The ceremony where the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones applied the Welsh Seal to the Letters Patent was attended by Natural Resources Minister, Carl Sargeant.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“This piece of legislation will have a significant impact on how the Welsh planning system works. It will allow Welsh ministers to approve planning applications for nationally-significant projects; allow for the creation of strategic plans to be drawn up across different council areas and enable early public engagement in the planning system.”

Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant added:

“The new law will create a world class planning system delivering timely, fair and consistent decisions that will enhance the built, natural and historic environment in Wales. It will also complement the framework for sustainable development established through the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment Bill.”