Planning (Wales) Act 2026

PART 1INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

1Introduction to this Act

2Overview of this Act

CHAPTER 2“DEVELOPMENT” AND RELATED DEFINITIONS

3Meaning of “development”

4Building, engineering and mining operations

5Uses of land that involve a material change

6Operations and changes in use that are not development

CHAPTER 3PLANNING AUTHORITIES

7The planning authority for an area

8Power to designate joint planning area and establish joint planning board

9Joint planning areas and National Parks

PART 2THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTORY

10Meaning of “the development plan” for an area

11Sustainable development

CHAPTER 2NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FOR WALES

12Duty to prepare and publish National Development Framework

13Preparation of Framework: statement of public participation

14Procedure for preparation and publication of Framework

15Review and revision of Framework

CHAPTER 3STRATEGIC AND LOCAL PLANNING: MAIN FUNCTIONS OF AUTHORITIES

Strategic planning by corporate joint committees

16Survey of corporate joint committee’s area

17Duty to prepare strategic development plan

Local planning by planning authorities

18Survey of planning authority’s area

19Duty to prepare local development plan

CHAPTER 4STRATEGIC AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS: PROCEDURE

20Meaning of “plan” and “plan-making authority”

Preparation and adoption of plans

21Preparation of plan: procedure and delivery agreement

22Sustainability appraisal

23Independent examination

24Adoption of plan

Intervention by the Welsh Ministers and withdrawal of plans before adoption

25Power to direct authority to modify plan

26Power to direct authority to submit plan for approval

27Power to direct authority to withdraw plan

28Withdrawal of plan in absence of direction

29Default powers of the Welsh Ministers

Representations about plans

30Exclusion of certain representations relating to highways and new towns

Review, revision, revocation and monitoring of plans after adoption or approval

31Duty to consider whether to review plan

32Review of plan

33Revision of plan

34Revocation of plan

35Annual monitoring report

Joint local development plans

36Joint exercise of functions by planning authorities

37End of joint arrangements between planning authorities

Costs of independent examinations of plans

38Power to require plan-making authority to pay costs of independent examination

CHAPTER 5GENERAL

39Urban development corporations

41Regulations about exercise of functions relating to plans

PART 3PLANNING PERMISSION

CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTORY

42Overview of this Part

Requirement for planning permission

43Planning permission required for development

CHAPTER 2PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED BY ORDER

44Power of the Welsh Ministers to grant permission by development order

45Power of planning authority to grant permission by local development order

46Completion of development after withdrawal of permission granted by order

CHAPTER 3PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED ON APPLICATION: INTRODUCTORY

47Grant of planning permission on application

48Outline planning permission

49Planning permission for development already carried out

50Planning permission for development without complying with previous conditions

51Sustainable development duty

CHAPTER 4PRE-APPLICATION PROCEDURE

52Requirement for applicant to carry out pre-application consultation and publicity

53Pre-application services provided by planning authority or the Welsh Ministers

54Pre-application services: records and statement of services

CHAPTER 5APPLYING FOR PLANNING PERMISSION AND RELATED APPROVALS

Requirements for applications to planning authorities

55Application for planning permission to be made to planning authority

56Application for planning permission, approval of reserved matters etc.: general requirements

57Application for planning permission: design and access statement and pre-application consultation report

58Notice of application for planning permission or approval of reserved matters

Failure to comply with requirements for applications

59Planning authority not to consider invalid application

60Planning authority to give notice that application is not valid

61Right to appeal against notice of invalidity

62Determination of appeal against notice

CHAPTER 6DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS

Procedure for dealing with applications

63Procedure for dealing with applications: general

64Requirement to respond to consultation

65Notifying community councils of applications

Determination of applications and conditions of planning permission

66General considerations relevant to determination of applications

67Grant or refusal of planning permission and imposition of conditions

68Determining applications to develop without compliance with previous conditions

69Decision notices

Cases where planning authorities do not deal with applications made to them

70Power to refuse to consider similar applications

71Power to refuse to consider application made after issue of enforcement notice

72Reference of application to the Welsh Ministers

Appeals to the Welsh Ministers

73Right to appeal against planning authority decision or failure to make decision

74Procedure for making appeal

75Restriction on varying application after service of notice of appeal

76Decision on application after service of notice of appeal

77Determination of appeal

CHAPTER 7APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION AND RELATED APPROVALS: SPECIAL CASES

Optional applications to the Welsh Ministers

78Option to make application to the Welsh Ministers

79Designation of planning authority for the purposes of section 78

80Option to make application to the Welsh Ministers: connected applications

81Powers to impose requirements in relation to applications to the Welsh Ministers

82Procedure for dealing with planning applications made to the Welsh Ministers

83Pre-application services and determination of applications: functions of inspectors

84Applications by the Crown

85Applications relating to urgent Crown development

Combination of applications

86Combination of applications for planning permission with other applications

CHAPTER 8PLANNING PERMISSION FOR DEVELOPMENT WITH GOVERNMENT AUTHORISATION

87Authorisation for development by local authorities and statutory undertakers

88Consent for electricity generating stations and electric lines

89Orders under the Transport and Works Act 1992

90Application of this Act to planning permission granted under this Chapter

CHAPTER 9EFFECT, DURATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANNING PERMISSION

Effect of planning permission

91Benefit of planning permission

92Permission to erect a building: purposes for which building may be used

Duration of planning permission

93Condition about period within which development must start

94Conditions of outline planning permission

95Breach of condition about period within which development must start etc.

96Duration of minerals permission

Implementation of planning permission

97Notice of starting and carrying out development

Termination of planning permission where development has not been completed

98Power to make termination order

99Time when development starts

CHAPTER 10CHANGES TO PLANNING PERMISSION

Non-material changes to planning permission

100Power of planning authority to make non-material change to planning permission

101Further provision about applications for non-material changes

Modification and revocation of planning permission

102Power to make order modifying or revoking planning permission

Reviews of planning permission for minerals development

103Giving effect to minerals permissions relating to dormant sites

104Periodic review of minerals permissions

CHAPTER 11COMPENSATION AND PURCHASE OF INTERESTS IN LAND

Compensation for changes to planning permission

105Compensation for refusal or conditional grant of planning permission previously granted by order

106Compensation where planning permission is modified or revoked

107Compensation for changes to planning permission: supplementary provision

108Apportionment and recovery of compensation for depreciation

109Compensation for changes to planning permission for minerals development

Right to require purchase of interest in land

110Service of purchase notice where planning permission is refused, revoked or made conditional

CHAPTER 12REGISTER

111Register of local development orders, planning applications etc.

PART 4ENFORCEMENT

112Expressions used in connection with enforcement

113Time limits for taking enforcement action

Investigatory powers

114Power of planning authority to serve enforcement investigation notice

115Offence of failing to comply with enforcement investigation notice

116Powers to enter land for enforcement purposes

117Warrant to enter land

118Supplementary provision about powers of entry

Enforcement warning notices

119Power of planning authority to issue enforcement warning notice

Temporary stop notices

120Power of planning authority to issue temporary stop notice

121Restrictions on power to issue temporary stop notice

122Duration etc. of temporary stop notice

123Offence of breaching temporary stop notice

124Compensation for loss or damage caused by temporary stop notice

Breach of condition notices

125Power of planning authority to serve breach of condition notice

126Offence of failing to comply with breach of condition notice

127Effect of grant of planning permission or removal of condition on breach of condition notice

Enforcement notices

128Power of planning authority to issue enforcement notice

129Service, taking effect etc. of enforcement notice

130Variation and withdrawal of enforcement notice

Appeals against enforcement notices

131Right to appeal against enforcement notice

132Determination of appeal: general

133Grant of planning permission etc. on determination of appeal

134Issue of certificate of lawfulness on determination of appeal

Compliance with enforcement notices

135Order to permit steps required by enforcement notice

136Power to enter land and take steps required by enforcement notice

137Recovery of costs of compliance with enforcement notice

138Offences of failing to comply with enforcement notice

139Assurance that person is not at risk of prosecution for offence under section 138

Further provisions about effect of enforcement notices

140Grounds for appeal not to be raised in other proceedings

141Effect of grant of planning permission on enforcement notice

142Deemed planning permission where enforcement notice is complied with

143Continuing effect of enforcement notice in relation to later development

Enforcement by the Welsh Ministers

144Power of the Welsh Ministers to issue enforcement notice

145Power of planning authority to issue stop notice

146Restrictions on power to issue stop notice

147Service and display of stop notice

148Withdrawal of stop notice

149Duration and effect of stop notice

150Power of the Welsh Ministers to issue stop notice

151Offence of breaching stop notice

152Compensation for loss or damage caused by stop notice

153Injunctions restraining breaches of planning control

154Register of enforcement notices, other enforcement action and stop notices

PART 5CERTIFICATES OF LAWFULNESS

155Expressions relating to lawfulness

156Certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development

157Certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development

158Further provision about applications for certificates of lawfulness

159Further provision about certificates of lawfulness

160Right to appeal against refusal of application or failure to make decision

161Restriction on varying application after service of notice of appeal

162Determination of appeal

163Revocation of certificate of lawfulness

164Offence of making false statement etc. to influence outcome of application or appeal

PART 6OBLIGATIONS RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF LAND

CHAPTER 1PLANNING OBLIGATIONS

165Planning obligations

166Enforcement of planning obligations

167Modification and discharge of planning obligations

168Appeals relating to applications to modify or discharge planning obligations

169Legal challenges relating to applications made to the Welsh Ministers or Secretary of State

170Interpretation of this Chapter

CHAPTER 2COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY

171CIL regulations

172Charging for development

173Use of CIL: funding infrastructure

Liability for CIL

174Terms relating to liability

175Assuming liability

176Default liability for CIL

177Time when liability arises

178Liability in other cases

179Further provision about liability for CIL

Exemptions and reductions

180Exemptions and reductions: general

181Charities: exemption from liability

182Exemptions and reductions: procedure

183Charging schedule

184Estimate of amount

185Appeals relating to calculation of CIL

Collection of CIL

186Collection and payment of CIL

Enforcement of CIL

187Enforcement: general

188Consequences of failure to comply

189Interest and penalties

190Power to stop development

191Powers of entry

193Registration or notification of liability

194Compensation: loss or damage as a result of enforcement action

Use of CIL payments

195Funding by CIL

196CIL funding: lists

197Duty to pass CIL to other persons

198Duty to pass on CIL: further provision

199Use of CIL in area to which duty to pass on CIL does not apply

Reviews and appeals

200Reviews and appeals

201Power to make further provision about procedures

Relationship with other powers

203Relationship with other powers

204CIL regulations: general

205Interpretation of this Chapter

PART 7OTHER POWERS RELATING TO USE OR CONDITION OF LAND

CHAPTER 1POWERS TO REQUIRE DISCONTINUANCE OF USE OF LAND ETC.

Discontinuance orders

206Power to make discontinuance order

207Planning permission granted by discontinuance order

Prohibition orders and protection orders

208Power to make prohibition order or protection order

Enforcement of orders

209Powers to enter land, take steps required by order and recover costs

210Offence of failing to comply with order

Compensation and purchase of interests in land

211Compensation for damage caused by discontinuance order

212Compensation for effects of orders relating to minerals

213Service of purchase notice following making of discontinuance order

CHAPTER 2LAND ADVERSELY AFFECTING AMENITY OF NEIGHBOURHOOD

Maintenance of land notices

214Power of planning authority to issue maintenance of land notice

Appeals against maintenance of land notices

215Right to appeal against maintenance of land notice

216Determination of appeal

217Grounds for appeal not to be raised in other proceedings

Enforcement of maintenance of land notices

218Order to permit steps required by maintenance of land notice

219Powers to enter land, take steps required by maintenance of land notice and recover costs

220Offence of failing to comply with maintenance of land notice

PART 8CONTROL OF ADVERTISEMENTS

Control of advertisements regulations

221Control of advertisements regulations

222Consent for the display of advertisements

223Restricting the display of advertisements where express consent is not ordinarily required

225Changing or revoking consent

226Compensation

227Control of advertisements regulations: supplementary

228Power to make different provision for different areas, including areas of special control

Deemed planning permission for display of advertisements

229Deemed planning permission for advertisements displayed in accordance with regulations

Enforcement of regulations

230Offence of displaying advertisement in breach of regulations

231Power to remove or obliterate placard and poster

232Compensation for damage caused in removing or obliterating placard or poster

PART 9PRESERVATION OF TREES AND WOODLANDS

CHAPTER 1TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS AND WOODLAND PRESERVATION ORDERS ETC.

General duty of planning authorities

233Planning permission to include provision for preservation and planting of trees

Tree preservation orders and woodland preservation orders

234Power of planning authority to make tree preservation order

235Power of planning authority to make woodland preservation order

236Power of the Welsh Ministers to make tree preservation orders and woodland preservation orders

Tree preservation regulations

237Tree preservation regulations: general

238Interests of amenity: factors to be taken into account

239Making, varying or revoking tree preservation orders and woodland preservation orders

240Activities that may be prohibited

241Consent for prohibited activities and appeals

242Compensation

243Registers of information relating to tree preservation orders and woodland preservation orders

244Tree preservation regulations: restriction relating to felling licences under the Forestry Act 1967

Replacement of trees

245Replacement of trees: tree preservation orders

246Replacement of trees: woodland preservation orders

CHAPTER 2TREES IN CONSERVATION AREAS

247Preservation of trees in conservation areas

248Replacement of trees in conservation areas

249Register of notices of intention to carry out works

CHAPTER 3ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement of prohibition on works

250Offences of breaching tree preservation provisions

251Injunction restraining breach of tree preservation provisions

Enforcement of requirement to replace trees

252Power of planning authority to issue tree replacement notice

253Variation of tree replacement notice

254Right to appeal against tree replacement notice

255Determination of appeal

256Order to permit trees to be planted

257Power to enter land and plant trees

258Recovery of costs of planting trees

Powers of entry

259Powers to enter land without warrant

260Warrant to enter land

261Supplementary provisions about powers of entry

PART 10ACQUISITION AND APPROPRIATION OF LAND FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ETC.

Powers of relevant local authority to acquire land for planning purposes

262Acquisition of land by agreement for planning purposes

263Compulsory acquisition of land for planning purposes

Power of local authority to appropriate land forming part of common or allotment

264Appropriation of land forming part of common or allotment for another purpose

Appropriation, disposal and development of land held by local authority for planning purposes

265Land to which sections 266 to 268 apply

266Appropriation of land held for planning purposes

267Disposal of land held for planning purposes

268Development and use of land held for planning purposes

Removal of restrictions on obtaining possession of dwellings

269Power of local authority to obtain possession of dwellings let under certain tenancies

Joint body to hold land acquired by local authority for planning purposes

270Power of the Welsh Ministers to establish joint body to hold land acquired for planning purposes

Acquisition and disposal of land by the Welsh Ministers

271Compulsory acquisition of land by the Welsh Ministers

272Disposal of land acquired under section 271

Ending of certain rights on compulsory acquisition of land

273Ending of rights relating to land acquired compulsorily under this Part

Removal of restrictions on use of open spaces, burial grounds etc.

274Meaning of “relevant acquisition” and “relevant appropriation”

275Development and use of commons, open spaces and allotments

276Development and use of burial grounds

277Development and use of land connected to religious worship other than burial grounds

278Further provision about regulations under sections 276 and 277

279Interpretation of this Part

PART 11HIGHWAYS

CHAPTER 1HIGHWAYS AFFECTED BY DEVELOPMENT

Stopping up and diversion of highways: powers of the Welsh Ministers

280Stopping up or diversion of highway to enable development

281Stopping up or diversion of highway crossing or entering route of new highway

282Procedure before grant of planning permission

283Further provision about orders under sections 280 and 281

284Orders under section 281: stopping up of private means of access

285Compensation where private means of access is stopped up

Pedestrianisation of highways: powers of the Welsh Ministers

286Pedestrianisation of highway to improve amenity

287Revocation of order for pedestrianisation of highway

288Further provision about orders under sections 286 and 287

289Compensation where highway is pedestrianised

Further powers where orders are made by the Welsh Ministers

290Compulsory acquisition of land in connection with order

291Ending of rights of statutory undertakers and network operators

292Electronic communications apparatus affected by order

Stopping up or diversion of public paths: powers of planning authorities

293Stopping up or diversion of public path to enable development

294Confirmation of order made by planning authority

295Electronic communications apparatus affected by order

Mineral working: temporary orders

296Temporary stopping up or diversion for surface working of minerals

CHAPTER 2ENDING RIGHTS OF WAY OVER LAND HELD FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

Powers of the Welsh Ministers

297Power of the Welsh Ministers to end right of way over land held for planning purposes

298Compulsory acquisition of land to provide alternative right of way

299Concurrent proceedings relating to orders and acquisitions

Powers of local authorities

300Power of local authority to end right of way over public path on land held for planning purposes

Electronic communications apparatus

301Electronic communications apparatus affected by order

CHAPTER 3GENERAL

302Interpretation of this Part

PART 12STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS ETC.

Interpretation of terms relating to statutory undertakers

303Meaning of “statutory undertaker” and “statutory undertaking”

304Meaning of “operational land”: statutory undertakers generally

305Meaning of “operational land”: Civil Aviation Authority and air traffic licensees

306Meaning of “operational land”: universal postal service providers

307Meaning of “operational land”: supplementary provision

308Meaning of “the appropriate Minister” etc.

Development and use of land of statutory undertakers

309Applications for planning permission by statutory undertakers

310Conditional grant of planning permission

311Modification or revocation of planning permission

312Discontinuance orders, prohibition orders and protection orders

313Display of advertisements on operational land

Statutory undertakers and network operators: ending of rights and removal of apparatus

314Removal notices: ending rights over land etc. of statutory undertakers and network operators

315Removal notices: withdrawal or taking effect

316Powers of statutory undertakers or network operators to enter land to remove or re-site apparatus

Extending or modifying statutory undertakers’ functions

317Orders to extend or modify statutory undertakers’ functions

Relieving statutory undertakers of impracticable obligations

318Orders to relieve statutory undertakers of impracticable obligations

319Right to compensation for effects of certain planning decisions and orders

320Rights to compensation for ending rights over land etc.

321Assessing compensation

322Statutory undertakers’ power to exclude section 321

PART 13BLIGHTED LAND

324Notice requiring purchase of blighted land

Counter-notices

325Counter-notice objecting to blight notice

326Grounds of objection to a blight notice

327Grounds of objection: further provision

328Further counter-notice where certain proposals come into force

329Reference of objection to Upper Tribunal: general

330Effect of objection where no reference is made to Upper Tribunal

Blight notices where no objection or where upheld by the Upper Tribunal

331Effect of blight notice

332Blight notice in respect of part of hereditament or unit

Effect of Grounds 2, 3 and 4 on compulsory acquisition powers

333Effect on powers of compulsory acquisition where no intention to acquire

334Effect on powers of compulsory acquisition where intention to acquire part

Blight notice requiring purchase of unaffected area of agricultural unit

335Requirement to purchase parts of agricultural units unaffected by blight

336Additional ground of objection to blight notice including requirement to purchase unaffected area

337Upper Tribunal: objection to blight notice including requirement to purchase unaffected area

338Effect of blight notice including requirement to purchase unaffected area

339Effect of blight notice where claim in respect of unaffected area withdrawn or rejected

340Effect of blight notice where claim in respect of unaffected area and part of affected area withdrawn or rejected

Withdrawal of blight notice

341Withdrawal of blight notice

Compensation: special cases

342Compensation: cases where prospect of planning permission to be ignored

343Compensation: listed buildings in need of repair

344Compensation: blight notice including claim in respect of unaffected area

Personal representatives

345Powers of personal representatives in respect of blight notice served before death

346Power of personal representative to serve blight notice

347Grounds of objection to blight notice served by personal representative

348Power of mortgagee to serve blight notice

349Grounds of objection to blight notice served by mortgagee

Prohibition on simultaneous blight notices

350Prohibition on service of simultaneous notices under sections 324, 346 and 348

351Partnerships: special provision

Powers to acquire land where blight notice served

352Power of the Welsh Ministers to acquire land identified by National Development Framework for Wales

353Power of the Welsh Ministers to acquire land affected by order relating to new town

354Power of the Welsh Ministers to acquire land affected by order relating to urban development area

355Power of the Welsh Ministers to acquire land identified in infrastructure policy statement

356Power of the Secretary of State to acquire land identified in national policy statement

Miscellaneous and supplementary provisions

357No withdrawal of notice to treat deemed to have been served under this Part

358Assistance to acquire property where objection on Ground 4

359Interpretation of this Part

PART 14ADMINISTRATION AND VALIDITY

CHAPTER 1EXERCISE OF FUNCTIONS OF PLANNING AUTHORITIES

Fees and charges

360Fees and charges for exercise of functions by planning authorities

Arrangements for exercise of functions relating to applications

361Power to require functions to be exercised by committees, sub-committees or officers

362Size and composition of committees to exercise functions

363Arrangements for exercise of functions: supplementary

CHAPTER 2PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE WELSH MINISTERS

Fees and charges

364Fees and charges for applications and appeals to the Welsh Ministers

Procedural provisions applying to proceedings before the Welsh Ministers

365Determination of appeal by inspector

366Choice of inquiry, hearing or written procedure for appeals and applications

367Procedural requirements for appeals, applications and other proceedings

Local inquiries

368Power of the Welsh Ministers to hold local inquiry

369Power of person holding inquiry to require evidence

370Access to evidence at inquiry

371Payment of appointed representative where access to evidence restricted

Costs of proceedings before the Welsh Ministers

372Payment of costs of the Welsh Ministers

373Orders relating to costs of parties

CHAPTER 3VALIDITY OF PLANS, DECISIONS AND ORDERS

Review by High Court of plans, decisions and orders

374Statutory review of development plans

375Validity of certain decisions and orders

376Application for statutory review of decision or order

377Statutory review of orders relating to highways and statutory undertakers

Appeals to High Court against decisions relating to certain notices

378Appeal against decision relating to enforcement notice

379Appeal against decision relating to maintenance of land notice or tree replacement notice

CHAPTER 4CORRECTION OF DECISIONS OF THE WELSH MINISTERS

380Meaning of “decision document” and “correctable error”

381Power to correct correctable errors in decision documents

382Effect and validity of correction notice

Powers to require information about interests in land

383Power to serve information notice

384Offences of failing to comply with information notice

385Information about interests in Crown land

Powers of entry

386Powers to enter land

387Powers of entry: scope and restrictions

388Powers of entry: offences and compensation

389Powers to enter Crown land

390Offences by bodies corporate

391Making claims for compensation

392Determination of compensation claims by Upper Tribunal

393Compensation for depreciation of value of land

394Power to modify compensation provisions in relation to minerals

Financial contributions

395Contributions towards costs incurred by authorities

396Form of local authority documents

397Powers to make provision about forms for applications and appeals

Service of documents

398Service of notices and other documents: general

399Service of documents on persons having an interest in land or occupying land

400Service of documents on the Crown

401Definitions relating to the Crown

402Representation of Crown and Duchy interests in land

403Enforcement steps in relation to Crown land

Other special cases

404Listed buildings and features of special architectural or historical interest

405Development by, and land of, planning authorities and the Welsh Ministers

406Church of England land

408Interpretation

409Coming into force

SCHEDULE 1LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ORDERS

1Preparation of order

2Power of the Welsh Ministers to direct authority to modify order before adoption

3Power to direct authority to submit order for approval

4Revision of order after adoption

5Revocation of order

6Annual monitoring report

SCHEDULE 2APPEALS UNDER SECTION 61: DETERMINATION BY INSPECTORS

1Powers and duties of inspector

2Replacement of inspector

3Direction that appeal is to be determined by the Welsh Ministers

4Revocation of direction

SCHEDULE 3CONDITIONS RELATING TO MINING OPERATIONS AND DEPOSITING OF WASTE

1Power to grant permission subject to aftercare conditions

2Meaning of “required standard” for use specified in aftercare condition

3Consultation on aftercare condition that specifies use for agriculture or for growing timber

4Certificate of compliance with aftercare condition

5Recovery of costs of compliance

SCHEDULE 4APPLICATIONS TO THE WELSH MINISTERS: EXERCISE OF FUNCTIONS BY INSPECTORS

PART 1PROVISION OF PRE-APPLICATION SERVICES BY INSPECTOR

1Replacement of inspector

2Service of direction that functions are to be exercised by the Welsh Ministers

3Revocation of direction

PART 2DETERMINATION OF APPLICATION BY INSPECTOR

4Powers and duties of inspector

5Local inquiry, hearing or written representations

6Replacement of inspector

7Direction that application is to be determined by the Welsh Ministers

8Revocation of direction

SCHEDULE 5CONDITION LIMITING DURATION OF MINERALS PERMISSION

1Permission granted on or after 22 February 1982

2Permission granted before 22 February 1982

SCHEDULE 6TERMINATION ORDERS

PART 1PROCEDURE FOR ORDERS MADE BY PLANNING AUTHORITIES

1Requirement for confirmation by the Welsh Ministers

PART 2PROCEDURE FOR ORDERS MADE BY THE WELSH MINISTERS

2Consultation and notification before making order

SCHEDULE 7ORDERS MODIFYING OR REVOKING PLANNING PERMISSION

PART 1PROCEDURES FOR ORDERS MADE BY PLANNING AUTHORITIES

1Circumstances in which order takes effect

2Procedure for confirmation of order by the Welsh Ministers

3Procedure for order to take effect without confirmation

PART 2PROCEDURE FOR ORDERS MADE BY THE WELSH MINISTERS

4Consultation and notification before making order

PART 3MODIFICATION OR REVOCATION OF PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MINING OPERATIONS OR DEPOSITING OF WASTE

5Power to impose aftercare condition on modification or revocation of permission

SCHEDULE 8MINERALS PERMISSIONS RELATING TO DORMANT SITES

1Application to determine conditions of minerals permissions relating to dormant sites

2Dealing with an application

3Reference of applications to the Welsh Ministers

4Right to appeal against determination of application

5Time when conditions of permission take effect

6Applications made electronically

7Two or more applications

SCHEDULE 9PERIODIC REVIEW OF MINERALS PERMISSIONS

1Duty to carry out periodic reviews of minerals permissions

2First review date

3Later review dates

4Application of provisions of this Schedule

5Notice of periodic review

6Application to postpone review date

7Application to determine conditions of minerals permission

8Termination of permission if no application is made

9Dealing with an application

10Reference of applications to the Welsh Ministers

11Right to appeal against determination of application

12Time when conditions of permission take effect

13Applications made electronically

14Two or more applications

15Interpretation

SCHEDULE 10APPORTIONMENT AND RECOVERY OF COMPENSATION FOR DEPRECIATION

1Introduction and key terms

2Apportionment of compensation and determination of disputes

3Notice of compensation

4Development not to be carried out until compensation paid or secured

5Amount recoverable by the Welsh Ministers in respect of compensation

6Payment etc. of amount recoverable

7Recovery of compensation from acquiring authority on compulsory acquisition or sale

8Reimbursement of amount recovered to planning authority

SCHEDULE 11COMPENSATION FOR CHANGES TO PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT

PART 1COMPENSATION WHERE PLANNING PERMISSION IS WITHDRAWN, MODIFIED OR REVOKED

1Compensation in respect of buildings, plant or machinery

2Compensation where minerals permission is modified by order

PART 2COMPENSATION FOLLOWING PERIODIC REVIEW OF MINERALS PERMISSIONS

3Compensation where working rights are restricted by new conditions of minerals permissions

PART 3INTERPRETATION

4Meaning of references to restrictions on working rights

SCHEDULE 12PURCHASE NOTICES

PART 1INTRODUCTORY

1Circumstances in which land is usable or unusable

2Interpretation

PART 2SERVICE OF PURCHASE NOTICE

3Service of purchase notice in respect of Crown land

4Further provision about service of purchase notice

PART 3ACTION FOLLOWING SERVICE OF PURCHASE NOTICE AND EFFECT OF NOTICE

5Response to purchase notice by planning authority

6Action to be taken by the Welsh Ministers on rejection of purchase notice by planning authority

7No duty to confirm purchase notice relating to planning decision if land has restricted use

8Procedure before the Welsh Ministers take action in relation to purchase notice

9Effect of confirmation of purchase notice or failure to take action

10Legal challenge to action taken by the Welsh Ministers in relation to purchase notice

11No withdrawal of notice to treat deemed to have been served under this Part

12Deduction of compensation for changes to planning permission

PART 4SEVERANCE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND: RIGHT TO REQUIRE PURCHASE OF REMAINDER

13Service of counter-notice requiring purchase of remainder of agricultural unit

14Effect of counter-notice

15Acquisition and surrender of tenant’s interest under lease

SCHEDULE 13COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY: CHARGING SCHEDULES

1Preparation of charging schedule: setting rates or other criteria

2Preparation of charging schedule: methods of calculation

3Preparation of charging schedule: when it applies

4Preparation of charging schedule: consultation etc.

5Preparation of charging schedule: evidence

6Preparation of draft and appointment of examiner

7Examination of charging schedule

8Examiner’s recommendations

9Approval of charging schedule

10Publication and taking effect of charging schedule

11Revising a charging schedule

12Charging schedule ceasing to have effect

SCHEDULE 14DISCONTINUANCE ORDERS

PART 1PROCEDURE FOR DISCONTINUANCE ORDERS MADE BY PLANNING AUTHORITIES

1Requirement for confirmation by the Welsh Ministers

PART 2PROCEDURE FOR DISCONTINUANCE ORDERS MADE BY THE WELSH MINISTERS

2Consultation and notification in connection with making order

PART 3DISCONTINUANCE ORDERS RELATING TO MINING OPERATIONS AND DEPOSITING OF WASTE

3Power to include restoration condition and aftercare condition in discontinuance order

SCHEDULE 15PROHIBITION ORDERS AND PROTECTION ORDERS

PART 1PROHIBITION ORDERS

1Power to make prohibition order

2Prohibition order made by planning authority: requirement for confirmation by the Welsh Ministers

3Prohibition order made by the Welsh Ministers: consultation and notification in connection with making order

4Effect of prohibition order on planning permission

PART 2PROTECTION ORDERS

5Power to make protection order

6Protection order made by planning authority: requirement for confirmation by the Welsh Ministers

7Protection order made by the Welsh Ministers: consultation and notification in connection with making order

8Registration of protection order as local land charge

9Review of protection order

10Resumption of operations or depositing after protection order takes effect

SCHEDULE 16COMPENSATION FOR EFFECTS OF ORDERS RELATING TO MINERALS

PART 1COMPENSATION FOLLOWING MAKING OF DISCONTINUANCE ORDER

1Compensation where discontinuance order relates to minerals

PART 2COMPENSATION FOLLOWING MAKING OF PROHIBITION ORDER OR PROTECTION ORDER

2Compensation under section 211 following making of prohibition order

3Compensation in other cases

4Deduction from compensation under paragraph 3

SCHEDULE 17ORDERS RELATING TO HIGHWAYS

PART 1PROCEDURE FOR ORDERS MADE BY THE WELSH MINISTERS

1Application of this Part

2Publication of notice of proposed order

3Service and display of notice of proposed order

4Consideration of objections and making of order

5Certain orders to be subject to special Senedd procedure

6Notice of making of order

7Interpretation

PART 2PROCEDURE FOR ORDERS MADE BY PLANNING AUTHORITIES AND OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES

8Application of this Part

9Duties of planning authority or local authority

10Publication of notice of order

11Service and display of notice of order

12Confirmation of order as unopposed order

13Consideration of objections

14Decisions to be made by inspectors

15Special provision about orders under section 293 affecting statutory undertakers

16Notice of confirmation of order

17Notice of decision not to confirm order

18Notice that order has come into force

19Power to make further provision about procedure

20Interpretation

SCHEDULE 18ORDERS RELATING TO STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS AND NETWORK OPERATORS

PART 1SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION ABOUT ORDERS TO END RIGHTS OVER LAND ETC. OF STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS AND NETWORK OPERATORS

1Supplementary provision about orders under section 315(3)

2Supplementary provision about orders under section 315(4)

PART 2PROCEDURE FOR MAKING ORDERS TO EXTEND OR MODIFY STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS’ FUNCTIONS

3Requirement to publicise a representation made under section 317(1)

4Requirements for objection to making of order

5Effect of objection being made to making of order

6Procedure for approving order

PART 3PROCEDURE FOR MAKING ORDERS TO RELIEVE STATUTORY UNDERTAKERS OF IMPRACTICABLE OBLIGATIONS

7Requirement to publicise a representation made under section 318(1)

8Requirements for objection to making of order

9Effect of objection being made to making of order

10Procedure in Senedd Cymru or UK Parliament where objection is made

11Publicising order once made

12Date order takes effect

SCHEDULE 19BLIGHTED LAND

PART 1CATEGORIES OF BLIGHTED LAND

1Land allocated for public functions in plans etc.

2(1) Land identified for the purposes of public functions by...

3(1) Land indicated in an approved plan as land that...

4Land in respect of which a planning authority—

6Land within an area designated as the site of a...

7Urban development areas

8Clearance and renewal areas

9Land that a local housing authority has determined to purchase...

10Land indicated by information published under section 92 of the...

11General improvement areas

13(1) Land— (a) that is on or adjacent to the...

14(1) Land shown on an approved plan as land consisting...

15(1) Land consisting of the site of a highway that...

16(1) Land shown on an approved plan as land that...

17Land indicated in a written notice given by a relevant...

18Compulsory purchase etc.

19Land in respect of which— (a) a compulsory purchase order...

20(1) Land in respect of which a compulsory purchase order...

21Land— (a) the compulsory acquisition of which is authorised by...

22Land that is the subject of a proposal that it...

23Land— (a) the compulsory acquisition of which is authorised by...

24Land that an application for infrastructure consent seeks authority to...

25Land— (a) the compulsory acquisition of which is authorised by...

26Land that an application for an order granting development consent...

27Land the temporary possession of which is authorised under section...

28Land identified in infrastructure policy statement

29Land identified in national policy statement

PART 2MEANING OF “OWNER-OCCUPIER”, “RESIDENT OWNER-OCCUPIER” AND “ANNUAL VALUE”

31Owner-occupier of a hereditament

32Resident owner-occupier of a hereditament

33Owner-occupier of an agricultural unit

34Interpretation of paragraphs 31 to 33

PART 3MEANING OF “THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY”

37Appropriate authority: general

38Appropriate authority: new towns

39Appropriate authority: urban development areas

40Appropriate authority: land identified in infrastructure policy statements

41Appropriate authority: land identified in national policy statements

42Appropriate authority: blight notice including claim in respect of unaffected area

43Questions about appropriate authority

PART 4MEANING OF “THE APPROPRIATE ENACTMENT”

45Appropriate enactment: general

46Appropriate enactment: development plans etc.

47Appropriate enactment: new towns

48Appropriate enactment: urban development areas

49Appropriate enactment: clearance areas

50Appropriate enactment: compulsory purchase etc.

51(1) In relation to land falling within paragraph 23, “the...

52(1) In relation to land falling within paragraph 25, “the...

53In relation to land falling within paragraph 27, “the appropriate...

54Appropriate enactment: land identified in infrastructure policy statements

55Appropriate enactment: land identified in national policy statements

56Appropriate enactment: highway purposes

57Appropriate enactment: blight notice including claim in respect of unaffected area

58Appropriate enactment: two or more enactments

59Questions about appropriate enactment

SCHEDULE 20DETERMINATION OF APPEALS BY INSPECTORS OR THE WELSH MINISTERS

1Powers and duties of inspector

2Local inquiry, hearing or written representations

3Replacement of inspector

4Direction that appeal is to be determined by the Welsh Ministers

5Revocation of direction

Welsh Royal arms

Planning (Wales) Act 2026

2026 asc 6

An Act of Senedd Cymru to consolidate certain enactments relating to planning.

[27 April 2026]

Having been passed by Senedd Cymru and having received the assent of His Majesty, it is enacted as follows: