SL(5)348 – The Developments of National Significance (Wales) (Amendment) Regs 2019
Background and Purpose
These Regulations amend the Developments of National Significance (Wales) Regulations 2016 (the “2016 Regulations”), in relation to the determination of applications for planning permission for the installation of overhead electric lines.
The installation of overhead lines with a nominal voltage of 132KV or less and which are associated with devolved Welsh generating station constitutes development of national significance (“DNS”), by virtue of the Developments of National Significance (Specified Criteria and Prescribed Secondary Consents) (Wales) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/53, W.23) (the “2016 Regulations”), as amended.
Paragraph 1 of Schedule 4D to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows specified functions of the Welsh Ministers, in relation to DNS, to be undertaken by an appointed person.
Regulation 2(3) inserts a new regulation 11A into the 2016 Regulations, to prescribe specified functions in respect of overhead electric lines.
Regulation 2(5) inserts a new regulation 18A, which makes provision for a report by the appointed person after an application is considered on the basis of written representations. This new regulation also allows a hearing or inquiry to be held if the appointed person has considered new evidence or matters of fact.
Regulation 2(6) inserts a new regulation 28A, which makes provision for applications considered by way of a hearing, and also applies to applications dealt with by way of an inquiry.
These Regulations also make further consequential amendments to the 2016 Regulations.
Procedure
Negative.
Technical Scrutiny
One point is identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.
Standing order 21.2(vii) - that there appear to be inconsistencies between the meaning of its English and Welsh texts
Regulation 2(13)(b) of the Regulations inserts a new paragraph 8A into Schedule 1 of the 2016 Regulations. The Welsh text of the Regulations provides should read “fel petai” in new paragraph 8A instead of “fel a ganlyn”. The English text reads “as if”.
The same issue occurs again in Regulation 2(14)(b), which inserts a new paragraph (8) into Schedule 8 of the 2016 Regulations. In new paragraph (8) again, “fel a ganlyn” should read “fel petai”. The English text reads “as if”.
Merits Scrutiny
No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.
Implications arising from exiting the European Union
No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.
Government Response
A government response is required.
Legal Advisers
Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee
13 March 2019