Renewable Energy

The UK Renewable Energy Strategy, July 2009, sets out the Government’s path to secure 15% of the Country’s energy from renewable sources by 2020. Local planning authorities need to help deliver this target through the planning system and demonstrate how they are planning for a low carbon future in a changing climate.

Onshore wind energy is already playing a big role in delivering renewable electricity in Carmarthenshire.  But this is not the only way to deliver renewable energy, especially in Carmarthenshire where there are a range of renewable resources to tap into.

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP)

The Planning Act 2008 was introduced to streamline the decision-making process for nationally significant infrastructure projects, making it fairer and faster for communities and developers alike.

Nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP) are major infrastructure developments in England and Wales, such as proposals for power plants, large renewable energy projects, power lines, new airports and airport extensions, major road projects etc.

Applications are submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for assessment and a report must be prepared for the relevant Secretary of State to make the final decision.

Pre-application charging regime for NSIP projects

We offer a chargeable pre-application advice service to developers of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). The guidance attached sets out the level of advice developers can expect and within what timescale. The advice given under the terms of the guidance will relate to information requested prior to the formal submission of NSIPS and also advice required from the Local Authority once a decision has been issued by the Secretary of State. Clarification on the disclosure of public and commercially sensitive information is also provided along with a schedule of fees and the associated payment procedures.

Wind and Solar Energy Supplementary Planning Guidance

The Wind and Solar Energy Supplementary Planning Guidance was adopted in June 2019 and is available to view in the downloads section below.