Developments of National Significance (DNS)

Applications for some large infrastructure projects are decided by Welsh Ministers instead of the local planning authority.

These include energy projects, roads, railways and airports, dams and reservoirs and certain waste facilities, subject to various thresholds, and are called Developments of National Significance (DNS).

Welsh Government has produced a guide for communities who want to engage with the DNS process.

There are three possible opportunities to comment on a DNS application. The most important is the pre-application stage, as this is the earliest opportunity to make your views known and shape the development. All DNS developers must carry out pre-application consultations, but who they consult, and how, is up to them.

Following the pre-application consultation, you may then comment at the formal applications stage. Finally, the Planning Inspector may hold a hearing or public inquiry, where you may be invited to make a representation.

For large developments where there are complex issues, there are several things to bear in mind:

• The earlier you make your views known, the better. In the earlier stages of an application, there is more flexibility and more opportunity to make changes to the final outcomes.
• Ask for help – developments of this scale come with a lot of technical information and there may be several issues to address. Ask the developer and planning inspector for clarification if needed, and where possible, seek expert help.
• Tell others – make sure people in your community are aware of the application details, especially key consultation deadlines and how to respond.
• Let your representatives know your views. Your MS, MP, Local Councillor, and Town or Community Council should all be aware of a DNS.

If there is a significant issue and you feel that the DNS should not go ahead, you may wish to run a local campaign. Note that even though a DNS is decided by the Welsh Ministers, it must still comply with the relevant Local Development Plan policies, and National Planning Policy.

All current DNS and previous DNS decisions, can be found on the Welsh Planning Inspectorate website.