RenewableUK Cymru is calling on local authorities in Wales to give the onshore wind energy industry some certainty about the length of time taken to determine planning applications for projects.
Research carried out by RenewableUK Cymru reveals that only 22 of 65 onshore wind energy projects submitted to Welsh local authorities over a twelve month period to June 2014 were determined.
All applications submitted to Welsh local authorities between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014 were examined by RenewableUK Cymru. The applications ranged in size from 0.1 – 17.5MW.
Carmarthenshire County Council fared the worst by only determining one application of the 15 received. Pembrokeshire received 12 and determined seven, Powys received nine and three were determined.
The figures are announced as industry experts are being called before the Welsh Assembly Environment and Sustainability Committee to talk about their responses to the Draft Planning Bill, which was put out for consultation earlier this year.
Matthew Williams, Policy Officer at RenewableUK Cymru, said: “Wind developers are looking for certainty – not a promise their projects will be consented but an assurance that applications will be dealt with in a timely manner. It is not uncommon to hear of projects sitting in the planning system for years, when in reality the longest any project should take is 16 weeks. Unless this changes significantly, Wales will continue to miss out on economic development opportunities associated with renewables, which can also deliver significant investment and job opportunities during construction and operation.
“Local authorities should recognise that these projects offer opportunities to their businesses and communities, and could work in partnership with developers to offset some of the cuts that they are facing.
“The Planning Bill is a real opportunity to address these shortcomings. Undoubtedly resources are being squeezed at a local level but this may be ameliorated if the proposals outlined in the Planning Bill and the Williams Commission report are implemented.
“As an industry, we are keen to work with local authorities and Welsh Government to not only develop a planning system which can deal with applications is an expedient and equitable manner, but also to ensure the benefits which ensue from consented applications are maximised at local, regional and national levels. A strong partnership between local authorities and the private sector would be a significant first step in this direction, and industry stands ready to engage.”