Welsh planning minister bangs the drum for green power
Welsh Planning and Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant has written to planning authorities in Wales stressing that UK government proposals to fast-track shale gas development only apply to England.
He has also highlighted his administration’s moratorium on any proposals involving “fracking” and its preference for renewable forms of energy generation over oil and gas exploration.
Sargeant insisted: “Despite recent announcements in England, we still see renewable energy as a key element in ensuring that Wales achieves sustainable development for the benefit of future generations.
“Measures announced by DECC, and the UK government’s general support for oil and gas applications is contrary to the approach of the Welsh government of promoting renewable and low carbon forms of energy through the planning system and other measures.
“Our vision for future energy generation is based on embracing Wales’ abundant renewable energy resources which provide exciting and immediate opportunities. Wales is a green and clever land and we want to ensure that we address the issue of climate change immediately through the effective deployment of renewable energy technologies.
We still see renewable energy as a key element in ensuring that Wales achieves sustainable development for the benefit of future generations.”
And he added: “Local planning authorities must ensure that planning applications for renewable energy projects are determined within statutory timescales.”
Roger Milne
Planning Portal Blog 
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