Wales round-up: New consultation regime for major projects starts; Dual boost to attract new investment at Port Talbot

New consultation regime for major projects starts in Wales

From this all week all applications for ‘major’ development in Wales must show how the pre-application consultation requirements set out in the Planning (Wales) Act 2015 have been complied with.

The Planner

Residential starts down on last year - Glenigan

Figures show construction starts in the three months to July are up across the UK compared with the same period a year ago. Residential starts, however, are down.

The Planner

Proportion of appeals meeting deadline increases

The Planning Inspectorate’s 2015/16 annual report and accounts suggest the proportion of appeals meeting the planning guarantee has increased from almost 85 per cent to over 93 per cent.

The Planner 

RTPI announces research awards finalists

Twenty planning research projects from 13 RTPI accredited schools in the UK and internationally have been shortlisted for the 2016 RTPI Awards for Research Excellence.

The Planner

Dual boost to attract new investment at Port Talbot

The Welsh Government has secured enhanced capital allowances for three specific sites within its new Port Talbot Waterfront Enterprise Zone. The news came ahead of the official opening of the newly refurbished Port Talbot Parkway railway station.

Welsh Government 

Enterprise Zones smash performance targets

Key targets for enterprise zones in Wales 2015 have either been met or exceeded, according to new figures published this week.

Welsh Government 

£300m Swansea waterfront scheme takes step forward

Plans for a £300 million waterfront innovation quarter in Swansea have taken a step forward with the purchase of land required for the development.

BBC News

Visitor and watersports centre awarded Eisteddfod's architecture medal

A visitor and water sports centre on the banks of one of south Wales’ largest reservoirs near Pontypool has won the architecture medal at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny.

Wales Online 

No pylon plans for Llanberis hydro power plant

Developers behind a £100m hydro power plant on the edge of Snowdonia National Park have applied to lay underground cables to connect the scheme.

BBC News

Consultation launched for views on tidal lagoon

Natural Resources Wales is asking for people’s views on further information submitted by the company behind the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon as part of its application for a marine licence. Meanwhile Plaid Cymru Treasury spokesman Jonathan Edwards has argued that the UK Government should consider investing directly in the project.

Natural Resources Wales and Wales Online

Cardiff University unveils plans for Centre for Student Life

Plans for a new five-storey building on Park Place have been unveiled by Cardiff University as part of a multi-million-pound investment.

BBC News

Aldi says it is 'committed' to opening a new superstore in Barry

Aldi has submitted an amended proposal for a new superstore on the Ty Verlon Industrial Estate in Barry.

Wales Online