How PEDW will publicise and consult on significant infrastructure project (SIP) applications

PEDW will publish information about each valid application on its website. This will include the development’s location and description, whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required, how to access copies of relevant documents, and how the public can get involved in the process, including submitting representations during the consultation period. You can view live and decided SIP cases on the PEDW casework portal.

We will write to properties adjacent to the site and notify all relevant local parties inviting them to submit comments or objections (known as representations). See our guidance on how communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project.

The consultation period will last at least 6 weeks. Representations can be submitted to PEDW during this period by e-mail to PEDW.infrastructure@gov.wales or by post or via the PEDW casework portal.

Press and site notices

PEDW will publish a notice of the consultation (called the acceptance notice) in local newspapers and site notices will be displayed at or near the proposed development. These will include information about where to find the relevant documents and how and when to submit comments.

For developments within the Welsh Marine Area, we will publish the acceptance notice in Lloyd’s List and at least one relevant fishing journal.  

We may, in certain circumstances, require other parties to carry out this publicity where it is more practical or appropriate for another body to fulfil these obligations.

PEDW will consult directly with specific organisations for their views on SIP applications during the consultation period. These organisations are listed in the regulations (SI 2025/690 Infrastructure Consent (Pre-Application and Application Procedure and Transitional Provisions) (Wales) Regulations 2025) and fall into two groups statutory consultees and specialist consultees.

The key difference is that statutory consultees are legally required to reply and give a clear response as part of the SIP process. Whereas specialist consultees do not have to respond.

How a statutory consultee must respond

When we consult a statutory consultee on a SIP application, they must provide a substantive response within the consultation period. 

A substantive response is expected to set out any support, concerns, or objections regarding the proposed development with reasons. Their response may state no comment, no objection or may refer to existing standing advice. 

If applicable, a substantive response should also say whether the statutory consultee agrees to the inclusion of any deemed or removed consents in the Infrastructure Consenting Order (ICO) that would otherwise have been their responsibility to issue. If the consultee does agree to the inclusion, they should also comment on the wording of the draft ICO relating to these matters or if they would like any changes with their reasons. 

Additionally, if new concerns are raised that were not mentioned at the pre-application stage, the consultee must provide reasons for these new issues.

If a substantive response raises concerns about a SIP proposal, the statutory or special consultee must inform the examining authority whether they prefer those concerns to be addressed through written representations, hearings, or an inquiry.

PEDW will consult the planning authorities and community councils for the area of the development. 

Planning authorities within the area of the proposed development are required to submit a Local Impact Report (LIR) by the deadline of the consultation period. This applies also to development in the Welsh Marine Area. 

What a mandatory a local impact report must contain

A Local Impact Report (LIR) describes the effects of the proposed development in the planning authority area. It must include:

1. Relevant planning history
2. Any local designations related to the land (such as conservation areas, listed buildings, or protected sites)
3. Local planning policies, guidance, or relevant documents.
4. Other relevant development proposals being considered by the planning authority
5. Any known site constraints
6. A description of the likely impact of the application, especially regarding any deemed or removed consents
7. Suggested conditions or obligations that should be added to the ICO to reduce or manage the development’s impact.
8. This includes conditions for any related deemed or removed consents with reasons.

If the planning authority displayed the site notices, the LIR should also provide photographs and a map showing where each notice was placed.

Community councils and planning authorities whose administrative boundaries do not cover the location of the proposed development may submit a voluntary Local Impact Report (LIR) within the consultation period.

PEDW will consult Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for all developments. If a SIP application includes provision for a deemed marine licence, NRW must submit a Marine Impact Report (MIR). 

What a Marine Impact Report must contain

A Marine Impact Report (MIR) describes the effects of the proposed development in the Welsh Marine Area. It must include the following: 

1. The marine licence history relevant to the application area
2. Relevant policies, guidance, or documents
3. Comments on the applicant’s environmental assessments and their findings
4. Details of the likely impact of the proposed development on the marine environment, and
5. Comments on any draft conditions or obligations proposed in a deemed marine licence.

NRW may submit a MIR and a separate substantive response as a statutory consultee. Alternatively, NRW can submit a MIR that incorporates its substantive response.