National Development Framework

The Welsh Government is undertaking a revision of the National Development Framework (currently known as Future Wales) to reflect the priorities and ambitions of this Government and to ensure Wales is well placed to respond to future challenges and opportunities. 

The National Development Framework is the highest tier of the statutory development plan system in Wales. It sets out how places, communities, infrastructure and natural resources should be planned and managed across Wales through the planning system. Since its adoption in 2021, Wales has continued to face significant social, economic and environmental change, including the climate and nature emergencies, evolving economic conditions, demographic pressures, infrastructure challenges and growing demands for resilience and energy security. Looking forward it will be important to secure the opportunities and overcome the challenges to ensure that our Wales of the future meets the needs of communities across the length and breadth of the nation. 

The revision of the National Development Framework also provides a unique opportunity to hold a national conversation about the future of Wales. Rather than consulting on individual planning policy issues, engagement through this process will invite people to consider the long-term future of the nation and the role of places, communities, infrastructure, environment and culture in achieving that vision. 

The draft Statement of Public Participation (SoPP) sets out how the Welsh Government will engage and involve people in the development of the National Development Framework. It also provides details on the procedural requirements, timescales and consultation during the National Development Framework process. 

The draft National Conversation Engagement Plan (NCEP) looks to frame the national conversation on the future of Wales and the role that places, communities, infrastructure and natural resources should play in delivering that future. This will help shape the vision, objectives, spatial priorities and policies of the revised National Development Framework and ensure that decisions are informed by the experiences, aspirations and evidence of people, communities, organisations and stakeholders across Wales. 

The evidence obtained through the National Conversation will also help to inform the development of a range of other plans and strategies that will be taken forward by the Welsh Government between now and 2030. This will help to ensure that there is better co-ordination where there are cross cutting implications, or where different spatial plans interface such as Marine Planning and the National Development Framework. This consultation seeks your views on the draft Statement of Public Participation and National Conversation Engagement Plan. Also, your views on key topics, spatial planning themes and how a revised National Development Framework could meet Wales’s needs, empower local government and deliver reduced costs, bureaucracy and duplication within the planning system.

Given the way devolution currently works in Wales it may not be possible for all ideas and responses put forward as part of the national conversation to be progressed, and where this is the case, this will be explained as part of responding to the evidence received. 

The questions below cover a broad range of topics. Respondents may wish to answer only specific questions where they feel that they have something particular to say rather than feel that they need to answer every question. 

As highlighted above the responses we receive to these questions will be used within Welsh Government to help inform and develop a number of plans and strategies, in addition to progressing the National Development Framework. In some cases, evidence may be published in support of future stages of policy development. If a respondent does not wish to be identified in consultation reports they are able to indicate that on the online response form, or if submitting a response by other means they should indicate within that response that they wish for their personal details to be withheld. 

Part A

Statement of Public Participation

The following questions focus on the Statement of Public Participation which provides details on the procedural requirements, timescales and consultation process for taking forward a new National Development Framework.

1. To what extent do you agree the proposed timetable provides sufficient opportunity for meaningful engagement and evidence gathering?
   
   Strongly Agree / Agree / Neither Agree or Disagree / Disagree / Strongly Disagree
    
2. Are there any other stages in the process where additional public engagement or consultation would be beneficial, in addition to those being provided for Options, and draft National Development Framework? If so, please explain why?
    
3. Are there particular stakeholder groups who may require additional support or tailored engagement?
    
4. Are there communities or groups whose views are underrepresented in planning processes and who should receive particular attention during the revision of the National Development Framework?
    
5. A) To what extent do you agree with the engagement methods highlighted?
   
   Strongly Agree / Agree / Neither Agree or Disagree / Disagree / Strongly Disagree
   
   B) Are there any additional methods or approaches that should be considered?
    
6. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the draft Statement of Public Participation?

National Conversation Engagement Plan

The following questions focus on the National Conversation Engagement Plan which looks to frame the national conversation on the future of Wales and the role that places, communities, infrastructure and natural resources should play in delivering that future.

7. Do the proposed themes (see 4.1 of the National Conversation Engagement Plan) cover the most important issues for Wales's future?

Yes / No / Don't know

If no, what is missing?

8. Are there any places, communities or issues that should receive special attention during the national conversation?
    
9. How can we make sure that everyone in Wales has a chance to take part?
    

10. What is the best way to engage with you?

    Online survey
    Local event
    Workshop
    Focus group
    Social media
    Written response
    Other

11. Are there any additional comments you wish to make on the draft National Conversation Engagement Plan?

Part B

National Conversation Themes

The following questions look to facilitate a national conversation on the future of Wales and the role that places, communities, infrastructure and natural resources both on land and in the sea should play in delivering that future. This will help shape the vision, objectives, and policies of various plans and strategies that are being taken forward by this government, including spatial land-use policy for inclusion in a new National Development Framework.

In Wales public policy and strategy is informed by and needs to follow the Wellbeing of Future Generation Act 2015 seven wellbeing goals. These are: 

• Prosperous
• Resilient
• Healthier
• More Equal
• Cohesive Communities
• Vibrant Culture and thriving Welsh language
• Globally Responsible

The key thematic areas are set out strategically first, focussing on Wales as a whole in 2050 before focusing in on specific themes, which are set out alphabetically, aligned to the 7 goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015. The order in which they appear therefore should not be considered to hold any priority or importance as part of this call for evidence.

Wales in 2050

12. What would you like Wales to be known for in 2050? How can planning, development and infrastructure help make this happen?

13. What should we pass on to future generations in terms of our communities, environment (land, sea and air) and infrastructure?

14. Looking ahead to 2050, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Wales, and how should they influence future development?

Prosperous Wales

Economy and Jobs

15. Which parts of Wales should be prioritised for jobs, investment and economic growth, and why?

16. How can planning and infrastructure help create opportunities for people and businesses across all parts of Wales?

17. Which industries do you think will be most important to Wales by 2050, and what land, natural resources or infrastructure will they need?

Energy

18. How can renewable and low-carbon energy projects bring the greatest benefits to local communities and the Welsh economy?

19. What should be considered when deciding where renewable and low-carbon energy projects are located?

20. What opportunities are there to reduce energy use and meet more of our energy needs locally?

Net Zero and the Circular Economy

21. What changes to the way we plan and develop places are needed to support Wales’s transition to net zero, a circular economy, nature recovery and wider environmental sustainability?

22. How can these changes support a just transition which addresses inequality, creates opportunities and is fair to people and communities across Wales?

Resilient Wales

Community Resilience and Climate Change

23. What are the biggest climate and environmental risks facing different parts of Wales, including flooding, storms, heatwaves, coastal change, water pressures, pollution and impacts on infrastructure, services and natural resources, and how should planning respond?

Nature and Land

24. How can planning help nature and natural systems adapt to climate change so they continue to support wellbeing, ecosystem resilience and essential services for people and communities?

25. How should land-use planning protect and enhance nature while also supporting housing, renewable energy, food production, timber, economic development, circula economy opportunities, flood resilience and community wellbeing?

26. How can the planning system help ensure that important landscapes, habitats, coastal and marine areas, and natural resources are protected, restored and effectively managed for biodiversity, climate resilience and future generations?

Sea and Coast

27. What do you value most about the sea, and what should it provide for future generations? What does this mean for how we use and manage land and coastal areas?

Healthier Wales

Health and Wellbeing

28. How can planning and development help create healthier places and improve people's wellbeing?

29. What services, facilities, infrastructure and environmental features are most important for people's health and wellbeing?

30. Are there any places or communities that need extra support to improve health, wellbeing or economic opportunities?

More Equal 

31. How can planning make it easier for people to access jobs, healthcare, education, shops, services and community facilities?

32. How important is good digital connectivity, such as broadband and mobile coverage, for the future of communities and businesses? Where should investment be focused?

Cohesive Communities

Homes and Housing 

33. What makes a good place to live, and how can planning help create and support these communities?

34. What kinds of homes will Wales need over the next 25 years, and where should they be built?

Regeneration and Development

35. How should towns, cities, villages and rural communities change and grow to meet future needs?

Transport and Logistics 

36. How should people and goods travel around Wales in 2050, and what transport and infrastructure will be needed?

Vibrant Culture and thriving Welsh language

37. How can planning and new development help support and strengthen the Welsh language?

38. How should local history, culture and identity be reflected in decisions about new development?

39. How can different parts of Wales contribute to a shared vision for the country while keeping their own unique character and identity?

Part C

The following questions focus on the role the revised National Development Framework should play in meeting Wales’s needs, empowering local government and reducing costs, bureaucracy and duplication within the land use planning system.

Effective Governance

40. Do you agree that local councils and regional partnerships should play a stronger role in preparing and delivering the National Development Framework, while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication? Please explain your views and suggest any improvements.

The Planning System

41. Are there any issues that should be planned for at a Wales-wide level rather than by regional or local plans?

42. How can overlap and repetition between national, regional and local plans be reduced?

Making Decisions and Delivering Development

43. How can the National Development Framework give communities, developers and decision-makers more confidence and certainty about future development?

44. How can planning decisions be made more quickly while still making sure people have a meaningful opportunity to have their say?

45. What are the main obstacles that stop developments from being delivered once they have planning support?

Strategic Planning and Delivery

46. How can the National Development Framework help ensure that infrastructure, such as transport, energy, water and digital networks, is delivered alongside new development?

47. How can the National Development Framework bring together housing, regeneration, transport, economic growth and infrastructure objectives into a clear long-term plan for Wales?

48. What information and evidence should be used to help shape the revised National Development Framework?

Part D

Call for Evidence

Please provide evidence that you have to support the revision of the National Development Framework.

1. Wales in 2050
2. Homes and Communities
3. Economy and Prosperity
4. Planning for Nature Recovery, Climate Resilience, a Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability
5. Movement and Connectivity
6. Health and Wellbeing
7. Culture, Language and Nationhood 
8. Planning
9. Academic Research
10. Local Studies
11. Other

We welcome responses via the online response form or written responses from individuals, communities, organisations and partners across Wales. Responses may draw on formal data, published research, organisational experience, lived experience, case studies, examples of good practice or practical proposals for change.

We particularly welcome evidence that is clear about what action is needed, who needs to be involved, what government can do differently, and how progress could be measured. These questions are intended as a starting point and may be developed further through engagement with partners.

Submit your comments by 20^th November 2026, in any of the following ways:

• complete our online form
• download, complete our response form and email: planconsultations-h@gov.wales
• download, complete our response form and post to:
  
  National Development Framework Call for Evidence Consultation
  Planning Directorate
  Welsh Government
  Cathays Park
  Cardiff
  CF10 3NQ

The Welsh Government will be data controller for Welsh Government consultations and for any personal data you provide as part of your response to the consultation. 

Welsh Ministers have statutory powers they will rely on to process this personal data which will enable them to make informed decisions about how they exercise their public functions. The lawful basis for processing information in this data collection exercise is our public task; that is, exercising our official authority to undertake the core role and functions of the Welsh Government. (Art 6(1)(e)) 

Any response you send us will be seen in full by Welsh Government staff dealing with the issues which this consultation is about or planning future consultations. In the case of joint consultations this may also include other public authorities. Where the Welsh Government undertakes further analysis of consultation responses then this work may be commissioned to be carried out by an accredited third party (e.g. a research organisation or a consultancy company). Any such work will only be undertaken under contract. Welsh Government’s standard terms and conditions for such contracts set out strict requirements for the processing and safekeeping of personal data.

In order to show that the consultation was carried out properly, the Welsh Government intends to publish a summary of the responses to this document. We may also publish responses in full. Normally, the name and address (or part of the address) of the person or organisation who sent the response are published with the response. If you do not want your name or address published, please tell us this in writing when you send your response. We will then redact them before publishing.

You should also be aware of our responsibilities under Freedom of Information legislation and that the Welsh Government may be under a legal obligation to disclose some information.

If your details are published as part of the consultation response, then these published reports will be retained indefinitely. Any of your data held otherwise by Welsh Government will be kept for no more than 3 years.

Your rights

Under the data protection legislation, you have the right:

• to be informed of the personal data held about you and to access it
• to require us to rectify inaccuracies in that data
• to (in certain circumstances) object to or restrict processing
• for (in certain circumstances) your data to be ‘erased’
• to (in certain circumstances) data portability
• to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who is our independent regulator for data protection.

Responses to consultations are likely to be made public, on the internet or in a report. If you would prefer your response to remain anonymous, please tell us.

For further details about the information the Welsh Government holds and its use, or if you want to exercise your rights under the GDPR, please see contact details below.

Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officer
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Email: Data.ProtectionOfficer@gov.wales 

Information Commissioner’s Office

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Telephone: 01625 545 745 or 0303 123 1113

Website: ico.org.uk