National Development Framework: draft National Conversation Engagement Plan

The National Development Framework (NDF) 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 through the planning system. The NDF establishes the strategic framework for Strategic Development Plans (SDPs), Local Development Plans (LDPs) and decisions on Significant Infrastructure Projects (SIPs). Alongside Planning Policy Wales (PPW), it provides the national framework for planning and development decisions across Wales.

Future Wales – The National Plan 2040, the current NDF, was adopted in 2021 and sets the direction for development and land use in Wales until 2040. Since its adoption, 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.

We are undertaking a revision of the NDF to reflect the manifesto commitments set out by the Government and to ensure Wales is well placed to respond to future challenges and opportunities. The revision of the NDF also provides a unique opportunity to hold a national conversation about the future of Wales. Rather than consulting solely on planning policy issues, engagement through the 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. This will help to ensure that there is better co-ordination across a range of plans and strategies that are being take forward across this Government term, particularly for those where there are cross cutting implications, or where different spatial plans interface, for example Marine Planning and the National Development Framework.

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

Key consultation stages will take place during the process providing opportunities to submit comments. This includes formal consultation at,

• Stage 2: Consultation on Statement of Public Participation, National Conversation Engagement Plan & Call for Evidence.
• Stage 5: Publish and consult on main issues, options and preferred option, supported environmental reports and assessments.
• Stage 8: Consultation on Draft NDF.

The purpose of this Engagement Plan is to facilitate a 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 NDF and ensure that decisions are informed by the experiences, aspirations and evidence of people, communities, organisations and stakeholders across Wales.

Engagement through the NDF process seeks to achieve the following objectives,

• Develop a long-term shared vision for Wales.
• Understand the opportunities and challenges facing different parts of Wales.
• Identify national, regional and local priorities.
• Gather evidence to inform the revision of the NDF.
• Explore how planning can contribute to delivering government priorities.
• Ensure diverse voices are represented in the development of the NDF.
• Increase public awareness of the role of spatial planning in shaping places and communities.
• Build ownership of the future vision for Wales.

The national conversation will be guided by the following principles:

• Inclusive – providing opportunities for all people and communities to participate.
• Accessible – using a range of methods and formats to reduce barriers to engagement.
• Place-based – recognising that opportunities and challenges vary across Wales.
• Collaborative – encouraging discussion, shared learning and partnership working.
• Future-focused – considering the long-term wellbeing of future generations.
• Transparent – clearly explaining how feedback has informed the development of the NDF.

4.1 Engagement Themes 

In order to have a holistic understanding of the interrelationship between various land use activities (both in and outside of the planning system) and the interface between land and marine activities we are keen to gather a broad range of views and evidence to shape a more integrated approach to future policy development across Government. 

Research shows that people are most likely to engage with long-term challenges when discussions are connected to place, identity, culture, wellbeing and future generations. The Engagement Plan therefore looks to frame the conversation around these key topics themes and priorities.

The below lists the key thematic areas that we are keen to receive your views and evidence on. Detailed questions are set out in the Annex and an interactive response form is available on the webpage. 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

Prosperous

• Economy and jobs
• Energy
• Low/Zero Carbon

Resilient 

• Community Resilience
• Climate Adaptation
• Land
• Marine
• Nature

Healthier 

• Health
• Inequalities
• Wellbeing

More Equal 

• Access to services (health, education, community facilities) 
• Digital Connectivity 

Cohesive Communities 

• Housing and Homes
• Transport and Logistics 

Vibrant Culture and thriving Welsh language

• Arts
• Culture
• Heritage
• Recreation
• Sports
• Welsh Language

Welsh Language In considering the above themes it will also be necessary to take account of whether such actions would be globally responsible and make a positive contribution to global wellbeing. 

Discussions will recognise the diversity of Wales and explore how opportunities and challenges may differ between urban, rural, coastal and valley communities as well as between regions.

4.2 National Conversation Activities

The national conversation will seek to engage people and organisations from across Wales using a range of approaches designed to encourage discussion about the future of places and communities. Activities may include:

• National and regional discussion events.
• Community-based conversations and workshops.
• Stakeholder roundtables and sector-specific discussions.
• Digital engagement and online participation.
• Participation through existing networks, partnerships and community organisations.
• Targeted engagement with underrepresented groups and communities.
• Opportunities to submit ideas, evidence and local perspectives.

The precise format of engagement activities will evolve throughout the preparation of the NDF and will be kept under review to ensure participation is meaningful, accessible and reaches a broad range of interests and communities across Wales.

4.3 Who we want to hear from?

We want to hear from everyone; people living, working, studying and investing in Wales as well as public bodies, businesses, community groups, voluntary organisations and representative bodies. Particular efforts will be made to engage people and communities whose views are not always represented in planning processes.

4.4 Reporting Back

We are committed to providing feedback throughout the preparation of the NDF. Updates, summaries of engagement activity and consultation reports will explain what we have heard through the national conversation and how this has informed the development of the plan.

Feedback gathered through the national conversation will play a central role in shaping the development of policy and strategy across Government, including taking forward a revision of the NDF. 

Views, ideas, local knowledge and evidence gathered through engagement activities will be analysed alongside technical evidence, research and statutory assessments to help inform the development of the NDF’s vision, objectives, spatial priorities and policies. 

Feedback will help identify the issues that matter most to people and communities across Wales, highlight differing opportunities and challenges between places, and test emerging options for the future development of the nation. 

While not every suggestion can be taken forward, all feedback will be carefully considered and used to strengthen the evidence base and inform decision-making throughout the plan preparation process. Where evidence may be more relevant to support the development of policy within another Welsh Government department then it will be made available to them, in line with the privacy notice published alongside the call for evidence consultation. The Welsh Government will publish consultation reports at key stages, explaining what we heard through the national conversation and how this has influenced the evolution of the NDF.

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