
Local planning pack - Wales
We've put together some useful information about the Welsh planning system to help better guide you through the local planning system.
Useful planning information
To help you make the most of your voice, we've produced a set of leaflets that give you the power to influence local decisions and protect the wildlife which is important to you.
Please refer to our downloadable documents for more help and information.
What to do before a case
Use your local knowledge to influence development at an early stage.
By understanding the planning system and how to respond to planning applications, you may be able to prevent a harmful development, or even enhance a proposal's value to wildlife.
What to do now
When dealing with a live planning application, you will need to be objective and decide if there is a genuine case. Wasting time on a weak element of your campaign may undermine other legitimate planning concerns.
Find out the key questions you need to ask in order to build a case for protecting wildlife through the planning system.
How to gain local support
The more people who know what you are trying to achieve, the more support you will likely get for your campaign. Find out how to get your local media and local politicians involved.
Downloads
What needs planning permission? PDF, 506Kb
The planning systemFind out what can be done to protect birds. PDF, 498Kb
Protecting birds from developmentWhat can and cannot be done to protect hedges and trees. PDF, 476Kb
Protecting hedgerows, trees and woodlandsConservation designations can tell you whether a site is of importance. PDF, 471Kb
How to assess the value of a wildlife siteA step by step guide to getting involved. PDF, 568Kb
How to get involved with local development plansWhich types of development proposal are affected, what policies and procedures are applied, and how you can get involved. PDF, 465Kb
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (IPC regime)How you can influence your council to increase sustainability in your area. PDF, 494Kb
Addressing climate change through planningUseful contacts
Get more information on specific species, as well as more detailed planning advice from our list of useful contacts.
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
- Buglife
- Butterfly Conservation
- Department of Communities and Local Government
- Environment Agency Wales
- Natural Resources Wales
- Planning Aid Wales
- Planning system: have your say
- Plantlife
- Royal Town Planning Institute
- The Bat Conservation Trust
- The Infrastructure Planning Commission
- The Mammals Society
- The Planning Inspectorate
- The Wildlife Trusts
- Town and Country Planning Association
- Welsh Assembly Government
- Woodland Trust
Environmental Impact Assessment FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions around Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in Wales, including what they are and what they're used for.