The DNS Process

What are developments of national significance “DNS”?

The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 established a new category of development named DNS.  Provision in the Act came into force in March 2016 which requires the Welsh Minister to determine DNS projects, with applications being made directly to them. The process for applying for a Development of National Significance is set out by the Development of National Significance (Procedure) (Wales) Order 2016 and subsequent Regulations. The DNS application process is managed by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Decisions are made in the context of the Welsh Government’s national planning policy and the local planning authority’s Local Development Plan. A flowchart of the DNS process can be found below (Source: Developments of national Significance Guidance Version 2.2 October 2019):