Wales has its own planning system. Much of it looks like England's, because the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 still applies, but the Senedd has changed a lot of the detail. If you are building in Wales, these are the differences that matter.
Who decides
Your application goes to one of Wales's 22 councils, or to a national park authority if the site is in Eryri (Snowdonia), Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) or the Pembrokeshire Coast.
National planning policy is set by the Welsh Government in Planning Policy Wales and the national plan, Future Wales, not by England's National Planning Policy Framework.
Permission lasts 5 years, not 3
In Wales you have 5 years from the grant of planning permission to start work, unless the council sets a different period (Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 91). In England it is 3.
For outline permission in Wales, reserved matters must be applied for within 3 years, and work must start by the later of 5 years from the outline grant or 2 years from the last reserved matters approval (section 92).
Permitted development rules are Welsh
Wales still uses the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, which the Welsh Government has amended many times. The limits for house extensions, outbuildings, solar panels and changes of use are not the same as England's 2015 order.
Most online permitted development guides describe England. Before you rely on one, check that it covers Wales, or ask the council for a lawful development certificate.
Appeals go to PEDW
Appeals in Wales go to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), not the Planning Inspectorate. You must appeal within 6 months of the decision in most cases. Householder appeals have a shorter deadline, which is shown on your decision notice. Appeals against an enforcement notice must be made within 28 days.
The biggest projects: Significant Infrastructure Projects
Large energy, transport, water and waste projects in Wales need infrastructure consent from the Welsh Ministers under the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024. The new regime started on 15 December 2025 and replaced Developments of National Significance. Applications already in the system before then finish under the old rules.
See every project in play in Wales, with its stage and site boundary, on our national infrastructure map for Wales.
Search planning applications in Wales
Planning Signal covers every council and national park in Wales. Browse a council's applications and decisions:
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Newport
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Caerphilly
- Bridgend
- Neath Port Talbot
- Monmouthshire
- Torfaen
- Blaenau Gwent
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Carmarthenshire
- Pembrokeshire
- Ceredigion
- Powys
- Gwynedd
- Isle of Anglesey
- Conwy
- Denbighshire
- Flintshire
- Wrexham
For how Wales compares with the rest of the UK, see planning in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, or read our guides to planning permission in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
How long does planning permission last in Wales?
5 years from the date it is granted, unless the decision notice sets a different period. You need to start the development within that time, not finish it.
Can I use English permitted development rules in Wales?
No. Wales has its own permitted development order, and several limits are different. Check the Welsh rules, or apply for a lawful development certificate if you are unsure.
Who handles planning appeals in Wales?
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), on behalf of the Welsh Ministers.
What replaced Developments of National Significance?
Significant Infrastructure Projects, under the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024, from 15 December 2025. Projects that applied before then carry on under the old rules.