Welsh Government Updates Planning Regulations to Address Flood Risks

The Welsh Government is taking proactive steps to address the growing concerns of flood risks in urban and rural planning. On March 26, 2025, the Development Procedure (Consultation) (Wales) (Various Amendments) Order 2025 was enacted, with the changes coming into effect on April 21, 2025. These amendments impact existing planning legislation, specifically the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012 and the Developments of National Significance (Procedure) (Wales) Order 2016.

Key Changes:

1. Enhanced Flood Risk Consultation: The amendments stipulate that any development proposals within designated flood zones must undergo thorough consultation with Natural Resources Wales. The changes specifically target developments in:

   • Flood Zone 2: Areas with a lower probability of flooding, yet not immune, requiring careful consideration of climate change impacts.
   • Flood Zone 3: Regions with a higher likelihood of river and sea flooding, necessitating robust flood management strategies.
   • TAN 15 Defended Zones: Areas benefiting from existing flood defence infrastructure, which still require assessments to ensure continued protection levels against evolving climate threats.

2. Regulatory Impact Assessment: In line with the Welsh Ministers' Code of Practice, a regulatory impact assessment has been conducted. This assessment evaluates the costs and benefits arising from these legislative changes, ensuring that the amendments are both economically and environmentally justified.

This initiative underscores the Welsh Government's commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience, ensuring that future urban and rural planning processes adequately mitigate flood risks. For more detailed information, interested parties can obtain copies of the regulatory impact assessment from the Welsh Government's official channels.