The examination moves from collecting representations to identifying and testing the main issues.

The Examining Authority reviews the application, representations, Local Impact Reports, any Marine Impact Report and the site, then decides how the examination should proceed.

PEDW states that the procedure decision is normally made within 28 days of the end of the representation period.

The examination can use written representations, hearings, inquiries, open-floor hearings or a combination.

The Primary Examination Notice is the key document for campaign groups.

It identifies matters and questions, further information required, deadlines, sessions, invitees and the target for the report or recommendation. Once issued, campaigns should rebuild their work programme around that notice rather than the earlier consultation deadline.

Oral sessions normally start within ten weeks after the representation period unless the timetable changes for reasons identified in the guidance.

Participants invited to a hearing or inquiry receive at least six weeks' notice.

Sources and further information

PEDW - How we examine Significant Infrastructure Projects

PEDW - How communities can take part in a Significant Infrastructure Project

Last checked: 26 September 2026

A hearing is an Examining Authority-led discussion about specified issues.

The examining inspectors ask questions about the application, evidence and participants' positions. Professional advisers can attend, but participants do not have an unrestricted right to present formal evidence or question others unless the ExA permits it.

An open-floor hearing serves a different purpose.

PEDW guidance states that one is held if requested in a written representation during the representation period. Interested parties can speak on issues they choose, subject to the ExA's control, order and any speaking time limits. A spokesperson can be nominated to reduce repetition.

An inquiry is more formal and is intended for complex contested technical or legal evidence.

Questioning is commonly led by barristers or solicitors and witnesses give evidence and answer questions. The volume of local opposition alone is not normally a reason to use inquiry procedure.

Campaigns should not confuse access with procedure.

Hearings and inquiries can be observed by the public, but participation is controlled by the ExA. A person not invited who wishes to participate should follow PEDW's procedure for requesting participation and explain why their involvement would assist examination of the issue.

Sources and further information

PEDW - How we examine Significant Infrastructure Projects

PEDW - How communities can take part in a Significant Infrastructure Project

Last checked: 26 September 2026

Start with the Primary Examination Notice.

Answer the questions and matters assigned to the campaign or relevant to its participation. Do not assume that a longer version of the original representation is what the ExA needs.

Observe the formal limits.

PEDW guidance explains that requested further written representations are subject to the requirements stated in the notice, including how a 3,000-word limit applies. An inquiry statement over 1,500 words must have a summary of up to 1,500 words.

Prepare oral evidence around disputed issues.

If the topic is landscape, identify the specific assessment, viewpoint, receptor or methodology in dispute. If it is policy, identify the policy wording and the factual proposition that determines compliance. If it is ecology, identify the survey evidence, species or habitat issue and the technical basis for disagreement.

Expect the procedure to evolve if new evidence genuinely changes the case.

PEDW can alter the examination procedure, and if new evidence or facts arise after examination closes, participants can be asked whether a hearing or inquiry should be reopened or further written evidence may be requested.

Sources and further information

PEDW - How we examine Significant Infrastructure Projects

Last checked: 26 September 2026

A valid representation made during the formal representation period registers the person as an interested party for the SIP examination. PEDW and the Examining Authority then use the representations, application documents, impact reports and other evidence to identify the main issues and determine the examination procedure.

Keep copies of what you submit and follow the Primary Examination Notice and later procedural correspondence, because further deadlines may apply.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How we examine significant infrastructure projects https://www.gov.wales/how-we-examine-significant-infrastructure-projects-sip

Welsh Government / PEDW - How communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/how-communities-can-take-part-significant-infrastructure-project-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

After examination, the Examining Authority produces the report required by the Infrastructure (Wales) Act regime.

Depending on the statutory decision route, it may make the decision or report and recommend to Welsh Ministers. Where Ministers decide the application, the recommendation remains confidential until the final decision is issued.

The final decision must be read with its reasons and the examination report when published.

Campaign groups should check how the principal representations, Local Impact Report, policy framework and mitigation were treated.

PEDW guidance states that the final SIP decision can only be challenged through judicial review.

Judicial review addresses legal error rather than asking the court to remake the planning merits. Specialist legal advice should be sought urgently if a challenge is contemplated.

Sources and further information

PEDW - Significant Infrastructure Projects: how a decision is made

PEDW - How we examine Significant Infrastructure Projects

Civil Procedure Rules - Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review (England and Wales)

Last checked: 26 September 2026

The Primary Examination Notice, often called the PEN, is a key procedural document issued for the examination. It identifies the matters to be examined, questions or information required, the examination timetable, hearing or inquiry arrangements and relevant deadlines.

Participants should treat the PEN as the working timetable for the case and check for updates if the procedure or timetable changes.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How we examine significant infrastructure projects https://www.gov.wales/how-we-examine-significant-infrastructure-projects-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

An open-floor hearing allows interested parties to speak on issues they choose within the procedural arrangements set by the Examining Authority. PEDW guidance states that an open-floor hearing will be held if one is requested in a written comment submitted during the representation period.

If you want one, request it in the representation and explain why oral participation would assist the examination.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How we examine significant infrastructure projects https://www.gov.wales/how-we-examine-significant-infrastructure-projects-sip

Welsh Government / PEDW - How communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/how-communities-can-take-part-significant-infrastructure-project-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

A hearing is generally an inquisitorial discussion led by the examining inspectors on identified issues. An inquiry is more formal and is used where complex technical or legal evidence may need to be tested, including questioning by legal representatives.

The amount of public interest alone does not normally determine the procedure. The Examining Authority decides how the issues can be examined fairly and efficiently.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How we examine significant infrastructure projects https://www.gov.wales/how-we-examine-significant-infrastructure-projects-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Yes. PEDW's community guidance states that written representations carry equal weight to oral evidence. A person does not need to secure a speaking role at a hearing for their evidence to be considered.

This makes a clear, evidenced written representation particularly important.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/how-communities-can-take-part-significant-infrastructure-project-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Examining inspectors visit the site and local area. Where relevant features can be seen from public places the visit may be unaccompanied; access arrangements can be made where necessary.

The site visit is not an opportunity to argue the case. Requests for particular locations to be viewed should be made through the written process within the relevant deadline.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How we examine significant infrastructure projects https://www.gov.wales/how-we-examine-significant-infrastructure-projects-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Yes, but changes are controlled through the statutory variation process. PEDW distinguishes general variations from requests involving additional land for compulsory acquisition and applies specific timing, consultation and examination requirements.

A variation will not be accepted if it would amount to a substantial change to the project. If a variation is accepted, further publicity, consultation or examination steps may be required.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - Changing a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/significant-infrastructure-projects-sip-changing-project-variation

Last checked: 25 September 2026

PEDW guidance provides for the examination to be reopened where new evidence or facts arise after closure and further procedural fairness is required. Participants may be asked whether they want a hearing or inquiry reopened or may be invited to provide further written evidence.

Do not assume that unsolicited late material will automatically be accepted. Follow the Examining Authority's directions.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How we examine significant infrastructure projects https://www.gov.wales/how-we-examine-significant-infrastructure-projects-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

An Infrastructure Consent Order can include powers to acquire land or rights without the owner's agreement where the statutory requirements are met. The compulsory acquisition case forms part of the infrastructure examination and affected land interests receive specific procedural protections.

PEDW states that compulsory acquisition will usually be considered at a hearing or inquiry. People whose land or rights are affected should read the relevant notices carefully and consider professional advice.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - Compulsory acquisition in infrastructure consenting https://www.gov.wales/significant-infrastructure-projects-sip-compulsory-acquisition-infrastructure-consenting

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Potentially, but a specific statutory variation procedure applies. The applicant must first consult affected landowners for at least the period required by the regulations and must justify why the additional land is needed and why it was not included earlier.

PEDW then decides whether the variation can be accepted and examined within the statutory process.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - Changing a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/significant-infrastructure-projects-sip-changing-project-variation

Welsh Government / PEDW - Compulsory acquisition in infrastructure consenting https://www.gov.wales/significant-infrastructure-projects-sip-compulsory-acquisition-infrastructure-consenting

Last checked: 25 September 2026

The examining authority conducts the examination and normally provides a report and recommendation. Welsh Ministers then consider the case and make the decision in accordance with the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 framework, except where legislation provides for a decision by the examining authority.

The decision-making framework includes relevant infrastructure policy statements, the National Development Framework where relevant, any relevant marine plan, impact reports, climate considerations and other relevant matters.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How a SIP decision is made https://www.gov.wales/significant-infrastructure-projects-sip-how-decision-made

Last checked: 25 September 2026

A final infrastructure consent decision is not subject to an ordinary planning merits appeal. PEDW guidance states that it can be challenged through judicial review.

Judicial review concerns legal error rather than asking the court to remake the planning merits decision. Strict time limits apply, so specialist legal advice should be obtained promptly.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How a SIP decision is made https://www.gov.wales/significant-infrastructure-projects-sip-how-decision-made

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Make a representation during the formal representation period.

PEDW registers anyone who sends a valid comment as an interested party. If an objection made during pre-application consultation remains unresolved, PEDW guidance says a new representation should be submitted when the formal representation opportunity opens. Do not assume the developer's consultation record automatically registers the campaign for the examination.

If the campaign wants an Open Floor hearing, request it in the representation.

PEDW's current community guidance expressly says an Open Floor hearing can be requested in the representation and asks the person to explain why oral participation would help. This is therefore an opt-in step that should be considered before the representation deadline, not after the examination timetable has already been fixed.

Read the Primary Examination Notice in full.

The PEN identifies the matters for hearings or inquiries, the parties invited, the people with a right to speak at an Open Floor hearing, event details and participation deadlines. PEDW requires parties to read the notice and confirm or request attendance at an Open Floor hearing by the specified deadline.

Topic hearings and inquiries are invitation-led.

PEDW states that public hearings and inquiries can be observed, but participation in their discussions is limited to those invited by the Examining Authority, except for the different Open Floor procedure. A campaign should therefore not assume that interested-party status alone gives an unrestricted right to speak at every topic session.

Respond immediately if invited.

Confirm attendance, name the representative, identify any professional adviser and comply with the evidence or statement requirements in the PEN. If the campaign believes it can materially assist a topic session but has not been invited, contact PEDW promptly and explain the relevant evidence or local knowledge. Participation remains for the Examining Authority to control.

Sources and further information

PEDW - How we examine Significant Infrastructure Projects

PEDW - How communities can take part in a Significant Infrastructure Project

Last checked: 26 September 2026

Yes, if the issue remains unresolved and you want it considered in the formal examination. PEDW's community guidance expressly advises people to submit a new representation during the formal representation period rather than relying on an earlier pre-application response.

Check the applicant's consultation report to see how the earlier comment was recorded and whether the proposal changed in response.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/how-communities-can-take-part-significant-infrastructure-project-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Yes. PEDW advises that the request should be made in the representation submitted during the formal representation period and should explain why an open-floor hearing would assist.

Requesting one does not give a participant control over the examination. The examining inspectors set the arrangements, speaking order and any time limits.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/how-communities-can-take-part-significant-infrastructure-project-sip

Welsh Government / PEDW - How we examine significant infrastructure projects https://www.gov.wales/how-we-examine-significant-infrastructure-projects-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

PEDW advises participants to focus on planning issues, use facts, be specific and provide examples or evidence. A representation should explain plainly what the Examining Authority is being asked to understand about the proposal.

Local evidence can be particularly useful where it tests an assumption in the application, but it should be connected to the planning effect being alleged.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/how-communities-can-take-part-significant-infrastructure-project-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

PEDW explains that the examination is guided by the issues raised, not simply by how many people raise them. An issue does not receive greater weight solely because it appears in many objections.

Petitions and shared material can demonstrate community concern, but planning arguments should still identify the relevant impacts and evidence.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - How communities can take part in a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/how-communities-can-take-part-significant-infrastructure-project-sip

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Read the variation documents rather than relying on the original application. Identify what has changed, whether the environmental or planning effects have changed and whether earlier concerns remain accurate.

If PEDW re-publicises or consults on the varied scheme, respond within the stated period and focus on the consequences of the change as well as any unresolved original issue.

Sources and further information

Welsh Government / PEDW - Changing a significant infrastructure project https://www.gov.wales/significant-infrastructure-projects-sip-changing-project-variation

Last checked: 25 September 2026

For new qualifying infrastructure cases, the Significant Infrastructure Project (SIP) regime replaced the DNS system from 15 December 2025. The SIP regime is established under the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 and creates a unified infrastructure consenting process.

Some older DNS applications continue under transitional arrangements. Therefore, a live Welsh case may still legitimately be described as DNS if it entered the system under the transitional provisions.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Developments of National Significance transitional guidanceWelsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceLast checked: 25 September 2026

A SIP is a major infrastructure project within the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 regime. The Act covers specified infrastructure in areas including energy, transport, water, wastewater and waste, subject to statutory definitions and thresholds. Welsh Ministers can also have powers to bring certain other projects into the regime.

A SIP requires infrastructure consent rather than ordinary planning permission from the local planning authority.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceWelsh Government/PEDW: How we examine Significant Infrastructure ProjectsLast checked: 25 September 2026

Applications are submitted to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), which administers and processes SIP applications on behalf of Welsh Ministers. After a valid application is accepted, PEDW appoints one or more Planning Inspectors to form the Examining Authority (ExA) and conduct the examination.

For most SIP cases, Welsh Ministers make the final decision after considering the ExA's report and recommendation. PEDW therefore administers the process and provides the examining function through appointed Inspectors, while Welsh Ministers are the statutory decision makers for the usual SIP route.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceWelsh Government/PEDW: How we examine Significant Infrastructure ProjectsLast checked: 25 September 2026

An Infrastructure Consent Order is the legal order through which infrastructure consent may be granted for a Welsh SIP. It specifies the authorised development and can include requirements similar to planning conditions. Depending on the case and statutory powers sought, it may also incorporate other consents or powers such as compulsory acquisition.

The draft ICO is a core application document and should be read alongside the explanatory memorandum and environmental material.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceWelsh Government/PEDW: How we examine Significant Infrastructure ProjectsLast checked: 25 September 2026

Community involvement begins before the application. The applicant must carry out statutory pre-application consultation for at least 42 days. After a valid application is accepted, PEDW publicises it and opens a formal representation period.

Welsh Government guidance states that the examination can use written representations, hearings, inquiries or open-floor hearings. Follow the project’s case page because the formal deadlines determine when representations and later examination submissions must be made.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceWelsh Government/PEDW: How we examine Significant Infrastructure ProjectsLast checked: 25 September 2026

Use the deadline published for the individual SIP application. Current detailed PEDW examination guidance says that, after acceptance, PEDW asks for comments during a six-week representation period, and its community guidance says local communities have at least six weeks to submit representations.

There is an inconsistency within current official Welsh Government material: the SIP overview page describes a minimum five-week representations period, while the more detailed examination and community guidance says six weeks or at least six weeks. ObjectNow therefore does not recommend relying on a generic number where a live case notice is available: the PEDW case-specific notice and deadline should be followed.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceWelsh Government/PEDW: How we examine Significant Infrastructure ProjectsLast checked: 25 September 2026

No. The Welsh Government has transitional provisions for projects already within the former consenting regimes. Some DNS applications submitted before 15 December 2025 continue to be processed under the DNS system.

This is why the PEDW casework portal can contain both DNS and SIP cases. Check the case title and procedural notices to determine which regime applies.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Developments of National Significance transitional guidanceWelsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceLast checked: 25 September 2026

DNS was the previous Welsh national planning route for specified large infrastructure. PEDW handled applications and an Inspector examined the case, with Welsh Ministers making the decision in the usual DNS model. The process included pre-application stages, validation, a representations period, examination and decision.

DNS remains relevant to transitional cases, but new qualifying infrastructure applications from 15 December 2025 are generally dealt with through the SIP regime.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Developments of National Significance transitional guidanceWelsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceLast checked: 25 September 2026

For a SIP, each relevant planning authority whose area contains part of the proposed development is required to submit a Local Impact Report (LIR) by the consultation deadline. The LIR describes the likely effects of the proposed development in that authority's area and covers matters such as planning history, local designations, policy, constraints, likely impacts and suggested requirements or obligations.

Community councils, and planning authorities whose administrative boundaries do not contain the development, may submit a voluntary LIR. The LIR is an important source of local evidence, but the Examining Authority also considers representations, application documents, policy, consultee evidence and other examination material.

Sources and further information
Welsh Government: Significant Infrastructure Projects guidanceWelsh Government/PEDW: How we examine Significant Infrastructure ProjectsLast checked: 25 September 2026