The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has demanded that the UK Government gives Wales greater planning powers over large scale energy projects.

Currently, consent applications for energy schemes above 50 megawatts are determined by the UK Government's Department for Energy & Climate Change.

Speaking at the British-Irish Council Summit in London, which was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and attended by the UK Energy Minister, Charles Hendry, the First Minister said: "The future of our energy supply and the durability of our planning system are hugely important issues that will have a major impact on Wales.

-- Advertisement --

"I find it incomprehensible that decisions on such important issues do not lie with the Welsh Government.

"That is why I have again pressed the UK Government on this matter and have called on the Deputy Prime Minister and the Energy Minister to remove this anachronism - and give the people of Wales the same say over these important matters as the people of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"Following my representations to the UK Government today, the UK Energy Minister has confirmed that he will be considering our calls for greater powers in this area, and will be responding shortly.

"I look forward to being able to progress this issue further."

(CD)