Welsh Government consults on revision to National Development Framework

The consultation, running from 19 August to 20 November 2026, covers:

• the draft Statement of Public Participation
• the draft National Conversation Engagement Plan
• the role the revised National Development Framework should play in meeting Wales’s needs.

The Welsh Government said the ‘national conversation’ will explore key themes including: 

• Wales in 2050: what the nation should be known for and what future generations should inherit 
• homes and communities: the housing and community infrastructure Wales needs 
• economy and prosperity: where jobs and investment should be focused 
• climate and nature: recognising one connected emergency and acting in a coordinated way 
• movement and connectivity: the future of transport and digital connectivity 
• culture, language and nationhood: how the Welsh language and cultural identity should shape development 
• health and wellbeing: how planning can support healthier lives and reduce inequalities

As part of the engagement programme, a series of both in-person and remote events will be held around Wales during September and October.  

Siân Gwenllian, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, said: “This marks the start of a national conversation about the long-term future of Wales, going beyond planning policy to explore the role that places, communities, infrastructure, the environment and culture should play in shaping our nation's future to 2050. 

“It is part of this Government’s commitment to work with local authorities and regional partners to develop a new Framework that meets Wales's needs, empowers local government, and reduces costs, bureaucracy and duplication. I strongly encourage everyone with an interest in the future of their community, town, city, region and nation to take part.

“Our aim is to move towards a community-centred approach to planning that gives communities a real say on how we secure the homes, workplaces and infrastructure we need, and the National Development Framework will play a key overarching role in how those decisions are made locally, regionally and nationally.”