ABPmer to advise on Welsh National Marine Plan implementation

As a Public Authority, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) must make authorisation and enforcement decisions in accordance with the Plan. In particular, they must take a proportionate, risk-based approach to the WNMP’s application in decision-making.

ABPmer will review good-practice approaches to assessing conformance of development projects with spatial planning policies. They will also consider how these various approaches support plan-led decision-making within other marine licensing bodies (including the Marine Management Organisation and Marine Scotland Licensing Operations Team) and local planning authorities.

Stephen Hull, ABPmer’s marine planning specialist, said “We are delighted to support NRW ahead of the WNMP launch. The conformance assessment review is an important step towards meeting the Plan’s ultimate goal: furthering the sustainable development of the Welsh marine area.”

Based on the review outcome, ABPmer will recommend amendments to NRW’s marine licence application forms for Band 2 and 3 projects, and develop an external guidance note to support the demonstration of compliance with the WNMP.