James Evans has asked the new Welsh Government how it will deal in planning terms with “developments of national significance”.

The Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd MS said at the Senedd that in his constituency, the Nant Mithil planning application for large-scale wind turbines has attracted “huge local opposition”.

Bute Energy's Nant Mithil Energy Park proposal at Radnor Forest would see 30 wind turbines of up to 220 metres in height built on the site. The application is being determined through the Development of National Significance (DNS) process, meaning it is being considered by Welsh Government planning inspectors.

Mr Evans said: “But we've seen in the past that ideology can overtake actual planning decisions.

“If we look at Hendy windfarm, for example, Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) said 'no'. Local people said 'no' and the local planning department said 'no'.

“But a Welsh Labour Minister approved the planning application, putting ideology ahead of facts.”

Mr Evans asked Planning Minister, Sian Gwenllian, how she intends dealing with developments of national significance.

He asked: “Will you listen to the advice of local planning authorities, the views of local people and PEDW in your considerations? And will you not go against their planning advice if it is given to you?”

Ms Gwenllian said: “I will always look at the evidence. I will listen to advice and I will listen to concerns, but you will understand that we have a policy framework at the moment.

“We may be considering actively changing some of that policy framework, working with other Ministers.

“I will absolutely read reports and listen to what communities are saying, but it all has to fit in within the legal framework.”