Written question WQ92831
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to speed up the approvals of harbour revision orders?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language
Early pre-application stage consultation, engagement with Welsh Government officials and discussions with key stakeholders are vital parts of the process for Harbour Revision Orders (HRO), as is set out within the procedural HRO guidance Procedural harbour order guidance for Wales 2018 (gov.wales).
It is important that we scrutinise fully and fairly all draft orders and review the consultation exercises that all applicants are required to hold as part of the HRO process. We also need to ensure that any objections that are raised are considered fully before Welsh Ministers decide whether or not to make an order.
My officials continue to work closely with the British Ports Association’s Welsh Ports Group to identify and prepare for upcoming HROs. Where objections to a HRO are raised, my officials liaise directly with existing applicants and objectors to endeavour to resolve challenges in a mutually acceptable manner, as we recognise the importance of concluding HROs in a timely manner.