A one-day planning conference in the Welsh capital in October will examine how developers are navigating the new Significant Infrastructure Projects (SIP) regime, which came into effect just nine months ago. The Planning for Infrastructure in Wales 2026 conference will take a look at the new regime, which was introduced to create a one-stop shop for consenting major schemes and support the delivery of vital infrastructure across Wales. Covering projects including those in energy, transport and water, the new system is intended to provide greater certainty for developers. Vicky Robinson, Chief Planning Inspector at Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, will join a panel examining whether the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 will streamline approvals and how the opportunities created by the new system can be maximised. Attendees will receive practical guidance on securing consent under the new regime, including the implications of new pre-application requirements. They will also gain insight from developers and infrastructure specialists who have addressed challenges around planning consent, grid capacity, community benefits and investment. The event will be chaired by Mark Farrar, chair of RTPI Cymru for 2026 and a director at Cardiff-based planning and design consultancy, The Urbanists. Mr Farrar said: "Wales has a significant opportunity to deliver infrastructure that supports economic growth, strengthens communities and responds to our changing energy needs. "However, realising that opportunity will require an effective planning system, greater investment and close collaboration between the public and private sectors. "The introduction of the SIP regime represents a major change for everyone involved in planning and delivering infrastructure. "The Planning for Infrastructure in Wales conference will allow us to consider how the new system is working in practice and what more can be done to reduce delays without compromising the quality of decision-making. "It will also allow us to look beyond individual projects and consider how Wales can create the conditions needed to attract investment and deliver lasting benefits for communities. Just as importantly, it will give people working across the sector an opportunity to share their experiences and build relationships that can help move projects forward." The keynote speaker at the conference will be Siân Gwenllian MS, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, who will provide key updates on the Welsh Government's priorities for meeting Wales's infrastructure needs and supporting faster development. Other speakers include Phil Nightingale, Project Delivery Director at CCR Energy who will discuss the redevelopment of Aberthaw Power Station, and Mark Salisbury, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Rolls-Royce SMR, who will outline the plans for three SMRs at Wylfa. The event, which takes place at the Leonardo Hotel, Cardiff on 1 October, is being organised by Waterfront Conference Company. Waterfront delivers policy conferences for the planning, energy, rail, ports and maritime sectors. For more information and to register for Planning for Infrastructure in Wales 2026, visit the event website https://www.planninginfrastructurewales.co.uk/