The Assembly Government has the power to 'call in' particular types of planning application. This means it will make the decision instead of the local planning authority. This rarely happens in Wales and applies to only a handful of applications each year.

An application is only likely to be called in if it:

• conflicts with national planning policies;
• could have wide effects beyond the immediate area;
• might give rise to substantial controversy beyond the immediate area;
• is likely to have a significant effect on sites of scientific, nature conservation or historical interest, or areas of landscape importance;
• raises issues of national security, or;
• raises new planning issues.

If you would like to find out more about the call in procedure, you can see guidance prepared by the Welsh Assembly Government by clicking here.