Welsh National Marine Plan (WNMP): Defence
WNMP sector objective
To contribute to the defence of the nation by ensuring that defence and national security activities are not compromised.
What is the defence sector
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is responsible for the defence and national security of the people of the UK. The MOD make extensive use of Wales’ coasts and seas for a range of defence purposes. These include training, testing and evaluating operations.
It is vital that marine activities and developments do not affect strategic defence interests. The WNMP sets out a specific safeguarding policy – Policy DEF_01. This applies to all proposals from all sectors with the potential to impact upon MOD activities.
WNMP sector policies
DEF_01: Defence (safeguarding)
Proposals that:
- potentially affect Ministry of Defence (MOD) Danger Areas, Exercise Areas or strategic defence interests; and/or
- potentially interfere with communication, surveillance and navigation facilities necessary for defence and national security
should only be authorised with the agreement of MOD.
Policy DEF_01 applies to all proposals from all sectors with the potential to impact upon MOD Danger Areas, Exercise Areas or strategic defence interests and/or potentially interfere with communication, surveillance and navigation facilities necessary for defence and national security. Consent for such proposals will only be granted where the MOD is satisfied that the proposal will not cause unacceptable risk to defence and national security interests. Any development and use that either individually or cumulatively obstructs or otherwise prevents defence activities will not be permitted.
Sector map
View the defence sector on the Marine Planning Portal.