History. 2 of 4: of the four past decisions still open on day 76, ministers took over two by day 129 (on days 85 and 121). One more was taken over later, and one was left to the council on day 179.
Hunch. Cardiff's planning committee votes on 12 November, and the two times Welsh ministers took over a plan after a council vote, it took them 85 days or more.
The takeover market resolves on Welsh Government statements on gov.wales: YES if by 31 December 2026 ministers announce that they will decide the Cardiff data centre plan themselves. If they hand it back to Cardiff Council or have not decided, it resolves NO, and BBC Wales and WalesOnline are the backups.
We looked for cases where Welsh ministers decided whether to take a planning decision away from a council or a national park. We found nine such decisions since 2011. Ministers took over three and left six to the local body. Each takeover came on day 85 or later. Days count from the first public step, such as the order not to grant permission or a council vote. Five of the six hand-backs came within 61 days. (BBC; BBC; BBC)