Big planning applications, including for some wind farms, could be decided by the Welsh government rather than local councils in future.
The changes are part of efforts to reform the planning system to make it easier to understand and to use.
Publishing its draft Planning Bill, the Welsh government said it wants a "culture change" in planning authorities.
The Conservatives said a "clear strategic vision" was needed.
Publishing a draft Planning Bill on Wednesday, the Welsh government said it wanted a "culture change" in planning authorities.