The Wales Assembly Government believes that a transparent, effective and imaginative planning system is essential for delivering its objectives in the “Plan for Wales”
It sets out a vision for an improved planning system in “Planning: delivering for Wales” which includes a commitment to improving the training for elected members who serve on planning committees.
In response to this requirement, the Association has developed a programme of training for all elected members in Wales in Planning.
Throughout 2004 all members in Wales had an opportunity to attend seminars in their own authorities providing an introduction to the planning system, covering planning policy, the planning system and members’ Code of Conduct. In 2005 similar, more advanced seminars were provided to all members of planning committees covering development control in greater detail.
The handbooks which accompany the training programme are available to download, together with a report on this first phase of the programme.
In 2005 three regional seminars were provided to members on the introduction of Local Development Plans to help members understand the differences between Unitary Development Plans and Local Development Plans, the local development planning process, and their roles within it.
A report is available to download which contains details of the content of the seminars and the views of the members who attended.
In 2005/6 two seminars on Design were provided in North and West Wales for members. These covered urban design and planning policy in Wales and the proactive role members can play in securing design quality. The speaker presentations are available on request.
The Association were able to develop and commission this training programme as a result of funding provided by the Welsh Assembly Government. Future plans in this area include further work with planning committees in individual authorities.
The handbooks and reports mentioned above can all be found in ‘related publications’.
For more information contact: Sarah Titcombe