The planning system plays an important role in people’s lives; through the design, conservation and development of the built environment and the natural landscape of Wales. Where and how we work, live and play matters.
Planning has a role in promoting and controlling building development, protecting and conserving the environment, supporting business and economic development, protecting our architectural heritage and promoting high standards in building design and environmental management.
Planning as a function is already devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government so policy is already very different to England and with recent announcements from the Coalition government in Westminster this is likely to continue. Significant infrastructure will still be decided on a UK basis but local members have a major role in consulting local people and representing those views to the UK government.
Each of the 25 planning authorities in Wales (22 local authorities and 3 national parks authorities) set the framework for the development and use of land within national planning policy. All are required to prepare a Local Development Plan which controls development and helps determine planning applications. Some have recently adopted Unitary development Plans which means they are only just starting work on LDP’s, others are near to adopting their LDP. What is essential is that Wales is covered by up to date plans which shape development.
Councils have statutory responsibilities for:
- the processing and determination of planning applications within national, UK and European policy and legislation;
- the running of development management, enforcement and building control services;
- the conservation of designated areas and the architectural herit;
- control of the excavation of minerals;
- the preparation and review of the Local Development Plan.
Through the Planning Delivering for Wales programme local planning authorities are seeking to deliver a planning system which should:
- be open, fair and transparent;
- inspire public and business confidence;
- deliver improved quality and speed;
- integrate with other plans processes and actions.
Authorities work together through the Planning Officers Society Wales to ensure strategic issues are considered. Local authorities work within the policy framework provided by the National Assembly and the relevant legislation.
The Association is working in partnership with the Assembly through the National Planning Forum, and contributing to the Assembly’s working groups. Current land use planning policy is contained in the Assembly’s Planning Policy Wales re-issued in 2010, which provides the strategic policy framework for the effective preparation of local planning authorities’ development plans.
For more information contact: Craig Mitchell