Welsh Government
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Views sought on positive plans to create a better Wales

Housing and Regeneration Minister, Carl Sargeant has yesterday called for views on comprehensive changes, including a draft bill, which would ensure that the planning system helps to create a better Wales

The draft Bill together with a supporting paper, Positive Planning: Proposals to reform the planning system in Wales, reflects the Welsh Government’s ambition of adopting a positive, “can do” culture in planning using all the tools at its disposal.

Carl Sargeant said,

“We want to reposition planning from regulating development to enabling appropriate development.

“Our planning system must deliver the growth in homes, jobs and infrastructure that current and future generations have every right to expect. I am committed to driving forward improvement and will work with others to move to a positive “can do”’ planning culture here in Wales.

“The proposals will ensure that planning decisions are fair, consistent and made at the right level of Government. The Welsh Government will lead by example by taking planning decisions relating to the largest devolved infrastructure projects - developments of national significance.

“I also want to improve collaboration between Local Planning Authorities by establishing Strategic Development Plans, to address larger than local issues such as housing land supply.

“The comprehensive package of proposals range from improvements to the training and skills of councillors and planning authorities to merging planning authorities. All those with an interest in planning need to up their game, whether they are applicants, statutory consultees or local planning authorities.

“This legislation will put in place a planning system that is fit for the 21st Century. I look forward to hearing the views of interested parties before the consultation closes in February.” 

John Davies, who chaired an Independent Advisory Group that looked at how the planning system should change, added:

“It’s great to see so many of the Group’s recommendations being taken forward.

“This ambitious legislative programme will make a real difference. It will create a distinct Welsh planning system that delivers development to meet the needs of the people of Wales. We must grasp this opportunity to build a planning system that is fit for the 21st Century.”

Related Links

Planning
Draft Planning (Wales) Bill and Positive planning: proposals to reform the planning system in Wales

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