Planning Bill moves into second stage

12 Feb 2015 12:32 PM

The Minister for Natural Resources, Carl Sargeant, has re-affirmed the need for a ‘better planning system which will be fairer, more resilient and of real benefit to the people of Wales’ as the Planning Bill moves into its second stage of the Assembly scrutiny process.

The Minister thanked those who had helped shape the Bill to date and said that he expected to table Government amendments shortly, having listened to the comments and recommendations from Assembly Members and stakeholders during Stage 1.

He said:

“I am pleased that the general principles of the Bill have been widely supported - it is agreed by everyone that the planning system needs to be refreshed to deliver our priorities and to provide a planning system specific to the needs of Wales.

“The Planning Bill builds on and amends the existing legal framework for planning in Wales.  I make no apologies for this: planning reform, planning improvement and planning delivery require changes now.

“I have listened carefully to the evidence put before me during Stage 1 and am considering the recommendations by each Committee before bringing forward Government amendments to strengthen the Bill for consideration by the Environment and Sustainability Committee at Stage 2.

“I look forward to working with the Assembly and the Environment and Sustainability Committee to deliver a better planning system which will be fairer, more resilient and of real benefit to the people of Wales, both for this and future generations.”