Welsh Government
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Guidance to improve the pre-planning application process

New guidance aimed at improving the pre-application stage of the planning application process has been launched by Environment Minister, John Griffiths.

The Welsh Government has published new draft guidance and is inviting interested parties to consider and comment.

The Minister said:

“The Welsh Government is committed to improving the planning process and making it as user friendly as possible.

“The draft guidance that we are now consulting on focuses on how we can use pre planning application meetings effectively to bottom out key issues. It will help to save time and money for both local authorities and planning applicants, whilst also ensuring the highest level of delivery.”

The consultation is aimed at honing and improving the draft pre application process guidance, which will be issued in final form later in the year.

The guidance outlines the many benefits of discussing a development proposal prior to submitting an application and encourages developers and planning authorities to undertake:

  • early, focussed, and realistic discussions;
  • a more formal pre-application service and the adoption by local planning authorities of statements of service / protocols;
  • a proportional approach to discussions based on the scale and complexity of a proposal; and
  • a co-ordinating/ brokering role for local planning authorities in discussions, which incorporates  the involvement of relevant stakeholders and local communities.

The consultation runs from the 29 June 2011 until the 28 September 2011. Copies of the document are available the Welsh Government website.

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