There are major inconsistencies in the way planning applications are processed across Wales, according to a report published by the Welsh Assembly Government today.

The report, called Study to Examine
the Planning Application
Process in Wales,  sets out recommendations to improve the planning system and aid sustainable economic recovery.

The report found a lack of consistency across Wales exists in terms of the procedures for the validation, registration and processing of planning applications with the rate of refused or returned applications ranging from 2% in one council to 70% in another council.

The report urges the Welsh Assembly Government to:

- issue new policy statements on the promotion of sustainable economic development and SMEs and on development management

- encourage more applications to be submitted electronically, and introduce a standard approach to the validation of planning applications starting with a list of national requirements

- relax requirements for certain types of information, making applications less cumbersome, and issue guidance content and use of planning conditions to encourage a more standard approach

- introduce measures to share best practice on the operation of planning committees and bring in mandatory training for councillors

- extend permitted development rights and amending the use classes order.

Roisin Willmott, national director of RTPI Cymru said: “The RTPI supports the proposals put forward by the Assembly in response to the independent report, which would improve the planning application process by making it less cumbersome, helping to foster economic recovery.

“These changes will require resources to deliver, both within the Assembly and in local authorities, but given the current economic situation and possible cuts to capacity within local planning teams there is a serious question about the ability of councils to deliver on this important agenda

“The report is all about making the process more efficient to support applicants, including business and the recommendations put forward are sensible and would support sustainable economic growth in Wales. We look forward to working with the government to ensure that they can be delivered to positively improve the Welsh planning system.”

To read the full report, click here: Planning Process in Wales

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