The proposed new strategic tier for city regions should lead to improvement in delivery timescale once in place and help pull the LDP’s together in the regions. The risk is however that there will be a slowing down of the process of delivering LDP’s until that new tier is in place. Wales cannot afford any slowing down.
Delays in processing applications have also historically occurred when the statutory consultees for drainage, water, fire services, NRW, etc, do not respond within the allotted time period, slowing the whole process up so improvement in that area of weakness is also welcome.
Although we believe the new bill is a positive milestone in shaping Welsh planning policy - and that the NDF could improve the delivery of important infrastructure - the proof will, however, be in the pudding. Speeding up development plan procedures to deliver implementable allocations, and positive management of the planning application process to cut down delays will, be key elements in keeping Wales in a competitive position with the rest of the UK in development terms. A marked speeding up of these aspects of the planning process could help Wales demonstrate a competitive edge in delivering development compared to elsewhere in the UK. We will watch its progress and implementation closely.
If this is of interest to you or you are a developer or land owner seeking specialist advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.