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New planning measures to simplify and speed up process unveiled | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Measures aimed at simplifying and speeding up the planning process have been published in a new bill. | |
The Planning Bill gives Welsh ministers powers to decide on applications for developments deemed to be of national significance. | |
It also aims to establish a more consistent system across Wales' planning authorities. | It also aims to establish a more consistent system across Wales' planning authorities. |
Minister Carl Sargeant said: "I'm delighted to introduce this landmark bill, the first of its kind in Wales." | |
Moves to change the planning process are aimed at addressing concerns that it can be too complex, too slow and inconsistent. | Moves to change the planning process are aimed at addressing concerns that it can be too complex, too slow and inconsistent. |
The Welsh government says its bill will "strengthen and modernise" the planning process so it helps to boost the economy and deliver "the homes, jobs and infrastructure that Wales requires". | The Welsh government says its bill will "strengthen and modernise" the planning process so it helps to boost the economy and deliver "the homes, jobs and infrastructure that Wales requires". |
It also seeks to strengthen the enforcement process if there are breaches of planning rules. | It also seeks to strengthen the enforcement process if there are breaches of planning rules. |
Ministers could also have the power to merge planning authorities. | Ministers could also have the power to merge planning authorities. |
There are 25 local planning authorities in Wales - 22 councils and three national park authorities. | There are 25 local planning authorities in Wales - 22 councils and three national park authorities. |
Mr Sargeant said he has made "no secret" of his belief that it is essential that the number of planning authorities in Wales needs to be reduced. | |
The draft Planning Bill was criticised by Welsh language campaigners for not including any reference to the Welsh language. | The draft Planning Bill was criticised by Welsh language campaigners for not including any reference to the Welsh language. |
The Welsh government says it has published guidance which directs local authorities to consider the language when drawing up Local Development Plans. | The Welsh government says it has published guidance which directs local authorities to consider the language when drawing up Local Development Plans. |
The Planning Bill was presented to the assembly by Natural Resources Minister Mr Sargeant and is expected to become law in 2015. | |
"The introduction of this bill is the beginning of an exciting period for planning in Wales," said Mr Sargeant. | |
"Amongst the improvements that communities can look forward to are clarity on how and when to engage in the planning and consultation processes improved monitoring of local authorities and a refined appeals process that ensures greater fairness, transparency and speed." |
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