Wales planning news, April 2018
03 Apr 2018
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Headline news |
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Welsh Government sets out new plans for merged planning authorities
On 20 March, the Welsh Government published a Green Paper for consultation that includes new proposals aimed at strengthening local government in Wales, including the merging of Wales’ 22 councils.
The Green Paper details proposals to consider in terms of the opportunity of creating larger, stronger councils, through a set of possible alternatives, which include: voluntary mergers; a phased approach, with early adopters merging first (in 2022); or a comprehensive merger programme (in 2022).
Other proposals included in the Green Paper, to be delivered in combination with the proposed mergers, would see further powers and freedoms devolved to local government, proposals to reinvigorate local democracy, increased transparency and more effective scrutiny.
Welsh Secretary for Local Government and Public Services, Alun Davies, said:
‘The next step must be game-changing. I believe there are many in local government who understand this and I am committed to working with them to secure change. I have already announced proposals to increase participation and improve the democratic process for everyone in Wales, today I am launching a consultation on further re-invigorating the local government landscape.’
The consultation on the proposals closes on 12 June.
Welsh Government, New plans to strengthen local governmentWelsh Government, Strengthening Local Government, Green Paper Consultation Document
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Quote of the month |
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| Welsh Secretary for Local Government and Public Services, Alun Davies, launching the ‘Strengthening Local Government’ Green Paper | ||
Regeneration programme launched for Pontypridd town centre
The Welsh Government’s first project to be funded by the Building for the Future programme is a £10m investment aimed at supporting the town’s Taff Vale development.
The programme aims to support the regeneration of town centres and surrounding areas by working on derelict or under-used land and buildings, and supporting their repurposing. In Pontypridd, the funding will assist with the transformation of the former Taff Vale Shopping Centre site, to create ‘three distinctive buildings’ that will house office spaces and community facilities, including a library and gym.
Rebecca Evans, Welsh Housing and Regeneration Minister, said:
‘Building for the Future will re-energise our town centres and create some bright opportunities for people and businesses up and down the country. It’s great to see this work is already underway in Pontypridd.’
Welsh Government, £110m town centre regeneration programme launches in Pontypridd
Designated landscapes will not be changed
The Welsh Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn, has confirmed that the Welsh Government does not intend to change the current protection regime for all of Wales’ existing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks.
Addressing the National Assembly, the Minister confirmed that the designated landscapes review process, ongoing since 2013, will close with the publication of a policy statement, expected in the coming months. The Minister also reassured all concerned parties that, likewise, there will be no changes to the purposes of National Parks or AONBs.
In an Oral Statement to the National Assembly, the Environment Minister said:
‘I am committed to ensuring Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks are valued for their natural beauty by our people, communities and country and our designated landscapes deliver rich ecosystems, vibrant and resilient communities and opportunities for outdoor recreation for all of the people of Wales.’
Welsh Government, Environment Minister confirms no changes to Designated Landscapes
Valleys’ road improvements need to maximise benefits
The Welsh Government’s Local Government and Public Services Secretary, Alun Davies, has met experts from various organisations, including business, house builders and public sector stakeholders, to discuss how to maximise the benefits of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road.
Alun Davies said:
‘The A465 – the Heads of the Valleys road – is one of the key east-west strategic links in Wales. Part of the Trans-European Road Network, it is an international gateway for our economy in South Wales […] We are working to make the most of the opportunities from this, building on the Valleys Taskforce’s ambitious plans, including a commitment to close the employment gap between the South Wales Valleys and the rest of Wales.’
Welsh Government, Valleys road improvements must bring wider benefits
Financial support announced for listed building owners
The Welsh Government has announced the re-opening of Cadw’s Historic Building Grant Scheme, aimed at owners of listed buildings in Wales.
In the past, the grant scheme has supported regeneration efforts to preserve listed buildings at risk and deliver a range of community benefits, as well as fostering wider regeneration initiatives. Welsh Culture Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:
‘It gives me great pleasure to announce the re-introduction of the Historic Building Grant scheme, which I’m sure will be welcomed by communities across Wales who stand to benefit from further investment in the magnificent listed buildings we have on our doorsteps.’
Welsh Government, Cadw’s Historic Building Grant Scheme reopens for 2018-19
Funding announced for new Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre and build up coastal defences
The Welsh Environment Minister, Hannah Blythyn, has announced that £600,000 of funding will be awarded to a new national Coastal Monitoring Centre.
The new Centre is expected to provide co-ordinated planning along the whole Welsh coastline, improving data and supporting robust evidence-based decision making. The Centre will be led by collaboration between Conwy, Gwynedd and the Vale of Glamorgan councils.
The Minister has also announced that the Welsh Government is setting up a programme to better support flood risk management activities across Wales, and improve flood and coastal erosion defences. The £56m Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programme will benefit over 6,500 properties in 2018-19 for the construction phase alone.
Welsh Government, Environment Minister announces £600,000 for new Wales Coastal Monitoring CentreWelsh Government, £56m programme to strengthen Wales’ flood and coastal defences
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The Lichfields perspective |
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| Helen Ashby-Ridgway, Associate Director | ||
Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and cannot be relied on to cover specific situations. We recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Lichfields accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication. Lichfields is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116