Wales planning news, October 2019

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Wales planning news, October 2019

01 Oct 2019
       

Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 
01
  
Welsh Government publish Draft National Development Framework
  
 
02
  
Establishment of a Land Division within Welsh Government
  
 
03
  
Oral Statement addresses the Independent Review on Decarbonising Welsh Homes
  
         
 
     
 

Headline news

  
     
 

Welsh Government publish Draft National Development Framework

On 7 August, the Welsh Government published the Draft National Development Framework (NDF). The Framework provides a strategic direction of development for the next 20 years, setting out where new homes, jobs and infrastrucutre will be located.
The Framework is the highest tier of development plan and focuses on the key national challenges and opportunities for Wales, providing the basis for Strategic Development Plans for the regions, and Local Development Plans at the local level.
Some of the challenges the Framework seeks to address include changes in population, Wales’ industrial legacy and the management of natural resources, and how best to increase prosperity and reduce inequality.
The Framework focuses future growth around existing urban areas and identifies three National Growth Areas, which are Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys; Swansea Bay and Llanelli; and Wrexham and Deeside.
Key policy areas within the Framework include:
  • sustaining and developing a vibrant economy;

  • decarbonisation;

  • developing resilient ecosystems; and

  • improving the health and well-being of Wales’ communities
     
Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James commented:
“We know that Wales needs more good quality housing; to develop renewable energy and for people to be able to access well-paid jobs close to where they live [….] I want a planning system that consistently meets all our needs; and for our villages, towns and cities to be organised in a way that makes it easier to live healthy and active lives, for us and for future generations.”
A consultation seeking views on the proposed Framework will run until 1 November 2019.

Welsh Government, Draft National Development Framework

National Development Framework: Implications for housing blog

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Quote of the month

  
     
     
     
 
…developments will align to our social housing space standards, increasing public housing stock numbers whilst also taking opportunities to deliver new zero carbon developments. We will also be able to press for innovative designs, encourage greater biodiversity and make greater use of modern methods of construction, building on the experience gained through the Innovative Housing Programme. …It is crucial that we are able to work across government to provide the assurance that maximum policy value is being derived from our land and buildings asset base.
Minister for Finance and Trefnydd Rebecca Evans 		 
     
     

 

Establishment of a Land Division within Welsh Government

In a Written Statement from the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans, it was announced that the Welsh Government has established a new Land Division.

The Division will take over the responsibility for a number of sites owned by the Welsh Government, whilst also facilitating working arrangements between different public sector bodies in order to accelerate the development of publicly owned land, to support the delivery of new homes and to help achieve wider policy benefits.

The Division have explored how its work can maximise public benefit and has attempted to redefine “how we think of value for money”. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of new social housing, whilst also reflecting on how development can support the fight against climate change, safeguarding biodiversity, and the wider benefits for communities across Wales.

The Division will also be responsible for increasing the speed and scale of the work already undertake by ‘Ystadau Cymru,’ the body charged with managing the Welsh public sector estate.

Welsh Government, Written Statement: Establishment of a Land Division within Welsh Government

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Oral Statement addresses the Independent Review on Decarbonising Welsh Homes

On 24 September, an Oral Statement was made by the Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James, outlining the Welsh Government’s position on the Decarbonisation of Homes in Wales Advisory Group’s Independent review on decarbonising Welsh homes.

Key recommendations put forward by the Advisory Group included creating a cross party consensus around decarbonising residential properties, and that the Welsh Government should put in place carbon reduction targets for housing to meet its ambition of achieving net zero carbon by 2050.

James commented:

 “We must recognise that the Welsh Government has responsibilities in most of the key policy areas covered by the report. […] despite all the risks and uncertainties, I have decided to accept all the recommendations in the report in principle.”

James also confirmed that the Welsh Government is to establish a green finance group to develop new funding solutions. It also wants to help build a skilled and trained workforce in order for SMEs and communities to benefit from the opportunities arising from the programme.

Welsh Government, Oral Statement: The Independent Review on Decarbonising Welsh Homes

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The Lichfields perspective

  
     
     
     
 

The creation of the Land Division will fill a role lost when the WDA was dissolved in 2006. It appears to come with a shift in priorities towards measuring success aligned with the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. Given this shift, should there be an opportunity for partnerships with private developers and landowners in areas in need of regeneration that would otherwise not be delivered?

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 

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