Royal Town Planning Institute Cymru Manifesto

As changes begin to bite into planning in England, Anna Prescott, Chair of RTPI Cymru, said:
“RTPI Cymru does not believe that there is any need for significant change in the planning system in Wales, but we do believe that there are a number of areas that can be improved. In particular, we believe that the Wales Spatial Plan can be improved to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place for development; that all decisions on renewable energy projects should be devolved to Wales; and, that there should be sufficient resources for planning to perform effectively for the long term.”

The ten recommendations are:
1. Promote appreciation of the planning system as an essential tool for society
2. Retain Climate change as a key priority
3. Retain the Local Development Plan System
4. Promote the culture of pro-active planning to enable community wellbeing and sustainable economic growth
5. Ensure planning supports sustainable economic growth, for long term benefits
6. Review and improve the Wales Spatial Plan to ensure the right infrastructure is in place for development
7. Ensure all decisions on renewable energy projects are devolved to Wales
8. Improve the health and use of the Welsh language
9. Provide resources for planning to perform effectively for the long term
10. Retain independent examination of planning decisions and plans

So not a lot to suggest from RTPI Cymru then - a little more of the same! There is a suggestion that Welsh planners are a little behind the time as evidenced when you hear of the annual dinner in Cardiff, the speakers, the same old participants wearing their black ties! It's in their own interest to peddle the same old storyline of "no need for changes to planning in Wales!" But up and down the Principality, we hear communities bemoan their local planners. Welsh Assembly - look over the border. Yes Pickles is a blast-from-the-past Tory but he is listening to communities and is about to radically change planning in England.