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Planning Policy in Wales

The planning system in Wales is underpinned by the statutory development plan system, which sets out the planning policies for any given area, against which planning applications will be assessed.

The recent Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 is bringing about a reform of the planning system. The main objective is to simplify the system, replacing current unitary development plans (UDPs) with local development plans (LDPs). The Act also provides statutory status for the Wales Spatial Plan, to which all lower tier plans must ‘have regard’ and which will be material in the consideration of development proposals.

The transition from UDPs to LDPs will not formally be required until the National Assembly has commenced Part 6 of the Act, which specifically relates to Wales. This is expected to happen in the summer 2005.

Renewable energy policy in the Development Plan in Wales

Although the development plan system is changing, new LDPs are to be prepared on a similar basis to UDPs and will apply understanding and experience gained under the current system. Best practice and advice on the scope and content of development plan renewable energy policies can therefore be drawn from recent progress made under the present regime.

Renewable energy policy in unitary development plans and local development plans

UDPs and future LDPs represent local interpretations of Planning Policy (Wales). Like their predecessors, LDPs are to be informed by the guidance contained within the Planning Guidance (Wales) and the series of technical advice notes (TANs) and circulars. They must also ‘have regard’ to the Wales Spatial Plan.

The National Assembly for Wales has consulted on the proposed details of the changes and the transitional arrangements for moving to the new arrangements. They will be publishing LDP regulations and policy advice in due course.

Advice from the National Assembly on the purpose and preparation of UDPs can be found in Unitary Development Plans – A Guide to Procedures (2001).

Advice on the renewable energy content of UDPs and future LDPs can be found in Technical Advice Note 8 – Renewable Energy (2005) and the revised draft version published for consultation in 2004.

TAN8 suggests the following issues may be appropriate content for renewable energy policies at the local level:

• identification of strategic search areas for wind farms (as set out in TAN8 maps)
• positive encouragement for small-scale, possibly community-based, wind schemes
• criteria for assessment of all types of renewable energy developments covering:
  • landscape impacts
  • residential amenity
  • wider environmental benefits
  • effects on built heritage
  • ecological concerns
  • site restoration requirements
• encouragement for new buildings which incorporate suitable renewable energy technologies and achieve a high standard of energy efficiency
• a policy approach for small-scale developments within national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.