Here's to 2013

Some thoughts on what we can expect to see by the end of 2013 here in north Wales:

With luck development plan coverage across North Wales will have moved forward. Assuming the Inspector doesn't pull a rabbit out of the hat early in the New Year (and we wouldnt be surprised)  Denbighshire's LDP might get adopted. Its another story altogether as to whether it will ever be delivered. The vacuum that is Conwy moves towards examination too (from March) so expect replacement for the aged plans and up-to date county wide coverage for the first time since 1996 towards the end of the year. Flintshire? Expect movement towards the early stages of evidence and options - here's hoping its learnt the lessons of some of the early starters and that its unusually intransigent planning committee will not play some of its games of the past.  The Joint Gwynedd-Anglesey LDP preferred strategy is also expected fairly early in the  year. Wrexham?  I might just blog about that soon.

So whilst we anticipate being kept busy in the policy area, the Welsh Government will continue preparations for the Welsh Planning Reform Bill and Sustainable Development Bills, perhaps by the end of the year.  

Before that, and not before time, will be changes to the Act to allow for applications for non-material amendments to planning permissions (long since in place in England). Consultation is under-way and we will be expressing our full support for this for clients.  It will remove the current blockage in the system and reduce inconsistency and uncertainty.  The Planning Reform Bill is expected to include provision to apply to make minor material changes to permissions but it will be 2014 at the earliest before we see that

Will  the revised (England model) permitted development changes for householders consulted on a couple of years ago see the light of day this year?  

We would also welcome further review of the Design and Access Statement rules to remove need for them in some cases - they are an unnecessary burden in many small cases. Welsh Government should also look at  the very recently announced changes to rules for outline applications coming into force in England - removing the need for scale and layout parameter to be provided where such matters are reserved.  Its a highly sensible change that clients would welcome. 

We predict workload growth in the healthcare and leisure/tourism sectors as the full effects of the changes to Planning Policy Wales become clearer in promoting economic development proposals.

Housebuilding? Plan coverage should help and lets hope the industry is kickstarted .

On a personal front Pete has now taken up duties on the RTPI Cymru management board and will be assisting in the North Wales Chapter activities   Neither is onerous but should bring further training and other opportunities to help shape the professional face of Chartered Town Planners.

Thanks for your continued support.  Lets hope 2013 is a good year.