Welsh planning system

The Welsh Assembly Government is currently in the process of reforming the local planning system in Wales. The current system based upon the old English system will remain largely relevant until new procedures evolve.

There are 22 unitary counties and three national park authorities which are all required to produce Local Development Plans for their areas. These provide the framework within which individual planning applications are considered.

These authorities were previously required to produce Unitary Development Plans. These are longer, more detailed documents which served the same purpose. Most Local Planning Authorities in Wales have a Unitary Development Plan and are working to produce a Local Development Plan.

It is important to note that the context for national planning policy in Wales is contained within two main documents:

• Planning Policy Wales (PPW) - guidance on the preparation and content of development plans and advice on development control decisions and appeals - provides overarching principles of planning in the country. The policies provided in the guidance should be reflected in local development plans.
   
• It should be particularly noted that PPW provides the best
  national protection for ancient woodland of any country in
  the UK stating:
  'ancient and semi-natural woodlands are irreplaceable
  habitats of high biodiversity value which should be
  protected from development that would result in significant
  damage.'
   
• It also states:
  'local planning authorities should seek to protect trees,
  groups of trees and areas of woodland where they have
  natural heritage value or contribute to the character or
  amenity of a particular locality.' (PPW para. 5.2.8).

In addition to Planning Policy Wales, there is a Technical Guidance Note, TAN 5, which gives local authorities further guidance on Nature Conservation and Planning and is available from the Welsh Assembly.

During 2006 the Assembly consulted on an updated version of TAN 5 and the final version is likely to be issued towards the end of 2007.

• Minerals Planning Policy Wales - guidance for the extraction of all minerals and other substances in, on or under land.
   
• Changes or updates to planning policy are issued in Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statements (MIPPs).
   
• Planning Policy Wales and Minerals Planning Policy are supplemented by a series of topic-based Technical Advice Notes (TANs) and Minerals Technical Advice Notes (MTAN).

The Development Plan proposed bulldozing over 9 hectares of this ancient woodland. But a vigorous campaign by local people with the support of Coed Cadw put paid to this