The Institute in Wales responds to a range of consultations conducted by the Welsh Assembly Government and other national bodies, and produces position papers on policy issues relevant to Wales, as well as considering UK proposals from a Wales' perspective.

The RTPI Cymru responses and policy work is the responsibility of its Policy and Research Forum, supported by the National Director.

PLANNING Bill

The Planning Bill has now completed its passage through the House of Commons and is now in the House of Lords. Assembly Government Minister of Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson, issued a written statement on 17th July setting out the updated situation for Wales regarding the Bill (click here to see the statement in English or in Welsh). RTPI Cymru's response to this statement can be found here.

CURRENT POLICY CONSULTATIONS

RTPI Cymru is asked to comment on various consultations documents.  Members' views on current consultations are always welcome and should be submitted by e-mail to Roisin Willmott, National Director, or by post to the RTPI Cymru Office.

The Forum is currently considering the following consultations, if you would like to provide comments for the Forum to consider please e-mail:Roisin Willmott The deadline for responding to RTPI Cymru is given in brackets, with a hyperlink to the consultation document.

Affordable Housing Delivery Plans, Welsh Assembly Government (18/8/08) http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/housandcomm/affordablehousingplan/?lang=en

Resourcing the Planning Service, Welsh Assembly Government (1/9/08) http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/plancurrcons/planningfees/?lang=en

Planning for Climate Change (further consultation), Welsh Assembly Government (19/9/08) http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/plancurrcons/climatechangeconsult/?lang=en

Supporting Sustainable Development in Rural Areas (Meeting Housing Needs in Rural Areas), Welsh Assembly Government (19/9/08) http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/plancurrcons/ruralhousingconsult/?lang=en

Strategy for Trees and Woodlands, Welsh Assembly Government (1/10/08) http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/envandcouncurrcons/strategyfortreesandwoodlandscons/?lang=en

RECENT POLICY RESPONSES

Limited Revision to TAN 12: Design

Following on from the revisions to Planning Policy Wales in relation to design (Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statement 01/2008), the Welsh Assembly Government issued a further consultation on limited revisions to TAN 12: Design. To read RTPI Cymru's response to this consultation click here.

Draft Minerals Technical Advice Note 2: Coal

The Welsh Assembly Government issued further consultation on issues relating to the Draft Minerals Technical Advice Note (TAN) 2: Coal in February. To see RTPI Cymru's response to this consultation click here.

Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales

In February 2008 the Welsh Assembly Government launched a consultation on its proposed Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales. To see the consultation document click here. Whilst this is not a planning document per se, it does have implications for planning, for example it may prompt a review of Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8: Renewable Energy. To see RTPI Cymru's response to the consultation click here.

Wales Spatial Plan  Update Consultation

A consultation on the Wales Spatial Plan Update 2008: People Places Futures opened on 31st January for 12 weeks and closes on 24th April 2008.  The document sets a vision for how each part of Wales should develop economically, socially and environmentally over the next 20 years and will guide the way in which the Assembly Government spends its money over the coming years.
RTPI Cymru and the Welsh Assembly Government jointly held two special consultation workshops in Cardiff and Bangor, to explore the issues which are specific to planning.  These were in addition to the more general regional workshops.
Over 100 people attended the two events, and it was very positive to see the active discussions that took place.  A summary of the main points from the discussion groups can be found at People, Places, Futures: The Wales Spatial Plan 2008 Update Consultation. RTPI Cymru used these comments in developing its own response to the Update.

To see the consultation report in English click here, or in Welsh click here.

Competition Commission's Investigation into the Groceries Market.

In February 2008, the Competition Commission issued its draft proposals following its investigation into the groceries' market. RTPI Cymru responded to these proposals, click here to see the response. The Commission announced its final proposals in April 2008, to see the final report click here.

OTHER POLICY PAPERS

Severn Tidal Power Investigation

The Government, with the Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned feasibility studies, including an Environmental Impact Assessment into harnessing tidal power in the Severn Estuary. To read a background paper to this click here. To read the latest information on the Government's study into the potential and feasibility for tidal power in the Estuary click here.

Return to the RTPI policy pages for policy news and responses in the rest of the UK

Return to RTPI Cymru page

Author:

Roisin Willmott

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

17-May-08

Categories:

Nations & Regions, Policy 

Sections:

Events, Awards & Networking

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