A report making 28 recommendations to improve planning services in Wales’ National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) has been published by the Welsh Government.
Land Use Consultants (LUC) was commissioned by Environment Minister John Griffiths to undertake research as part of the wider review of Wales’ planning system.
The report, Delivery of Planning Services in Statutory Designated Landscapes in Wales, concluded that while there is good practice there are also concerns to be addressed.
Among those highlighted were concerns in local communities and businesses over the planning function restricting their long-term sustainability and fears in the case of AONBs over the lack of a strong planning framework that recognises that these designated landscapes have an equal status to those of National Parks.
The report’s recommendations will feed into the Planning White Paper which is scheduled to be published in late 2013.
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