The Welsh Government has started consulting on new proposals designed to ensure consistency across Wales when householders and businesses want to make minor changes to development proposals that have already been approved.
Currently the approach taken by local planning authorities varies across the country.
The proposals are intended to provide greater certainty and flexibility for applicants to make ‘non-material’ amendments to an existing planning permission, should changes be needed to its design.
Non-material amendments are normally minor changes that have no material effect on the overall scheme or its surroundings. Typically it could involve moving a window to a position where it does not overlook a neighbouring property.
Environment Minister John Griffiths said: ‘As part of our ongoing review of the planning system I am keen to support the recovery of our economy by removing unnecessary bureaucracy and providing clarity for users. At the same time we need to ensure that any changes, such as the proposals outlined in this consultation, are done responsibly and are thoroughly examined.’
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