Will the Minister outline what conversations the Welsh Government has undertaken with local authorities about the number of invalid planning applications received and what steps have been suggested to address this?
The number of invalid planning applications has not been brought to my attention as a significant issue. The matter was last addressed as part of the Planning (Wales) Act 2015 when the complexity of information required from applicants to properly determine planning applications was noted as an issue in evidence presented to the Independent Advisory Group.
A standard approach to validation was introduced with a list of national requirements to provide greater certainty for applicants about what is required whilst ensuring local planning authorities have sufficient information at the start of the determination process to make decisions within the relevant statutory periods. Any minor omissions from applications can be dealt with through informal means by way of a telephone call or email.
Applicants are encouraged to agree requirements with the local planning authority prior to submission, through pre-application discussions, so that the information sought is proportionate to the nature of the development.
An appeals process is available to applicants where local planning authorities demand excessive information beyond statutory requirements. The low number of appeals submitted suggests the current process is working effectively.