What steps is the Welsh Government taking to issue a technical advisory note to make clear that developments should not progress on land not allocated for house building under a local development plan?
I am firmly committed to a plan led planning system where decisions are taken in accordance with development plans. Development plans must give priority to developing previously developed land before green field sites. I do not consider that there is a need for a Technical Advice Note (TAN) as the issue is clearly addressed in national planning policy. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) requires development plans to include clear policy criteria against which applications for housing development on unallocated sites will be considered. In addition, it provides a strong basis for the protection and enhancement of open spaces.
The Major Residential Development Notification Direction requires the Welsh Ministers to be notified of applications for any proposed residential development of 10 or more residential units, or residential development on 0.5 hectares or more of land, which is not in accordance with one or more provisions of the development plan in force which the authority do not propose to refuse. This direction allows the Welsh Ministers an opportunity to consider whether to call-in applications for determination.