WQ94841 (w) Tabled on 05/11/2024

What is the definition of a) national growth area, and b) regional growth area within Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 and what are the differences in their criteria?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning | Answered on 13/11/2024

The National Growth Areas are the three main urban areas in Wales, where the majority of our population lives and where the majority of jobs are located. The cities and towns within the growth areas are inter-dependent and there is a high degree of movement between places.  Due to their scale and importance, they should receive nationally appropriate levels of development.

Regional Growth Areas are smaller in scale and are generally less urban in nature. They are towns or groups of towns – typically with populations of 5,000 - 20,000 – which are important centres of employment, retail and leisure in their areas.  Due to the regional significance, they should receive regionally appropriate levels of development.