(Title Image: Welsh Government, Crown Copyright)
- Majority of MSs back National Development Framework for development until 2040 following a consultation exercise.
- Extra region of “Mid Wales” added after criticism of earlier tie-in with the south-west.
- Criticism of lack of focus on the climate emergency, brownfield development, digital infrastructure and quality housing.
The Motion
The Senedd:
- Notes the National Development Framework (pdf) and recognises the engagement over the last four years which has contributed to the framework.
- Agrees that the framework for four regions and its policies provide leadership to planning authorities and others in shaping and making good places.
- Agrees the first National Development Framework provides a firm basis for positive strategic planning decisions which tackle climate change, encourage decarbonisation and promote well-being.
- Agrees that a National Development Framework will help support a strong recovery from Covid-19.
Engagement has led to improvements
Minister for Local Government & Housing, Julie James (Lab, Swansea West), outlined how public engagement has led to changes to the original draft framework.
The biggest change is that a fourth region has been added – Mid Wales (covering Powys and Ceredigion). It follows criticism that the draft framework shouldn’t have seen central Wales joined to the south-west and was also too focused on urban areas.
Elsewhere, extra policies have been added relating to transport (particularly active travel and linking land use planning to transport policies) and renewable energy. Additionally, there’s reference to recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mike Hedges MS (Lab, Swansea East) welcomed the focus on biodiversity decline and natural resources but wanted regional housing numbers to be kept under constant review.
“I do, despite the sceptical tone of others, welcome the focus that is on ‘town centre first’ policy. For too long we’ve lived in this strange context where we promote out-of-town development and we’ve seen the hollowing out of our towns….The devil is going to be in the detail and the application of making this ‘town centre first’ policy stick.”
– Huw Irranca-Davies MS (Lab, Ogmore)
Missing pieces of the jigsaw
Caroline Jones MS (Ind, South Wales West) thought this was a missed opportunity to put the climate emergency front and centre. Both herself and Rhun ap Iorwerth MS (Plaid, Ynys Môn) believed there’s too much emphasis in the plan on onshore wind when there was still great potential from tidal energy.
Shadow Environment Minister, Janet Finch-Saunders MS (Con, Aberconwy), said there were only two references to brownfield development in the entire document. Towns along the northern coast – picked out to be focal points for development – may find it difficult to protect greenfield land from development.
“Access to green spaces, public parks and private gardens are becoming increasingly important. And, with less traffic, there will be more emphasis on public transport. But there are new challenges in that regard too, in terms of regaining public confidence when it comes to the management of diseases.”
– Llyr Gruffydd MS (Plaid, North Wales)
Vote
For clarification, Laura Anne Jones MS (Con, South Wales East) broke with the rest of the Conservatives and voted in favour.