Gwynedd Council and the Isle of Anglesey County Council are working together to develop a joint planning policy service.
The aim of the project is to make the most effective and efficient use of resources and ensure an integrated approach to planning policy work in both Councils.
The ultimate aim will be to produce a single Local Development Plan for Gwynedd (excluding the National Park) and Anglesey which will map out future development in the areas, allocate land for various types of development and include land use planning policies.
The two councils already work closely together in a number of key policy areas and, if approved, this latest initiative will lead to the establishment of a Joint Planning Policy Unit for Gwynedd and Anglesey.
As well as producing a single Local Development Plan, the new Joint Planning Policy Unit will also be responsible for:
- Providing specialist advice and consultation responses on planning policy issues to the two councils, external organisations and the public
- Carrying out annual housing land availability surveys across both counties
- Working on development briefs and strategies
- Promoting sustainable development
If approved, the initiative will not affect the day to day running of either Council’s planning departments in terms of the arrangements for dealing with planning applications are considered. Planning applications will continue to be processed and considered independently by the two separate planning authorities.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Senior Portfolio Leader for the Environment on Gwynedd Council said:
“There are many key similarities in the character and profile of Gwynedd and Anglesey. These mean that the demands placed on the planning policy service for both areas are also largely the same.
“Both counties are predominantly rural with a number of areas of environmental significance such as Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Gwynedd and Anglesey also have a large number of listed buildings and areas of archaeological importance.
“Tackling climate change, housing issues and problems brought about by poor infrastructure are key challenges for both counties, and our population trends, main industries and employers are also broadly similar.
“All this means that we are well placed to forge ahead with a joint approach which we are confident will deliver a simplified, more efficient and effective service.”
Planning portfolio holder for the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Councillor Aled Morris Jones, added:
“It is essential that the new Local Development Plan meets the unique challenges posed by the sheer scale of Wylfa and renewable energy developments in the Irish Sea.
“The new Development Plan system is fraught with difficulties and other Councils have had plans derailed by lack of sound evidence. It is a legal requirement that these Plans are prepared in consultation with adjoining Councils and the preparation of a joint-plan will help meet this crucial test of soundness.
“I know that the Welsh Assembly and the Recovery Board support the County Council in making a fresh start on its Plan as it is a great chance to lead the rest of the country in joint-working and ensure that new developments benefit the people of Anglesey and Gwynedd. These schemes affect Gwynedd as well as Ynys Môn and it makes sense to work together and produce one Plan.”
A report on this matter will be considered by Gwynedd Council’s Board and by the Isle of Anglesey’s Executive on 15 June 2010.
