Councillors in Neath Port Talbot are being asked to consider a draft plan that will shape the future of land development in Neath Port Talbot for the next fifteen years.
The ‘local development plan’ will map out where major future developments could happen in the county borough. The blueprint will include leisure facilities, children’s play areas and health facilities. It also tackles the need and locations for affordable housing, employment, commercial buildings, community facilities, transport, minerals, waste and renewable energy.
The plan, due to come into force from 2014, will be an important document which will replace current regulations and guide future planning decisions about what kind of land use developments will or will not be allowed.
As part of the plan, the Council has to include evidence of community involvement as well as plans to protect sensitive areas of woodland, countryside and wildlife. It also needs to protect green spaces, reduce the effects of climate change and avoid noise, air and water pollution.
The Council has been working on the draft plan, called ‘pre deposit plan’, for some time and so far, has had a series of informal meetings with various community groups and organisations looking at options for putting the plan together.
This is a major stage that will steer the shape and content of the final plan. It is an important chance to comment on and influence the plan preparation.
Councillors are now being asked to agree to a six week formal consultation so that the public can become involved and their views taken on board before the plan is finalised.
“This is an important stage in the process and I urge people to come forward and find out what it’s all about,” said Council Leader, Ali Thomas.
“Councillors have a range of issues to consider before presenting the plan to the Welsh Government and we need to know people’s views first.
“This plan will have a major impact on local planning decisions in the future so residents need to get involved early in the process. We need a clear understanding of what developments and services a community wants and does not want to see.
“Communities are the key for getting this right.
“We are committed to keeping residents updated throughout the process to ensure the local development plan meets their needs and expectations.”
If approved, the consultation is due to start on 5th September until 17th October. Councillors will then consider the responses for officers to make any amendments to the plan. The final plan will be the subject of further consultation late in 2012 and any objections will then be considered by the Planning Inspector in time for the plan to be adopted in 2014.
