Press Release: UK Planning Bill welcomed by Neath AM

Neath Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed the UK Government’s new Planning Bill.

Commenting on the UK Planning Bill and its implications for Wales, Gwenda Thomas AM said:
“I welcome the publication of the UK Government’s Planning Bill, which will give the Welsh Assembly Government the ability to revise existing planning policies to better meet the future development needs of our local communities.

“I also welcome the other significant changes proposed to the planning system in this bill. The bill will close a loophole in the planning system which undermines the ability of a local authority, such as Neath Port Talbot Council to decline repeat planning applications in certain circumstances.

“The Planning Bill also sets out provisions for a new independent Infrastructure Planning Commission (the IPC), which would, from 2009, streamline the way in which consent is given to significant infrastructure projects, such as major electricity generating stations, gas pipelines, the underground storage of gas and overhead power lines. The consent regime for some of these projects is not currently devolved to us in Wales, and is currently given by a UK Government Minister.

“In my constituency in recent years, we have seen what was the Department of Trade and Industry approving the LNG pipeline with very little local consultation. The IPC will consult Welsh Ministers on future large scale projects such as the LNG pipeline, and there will be a provision for commissioners from Wales to be appointed to the IPC so that we have a voice on that commission.

“I entirely agree with Jane Davidson, the minister responsible for Planning issues in Wales that the Welsh Assembly Government should hold the decision making power over major electricity generating stations located in Wales, and I fully support her in her efforts to persuade the UK Government to devolve this power to us here in Wales.