The Vale Council has published its long awaited Draft Local Development Plan (LDP). This is the document that sets out where development (housing and commercial) will be looked on favourably over the next 15 years. It also sets out planning policies relating to environmental consideration.
This draft is the latest of a long process and the plan will not be confirmed for another two years or more. This is the time to make your views known by responding to the Vale of Glamorgan Council. However, in view of the limited time available, Community Groups should consider organising meetings etc to be ready to respond fully as soon as the consultation period starts formally.
The next steps are:
- Vale Council are likely to adopt the draft plan by the end of October 2013.
- A 6 week consultation will start early November, which is the time to make your views known formally. I have asked for this to be extended to 12 weeks because of the conflict with Christmas festivities.
- The Vale Council have scheduled the following consultations to enable locals to question planners on the details of the document. :
Monday 7th October 2013 at Penarth – Paget Rooms
Thursday 10th October 2013 at Barry Dock Offices
Monday 14th October 2013 at Cowbridge – Town Hall (Lesser Hall)
Tuesday 15th October 2013 at Llantwit Major – Old School
Tuesday 22nd October 2013 at St Athan – Gathering Place
- At the end of the consultation to Vale Council will consider the views highlighted and publish later next year an amended plan, with a limited consultation.
- It is then passed over to the Welsh Government for consideration. The Welsh Government’s inspector will hold an Inquiry in the form of a formal hearing to consider the views expressed from developers, the council and communities.
It should be remembered that developers will make representation seeking to extend housing allocations to areas that have not been earmarked for development. Therefore, it is also important to voice your support for proposals or protections you are in favor of in order to provide balance.
Opposition within communities to overdevelopment in their areas needs to be coordinated and valid planning reasons should be submitted urging change.
I am keen to work with groups and individuals to help and support. Please contact me by email or otherwise if I can assist.