“In view of the excellent initiative from Carmarthenshire County Council in working on a new strategy to develop natural outdoor features and spaces, can planning applications on the current LDP and proposed LDP be challenged via this strategy? And if so should not this be on top of any consideration when planning applications are received, along with residents views on retaining Green spaces in their locales”
Minutes:
“In view of the excellent initiative from Carmarthenshire County Council in working on a new strategy to develop natural outdoor features and spaces, can planning applications on the current LDP and proposed LDP be challenged via this strategy? And if so, should not this be on top of any consideration when planning applications are received, along with residents views on retaining Green spaces in their locales”
Response by Councillor Alun Lenny – Chair of Planning Committee:-
I would like to thank Cllr Gary Jones for the question – as it’s the first one I’ve had during over six years as Chair of the Planning Committee! I must admit, however, to being a little bemused as to why the question is directed at me, as we have a Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning – including the Green and Blue Strategy and the revamped LDP. But no matter, I’m quite happy to reply.
As members are aware, the green and blue infrastructure strategy aims to create a network of natural and semi-natural spaces and corridors between towns and villages, and threads through them – parks, allotments, hedges, woodland and the like. It is indeed an excellent initiative which has potential to help deliver on many of the corporate objectives of the Council, including the declaration of a climate emergency in February 2019.
There are, of course, already a number of polices contained within the current LDP that reflect the emphasis on conserving and enhancing the natural environment, as well as promoting good design – such as carbon neutral housing. This agenda has been developed further in the Revised LDP with placemaking and green infrastructure very much part of the requirements for new developments.
The LDP and determination of planning applications are underpinned by consultation processes – including those with members of the public and our colleagues in Parks and Leisure, and Ecology. These are fed into the decision-making process, with any material planning comments and evidence given due weight as part of this process.
As regards the Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy, yes – it will used to inform decision making and to inform the emerging Revised LDP – alongside a whole raft of other information, policies and evidence. Although it does not necessarily trump other factors, the strategy is informed by consultation responses from a range of bodies and interested parties – and such feedback is always given full consideration.
We as a Council, and the Planning Committee, always have to weigh various demands against policies and evidence and consider matters as objectively as possible. Planning has a key relationship with this council’s regeneration vision and delivery. We’re investing countless millions of pounds in Llanelli in particular, in Carmarthen, Ammanford and in our smaller market towns in rural areas. Young people need 21st century education, decent jobs – and affordable housing, which this council is providing by the hundreds, in addition to the 900 council houses we’ve started building. Obviously, we need land to do that.
For example, within Cllr Gary Jones’ own ward, the allocated site at Plas Isaf is included within the Housing Department’s ambitions Affordable Housing Programme. Also, at Harddfan on the Bryn, a smaller site is earmarked for inclusion in the Welsh Government's Self Build for Wales scheme.
I hope this clarifies the situation. I also hope that members will take every opportunity to promote the Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy as an important element in shaping the future of our communities.
There were no supplementary questions.