Planning policy and guidance for professionals | Sub-topic

Coastal areas

Policy and detailed planning guidance on coastal areas

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 14: coastal planning
Guidance for local planning authorities on the coastal zone. The coastal zone is an area of land and adjacent sea.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

The sand and gravel resources of north west Wales: summary
Report
Report on the location and volume of mineral resources and their commercial potential.

Community facilities

Policy and detailed planning guidance on community facilities

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 16: sport, recreation and open space
Guidance on the role of planning in providing sport and recreational facilities and informal open spaces.
Community infrastructure levy: affordable housing and meaningful amount
A letter about the decision to set a 15% levy to pass on to community councils.
Changes to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995
Letter to local planning authorities announcing changes to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) regarding Community Growing Spaces and Telecommunications Development by Electronic Communications Code Operators.
Extension to emergency permitted development rights for coronavirus
Guidance to local planning authorities on changes to permitted development rights for coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): new temporary permitted development rights to support economic recovery
We are temporarily relaxing planning control for specified development through amendments to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

Compulsory purchase

Policy and detailed planning guidance on compulsory purchase

Guidance and services

Planning appeals, costs, standard daily amounts and compulsory purchase orders
Letter about changes made in 2017 to legislation and guidance on appeals.
Land compensation code and compulsory purchase procedures (circular 50/91)
Describes Part III and section 80 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.
Change to planning policy and guidance on use of compulsory purchase powers
Letter to local planning authorities announcing changes to Planning Policy Wales and associated guidance.
Compulsory Purchase in Wales and 'The Crichel Down Rules (Wales Version 2020)' (Circular 003/2019)
Guidance on the compulsory purchase process and The Crichel Down Rules.
Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Manual (Edition 1)
Detailed guidance and best practice for those responsible for the preparation of a compulsory purchase order and its application.
Publication of the Compulsory Purchase Order Manual
Guidance to local planning authorities on Compulsory Purchase Orders.
Register of Compulsory Purchase Orders
A register of Compulsory Purchase Order decisions issued by the Welsh Ministers since 2012.

Crown development

Policy and detailed planning guidance on Crown development

Guidance and services

Crown application of the planning acts
How development requests from the Crown may be handled differently to those from other applicants.

De-risking

Policy and detailed planning guidance on de-risking

Guidance and services

Planning policy guidance note 14: development on unstable land
Information on causes of instability and references to extra reading.
Carriage of dangerous goods: land use planning implications (CL-08-06)
Guidance to help local planning authorities ensure storage sites for dangerous goods are secure.
Suicide prevention measures in building design and planning
Letter to local planning authorities about the importance of limiting access to the means of suicide in new structures.
Building fire safety joint open letter from Welsh and Scottish Governments
An open letter to industry and the public on addressing cladding and fire safety issues.

Demolition

Policy and detailed planning guidance on demolition

Guidance and services

Planning control over demolition
Letter to clarify the implications of the Court of Appeal judgement on 25 March 2011.

Design

Policy and detailed planning guidance on design

Guidance and services

Suicide prevention measures in building design and planning
Letter to local planning authorities about the importance of limiting access to the means of suicide in new structures.
Technical advice note (TAN) 12: design
Guidance for local planning authorities on designing for sustainable development.
Planning for sustainable buildings: guidance
Advice to help developers and local planning authorities ensure building developments are sustainable.
Planning developments: site and context analysis guide
Help to design better developments, maximise the potential of a site and support planning applications.
Planning applications: guidance on design and access statements (DAS)
Explains when a DAS must accompany an application and what it must include.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Planning for sustainable buildings review
Report
A review of planning for sustainable buildings policy and technical advice note 22.
Review of design and access statements in Wales
Report
Research to find out how the use of design and access statements may result in better design.
The implications of Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) 2011: final report
Report
Research to find out the effect of BREEAM on planning policy and performance.

Economic development

Policy and detailed planning guidance on economic development

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 23: economic development
Guidance on the role of land use planning in generating wealth, jobs and income.
Local development plans: guidance on economic development
Helps local planning authorities develop an economic development evidence base for their plans.
Inner Urban Areas Act 1978 (circular 136/78)
Explains the powers available to designated authorities under the Inner Urban Areas Act.
Relaxing planning conditions to support economic recovery: guidance
Guidance for planning authorities on the relaxing of construction operating hours, the use of caravan parks and hospitality uses in town centres.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Planning for sustainable economic renewal
Report
Study to find out how the planning system helps economic development and how it could do this better.
Planning for economic development: towards a new technical advice note
Report
Study to help us produce planning guidance that supports economic development.
The rural economy and the planning system: final report
Report
A study on how the planning system can encourage business development in rural areas.

Energy

Policy and detailed planning guidance on energy

Guidance and services

Renewable energy projects: update to local planning authorities
Encourages local planning authorities to support renewable and low carbon energy.
Planning control over oil and gas operations (circular 3/85)
Guidance on considerations when deciding planning applications for onshore oil and gas development.
Planning implications of renewable and low carbon energy development: practice guidance
How to assess potential positive and negative impacts of proposed developments at the planning stage.
Onshore unconventional gas and oil development (CL-04-14)
Clarification of minerals planning policy relevant to applications for unconventional gas or oil.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (circular 8/77)
Summary of the main points covered by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Local development plans: guidance on renewable and low carbon energy
Helps local planning authorities assess the potential for renewable and low carbon energy.
Assessing wind turbine noise
Guidance to improve the consistency of assessing noise in wind farm planning applications.
Renewable and low carbon energy in buildings: practice guidance
Guidance to help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings by using renewable and low carbon technologies.
Limiting large scale wind farms to seven areas
Commitment to limit large scale wind farms and clarify maximum installation capacities.
Community renewable energy projects
How local planning authorities can help communities with renewable energy projects.
Pipelines Act 1962 (circular 178/76)
Advice on the law as it applies to land pipelines.
Best and most versatile agricultural land and solar PV arrays
Letter to local planning authorities seeking to clarify planning policy regarding most versatile agricultural land and solar PV arrays.
Energy policies in local development plans
Letter to encourage local authorities to include areas for renewable energy schemes in their local development plans.
Electricity generating stations and overhead lines (circular 20/90)
Advice on how to get planning consent for electricity generating stations and overhead lines.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Permitted development rights and non-domestic solar photovoltaic and thermal panels
Report
A review of planning rules that apply to non-domestic solar panels and options for amending these rules.
Evaluation of consenting performance of renewable energy schemes
Report
A report about how to improve the decision making process for onshore renewable and low carbon energy developments.
Review of wind farm developer interest
Report
A 2007 report on onshore wind farm planning applications and progress in meeting planning for renewable energy (TAN 8) targets.
Renewable and low carbon energy in buildings: case studies
Case study
How people have reduced the carbon footprint of buildings using renewable and low carbon technologies.
Facilitating planning for renewable energy: review of final report
Report
A report on extra technical research intended to help update of technical advice note 8.
Waste planning case study: gasification
Case study
How a company in Norway is using the gas produced by burning waste to provide renewable heat.
Local authority zero carbon barriers
Report
Identifies how we can help local planning authorities encourage low and zero carbon developments.
Planning implications of renewable and low carbon energy development
Report
Research to support the update of planning policy on renewable energy.
Facilitating planning for renewable energy
Report
A report on research carried out to assist the update of technical advice note 8.
Waste planning case study: integrated waste management facility
Case study
How a recycling facility is generating electricity from material that it cannot recycle.
Summary of on-shore wind farms (2018)
Report
Includes the development status of on-shore wind farms, energy output and whether they are in a strategic search area.
Planning for renewable and low carbon energy: recommendations report
Report
A review of the low carbon energy toolkit for planners and the actions and work required to support its use.
Unconventional oil and gas extraction policy update in 2017
Policy and strategy
An update in 2017 on our planning policy and intentions for coal extraction as well as unconventional oil and gas extraction.
Assessment of on-shore wind and solar energy potential in Wales
Report
Research informing the identification of priority areas for solar and wind energy in Future Wales.
Onshore wind power: strategic search area reassessment and validation
Report
A study of land available for onshore wind farms and plans for their development.
Permitted development rights and small-scale, low risk hydropower
Report
Research on how to simplify planning arrangements for hydropower schemes.

Flooding

Policy and detailed planning guidance on flooding

Guidance and services

Climate change allowances and flood consequence assessments
Up to date allowances for sea level rise and peak river flows for use in flood consequences assessments.
Technical advice note (TAN) 15: development and flood risk (2004)
Guidance for local planning authorities to reduce flood risk and develop away from high risk areas.
Planning policy: flood risk and insurance changes
How changes to flood risk insurance cover and flood risk policy may affect housing land supply.
Flooding: development advice map
Letter announcing that the development advice map on flood risk has moved to Natural Resources Wales.
Increasing flood risk and the responsibilities of members in the planning system (CL-02-14)
Letter to remind local planning authorities of our position on development in flood risk areas.
Climate change allowances and flood consequence assessments (CL-03-16)
Include projected increases to peak river flows and sea levels into flood consequence assessments.
Technical advice note (TAN) 15: development, flooding and coastal erosion
Guidance on planning for flooding and coastal erosion is being revised.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

An evaluation of technical advice note 15: development and flood risk
Report
Research into the effectiveness of planning policy and guidance on flood risk.

Green infrastructure

Policy and detailed planning guidance on green infrastructure.

Guidance and services

Planning for sustainable buildings (CL-03-14)
Letter outlining policy changes and amendments to the planning for sustainable buildings policy.
Technical advice note (TAN) 5: nature conservation and planning
How the land use planning system should contribute to biodiversity and geological conservation.
Allotments and community growing: guidance
Good practice to enable people to grow their own food.
Technical advice note (TAN) 10: tree preservation orders
Guidance for local planning authorities on tree preservation when granting planning permission.
Development of contaminated land (circular 22/87)
Guidance on the identification, assessment and development of contaminated land.
Recovery of costs for public path and railway crossing orders (circular 47/96)
Guidance on administrative costs for public path and rail crossing orders.
The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 (CL-05-04)
The requirements of the conservation regulations when considering development proposals.
Trees and forestry (circular 64/78)
Advice on tree planting and the preservation of trees and woodlands.
The sale of rural plots and land use planning consequences (CL-11-04)
Potential remedies to the problem of subdivision and sale of small plots of agricultural land and woodland.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (circular 8/77)
Summary of the main points covered by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Agricultural land classification reports
Letter to local planning authorities about our agricultural land classification report validation service.
Netting of trees and hedgerows during construction
Guidance on the use of netting on trees and hedgerows during building work.
European protected species licence and planning permission
Local planning authorities use this notice when a development requires a European protected species licence.
Biodiversity enhancements: guidance for heads of planning
Guidance for heads of planning on securing biodiversity enhancements as part of a development proposal.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Green Infrastructure Assessments, protected species and permitted development rights: local authority questionnaire - privacy notice
Policy and strategy
Explains how we will use your data and how long we will keep it for.
Trial in 2014 of collecting planning data for sustainable development indicators
Policy and strategy
Asks planning authorities to help with a trial of data collection for sustainable development indicators.
A strategic monitoring framework for the planning system
Report
Research to find the best way to measure the sustainable development outcomes of the planning system.

Historic environment

Policy and detailed planning guidance on the historic environment

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 24: the historic environment
Guidance on how to consider the historic environment in development plans and planning decisions.
Listed building and conservation area consent: applications from local authorities (CL-01-00)
Local authorities follow this guidance to apply for listed building or conservation area consent.
Planning control over demolition
Letter to clarify the implications of the Court of Appeal judgement on 25 March 2011.
Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016: guidance
Letter to introduce the main points of historic environment legislation to planning authorities.

Housing

Policy and detailed planning guidance on housing

Guidance and services

Increasing supply of affordable homes through planning: July 2019
Local planning authorities must include affordable housing led sites in local development plans (LDPs). These sites must include at least 50% affordable housing.
Delivering affordable housing using section 106 agreements: practice guidance
Explains how local planning authorities can use the planning system to deliver more affordable housing.
The use of household projections for land use planning (CL-01-14)
Advice for local planning authorities on how to use our household projections for planning.
Delivering affordable housing using section 106 agreements: guidance update
How local planning authorities can use the planning process to bring forward the development of affordable housing.
Implications for technical advice note (TAN) 1 of changes to the use classes order (CL-02-16)
Letter to clarify that the new class C4 for houses in multiple occupation is included in the definition of 'housing'.
Changes to planning policy and guidance on the delivery of housing
Letter to local planning authorities announcing changes to Planning Policy Wales and associated guidance.
Technical advice note (TAN) 2: planning and affordable housing
Guidance on the role of the planning system in providing affordable housing.
Housing and Planning Act 1986: planning provisions (circular 57/86)
Describes parts of the Housing and Planning Act which came into force on 7 January 1987.
Changes to planning legislation and policy for second homes and short-term lets
Letter to local planning authorities about changes to planning legislation and policy for second homes and short-term lets.
Houses in multiple occupation (HMO): guidance for local authorities
Guidance on managing and controlling HMOs and the laws relating to them.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (circular 8/77)
Summary of the main points covered by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Environmental impact assessments for housing developments: guidance for local planning authorities (CL-01-01)
Guidance for planning authorities on whether housing developments need an environmental impact assessment.
Report of the mobile homes review (circular 9/78)
A summary of issues raised in the mobile homes review of 1978 and their implications for planning authorities.
Planning policy: flood risk and insurance changes
How changes to flood risk insurance cover and flood risk policy may affect housing land supply.
Planning for Gypsy, Traveller and showpeople sites (WGC 005/2018)
Guidance on the identification of sustainable sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
Local authority powers to manage houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
Letter to planning authorities about how they can control the number of houses in multiple occupation.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Viability study of the planning process
Report
A study to find out why late stage planning delays occur for housing developments that feature in local development plans.
Review of the delivery of housing through the planning system
Policy and strategy
Letter to inform planning authorities of a review to improve the planning system's role in providing homes.
Study to examine local barriers to the delivery of affordable housing in rural Wales
Report
Findings and recommendations from a 2009 study to increase availability of affordable housing.
Research into stalled sites in Wales
Report
An independent report on sites in Wales identified for development that have yet to be developed.
Stalled sites and section 106 agreements
Report
A report of all sites subject to delays with 106 agreements, why these delays occur and how to reduce them.
Evaluation of the planning permission process for housing
Report
Research into why planning decisions for housing developments are delayed and how to improve the process.
Second and holiday homes and the land use planning system: research report
Report
How the planning system could improve housing availability in areas with a high number of second homes.
Planning legislation and policy for second homes and short-term lets: integrated impact assessment
Impact assessment
Integrated impact assessment of planning policy and legislative changes to manage second homes and short-term lets across Wales.
Essential dwellings in the open countryside: final report
Report
A study to inform planning policy on agricultural and forestry dwellings.
Joint housing land availability studies: process review
Report
Research recommending changes to how land available for housing development is identified.
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) review: report on findings
Report
A report on the impact of HMOs with recommendations on how to deal with issues associated with them.
Correspondence relating to technical advice note 1 (joint housing land availability studies)
Policy and strategy
This letter provides copies of correspondence with local authorities since January 2015.

Minerals and mining

Policy and detailed planning guidance on minerals and mining

Guidance and services

Fees for monitoring mining and landfill sites: guidance for local planning authorities
Includes the allowed fee amount, advice on the number of visits and what to monitor.
Risk based approach to development management in the coalfields
Letter to planning authorities about the Coal Authority and its approach to development of coalfields.
Mineral planning guidance 2: making and determining minerals applications
How to submit and process planning applications for mineral workings and the use of conditions to regulate consents.
Mineral planning guidance 4: periodic review of mineral workings
The process for reviewing mineral workings and the use of powers to apply extra planning controls or stop the workings.
Mineral planning guidance 5: minerals planning and the General Development Order
How the General Development Order and permitted development rights apply to mineral workings.
Mineral planning guidance 7: restoration of former mineral workings
Advice on planning considerations when reclaiming land used for minerals mining.
Mineral planning guidance 8: interim development orders (IDOs)
Guidance on handling interim development orders applications for mineral workings.
Mineral planning guidance 9: conditions attached to interim development orders (IDOs)
Advice to planning authorities on how to apply conditions to interim development orders.
Mineral planning guidance 10: provision of raw material for the cement industry
Guidance for planning authorities on issues associated with the supply of raw materials for the cement industry.
Mineral planning guidance 11: noise at surface mineral workings
How to use the planning system to keep noise emissions from surface mineral sites at acceptable levels.
Mineral planning guidance 12: disused mine openings and information on mined ground
Problems caused by disused mine openings and how to use the planning system to deal with them.
Mineral planning guidance 14: review of mineral planning permisions
Advice on the legal procedures and consideration of planning conditions in the review process.
The Town and Country Planning Notification Direction for Coal and Petroleum Development Wales 2018
Applies to any application for planning permission made to a local planning authority for a coal and petroleum development.
Restoration of surface coal mines: guidance
How we expect local authorities to ensure opencast coal mines are properly managed when mining ends.
Environmental impact assessment and undetermined reviews of old mineral planning permissions
Guidance on regulations that apply to the environmental assessment of stalled reviews.
Onshore unconventional gas and oil development (CL-04-14)
Clarification of minerals planning policy relevant to applications for unconventional gas or oil.
Minerals technical advice notes (MTANs)
Technical guidance to supplement our minerals planning policy.
Regional Technical Statements for Aggregates 2nd Review - Clarification Letter
This policy clarification letter rectifies an arithmetical error in Table 5.3 of the Regional Technical Statements for Aggregates 2nd Review.
Aggregates: regional technical statements and landbanks (CL-05-14)
When landbanks already provide for more than 25 years of aggregates extraction new allocations will not be necessary.
Guidelines for the provision of silica sand (circular 58/85)
Advice on planning considerations around the extraction of silica sand.
Mineral workings: legal aspects relating to restoration of sites with high water tables (circular 60/85)
Guidance on how to deal with applications for mineral extraction in areas with a high natural water table.
Town and Country Planning (Minerals) Regulations 1971 (circular 69/71)
These regulations modified certain aspects of primary legislation for mining operation developments.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

The Brynhenllys Revised (Suspension of Public Rights Of Way) (Revocation) Order 2014 (2014 No.13)
Legislation
This Order revokes the Brynhenllys Revised, (Suspension of Public Rights of Way) Order 1993.
Evaluation of the Welsh Regional Aggregates Working Parties (RAWPs): executive summary
Report
A review of the work of the organisations (RAWPs) managing the need and supply of aggregates in construction.
Unconventional oil and gas extraction policy update in 2017
Policy and strategy
An update in 2017 on our planning policy and intentions for coal extraction as well as unconventional oil and gas extraction.
Research into the failure to restore opencast coal sites in south Wales
Report
A review of opencast coal mines with recommendations for their restoration after closure.
Sand and gravel supply for south east Wales: position statement
Policy and strategy
Our strategy for the supply of marine and land-based sand and gravel to south east Wales.
The sand and gravel resources of north west Wales: summary
Report
Report on the location and volume of mineral resources and their commercial potential.
Report on the committee on planning control over mineral working (circular 103/78)
Report
Our response to the report of the committee on planning control over mineral working (the Stevens report).
Interim marine aggregates dredging policy
Policy and strategy
How we will manage marine aggregates dredging, moving it offshore to areas west of the Bristol Channel.
Review of aggregate dredging off the coast
Report
A report examining the effect of dredging on the coastline.
The restoration and aftercare of coal and aggregate workings
Report
A report on the status of inactive quarry sites between 1999 and 2009.
Survey of the arisings and use of aggregates: executive summary
Report
A study on the use of aggregates from construction and demolition waste in 2005.

National policy

Development management manual, Wales spatial plan, planning policy Wales

Guidance and services

Planning: guidance on environmental impact assessments (circular 11/99)
Local planning authorities must follow this guidance on environmental impact assessments.
Development management manual
Comprehensive guidance to local planning authorities on handling and deciding development proposals.
Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980: various provisions (circular 13/81)
Details of the relaxation of controls following introduction of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980.
Developments of national significance: summary of changes
Planning applications for developments of national significance are made to Planning Inspectorate Wales.
Timely use of enforcement powers
Guidance to help planning officers deal with unauthorised development.
Environmental impact assessment for town and country planning: summary of changes
Guidance for local planning authorities on changes to the environmental impact assessment process.
Calling-in planning applications: guidance
Explains why and when the Welsh Ministers may take planning decisions.
Planning for future prison development (circular 17/98)
Advice to local planning authorities on making provision for new prison developments.
Planning and Compensation Act 1991: new development plan system (circular 71/91)
Transitional arrangements for older development plans when the system changed in 1991. Some of these plans are still extant.
Technical advice notes
Technical advice notes (TANs) provide detailed planning advice.
Planning appeals, costs, standard daily amounts and compulsory purchase orders
Letter about changes made in 2017 to legislation and guidance on appeals.
Purchase notices (circular 22/83)
Guidance on the use of and handling of purchase notices.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (circular 8/77)
Summary of the main points covered by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Coronavirus: new permitted development rights for health service bodies
Enables NHS bodies to change the use of a building or land to support their response to coronavirus.
Planning circular letters
Planning circular letters clarify policy or procedure.
Enforcing planning control: legislative provisions and procedural requirements (circular 24/97)
Guidance on planning enforcement and inquiries.
The Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 (circular 39/92)
The procedure for local planning authorities to determine applications made by the authority itself.
Dear Chief Planning Officer (CPO) letters
Advice, guidance and updates on planning issues to Chief Planning Officers.
General Development Order Consolidation 1995 (circular 29/95)
Explains changes introduced to permitted development in 1995.
The use of planning conditions for development management (WGC 016/2014)
2014 update to advice on the use of planning conditions.
Safeguarding aerodromes, technical sites and military explosive storage areas Direction 2002 (direction and circular 01/2003)
Guidance on the official safeguarding of civil aerodromes and technical sites.
Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (Commencement Orders 1 and 2)
Letter to explain the practical effect of changes to the Planning (Wales) Act 2015.
Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (circular 44/91)
A summary of the main provisions of the Planning and Compensation Act.
Planning performance framework and sustainable development indicators
Guidance on the collection of planning performance framework and sustainable development indicators.
Land compensation code and compulsory purchase procedures (circular 50/91)
Describes Part III and section 80 of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991.
Planning performance framework measures
Defines service standards to assess the performance of local planning authorities.
Referring planning applications to the Welsh Ministers (circular 07/12)
Explains when local planning authorities must refer planning applications to the Welsh Ministers.
Housing and Planning Act 1986: planning provisions (circular 57/86)
Describes parts of the Housing and Planning Act which came into force on 7 January 1987.
Referring planning applications to the Welsh Ministers
Changes made in 2012 to when planning authorities must notify the Welsh Ministers of an application.
Planning Inquiry Commissions (circular 59/68)
Explains the procedures for planning inquiries as set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1968.
Emergency permitted development rights for coronavirus
Guidance to local planning authorities on new permitted development rights for coronavirus.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Planning policy Wales
Policy and strategy
Our national policy outlining guidance for making planning decisions.
Research to inform the review of the planning enforcement system
Report
A report on how to improve the efficiency of the planning enforcement process.
Delivery of planning services in statutory designated landscapes
Report
A review of the planning service in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Five year review and evaluation of the planning research programme
Report
Whether the planning research programme met its objectives and recommended future work.
A new approach to managing development
Report
A review of the development planning system to inform the creation of a Welsh Planning Act.
Public attitudes towards the planning system
Report
A report into public opinion on the planning system and how they would like it to change.
The categorisation of uses and management of change: a planning review
Report
Research to find out if changes to how we identify and classify the use of buildings and land will benefit the planning system.
Towards a Welsh Planning Act: ensuring the planning system delivers
Report
A review of the planning system with recommendations on how it can improve.
Thresholds and criteria for developments of national significance
Report
An assessment of the categories of developments of national significance and how to improve them.
A strategic monitoring framework for the planning system
Report
Research to find the best way to measure the sustainable development outcomes of the planning system.
Exploring methods for the identification of strategic planning areas: final report
Report
A report by Cardiff University to find out the best way to identify strategic planning areas.
Review and evaluation of the development control monitoring process
Report
A review of the data we collect from local authorities about planning applications.
Quantification of infrastructure and business and commercial planning applications
Report
A report on infrastructure, business and commercial planning applications between 2005 and 2012.
Review of land use planning indicators: final report
Report
Research on the data and information needed to monitor the planning system.
Research into the operation of planning committees
Report
A report on planning committees and how to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
Evaluation of the processes used to develop national planning policy
Report
Report into how planning policy is developed and presented, for example how technical advice is produced.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2020
Legislation
This order gives new permitted development rights to help manage the coronavirus pandemic.
Impact assessments for the Planning (Wales) Bill
Collection
Assessments of how the Planning (Wales) Bill may affect different topics.
Plan to improve the planning system (positive planning implementation plan)
Policy and strategy
Projects, priorities and timetables for our changes to the planning system.
Planning prospectus overview
Policy and strategy
Our 2015 proposals to align the planning system with The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill.
Planning policy: COVID-19 recovery
Policy and strategy
Priorities for the planning system following the coronavirus pandemic.
Planning policy prospectus
Policy and strategy
A summary of planning policy and how we proposed to adapt it in line with the goals of The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill.
Development plan prospectus
Policy and strategy
Proposals to adapt the development plan process in line with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill.
The cost of infrastructure development in Wales
Report
An assessment of stakeholder costs in the delivery of infrastructure development in Wales.
Detailed response to the Law Commission report on planning law in Wales
Policy and strategy
Our detailed response to a Law Commission report about simplifying and consolidating planning legislation.
Planning (Wales) Act 2015: explanatory memorandum
Policy and strategy
The aims of the Planning (Wales) Act 2015 and the changes it will introduce.
Land use planning research scoping study
Report
Study to inform the development of a land use planning policy framework.
Future Wales: integrated sustainability appraisal
Report
The final integrated impact assessment of Future Wales.
Interim response to the Law Commission report on planning law in Wales
Policy and strategy
Our interim response to a Law Commission report about simplifying and consolidating planning legislation.
Future Wales: the national plan 2040
Collection
Our National Development Framework, setting the direction for development in Wales to 2040.
Research into the cost of delivering a Development Management service in Wales
Report
An assessment of costs to local planning authorities for carrying out Development Management functions to help inform reforms to planning fees.
Planning decisions being considered by the Welsh Ministers
Report
Planning proposals currently under consideration or recently determined by the Welsh Ministers.
Draft National Development Framework 2020 to 2040
Collection
Background and evidence to support the draft National Development Framework.

Obligations

Policy and detailed planning guidance on obligations

Guidance and services

Community infrastructure levy: the production of a charging schedule
Explains when a charge can be levied on development and the regulations for making this charge.
Planning obligations (circular 13/97)
Local planning authorities follow this guidance on when and how to use planning obligations.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Stalled sites and section 106 agreements
Report
A report of all sites subject to delays with 106 agreements, why these delays occur and how to reduce them.
The use and value of planning obligations
Report
Report on planning applications between 2005 and 2006 with obligations and their value.
Research into stalled sites in Wales
Report
An independent report on sites in Wales identified for development that have yet to be developed.

Placemaking

Policy and detailed planning guidance on placemaking

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 16: sport, recreation and open space
Guidance on the role of planning in providing sport and recreational facilities and informal open spaces.
Fire Safety Planning Guidance
Guidance on fire safety and the role of the planning system.

Planning application process

Policy and detailed planning guidance on the planning application process

Guidance and services

Planning performance framework and sustainable development indicators
Guidance on the collection of planning performance framework and sustainable development indicators.
Rural enterprise dwellings: guidance
Explains when the rural enterprise dwelling exemption may apply to a planning application.
Changes to the determination of listed building consent applications
Letter to local planning authorities announcing changes to the determination of listed building consent applications.
Planning applications: list of statutory and non-statutory consultees
Defines when to consult the listed organisations and bodies on planning applications.
Developments of national significance: summary of changes
Planning applications for developments of national significance are made to Planning Inspectorate Wales.
Calling-in planning applications: guidance
Explains why and when the Welsh Ministers may take planning decisions.
Referring planning applications for major residential development to Welsh Ministers (Direction and Circular 001/2020)
Local planning authorities must refer certain applications for major residential development to Ministers. This allows Ministers to decide whether they wish to call in the application for determination.
Development Procedure (Consultees) (Wales) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2021: Guidance on Fire and Rescue Authorities becoming statutory consultees
Describes the provisions relating to the introduction of Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales as a statutory consultee within the planning system.
Environmental impact assessments for developments: guidance for local planning authorities (CL-02-02)
Guidance to help local planning authorities follow the law on assessing the affects of projects on the environment.
Environmental impact assessment for town and country planning: summary of changes
Guidance for local planning authorities on changes to the environmental impact assessment process.
Housing and Planning Act 1986: planning provisions (circular 57/86)
Describes parts of the Housing and Planning Act which came into force on 7 January 1987.
Publication of the Town and Country Planning (Major Residential Development) (Notification) (Wales) Direction 2020 and guidance
Letter informing planning authorities of the publication of the Direction and guidance.
Planning appeals, costs, standard daily amounts and compulsory purchase orders
Letter about changes made in 2017 to legislation and guidance on appeals.
The Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 (circular 39/92)
The procedure for local planning authorities to determine applications made by the authority itself.
Notification of new development management procedures
Letter informing planning authorities of changes resulting from the Planning (Wales) Act 2015.
Notification of changes to online planning application services
Letter informing planning authorities of changes to the online planning application service.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): updated guidance to planning authorities
What the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 mean for maintaining planning services.
Electronic filing of planning register documents (CL-01-05)
Letter to clarify what information local planning authorities must keep in a register.
Timely use of enforcement powers
Guidance to help planning officers deal with unauthorised development.
Changes to fees for planning and related applications
Letter to local planning authorities announcing changes to planning fees. Also outlines progress on future reforms to fees.
Planning committee member briefing and decision making (CL-01-06)
Letter to clarify that all committee members should receive training before they take decisions.
Planning: guidance on environmental impact assessments (circular 11/99)
Local planning authorities must follow this guidance on environmental impact assessments.
Fire Safety Planning Guidance
Guidance on fire safety and the role of the planning system.
Conduct of public authority members in land use planning (CL-06-06)
Guidance for local councillors on how to apply the code of conduct in relation to land use planning.
Referring planning applications to the Welsh Ministers (circular 07/12)
Explains when local planning authorities must refer planning applications to the Welsh Ministers.
Continuation of amendments to pre-application consultation procedures, community council consultation and Developments of National Significance
Notification to local planning authorities and developers of the continuation of emergency measures introduced by the Planning Applications (Temporary Modifications and Disapplication) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Order 2020

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Planning decisions being considered by the Welsh Ministers
Report
Planning proposals currently under consideration or recently determined by the Welsh Ministers.
Research into the operation of planning committees
Report
A report on planning committees and how to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
Public attitudes towards the planning system
Report
A report into public opinion on the planning system and how they would like it to change.
Study to examine the planning application process
Report
Reports how the planning application process is operating and recommends how to improve it.
Study to examine the planning application process: government response
Report
What we will do in response to recommendations of the report on the planning application process.
Study to examine the planning application process: progress update (December 2012)
Report
December 2012 update on implementing 16 recommendations to improve the planning application process.
Study to examine the planning application process: progress update (June 2013)
Report
June 2013 update on implementing 16 recommendations to improve the planning application process.

Pre-application consultation

Policy and detailed planning guidance on pre-application consultation

Guidance and services

Planning permission: pre-application discussions
How applicants and local planning authorities should discuss proposals before a planning application.
Planning major developments: guidance on pre-application consultation
Guidance to help developers follow the law on consulting about major developments.
Consulting and notifying the Welsh Ministers on development proposals before applying for planning permission
Guidance on when a developer is required to consult, or notify, the Welsh Ministers before submitting a planning application.
Amendments to pre-application consultation procedures, community council consultation and Developments of National Significance
Guidance to local planning authorities and developers in response to the challenges presented by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Continuation of amendments to pre-application consultation procedures, community council consultation and Developments of National Significance
Notification to local planning authorities and developers of the continuation of emergency measures introduced by the Planning Applications (Temporary Modifications and Disapplication) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Order 2020
Development Procedure (Consultees) (Wales) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2021: Guidance on Fire and Rescue Authorities becoming statutory consultees
Describes the provisions relating to the introduction of Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales as a statutory consultee within the planning system.

Recreational spaces

Policy and detailed planning guidance on recreational spaces

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 16: sport, recreation and open space
Guidance on the role of planning in providing sport and recreational facilities and informal open spaces.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Research on open space audits
Report
A report on how local authorities are monitoring open space, for example public parks and play areas.
What sort of countryside do we want?
Report
Research to find out how the planning system can meet the needs of rural communities and countryside users.

Retail and commercial

Policy and detailed planning guidance on retail and commercial development

Guidance and services

Inner Urban Areas Act 1978 (circular 136/78)
Explains the powers available to designated authorities under the Inner Urban Areas Act.
Local development orders: guidance for local planning authorities (circular 003/2012)
Explains local development orders and how they may be used.
Post Office Operational Land Regulations 1973 (circular 48/73)
Guidance on the regulations covering Post Office operational land for planning purposes.
Technical advice note (TAN) 3: simplified planning zones
Guidance on the procedures for selecting and managing areas with simplified planning rules.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): planning conditions
Guidance for planning authorities on retail deliveries during the coronavirus outbreak.
Technical advice note (TAN) 4: retail and commercial development
Guidance on the role of land use planning in retail and commercial development.
Childcare and planning (CL-01-16)
Letter explaining planning policies applying to childcare providers.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Quantification of infrastructure and business and commercial planning applications
Report
A report on infrastructure, business and commercial planning applications between 2005 and 2012.
Town centres and retail dynamics: towards a revised retail planning policy
Report
A review of the issues facing town centres and the effect of retail planning policy.
Local development orders: impacts and good practice
Report
A report on the benefits and uses of local development orders.

Rural economy

Policy and detailed planning guidance on the rural economy

Guidance and services

Agricultural land classification reports
Letter to local planning authorities about our agricultural land classification report validation service.
Technical advice note (TAN) 6: planning for sustainable rural communities
Guidance for local planning authorities to support sustainable rural communities.
Intensive poultry units: guidance for local planning authorities
Local planning authorities should consider the effects of intensive agriculture when determining applications.
Indicative forestry strategies (circular 61/92)
Guidance for planning authorities on what to consider when planning new woodlands.
Trees and forestry (circular 64/78)
Advice on tree planting and the preservation of trees and woodlands.
Rural enterprise dwellings: guidance
Explains when the rural enterprise dwelling exemption may apply to a planning application.
One planet development: practice guidance
Calculator and guidance for estimating the ecological footprint of one planet development applicants.
The sale of rural plots and land use planning consequences (CL-11-04)
Potential remedies to the problem of subdivision and sale of small plots of agricultural land and woodland.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Study to examine local barriers to the delivery of affordable housing in rural Wales
Report
Findings and recommendations from a 2009 study to increase availability of affordable housing.
What sort of countryside do we want?
Report
Research to find out how the planning system can meet the needs of rural communities and countryside users.
The rural economy and the planning system: final report
Report
A study on how the planning system can encourage business development in rural areas.
Farm diversification and the planning system
Report
Results of a study carried out in 2000 to find out how the planning system affects change on farms.
Essential dwellings in the open countryside: final report
Report
A study to inform planning policy on agricultural and forestry dwellings.

Special development orders

Policy and detailed planning guidance on special development orders

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Parc Cybi, Holyhead Border Control Post: documents
Collection
Planning documents for the Border Control Post in north Wales at the Plot 9, Parc Cybi site in Holyhead, Anglesey.
Amendments to Parc Cybi Border Control Post, Holyhead Special Development Order
Policy and strategy
Consultation letter to local residents and technical stakeholders regarding a smaller Border Control Post which allows for some retained HGV parking on-site.
Special development order: Holyhead border control post
Legislation
Map referred to in the Town and Country Planning (North Wales Border Control Post) (EU Exit) Special Development Order 2023.

Telecommunications

Policy and detailed planning guidance on telecommunications

Guidance and services

Mobile phone network development: code of practice
Advice on good siting and design of telecommunications developments.
Emergency services mobile communication programme (ESMCP)
Letter to planning authorities about dealing with applications for new emergency service communications.
Technical advice note (TAN) 19: telecommunications
Guidance on the planning procedures to follow when assessing telecommunications proposals.
Prior approval for fixed line broadband apparatus
Letter to planning authorities extending the date which prior approval is not required from 30 May 2018 to the 30 May 2019.
Post Office Operational Land Regulations 1973 (circular 48/73)
Guidance on the regulations covering Post Office operational land for planning purposes.
Changes to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995
Letter to local planning authorities announcing changes to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) regarding Community Growing Spaces and Telecommunications Development by Electronic Communications Code Operators.
Mobile phone network development for Wales (2021): code of best practice
Letter to local planning authorities announcing an updated version of the code of best practice on mobile phone network development for Wales.
Permitted development rights for communications antenna (CL-03-06)
Guidance for local planning authorities on the size and location of communications antenna.
Change to part 24 permitted development right
A summary of permitted development rights that apply to fixed line broadband and mobile phone operators.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Review of mobile phone operator's 10 commitments (CL-03-03)
Policy and strategy
A letter about the 2003 review of best siting commitments for mobile phone operators.
Review of code of best practice on mobile phone network development: final report
Report
A study on the operation and effectiveness of the code of best practice on mobile phone network development.
Review of mobile phone operators permitted development rights
Report
A report to assess the affect of changes to the permitted development rights available to mobile phone operators.
Planning for mobile telecommunications: an assessment of permitted development rights
Report
Research to find out if changes to the planning system could help provide better mobile phone coverage.

Tourism

Policy and detailed planning guidance on tourism

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 13: tourism
Guidance on considering tourism in development plans and when making planning decisions.
Caravan Sites Act 1968 (circular 42/68)
Only paragraphs 1 to 4 and 25 to 29 (about twin-unit caravans, planning permission and fire precautions) are still in force.
Report of the mobile homes review (circular 9/78)
A summary of issues raised in the mobile homes review of 1978 and their implications for planning authorities.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

What sort of countryside do we want?
Report
Research to find out how the planning system can meet the needs of rural communities and countryside users.
Second and holiday homes and the land use planning system: research report
Report
How the planning system could improve housing availability in areas with a high number of second homes.

Transport

Policy and detailed planning guidance on transport

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 18: transport
Transport issues to consider when developing planning policy and assessing planning applications.
Use of waste material for road fill (circular 36/87)
Explains procedures to encourage the use of waste materials in road schemes.
Recovery of costs for public path and railway crossing orders (circular 47/96)
Guidance on administrative costs for public path and rail crossing orders.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (circular 8/77)
Summary of the main points covered by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Manual for streets (residential streets)
How to design, construct, adopt and maintain new and existing residential streets.
Manual for streets 2 (urban and rural streets)
How to plan and improve busy urban and rural streets.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

The application of accessibility methodologies to land use planning
Report
A review of accessibility measures and guidance and their use in the transport planning process.

Waste

Policy and detailed planning guidance on waste

Guidance and services

Planning requirements for private sewerage in new development (WGC 008/2018)
Guidance to use when considering proposals for new development in areas with no public sewerage.
Technical advice note (TAN) 21: waste
Guidance on the role of land use planning in the sustainable management and control of waste.
Smells from animal waste processing: guidance for local authorities (circular 17/76)
Advice for local authorities on how to deal with smell problems caused by animal waste processing.
Waste policies and unitary development plans (CL-04-04)
Policy clarification letter on waste management and hazardous waste planning applications.
Environmental Protection Act 1990, Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 and The Framework Directive on Waste (circular 26/94)
Details of directives, law and policy that apply to waste management.
Interim planning position on waste (CL-01-12)
An update on waste planning policy and its implications for planning authorities at 2012.
Use of waste material for road fill (circular 36/87)
Explains procedures to encourage the use of waste materials in road schemes.
Landfill sites: development control (circular 38/89)
Advises local planning authorities on their powers in relation to landfill sites.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (circular 8/77)
Summary of the main points covered by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Waste planning case study: in-vessel composting
Case study
How Wrexham recycling plant are making compost from organic waste.
Waste planning case study: municipal sector waste incinerator
Case study
How Veolia Environmental Services are generating renewable energy from Sheffield's household waste.
Mapping areas of search for sub-regional waste sites
Report
Exercise to find areas for waste facilities that can serve the needs of more than one waste planning authority.
Waste planning monitoring reports
Collection
Statistics on the amount of waste collected and how it was disposed of.
Survey of the arisings and use of aggregates: executive summary
Report
A study on the use of aggregates from construction and demolition waste in 2005.
Waste planning case study: gasification
Case study
How a company in Norway is using the gas produced by burning waste to provide renewable heat.
Waste planning case study: integrated waste management facility
Case study
How a recycling facility is generating electricity from material that it cannot recycle.

Water, air, soundscape and light

Policy and detailed planning guidance on water, air, soundscape and light

Guidance and services

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): guidance
Guidance for local authorities on the approval and use of SuDS on new developments.
Technical advice note (TAN) 11: noise
How to use the planning system to reduce the adverse impact of noise.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): frequently asked questions
Additional guidance on sustainable drainage systems for local authorities and developers.
Planning: noise from live music venues
Introducing the 'agent of change' principle to planning policy.
Updates to technical advice note (TAN) 11 on noise (CL-01-15)
Letter to inform local planning authorities of changes to planning policy about noise.
National standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
Guidance on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of surface water drainage systems.
Assessing wind turbine noise
Guidance to improve the consistency of assessing noise in wind farm planning applications.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): appeal guidance
Guidance to explain how and when you can appeal a SuDS decision.
Mineral planning guidance 11: noise at surface mineral workings
How to use the planning system to keep noise emissions from surface mineral sites at acceptable levels.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): enforcement guidance
Guidance to explain how and when you can appeal a SuDs enforcement notice.
Smells from animal waste processing: guidance for local authorities (circular 17/76)
Advice for local authorities on how to deal with smell problems caused by animal waste processing.
Appeal a sustainable drainage (SuDS) decision
When and how you can appeal a SuDS decision.
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (circular 8/77)
Summary of the main points covered by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
Appeal a sustainable drainage (SuDS) enforcement notice
When and how you can appeal a SuDS enforcement notice.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): explanatory memorandum
Impact assessment
Explains the background and aims of our legislation on sustainable drainage systems.

Welsh language

Policy and detailed planning guidance on Welsh language

Guidance and services

Technical advice note (TAN) 20: planning and the Welsh language
How to consider the Welsh language in development plans and when deciding planning applications.
Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (Commencement Orders 1 and 2)
Letter to explain the practical effect of changes to the Planning (Wales) Act 2015.
Notification of changes to technical advice note (TAN) 20: planning and the Welsh language
A letter introducing updated planning guidance on the Welsh language.

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

What sort of countryside do we want?
Report
Research to find out how the planning system can meet the needs of rural communities and countryside users.

Advertisements

Guidance and services

Coastal areas

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Community facilities

Guidance and services

Compulsory purchase

Guidance and services

Crown development

Guidance and services

De-risking

Guidance and services

Demolition

Guidance and services

Design

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Economic development

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Energy

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Flooding

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Green infrastructure

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Historic environment

Guidance and services

Housing

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Minerals and mining

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

National policy

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Obligations

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Placemaking

Guidance and services

Planning application process

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Pre-application consultation

Guidance and services

Recreational spaces

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Retail and commercial

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Rural economy

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Special development orders

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Telecommunications

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Tourism

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Transport

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Waste

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Water, air, soundscape and light

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.

Welsh language

Guidance and services

Policy and background Includes strategy, reports, projects and assessments.