Written question WQ83062

The weight given to representations on planning applications will depend on the strength of the planning arguments about each material consideration put forward irrespective of the organisation or individual who makes the comment. The comments of some organisations carry significant weight because of the statutory responsibilities they undertake or the evidence and expertise they possess.

Town and community councils can make a valuable contribution to placemaking within their areas. The consultation paper ‘Positive Planning’ set out the positive role town and community councils can make by preparing Place Plans and contributing to preparation of local development plans. The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 strengthened the statutory interactions of town and community councils with the planning system. The Welsh Government supports the work of Planning Aid Wales to build the capability of town and community councils to engage in a positive and meaningful way in plan making using their local knowledge and ability to engage with their communities.