Written question WQ83903
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
Will the Minister explain the decision to change work previously undertaken by The Planning Inspectorate to be the full responsibility of the Welsh Government, and at what additional cost in simple terms and to the wider economy this decision brings to Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
Wales is proceeding towards its own, separate planning legislature. For example, Senedd Members will be asked to consider a planning consolidation bill in this Senedd term, and I intend to progress reforms relating to the consenting of infrastructure in Wales.
The decision to create a new and separate body to determine planning appeals and associated casework in Wales is a result of this increasing divergence between the Welsh and English planning systems. The creation of Planning and Environment Decisions Wales will ensure Inspectors making decisions in Wales are trained and equipped to operate in this new Welsh legislative and policy framework. It will also ensure the service is committed to delivering a quality service to the people of Wales.
Following an initial outlay of £240k for the development of new ICT systems to support the service, the transfer of these functions to Welsh Government is expected to make annual savings of £300k on the costs previously paid to the Planning Inspectorate.