Policy Report
Responses submitted
Planning White Paper (England and Wales)
This is a major policy document which out-lines a number of significant changes to the planning system in the UK .
The legislation now going through Parliament proposes to stream–line the planning process and to introduce a new Independent Infrastructure Planning Commission to settle major planning applications.
It also introduces the concept of National Policy Statements to be prepared by UK Government Departments.
Modernising Empty Property Rate Relief (England and Wales)
This paper covered anti-avoidance measures following the government decision to remove empty property rate relief and was an opportunity to voice the industry concerns at the removal of this relief.
At one time it looked as though Wales would retain the relief but in October an announcement was made that Wales would adopt the England position. Thus relief for vacant retail and industrial premises will end as from April this year.
Housing Green Paper (England and Wales)
Extensive account of Government proposals to build 3m new homes by 2020, new growth areas and eco towns.
Applies to England in the main but this paper did contain the planning gain supplement proposals which applied to Scotland and Wales. Late in the day the Government scrapped PGS to be replaced by a statutory planning charge.
Rural Housing in Wales
This survey is a review of the problems of affordable housing in rural areas of Wales and particularly solutions to housing problems faced by the indigenous population.
RICS Wales responded to this consultation in some depth in a written response last October. We are grateful to those who responded. There was an oral evidence hearing on January 30th attended by Richard Essex and myself.
Planning Barriers to Domestic Energy Micro-generation
Proposes to extend permitted development for micro-apparatus (wind turbines solar panels etc.) from the need to obtain planning consent .This is one part of an expected body of legislation to ensure the planning system continues to promote the reduction of green-house gases and sustainable development.
TAN 17
Sought views on the current performance of planning authorities. The paper contained a number of planned initiatives including collaboration between authorities and procuring the private sector to handle the work of over-burdened authorities.
The paper also sought views on the role of pre-application discussions. RICS Wales emphasized the importance of Local Authorities being properly resourced both to achieve a consistent and rapid turnover of work and quality of service.
The value of pre-application discussions was emphasized. Such discussion, if properly conducted by the appropriate senior officers, has the potential to improve and stream–line the process.
Sustainable Development Framework: Housing Module
Essentially this is a good practice paper with exemplars. It draws together a range of existing good practice measures to produce improved sustainable development practice. It will be a useful addition to the volume of design advice already available.
As such the document is welcome but makes little or no reference to the scale of poor housing in many parts of Wales or means of funding sustainable development.
Wales Freight Strategy
A very substantial and impressive piece of research this looks separately at road, rail, ports, air travel and pipelines. A feature of this document is the potential that exists to link different forms of transport and further capacity in ports and railways.
The document contains a whole raft of good practice. RICS Wales responded in support of the paper although it would be helpful to see more focus on the major bottlenecks in the Wales transport system, notably congestion on the M4 around Newport and the lower A470.
This paper demonstrates once more the need for integration and collaboration in planning.
Carsberg Review of Residential Property (England and Wales)
A national review including nation-wide seminars. This paper high-lighted the long standing grievances of inadequate regulation of the profession.
The paper which covers both lettings and sales commented on the regulations contained in the Estate Agents Act 1979 which in its time has never been enforced. A full report is expected in the spring following the consultation process.
NB the Policy Officer made an individual response to the Questionnaire (not as representing the views of RICS Wales)
Carbon Reduction in Wales
The National Assembly for Wales Sustainability Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into carbon reduction in Wales.
Its terms of reference are to scrutinise WAG progress on contributing to UK carbon reduction targets and its proposals for meeting the 3% per annum carbon reduction target for Wales contained in the ‘One Wales’ document.
The Committee is now looking at industry and public bodies. The 3% target is challenging but will be a feature of much of the legislation to emerge from the Assembly over coming years.
