The Planning Inspectorate Annual Report and Accounts 2005/06

Section 6 - Our Work in Wales

Planning and enforcement appeals

The number of planning appeals received in Wales in 2005/06 increased by almost 11% compared to the previous year together with a smaller, 3%, increase in the receipts of enforcement appeals. 990 planning appeal decisions and 70 enforcement decisions were issued. All Ministerial targets were met under all procedures, including the target for the submission of reports to the National Assembly.

Other types of casework

Two major inquiries into Compulsory Purchase Orders opened during the year: Swansea Bus Station and a new shopping centre in Prestatyn. The Inspectorate also conducted 4 inquiries into Road Orders. The Wales team processed the first application for the extraction of marine minerals dredging under the interim government View procedures.

As in England, wind farms and telecommunications cases were significant features in 2005/06. One decision on a wind farm was issued and 2 cases are pending. 23 telecommunication mast appeals were decided, one of which was a controversial TETRA mast.There are currently 21 cases waiting for decision including 2 TETRA masts. 27 advertisement appeals were also received during 2005/06 in Wales, 22 of which have so far been decided and 10 Tree Preservation Order appeals were also determined.

As well as increases in receipts, 2005/06 saw the introduction of new types of casework in Wales, including high hedges appeals, 12 of which have been received to date. Following a transfer of powers on 1 January 2006, Inspectors are now able to make decisions, on behalf of the NAW, on appeals made under the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations 2000 relating to installations/ landfill in Wales.

Following the timely completion of 470 Mapping Appeals under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the Welsh countryside was opened to public access with effect from 28 May 2005.The Inspectorate in Wales also deals with Restriction and Notice Appeals arising from the access maps prepared under the Act. Six Restriction Appeals were received during 2005/06 of which one was withdrawn, three dismissed and two have yet to be determined. 21 rights of way inquiries have been held during the year and 2 hearings. In addition 9 rights of way cases have been dealt with by an exchange of written representations followed by a site visit by an Inspector. This year we also dealt with 2 cycle path orders made under the Cycle Tracks Act 1984, to upgrade footpaths to cycle tracks.

Unitary Development Plans and Local Development Plans

During the year 6 Unitary Development Plan inquiries were resolved in Wales. However the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new system of Local Development Plans (LDPs) in Wales to replace Unitary Development Plans and under the new system each LDP must be submitted to NAW for independent examination.The Inspector who undertakes that examination will be required to assess whether the plan overall is sound rather than consider individual objections as in the case of UDPs.The timetable for LDP preparation is 4 years and we expect the first examination in early 2008.

Sustainable operations

In accordance with the Assembly’s statutory duties, we aim to embed sustainability in our own operations through, for example, minimising our reliance on car travel, and also to ensure that principles of sustainable development are taken fully into account in Inspectors’ decisions and recommendations.

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