Devolution,Planning Guidance and the Role of the Planning System in Wales

The paper outlines the implications of the National Assembly for Wales for the planning system and planning policy for Wales. The advent of the Assembly has brought a new emphasis on strategic planning, inclusive partnership working and outcomes. The Assembly's Corporate Plan- Betterwales- has three major themes: sustainable development, tackling social disadvantage and equal opportunities, and contains a commitment to producing a National Spatial Planning Framework. Initial stages are in progress, the framework will draw on spatial aspects of the new Planning Policy Wales, the Assembly's vision, strategies and its Sustainable Development Scheme, research and spatial planning experience, in the UK and Europe, and the work of the Assembly's agencies, and Welsh local planning authorities.