News > > Planning System In The Spotlight (July 2010)

Powys’ only locally based Housing Association has been invited to speak to the National Assembly for Wales about shortcomings in the planning system.

The National Assembly’s Sustainability Committee is currently holding an inquiry into the planning system and is seeking a wide range of views on a number of critical questions, such as  whether or not planning policies at both National and Local level are effective in reconciling the potential for conflict and whether they adequately reflect the  Assembly’s priorities.

The Inquiry is particularly well timed for Powys following serious criticism of the planning system in the County, from local builders, estate agents and architects.

The Chief Executive of Mid-Wales Housing Association, Mr Shane Perkins will address the committee on 14^th July and will reflect on some of the particular difficulties faced in rural areas of Wales.

Mr Perkins said "The existing planning system is bureaucratic and inflexible with the consequence that planning is often seen as a means to stop development proceeding, rather than a tool to achieve the best possible benefit for the local community". He also expressed his reservations that existing planning systems are adequately resourced. "I will be making the point that anticipated cuts in Public Sector funding have the potential to reduce the numbers and calibre of planning staff, at exactly the same time as the economy will need to re-examine recent planning consents to ensure sites identified for development are completed."

A key question for the Inquiry is whether the current planning system is able to assist in the provision of affordable housing, a subject close to Mr Perkins’ heart. "With the collapse of the subprime property market there are greater demands for rented housing than ever before, yet planning policy still favours discounted housing for sale to meet affordable housing quotas. I would like to see the system prioritise the provision of rented housing" he said. The fact that over 80% of first time buyers currently need the assistance of a family member to buy, and the average age has increased to 37 years old, supports this fact.

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