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Welsh government sets out 20-year development vision
The Welsh government has unveiled a new national spatial strategy setting out a vision for development in Wales up until 2040.
Welsh housing and local government minister Julie James has today launched the Future Wales strategy, which lays out where the government believes housing, employment and infrastructure should be developed to support town and city centres, achieve decarbonisation and improve the health and well-being of communities.
The plan focuses on growing existing urban areas and ensuring that homes, jobs and services are located in the same area.
Wrexham, Deeside, Cardiff, Newport, the Valleys, Swansea Bay and Llanelli have been identified as national significant areas of growth.
Under the strategy, councils will be given stronger tools to refuse planning permission for new out-of-town retail parks and other developments that would be better located in town centres.
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New priority areas for large-scale wind and solar energy are also set out, replacing the government’s current guidance on planning in relation to renewable energy.
Ms James said: “This plan sets out our priorities for growth in employment and housing, in particular affordable housing.
“It sets out a vision for our villages, towns and cities developing at a walkable scale, with homes, local facilities, green spaces and public transport within easy reach.
“This work predates the COVID-19 pandemic, but living through it has brought home for everyone how important liveable communities are to our health and well-being.”
Deputy minister for economy and transport Lee Waters said: “We have a long-term ambition to see around 30% of the workforce in Wales working from home or working remotely.
“We know that if people have more flexibility in where they work, they can avoid a lengthy commute, reduce road congestion, which plays a part in improving air quality.
“As part of our ‘Transforming Towns’ vision, we hope to capture the benefits for our towns and communities and create new opportunities for regeneration and economic activity.”
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