Welsh Assembly Government launches planning guidance in bid to boost rural communities

The Welsh Assembly Government has launched new planning guidance designed to boost the rural economy and increase the provision of affordable housing.

The guidance, Technical Advice Note 6 (TAN 6) – Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, should “make it easier for businesses to set up in rural areas and should help enterprises already located in the countryside to grow”, the Assembly Government said.

TAN 6, which the Assembly Government expects councils to take into account immediately, “relaxes control over development in the countryside whilst still ensuring that a measured approach is taken”.

The guidance will make it easier for farmers to build new homes on their land, with a view to allowing them to hand over their business to a younger person while continuing to live there.

TAN 6 also calls on local authorities and landowners to identify sites for development of affordable housing and supports the Assembly Government’s sustainable development scheme, by encouraging One Planet Developments that have a low environmental impact.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: “The planning system must respond to the needs of rural communities. It must help ensure that appropriate development takes place at the right place and time, by providing sufficient land for the affordable homes and employment opportunities that our rural communities need.

“The guidance looks to do just that. It ensures the right environment to allow rural businesses to invest and grow in order to provide local employment opportunities, increase local prosperity and reduce the need for travel to work.”

The technical note can be downloaded here.