South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies has demanded an overhaul of the planning system in Wales, describing it as “not fit for purpose”.
Mr Davies pointed to a constituent he’d spoken to while out door knocking in Ystradowen on the weekend, who’d attempted a self-build in the Vale but found obstructions from planners too great.
He said that large scale developers, by contrast, “find it much easier to impose inappropriate and excessive numbers of houses on our communities”.
In the Senedd, he warned First Minister Eluned Morgan that he is “yet to speak to anyone who is pleased about the planning system, whether that be applicants or people who object”.
He cited the Vale of Glamorgan Replacement Local Development Plan is the latest example.
Mr Davies said:
“The planning system in Wales does not work, and people across the Vale are suffering the consequences.
“Large scale house builders are constantly able to impose inappropriate developments on our communities, without the services or infrastructure in place to cope.
“Yet on the weekend, I spoke to a gentleman on the doorstep who’d tried a single dwelling self-build, but found obstructions from planners too great.
“In fact, I’m yet to speak to anyone who is pleased about the planning system, be that applicants or objectors.
“It is not fit for purpose and Senedd ministers have failed to address this. They must act.”
ENDS