Commenting on a ministerial update on ‘planning for economic development’ – in which the Environment Minister confirms a new Technical Advice Note (more guidance) will be created next year - Shadow Minister for Environment Russell George AM said:
"The Welsh planning system needs a comprehensive overhaul – not temporary plasters. Complete reform must replace patching up.
"Rather than tag yet more guidance onto the hundreds of pages already weighing the system down, the minister should concentrate on the Planning Bill. This is where real, permanent change can happen.
"As it stands, the system is muddled and planning officials are snapping under the strain of too many guidelines. We need a clear strategic vision, with a set of distinct priorities.
"If Labour ministers really want to make reform that will benefit the economy, they need to look to the long-term."
Leader of the Opposition, Andrew RT Davies AM, said:
"Streamlining the planning system is massively overdue and the sticking plaster attitude of lazy Labour ministers has got to come to an end.
"The right action and ambition can simplify planning and help to boost the economy.
"The UK Government has shortened 1,000 pages of planning guidance into fewer than 50. That is radical and ambitious. We need to see the same kind of desire in Wales."