Since its adoption in 2017, the Joint Local Development Plan has provided an effective framework to support decisions and developments that have made a significant contribution to addressing housing challenges in Gwynedd, supporting the economy, safeguarding community facilities, and giving robust consideration to the Welsh language.This was outlined in a report reviewing the Plan's annual performance, which was considered by Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet this week.
The Local Development Plan is a key statutory document that guides how and where development should take place. Its purpose is to achieve the right balance between providing new homes, jobs and infrastructure, while protecting the environment, communities and the area's linguistic identity.
When presenting the Annual Monitoring Report on the Local Development Plan to Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet, consideration was given to the Plan’s performance over the past nine years, using data and evidence to measure progress against the Plan’s objectives and the Council’s priorities.
Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
This Plan has provided a clear framework for us as a Council to ensure that development takes place in the most appropriate locations for the benefit of Gwynedd communities.
At a time when our communities have faced significant challenges and a housing crisis, the Local Development Plan has helped secure hundreds of affordable homes within Gwynedd communities.
Through effective use of the Local Development Plan, we have been able to respond to local needs, ensuring that new developments contribute to strengthening communities and supporting local people.”
Since 2017, 639 affordable homes have been granted planning permission and have been completed in Gwynedd. This represents 55.1% of all homes approved and completed during the period.
In addition, the Plan was pioneering at a Wales-wide level, being the first in Wales to introduce a Local Market Housing Policy. This policy has helped ensure that new housing in areas experiencing particular pressure on the housing market meets the needs of people with a local connection to the area.
Councillor Craig ab Iago added:
Of course, the Development Plan is about far more than housing alone. It has facilitated investment in education and the county’s economy, protected community facilities, and ensured that the impact of developments on the Welsh language is considered.
Indeed, since the Plan was adopted in 2017, four brand-new schools have been approved, ensuring that Gwynedd’s children and young people benefit from learning in modern 21st-century educational environments.
The evidence presented to the Cabinet in the monitoring report confirms that the Plan has delivered on a number of the priorities that matter most to our residents since its adoption in 2017, and has made a significant contribution to sustaining communities across the county.”
Since the adoption of the Local Development Plan in 2017, planning permission has been granted for four new schools: Ysgol y Garnedd in Bangor, Ysgol Treferthyr in Cricieth, Ysgol Ein Harglwyddes in Bangor, and Ysgol Bontnewydd.
The Plan has also facilitated employment developments on industrial estates and business parks, together with other suitable sites, supporting economic investment and employment opportunities. In addition, it has enabled strategic energy infrastructure developments that help strengthen the electricity network and facilitate the connection of renewable energy sources, including offshore wind energy.
Consideration of the Welsh language has been central to the implementation of the Plan since its adoption. The Plan’s policies and associated Supplementary Planning Guidance have ensured that the impact of developments on the Welsh language is assessed as part of the planning decision-making process.
Furthermore, new housing developments have contributed to the provision of 14,003 square metres of additional open space, such as play areas, in locations where a deficiency in provision had been identified.
Work is currently underway to prepare a new Local Development Plan for the Gwynedd Planning Authority Area.