Comment
Planning Policy: TAN1, Housing Review and the Welsh Government Call for Evidence
Despite significant objection from the industry, the Welsh Government has dis-applied Paragraph 6.2 of Technical Advice Note 1 (TAN1), Joint Housing Land Availability Studies.
The dis-application removes the ‘considerable weight’ given to the absence of a demonstrable five year housing land supply in the determination of planning applications.
Housing land supply remains a material consideration, as required by Planning Policy Wales (PPW). The Welsh Government statement is clear that it will be for the decision maker to determine the weight to be attributed to increasing housing supply where there is a shortfall in housing land.
The Welsh Government has also started its ‘wide ranging review’ into the delivery of housing through the planning system. The initial ‘call for evidence’ will end on the 10 October 2018.
The Welsh Government consultation can be viewed here.
Our Response to Date
Turley prepared a detailed response to the TAN1 consultation in the context of the importance of delivering housing in Wales, and how, in practice, this is achieved through the planning system. We examined the ‘Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (WFGA)’, the importance of housing delivery, the role of the planning system, the role of Paragraph 6.2 of TAN1 in a plan-led system and ‘speculative applications’.
In light of this context, we found that the nature of the consultation document and the questions asked portrayed a fundamental misunderstanding of housing delivery in Wales. In response, Turley strongly disagreed with the temporary dis-application of Paragraph 6.2 of TAN1.
Our response to the TAN1 consultation is available to view here.
The Challenge Now
The decision by Welsh Government to dis-apply Paragraph 6.2 of TAN1 without the evidence from the wide-ranging review is disappointing.
It will be important that Local Planning Authorities unable to demonstrate an adequate housing land supply continue to be proactive in supporting applications for sustainable development on unallocated sites, which otherwise accord with the development plan.
The challenge is for all stakeholders to fully engage with the wide-ranging review to ensure delivery of housing through the planning system in Wales.
The Turley team in Cardiff is well positioned to assist client participation in the review. Please contact the team to discuss.
For more information on the consultation please contact Owen Francis.
19 July 2017