New legislation on Welsh language in planning comes into force

Provisions to ensure the Welsh language is considered in the planning system came into force Monday 4th January 2016.

Under section 11 of the Planning Act, it is now a requirement that every planning authority when preparing or revising the local development plan gives consideration to how the policies and site allocations are likely to impact on use of the Welsh language in their area.

Section 31 clarifies that the language may be considered in decisions where it is material to the application. Putting this into legislation will give planning officers and elected officials the clarity and certainty to consider the language in their decision making where it is appropriate to do so.

To coincide with this, the Welsh Government has issued a revised Technical Advice Note 20: Planning and the Welsh Language for a 3-month public consultation.

Planning Minister Carl Sargeant said the commencement of the provisions is an important milestone which establishes the consideration given to the Welsh language in the planning system, and will ensure consistency across Wales.

Carl Sargeant said:

“TAN 20 has been revised to give more detail to planning authorities on how to build Welsh language considerations into the Local Development Plan strategy and policies.

“Local planning authorities can define areas where the language is particularly sensitive or significant in their Local Development Plans, and there will be a role for stakeholders to assist with that work.

“Updating our planning policies and guidance on the Welsh language complements the aspirations and goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015, which includes “A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language.”