Next steps for Neath Port Talbot Local Development Plan outlined in report

A report setting out the next steps towards the formal adoption of the Neath Port Talbot Local Development Plan (LDP) will be considered by Councillors next week (19.01.16)

The Inspectors’ Report, its findings and associated recommendations are legally binding for the Council and once approved, pave the way for the formal adoption of the Plan.

The Council is required to prepare a LDP for its area, setting the framework for shaping the future growth, regeneration and conservation in Neath Port Talbot over the next ten years.

Over the course of its preparation, the LDP has progressed through various development stages and, at each stage, has been subject to rigorous, county borough wide consultation.

In September 2014, The Neath Port Talbot LDP (2011-2016) was submitted by the Council to the Welsh Government for Examination by Independent Inspectors.

The Inspectors’ report found that, subject to some recommended changes, the Neath Port Talbot LDP is sound and that it provides an appropriate basis for the planning of the County Borough up to 2026.

Inspectors also said that the Council has sufficient evidence to support the Plan and that it has a realistic prospect of being delivered.

By Law, the Council must adopt the LDP within eight weeks of receipt of the Inspectors’ Report, and subject to approval of the amended LDP by Councillors next week, the Plan can move to its final stage of approval by full Council at the end of this month.

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: “I am pleased to see that our strategy for the future development of the county borough is deemed as sound and as providing a good basis for planning for the next decade.”

“Our aim is to make our neighbourhoods safe and attractive places to live, to work and to invest in.”

“To help us achieve this, this Plan has gone through vigorous and active community consultation with the public and key local stakeholders and I would like to thank everybody for their contribution.”