Planning Aid Wales
Planning Aid Wales (Welsh: Cymorth Cynllunio Cymru) is a registered charity that provides independent, impartial, professional information, advice and support to individuals and groups on the town and country planning system and procedures in Wales. It was originally established in 1978 as part of the UK-wide Planning Aid system by the Royal Town Planning Institute, and is now partly funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Objectives and activities
The organisation states that it is working to create a fairer and more transparent planning system in which the people of Wales can participate effectively. It is guided by the following values:
- Charitable: "We are a charitable, not-for-profit organisation."
- Volunteering: "We use our network of professional, fully qualified planning volunteers to provide advice and support."
- Free of charge: "We offer our information, advice and support services free of charge to eligible groups and individuals."
- Independent: "The information and advice we provide is impartial."
- Improving understanding: "We work with people to develop the knowledge and skills they need to engage more effectively with the planning system."[1]
It has prepared a series of factsheets for community and town councillors[2] as well as a book, A public guide to the land use planning system in Wales (2006). It also operates an email and telephone helpline service for eligible members of the public and community groups, and organises workshops, seminars and training for groups wishing to become more involved in the planning process.[3]
Organisation and funding
Planning Aid Wales is governed by a management board made up of fifteen trustee Directors, currently chaired by Tony Humphreys.[4] The Chief Executive is Elwyn Thomas.[5]
In 2004, the Welsh Assembly Government granted the organisation £100,000 to expand its services. Carwyn Jones, then Welsh Assembly Government, Planning and Countryside Minister, said: "Involving individuals in the planning process in Wales is central to the Welsh Assembly Government's drive to make the planning system quicker, fairer and more transparent...Planning Aid Wales is playing a really important role in this drive to increase involvement, providing support and advice to members of the public and community groups dealing with planning issues..."[6]