POWYS County Council (PCC) has “expressed concerns” about a document which would set out where big developments should be built in Wales for the next 20 years.

The consultation period for the Welsh Government’s draft National Development Framework (NDF) came to an end on Friday, November 15.

And PCC has now given the Government its views on the document which is a new development plan to manage growth and change over the next 20 years up to 2040.

The Welsh Government is committed to a three tier planning system.

National – National Development Framework, considers issues at all Wales scale.

Regional – Strategic Development Plans covering more than one local planning authority.

Local – Local Development Plan by each planning authority that considers issues at a local scale.

The response has been approved by economic development, housing and regulatory services portfolio holder, Cllr James Evans (Conservative – Gwernyfed) under delegated powers and written by senior planning officer Dr Adrian Humpage.

Dr Humpage said: “In summary, whilst the council is pleased to see progress on a National Development Framework for Wales, we express concerns that the Draft NDF is not yet fit to operate as an over-arching development for the country.

“It is considered that the document fails to set a robust, clear, consistent and well-evidenced development framework for Wales.

“Spatial planning matters have been mixed alongside wider aims and aspirations of the Welsh Government, not all with a land-use basis, leading to confusion.”

A major issue with the document according to PCC is that it does not like being part of the Mid and South West Wales region.

Dr Humpage continues: “The framework for the regions should be reviewed.

“The council does not consider that being part of the very large and varied region of Mid and South West Wales (MSWW) is suitable forward planning for Powys.

“The council proposes that a separate region is created for Mid Wales.”

This would be made up of both Powys and Ceredigion, local planning authorities and would recognise the similarities the counties face, in terms of “geographical footprint, distance from main conurbations, declining populations and rural economy.”

Another area of controversy is Energy.

Dr Humpage adds: “Given the extent of land set to be affected in Powys, the council is concerned that the spacial strategy and policies for large scale renewable energy in both priority areas and outside are insufficient.”

He goes on to say that the evidence fails to recognise other economic sectors in Powys and land uses such as tourism and military.

He also says there is not enough detail about protecting homes and settlements from loss of amenity due to large wind and solar proposals, being built nearby.

Dr Humpage adds: “It is considered that the draft NDF ignores well evidenced Powys LDP policies and accompanying adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance.

“The NDF should pay due regard to  impact of lower tier development plans and highlight to developers the need to refer to local level plans and guidance.”

The finalised NDF is due in September 2020.