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Planning Policy

The main task of the Planning Policy team is to produce a Development Plan. This is a statutory document that has to be produced by every Local Authority. It sets out the policies and proposals to guide the development and use of land and to safeguard the environment.

The Development Plan is used to guide the day-to-day decisions as to whether or not planning permission should be granted. Planning applicants and Members can also read the Development Plan to assess how the Local Planning Authority will react to proposals for development.

A Development Plan aims to:
   

• Ensure that development and land use change reflects the principles of sustainable development; 
• Improve, encourage and safeguard the provision of education, health and social welfare and leisure facilities;
• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of housing and employment land to meet future needs;
• Enhance and protect the urban and rural environment;
• Consolidate and enhance the vitality, viability and attractiveness of existing retail centres;
• Move towards an integrated land use and transport strategy, encouraging alternative means of travel which have less environmental impact;
• Protect and manage biodiversity measures; and 
• Encourage urban regeneration and conserve Blaenau Gwent’s Heritage.

Development Plans must have regard to relevant national and regional planning policies.

To view the current Development Plan and the latest progress of the Local Development Plan, access the Development Plan Status & Preparation page.

Supplementary Planning Guidance

Supplementary Planning Guidance is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications for development. The Council has approved a series of Supplementary Planning Guidance documents which set out detailed advice on the way in which Development Plan policies will be applied in particular circumstances or areas.