Planning Aid Wales

Alternate Name: Cymorth Cynllunio Cymru
Charity Number: 1000115
Company Number: 2526875

Introduction

Planning Aid Wales is a registered charity in Wales, established to provide information, advice, and support to individuals and groups regarding the town and country planning system and its procedures. Originally part of the UK-wide Planning Aid system launched by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Planning Aid Wales operates independently.

History and Purpose

The organization was founded in 1978. Its primary goal is to enhance community engagement in the planning process, making it more accessible and transparent. This aligns with the Welsh Government's efforts to involve individuals in planning decisions that affect local areas.

Organisation and Governance

Planning Aid Wales is governed by a management board composed of fifteen trustee directors. The organization is partly funded by the Welsh Government, with additional support from other sources. In 2004, it received a grant of £100,000 from the Welsh Government to expand its services.

Services

Planning Aid Wales offers several key services:

• Place Plan Advice and Support: Provides comprehensive guidance on Place Plans for local authorities and communities. Services include training workshops, decision-making workshops, Place Plan development support, and community engagement exercises.
• Accessible Guidance Development: Develops easy-to-understand planning guidance documents for various stakeholders, including examples like Place Plans and guidance for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites.
• Community Engagement: Works with local planning authorities, community councils, and groups to enhance public participation in planning processes.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Planning Aid Wales collaborates with local planning authorities and community councils across Wales. It aims to bridge the gap between communities and planning bodies, ensuring that the planning system is more inclusive and responsive to local needs.

Funding and Impact

The organization's work is supported by the Welsh Government, reflecting its role in promoting community involvement in planning decisions. Planning Aid Wales plays a crucial role in making the planning system more accessible and effective for communities in Wales.

Similar Initiatives

While independent, Planning Aid Wales is part of a broader network of Planning Aid organizations, including Planning Aid England and Planning Aid Scotland, all working to support community engagement with the planning system across the UK.

[1] https://planningaidwales.org.uk [2] https://planningaidwales.org.uk/ourservices/ [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planning_Aid_Wales [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1000115/charity-overview [5] https://www.rtpi.org.uk/need-planning-advice/planning-aid-england/about-planning-aid-england/