A landmark strategy setting out the direction of development in Wales over the next two decades has been welcomed by Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru.
Future Wales, the Welsh government’s top-tier national development framework, is the first national spatial development plan in the UK.
Among its recommendations, Future Wales makes clear the importance of planning new infrastructure and development in such a way that they are complementary rather than competing priorities.
In a letter to Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James MS, Director of RTPI Cymru Roisin Willmott FRTPI said the framework would be an important mechanism to shape the future of the country, particularly as Wales recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But the Institute warned that the framework’s publication was only the first step in a much longer process – it would need long-term support from all portfolios within the Welsh government and from the wider built environment sector for its ambitious aims to be achieved.
Ms Willmott said: “We are delighted to welcome the publication of Future Wales - the RTPI has been asking for some time for a national spatial strategy for Wales with an express vision reflecting general national goals with stated outcomes.
“We recognise the impact Covid-19 has had on public resources and the bringing forward of projects such as this, so we congratulate the government on progressing this important plan during difficult times.
“It is now essential that all ministers support the application of Future Wales. Other national strategies, such as the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP), must work alongside Future Wales, providing a strong integrated policy direction across all of government.”
The RTPI would be pleased to provide support to promote understanding of the value of Future Wales to a wider audience, including other built environment professions, she added.
