"Most building and development is controlled by the planning system. Planning Aid is here to help you understand how the system works — and how you can help shape your environment."

Contact Planning Aid

Cardiff
02920 485765
www.planning-aid-wales.org

Planning Aid Wales has relaunched itself, offering expanded services to the whole of Wales with the support of the Assembly Government and the Royal Town Planning Institute..
   Through Planning Aid professional planners offer free and independent advice and guidance to people and groups who need help finding their way around the planning system, It will not usually advise on specific applications if the applicant expects to make money from the development.
   Planning Aid runs a 9-5 telephone helpline staffed by trained planners, and supported by a Wales-wide network of volunteers who will deal with more complicated queries by phone, by e-mail or in person.
   The organisation also gives talks to community groups and can provide training to help local organisations make a difference in their area.
   As an independent organisation, Planning Aid Wales is well placed to work with local authorities who wish to engage with the public in consultation exercises or to raise awareness of the planning system. PAW can, for instance help people understand the planning system better, improve dialogue with community councils and voluntary groups, or enhance the process of public consultation.
   At its launch at the National Assembly of Wales, where the keynote speech was delivered by environment minister Carwyn James, Looking to the future Katherine Hughes, Chair of PAW said, “The funding will enable Planning Aid Wales to work towards its aspirations shared by the Welsh Assembly Government as outlined in Planning: Delivering for Wales, which is to enhance the capacity of individuals and communities to participate constructively in the planning process,” and added, “The team of three newly appointed staff, supported by the13 strong Board Members are focusing their energy on expanding PAW’s work from information and advice, toward a more broader service, comprising information, advice, advocacy, community development, training and research.”

03/05