The role of land use planning is to set the framework for the development and use of land, taking full account of economic, social and environmental issues.

Land use planning has a role in supporting all the strategies of the Welsh Assembly Government which relate to the use and sustainable development of land.

It contributes to economic development, to the conservation of Wales' natural assets and to the health, well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities.

Planning Policy Wales

Current land use planning policy is contained in 'Planning Policy Wales' (PDF 711kb) (March 2002) which provides the strategic policy framework for the effective preparation of local planning authorities’ development plans.

This is supplemented by 20 topic-based Technical Advice Notes (Wales) (TANs).

Procedural guidance is given in Welsh Office / National Assembly for Wales circulars. ‘Planning Policy Wales’, the TANs and the circulars, may be material to decisions on individual planning applications and will be taken into account by the National Assembly for Wales and Planning Inspectors in the determination of called-in planning applications and appeals.