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There is no summary of this meeting yet. Summaries are written once the council publishes the minutes, which are its official record of what a meeting decided. They usually appear a few weeks after the meeting.
1.1 Members and officers introduced themselves and outlined their respective roles and the wards they represented. 1.2 The Panel noted that this was the inaugural meeting of the Joint Planning Policy Panel established to support preparation of the Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP). 1.3 Apologies were received by Councillors Stuart Ashley, Derek Bevan, Elizabeth Haynes, John Hill, Julie Holt and Diane Rowberry.
2.1 A nomination was received and agreed for Councillor Steve Evans, from Torfaen Council to serve as Chair for the first year, in accordance with the approved Collaboration Agreement. 2.2 The appointment of a Vice-Chair was deferred to the next meeting to allow Blaenau Gwent Members the opportunity to discuss and agree a nomination.
3.1 The Panel received an update on the Collaboration Agreement and Terms of Reference for the Joint Planning Policy Panel. Members were advised that the Panel was a non-decision-making consultation body to provide political input and comment throughout the preparation of the JLDP. 3.2 An update was provided on the establishment of the Shared Planning Policy Unit, formed through the integration of the planning policy teams from both authorities. It was confirmed that Officers would remain employed by their respective authorities while working across both areas. The costs associated with the Joint Plan would generally be shared equally, subject to annual review. Any authority-specific studies would continue to be funded by the relevant authority. 3.3 A discussion took place regarding team capacity and staffing resources. Officers confirmed that arrangements would be kept under review to ensure sufficient resources were available to deliver the Plan’s timetable. 3.4 Officers reported on the consultation undertaken on the Draft Delivery Agreement. The Panel noted that six consultation responses had been received and one substantive representation requested extension of the Plan period beyond 2041. Officers recommended retaining the proposed 2026-2041 Plan period on the basis that it remained consistent with Welsh Government expectations and would provide an adequate planning horizon. Members supported the officer recommendation to retain the existing Plan period. 3.5 The proposed timetable for preparation of the JLDP was considered. Members discussed the impact of the 2027 local elections, future membership of the Panel following those elections and the need to maintain momentum whilst enabling newly elected Members to engage in the process. 3.6 The Panel received an update on the forthcoming Call for Candidate Sites process, anticipated to commence in January 2027. Members noted that all previously submitted candidate sites had been withdrawn following withdrawal of the individual replacement plans and that existing and new site promoters would be required to resubmit sites for consideration. A Joint Candidate Site Assessment Methodology Paper would be prepared which is an officer document to reflect legislative provisions, national policy contained within Planning Policy Wales) and national guidance for the preparation of LDPs set out in the Development Plans Manual. 3.7 Members emphasised the importance of clear communication to ensure public understanding of the candidate site process. 3.8 Members considered the proposed combined settlement hierarchy for the Joint Plan. The existing settlement hierarchy was outlined for each local authority, and a combined settlement hierarchy was put forward to members for comment. 3.9 Discussion focused on: • The proposed hierarchy of Regional Hubs, Key Service Centres and Local and Rural Settlements; • Accessibility, sustainable travel and the availability of local services; • The suitability of including smaller settlements within the hierarchy; • The position of settlements such as Varteg, Trefil, Pochin and Bedwellty Pits; and • Balancing sustainability objectives with opportunities for growth in rural communities. 3.10 Members generally supported the principle of a joint hierarchy (of Regional Hubs, Key Service Centres and Local & Rural Settlements) and welcomed further work to refine the assessment in the form of a background paper. It was agreed that further consideration would be given through future Member engagement sessions before finalising the assessment. 3.11 The Panel received an update on the Blaenau Gwent Growth Study being undertaken by AECOM. Members noted that Stages 1 and 2 of the study had been completed and that seventeen draft growth locations had been identified for further assessment by AECOM. A second stakeholder workshop was scheduled for November 2026, and the study would inform the January 2027 Call for Candidate Sites process. 3.12 Discussion focused on infrastructure requirements, including schools, healthcare and transport capacity, together with housing and employment growth opportunities, deliverability, viability and the alignment of methodologies across both authorities. It was emphasised that this level of work was now being undertaken in Torfaen and would be a later stage for the Blaenau Gwent Study. 4. AOB 4.1 Members discussed the benefits of joint working between Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, including shared expertise, consistency of approach and improved strategic influence. 4.2 Members discussed the importance of understanding the Local Development Plan process and the need for further training and briefing sessions, particularly in advance of key stages of plan preparation and following the 2027 local government elections. 4.3 Officers confirmed that a Joint Member Seminar would be held in December 2026 covering the Candidate Site Methodology, the Blaenau Gwent Growth Study (including the Torfaen review) and the Sustainable Settlements Assessment. 4.4 Members agreed that the next formal meeting of the Panel would take place in June, following the 2027 local elections unless an earlier meeting was required.
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