Planning Aid was first started in the United Kingdom by the Town and Country Planning Association in 1973 to provide free, independent and professional planning advice and support to communities and individuals who cannot afford to pay planning consultant fees.

In 1978 South Wales Planning Aid was established as an independent charity providing advice and support on the planning system in Wales. This depended totally on the commitment and support of a small number of committed volunteers.

In 2005, with core grant support from the Welsh Assembly Government, Planning Aid Wales was established to provide a service for the whole of Wales.

Planning Aid Wales maintains close links with the Planning Aid services in other parts of the UK.