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Planning Aid Wales has now published up-to-date versions of the following guidance publications....

An online resource of presentations, notes and other materials from the 2010 National Planning Aid Conference is now available.

It is now almost three years that Planning Aid Wales adopted its first Welsh Language Scheme, and it is time for a review. We have produced a draft of a revised Scheme for the next three years, and we'd like our volunteers', clients' and supporters' views on it.

This year's UK Planning Aid Conference is being held on 29-30 April 2010 in Cardiff under the heading 'Planning Aid - Engaging with Communities'.

As part of a comprehensive review of the operation of the planning application process in Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned a research study which is examining distinctive Welsh issues and concerns arising from the planning application process.

Publication of the report will be followed by a four week consultation period, which will close on Thursday 8th April.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has commissioned Planning Aid Wales for a second time to help community and town councils contribute to preparation of a Local Development Plan for the Park area.

Please note that as of 25^th November 2009, the Planning Aid Wales head office relocated from its previous location in Cardiff Bay, to the following address:

First Floor, 174 Whitchurch Road, Heath, Cardiff. CF14 3NB

Consultations are currently open for the 'National Policy Statements' that will be the basis for deciding planning applications for major energy and harbour infrastructure. The closing dates are in February 2010.

The Planning Aid Wales team will be growing from December. Maria Allen will be joining us as our first dedicated Training Officer. The purpose of the job is to co-ordinate Planning Aid Wales' training services and to develop them further.

The Planning Aid Wales staff team ise on the lookout for a challenging community project for us to get stuck in at this year's staff away day.

Planning Aid Wales and the Conwy Rural Business and Community Assets project have joined forces to help community groups and community councils in the rural wards of Conwy give disused properties a new lease of life.

Planning Aid Wales will be running a training workshop for community groups and community councils.

The One Wales document commits the Welsh Assembly Government to produce a national Gypsy Traveller Strategy. In the autumn there will be a series of consultation events on the draft strategy, which will include a workshop on Gypsy Traveller accommodation and planning facilitated by Planning Aid Wales.

As part of a comprehensive review of the operation of the planning application process in Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned a research study which will examine distinctive Welsh issues and concerns arising from the planning application process. Planning Aid Wales' Chief Executive, Elwyn Thomas, has been appointed a member of the steering group overseeing the study.

Planning Aid Wales is recruiting new members to its Management Board. This is an opportunity for you - either as a planner or someone with an interest in the voluntary sector - to develop your skills, broaden your understanding of the planning system and meet new people.

In mid-June Planning Aid Wales will be delivering five regional training events for planners on engagement and participation techniques.

Funded by RTPI Cymru and the Welsh Assembly Government and delivered in conjunction with BDOR Ltd, experts in participation training, the courses will aim to create the conditions of understanding, clarity, openness and empathy needed for effective public engagement in planning. The training will also provide a range of practical tools for planners wanting to engage communities more effectively.

The Welsh Assembly Government has published a booklet entitled Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites, which has been prepared by Planning Aid Wales. It explains in plain language the rules and procedures for establishing new Gypsy and Traveller sites. It also gives information about the rights of people who live on a site without planning permission. And there are hints where to go for further help and information.

The Planning Aid Wales staff team recently spent an energetic day out in the woods helping to build a log circle and wildlife learning area at Porthkerry Country Park. The team is on the lookout for another challenging community project for next autumn.

Planning Aid Wales is currently preparing a comprehensive suite of planning training materials for community and town councils and is looking for councils who would be willing to help trial them in the autumn.

Planning Aid Wales will be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of planning aid services in Wales on 14th July 2008 at the Senedd building in Cardiff. On the same day, we will also be launching a new website and publishing a range of updated publications.