During a debate in the Senedd on regenerating town and city centres in Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, called on the Welsh Government to fast-track the planning process so to get businesses up and running and creating jobs.
Her contribution came in light of reports made to her that applications for change of use from one classification of business to another are encountering serious delays.
Commenting after her speech, Janet said:
“I'm proud to represent the beautiful constituency of Aberconwy, where we have fabulous high streets. But, we have a problem.
“I have heard of situations where it can take up to nine months to secure change of use from one business classification to another.
“We are not even talking about changing a property from commercial to residential use here: it is from one type of business to another.
“Through the virtual stakeholder meetings I hold with the property sector it has been made clear to me that inordinate delays in issuing decisions is resulting in properties laying empty for prolonged periods.
“It's crucial that we have a fast-tracking planning process so that we get businesses up and running and creating jobs as quickly as possible, so I was pleased to champion this cause in the Senedd this week”.
The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy has also spoken out about the impact of planning appeal delays on businesses in Wales too.
Janet added:
“From change of use to planning appeals there is a clear pattern of slow processing by planning authorities. If we want to boost economic growth in Wales addressing the bureaucratic delays is a positive place to start”.
ENDS
