Local Development Plan: Vision, Objectives & Options
Chapter 2
Strategic Policy Context
2.0 Introduction
The LDP is not being prepared in a vacuum, the Plan must respond to the national regional and local context which is briefly summarised below.
2.1 National context
2.1.1 The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 provides the foundation for a streamlined and effective planning system in Wales. It is designed to promote sustainable development by enhancing the consistency of planning decisions at both local and national levels, and ensuring that planning contributes to long-term environmental, social, and economic goals.
2.1.2 The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 places a statutory duty on public bodies in Wales to consider the long-term implications of their decisions. By requiring that actions taken today contribute to the well-being of future generations, the Act aims to create a more sustainable, prosperous, and resilient Wales, balancing the needs of the present with the preservation of resources for future generations.
2.1.3 The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 sets out a framework for the sustainable management of Wales's natural resources. Its primary goal is to enhance environmental resilience while supporting the social, economic, and ecological well-being of Wales. This Act ensures that development decisions and resource management practices align with sustainability principles, protecting the environment for both current and future generations.
2.1.4 Planning Policy Wales (PPW) outlines the Welsh Government's national planning policies and principles, guiding land use, development, and planning decisions across the country. PPW provides the overarching policy framework for planning authorities, ensuring that development contributes to the creation of sustainable, inclusive communities.
2.1.5 Technical Advice Notes (TANs) are detailed guidance documents produced by the Welsh Government to support the implementation of Planning Policy Wales. These notes provide practical advice on specific planning topics such as housing, transport, and the environment.
2.1.6 Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 serves as the strategic development framework for Wales, guiding sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and environmental protection up to 2040. It shapes regional and local planning decisions by establishing a vision for Wales’s future development and ensuring that growth is balanced with the protection of natural resources and the needs of communities.
2.1.7 The Development Plans Manual provides Welsh local authorities with detailed guidance on preparing and managing LDPs. It ensures that plans align with national policies, such as those set out in PPW and Future Wales and promotes sustainable development across all areas of Wales. By guiding local authorities in preparing LDPs, the Manual helps to ensure that the planning process supports cohesive and sustainable development across the country.
2.2 Regional Context
2.2.1 Ambition North Wales is preparing a Strategic Development Plan (SDP). The SDP is a comprehensive framework designed to drive economic growth, infrastructure investment, and sustainable development across North Wales. The strategy focuses on boosting the region’s economy through the creation of new opportunities, the enhancement of existing industries, and the development of vital infrastructure. By aligning regional development with sustainability goals, Ambition North Wales ensures that growth benefits both the present and future generations, creating a resilient, thriving North Wales.
2.2.2 The Regional Transport Plan outlines the key transport priorities and investment strategies for North Wales. It focuses on improving connectivity, enhancing transport infrastructure, and supporting regional economic growth. The plan includes initiatives to improve road, rail, and public transport networks, ensuring that communities are better connected and able to access economic opportunities.
2.2.3 The Regional Aggregates Working Party (RAWP) plays a critical role in coordinating the supply and management of aggregates across the North Wales region. Its primary goal is to meet the construction sector’s demand for aggregates while ensuring the sustainable use of resources. By working collaboratively with industry stakeholders and ensuring a balanced approach to resource extraction and environmental protection, RAWP helps maintain a steady supply of materials necessary for infrastructure and construction projects, while minimising environmental impacts.
2.3 Local Context
2.3.1 The existing Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP) has controlled land use, development, and infrastructure across Anglesey and Gwynedd since 2017. It will be replaced by the new Anglesey LDP but currently provides useful local context.
2.3.2 The Isle of Anglesey Council Plan (2023 – 2028) is the Council's corporate strategy that outlines the local priorities, services, and improvement objectives for the Island. It serves as a key document in guiding the Council’s work. The plan ensures that the Council's actions align with the needs of the community, setting clear goals for improving services and quality of life on Anglesey.
2.3.3 The Local Wellbeing Plan is designed to improve the health, social, and economic well-being of communities within Anglesey, Gwynedd, and beyond, in line with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. The plan takes a holistic approach to community development, addressing the interconnectedness of various factors such as public health, education, and economic opportunity. It aims to create a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable region for current and future generations.
2.3.4 The Climate Emergency Declaration is a formal recognition by the Council of the urgent need to take meaningful action on climate change. By declaring a climate emergency, the Council commits to embedding climate considerations into all local policy and decision-making. This declaration drives a comprehensive local response to the climate crisis, encouraging sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting natural resources.
2.3.5 The Energy Island Programme is an ambitious initiative to position Anglesey as a leading hub for renewable and low carbon energy. The programme focuses on developing the Island’s capacity for clean energy production through projects such as wind, tidal, and nuclear energy initiatives. By tapping into Anglesey's natural resources, the Energy Island Programme aims to drive economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and contribute to Wales’s wider energy transition goals.
2.3.6 The Freeport Designation (Anglesey) is a special economic zone initiative that provides the region with tax incentives and infrastructure support to encourage investment, trade, and job creation. The designation is part of a broader strategy to transform Anglesey into a dynamic economic hub, attracting businesses, particularly in sectors like renewable and low carbon energy, manufacturing, and logistics, and boosting the Island’s regional economy.
2.3.7 The Council is committed to halting biodiversity loss, protecting natural habitats, and promoting environmental resilience. The Council is discharging its duty under Section 6 of the Environment (Wales) Act, but it also seeking to safeguard the Island’s unique natural environment by implementing strategies to restore biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, and engage local communities in conservation efforts. Progress is documented in the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty Report.
2.3.8 Town Centre Plans focus on strategies to regenerate and sustain town centres across Anglesey. These plans aim to revitalise urban areas by improving economic activity, enhancing accessibility, and creating more vibrant public spaces. By investing in town centre regeneration, the plans seek to strengthen local economies, support small businesses, and foster inclusive, welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.
2.3.9 The Anglesey National Landscape Management Plan evaluates and determines the special qualities of the National Landscape, it also identifies what actions are required to make sure these qualities are conserved and enhanced for future generations.
