Members’ Duties In Determining Applications.pdf

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's Development Management Committee is guided by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which sets out two main purposes: conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the area, and promoting public understanding and enjoyment of these qualities. The Sandford Principle prioritizes conservation over recreation in cases of irreconcilable conflict. The planning system regulates land development and use, with decisions made in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Relevant considerations include national planning policy, conservation, and community needs, while irrelevant considerations, such as loss of view or property value, are disregarded. The Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) balances the needs of stakeholders with the requirement to conserve and enhance the National Park, and decisions that accord with the LDP2 are considered to accord with the Sandford Principle. The Authority also has a statutory duty to carry out sustainable development, as defined by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which aims to improve the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.