Answers issued to Members on 6 October 2008
[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
Contents
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Nerys Evans (Mid and West Wales): With regards to the A470 between Ganllwyd and Dolgellau, (a) when will the work proceed to widen the road, (b) why is the work taking so long, and (c) has a date been set for completion of the work to widen the road? (WAQ52540)
The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): Two schemes are proposed in this area. The first, which is being referred to as the A470 Gelligemlyn Interim scheme will address the length currently controlled by traffic signals where the edge support is causing concern. Preparatory work is also currently ongoing for an extended length of road improvement at this location.
Both schemes pass through a very environmentally sensitive area within the Snowdonia National Park. The need to comply with European legislation has required the carrying out of surveys and environmental assessments which has taken a significant amount of time. I hope to make an announcement in respect of both schemes before the end of the year.
Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Nerys Evans (Mid and West Wales): Can you confirm if a Local Planning Authority is correct to apply the sum of £10,000 profit as the financial test for TAN 6 and clarify where this sum is noted in TAN 6? (WAQ52544)
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): Neither Planning Policy Wales nor Technical Advice Note (TAN) 6: Agricultural and Rural Development specify a sum in relation to the financial tests required for considering new essential dwellings in the countryside. TAN 6 states that the agricultural unit and activity must have been established for at least three years, have been profitable for at least one of them, is currently financially sound, and has a clear prospect of remaining so. Local planning authorities are responsible for undertaking financial assessments in their determination of such planning applications. In some cases (as indicated in TAN 6) local planning authorities ask for applications to be supported by an independent technical appraisal commissioned by the applicant.
TAN 6 is currently under review and a full public consultation will issue in due course.
Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Is the Minister giving any consideration to streamlining planning for infrastructure projects in Wales to ensure that planning processes are not subject to unnecessary delay? (WAQ52549)
Jane Davidson: The Welsh Ministers recognise the need to facilitate new infrastructure projects and keep planning and other regulatory consent processes under review. It is important to balance the speed of decision making with proper consideration of the implications of such projects on communities and the environment across Wales.
Questions to the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government
Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): In relation to business rates, what consideration is being given to exemptions for properties that have been built for the creation of jobs rather than for retail purposes? (WAQ52547)
The Minister for Social Justice and Local Government (Brian Gibbons): Most occupied business properties are liable for non domestic rates and are used for economic or other activities that generate economic activity and contribute towards the creation of jobs. I met recently with the CBI and property developers and invited them to present verifiable evidence to the Department of Economy and Transport of any adverse effect on the economy that can be attributed to the changes to rates relief for empty properties and they have not yet done so.
Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister make a statement in relation to business rates on empty properties? (WAQ52548)
Brian Gibbons: The UK Government ceased funding rates relief in England and Wales for industrial properties empty for more than 6 months, and other commercial properties empty for more than 3 months on 1st April 2008. If the Assembly Government had not made the same changes in Wales as the UK Government in England, it would have had to take over the costs of funding this relief.
The Barker Report on Land Use Planning recommended that the U.K. Government should make better use of fiscal incentives to encourage efficient use of developed land and, in particular, the reform of relief from business rates in respect of empty property. Subsequently, the report of the Lyons Inquiry, published on 21 March 2007, also recommended the reform and reduction of the existing reliefs from business rates in respect of empty property. These changes to empty property rates should encourage owners to keep their premises in use. Owners of empty property who find it difficult to rent or sell their property should consider reviewing the marketing and pricing of their property.
Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): In relation to business rates on empty properties, what consideration is being given to exemptions for Objective One areas? (WAQ52556)
Brian Gibbons: The Department of Economy and Transport has implemented an extensive package of measures to develop the economy in Objective One areas, and the Assembly Government does not consider funding rates relief for the owners of unoccupied properties to be a cost effective way of helping businesses. I have recently announced enhancements to rates relief for small businesses which will benefit businesses across Wales, including Objective One areas.