Advice to Owain Jones

Enquiry

• From: Owain Jones
• Date advice given: 16 February 2012
• Enquiry type: Phone

Mr Jones called to ask about associated development, whether or not it could include landscaping, and whether or not the situation is different in Wales. He also asked whether or not the IPC was independent of Government.

Advice given

The IPC advised that decisions about whether or not specific elements of a project represent associated development are made on a case by case basis, because the circumstances of each case are different. Landscaping is capable of being associated development in England, dependent upon the circumstances.

Mr Jones was directed to the document "Guidance on associated development Applications to the Infrastructure Planning Commission" ( http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/guidanceassocdevelopment.pdf) for more information.

The definition of what is capable of being associated development is very much narrower in Wales, to the point that it is very unlikely that most projects in Wales would include any associated development. Section 115 of the 2008 Act refers.

It was explained that at present, as a non-departmental public body, the IPC makes decisions based on published statements of Government policy but is independent of Government. When the IPC is abolished in April 2012, the Planning Inspectorate, which is an Executive Agency of the Department for Communities and Local Government, will take on responsibility for administering the Infrastructure Planning regime on behalf of the Secretary of State.