COUNCILS are being given new powers to support the NHS and increase hospital capacity as Wales responds to the coronavirus pandemic.
Housing and local government minister Julie James has introduced emergency permitted development rights, which will allow local authorities to change the use of buildings or create temporary structures on their land without planning permission.
The new powers mean councils can use leisure centres as temporary hospitals if they are needed to prevent or control an emergency.
MORE NEWS:
- Juventus and Wales star Aaron Ramsey saves Newport charity
- Gwent Police answering calls about horse washing and feeding stray cats
- Woman-beater who defied restraining order on the same day it was imposed is jailed
The minister said: “Local authorities in Wales are doing an excellent job of responding to rapidly changing situations and it is vital that we allow them to meet their wide-ranging responsibilities quickly.
“Relaxing the usual planning requirements allows local authorities to take swift action to respond to local need.
“It is of course only right they plan for the emergency but by staying home we can help to avoid these plans becoming a reality.”
Under the permitted rights, any temporary structures must be removed and the land restored to its previous condition within 12 months of the development starting.
Alternatively, planning permission would have to be sought for any continuing use.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here