Commentary on Sections Part 4 Pre-application procedure Section 18 – Requirement to provide pre-application services
72.This section inserts sections 61Z1 and 61Z2 into the TCPA 1990.
73.Section 61Z1 gives the Welsh Ministers power to make regulations about the provision of pre-application services by local planning authorities or the Welsh Ministers. Pre-application services are intended to assist a person who is proposing to make a planning application. The regulations may set out when pre-application services are required to be provided; the nature of the services to be provided; and requirements for publishing information and documents relating to the provision of the services.
74.The nature of the services to be provided could include, for example, the provision of details of relevant planning policies and guidance or the views of planning officers on the merits of a proposal.
75.Section 61Z2 confers power on the Welsh Ministers to make regulations requiring local planning authorities and the Welsh Ministers to retain records of pre-application services and to publish information on the type of pre-application services provided.