Brecon Beacons National Park

A spokeswoman for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said:

“We commissioned an independent inquiry into the planning permission granted in May 2005 for a caravan site at Gilestone Farm. The inquiry has uncovered some serious failings in the Authority’s treatment of this application and a range of more general issues in relation to the planning service as a whole. The issues raised are extremely serious and we have already begun the task of tackling them.

 

“At the National Park Authority meeting in March last year we addressed a range of issues relating to our Planning Services.  We instigated changes in the staffing structure including recruiting a new Head of Planning Services and two new Area Planning Managers as well as a number of other staff.  Our Head of Planning Services has already begun implementing a new strategy and action plan.   The Inquiry was part of a process of review of our planning services and will assist the Authority in taking action to address some of the key problems of that service. The Inquiry's recommendations include reviewing planning and complaints procedures, the provision of legal services and improved processes for officers’ declarations of interest.

 

“We believe that sharing the findings of this inquiry and the recommendations for change will help restore confidence in the Authority’s planning work.  We hope that the public will be able to appreciate that in sharing this report widely we are trying to make good on past errors and to be transparent in all that we do.

“This matter is deeply regrettable not only for those affected directly but also for those officers who continue to work selflessly in the best interests of the National Park and its communities.”

 

BBNPA National Park Authority Meeting - 28 January 2008
Agenda & Report - PDF download