Work continues to adopt the Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan (LDP) which will shape planning and regeneration across the county borough for the next 10 years.

The latest stage of the process is a meeting that has been called by the independent inspector who has been appointed by the Welsh Assembly Government to examine the LDP and make recommendations before it is officially adopted.

The inspector has organised an event at the Council offices in Clydach Vale on March 25, where he will introduce himself and his role and also outline the process from this point on.

Individuals, groups and organisations that have so far made comments on the LDP have been invited to the event.

The Local Development Plan sets out, over the next 10 years, the future of the County Borough. It is a vital document as it will create guidelines for planning, from a simple house extension to new housing developments, retail parks and industrial estates.

It contains details of sites earmarked for development and their proposed use and also includes Supplementary Planning Guidance, which sets out clear visions for the future of RCT in terms of town centres, creating landmarks, protecting history and heritage, transport, infrastructure and more.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing, explained: “We are moving forward with the adoption of the important Local Development Plan and this has been, so far, a process in which we have engaged the public and stakeholders as widely as we can.

“Those who have submitted comments throughout the process to date have been invited to the pre-examination meeting at Clydach Vale on March 25 where they will meet the inspector who has been appointed and also learn what the next steps are.

“It is important for them to attend and those who have submitted comments about the Local Development Plan but have not received an invitation letter should make contact.”