Environment Minister Jane Davidson (pictured) and Deputy Minister for Housing Jocelyn Davies, have called on local authorities and house builders in Wales to work together during the economic downturn to deliver affordable housing through the planning system.

To assist them updated guidance on 'Delivering affordable housing using section 106 agreements' has been published.

The original practice guidance was published in July 2008 with the aim of assisting local authorities to improve the development, negotiation and implementation of section 106 agreements so that more affordable housing is delivered through the planning system.

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Section 106 agreements are made between Local Planning Authorities and developers to influence new-build sites to include, for instance, affordable housing and green spaces like parks.

The updated guidance summarises actions by the Welsh Assembly Government to help the housing market and looks at how local authorities can use the planning process to bring forward development and continue to deliver the maximum possible amount of affordable housing.

Ms Davidson said: "The Welsh Assembly Government remains committed to its target of creating 6,500 additional affordable homes in this Assembly term despite the economic downturn. We have put in place a number of initiatives such as the additional £62 million funding from the Strategic Capital Investment Fund to support the delivery of affordable housing.

"I encourage developers and local authorities to use this updated guidance that outlines emerging good practice for dealing with the effects of the downturn on new development."

(CD/GK)