Planners, architects and developers are being encouraged to work closely with the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) as they develop Greener Buildings to create a greener future for Wales.

CCW staff can offer advice on how developments fit into their local environment, advising, in particular, on a site's specific landscape and wildlife features.

Speaking at the Greener Homes and Buildings Exhibition in Llanelwedd Roger Thomas, CCW Chief Executive, said: "If developers are fully aware of the features of a site before they start work, their design can reflect the natural environment and fit in with the natural features. Considering the natural environment at the outset of a building project can help iron out issues at an early stage and help the scheme move forward quickly.

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"CCW staff are here to help. Talking to us at an early stage in planning a development will make it easier to take account of landscape and wildlife issues and prevent problems later on."

CCW has also developed a map-based information system, called LANDMAP, which holds information on all aspects of Welsh landscapes - it shows any area's geological, wildlife, historical, archaeological, cultural, visual and sensory features. Developers and planners are encouraged to explore LANDMAP to identify the character of any area of Wales.

(CD)