Experts from business, the public and third sectors have been chosen to help review the planning application process to make sure it is ready to support sustainable economic recovery in Wales.

The independent group, who will steer a research project to look at good practice and the barriers to achieving timely, quality planning decisions, was announced by the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson.

Ms Davidson also named the company, following a procurement exercise, that will carry out the six-month research, the Cardiff based planning team of GVA Grimley Ltd.

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The planning review group will provide technical advice and guidance for the project.

Ms Davidson said: "We need to develop the most efficient planning decision procedures possible so that economic recovery is not held up.

"The members of the research steering group have very practical skills in the private, public and third sectors. They understand the complexities of the planning system from their different perspectives.

"We need to look for ways to simplify the system while achieving sound, sustainable quality decisions."

The group is chaired by retired town planning consultant Michael Sant. Mr Sant has held a number of planning posts in local government and was Director of Planning services to the former Land Authority for Wales.

(CD/GK)