Strategic Development Plans (SDPs) will be produced to guide strategic development at a regional level. Four SDPs wil be written, covering North Wales, Mid Wales, South West Wales and South East Wales. They will be developed by Corporate Joint Committees, made up of the Leaders from each of the councils in the region.

The Sustainability Appraisal, Strategic Environmental Assessment (often called SA/SEA), and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) are tests of the Local Development Plan (or Strategic Development Plan). They look at the effects of the plan on the environment, social, economic and cultural well-being, as well as the use of the Welsh language. The SA/SEA and HRA process runs alongside the Local Development Plan process, and you can comment on the SA/SEA and HRA themselves.

When wildlife could be harmed by development, local planning authorities should follow a step-wise approach to reduce that harm, known as the ‘mitigation hierarchy’. This is required in National Planning Policy.

Read more about how the Secret Garden Cafe, Cardiff are supporting our wildflower management work across south and west Wales.

We are a charity which means every penny raised is spent on delivering our charitable work - nature conservation across South and West Wales.

Each volunteer makes a big difference in looking after the precious places around South and West Wales. Get involved – protect wildlife, have fun, get fit and meet people who share your interests!