Rhondda Cynon Taf Revised Local Development Plan 2022 - 2037 Preferred Strategy

Ended on the 17 April 2024

Section 4 – The Vision and Objectives

Introduction

4.1.1 A Vision and a set of supporting Objectives have been formulated for the RLDP to ensure that the plan addresses the key Issues that have been identified. It sets out the purpose of the plan and how it is intended that RCT will change and develop over the plan period to 2037. The Vision and Objectives are interlinked and should be considered together.

4.1.2 The Vision accords with relevant national, regional and local strategies and policies. The Council's Corporate Plan and Well-being Plan have directly informed the Vision of the RLDP, alongside the Issues identified. This is to ensure that there is synergy and consistency between all three documents, which are striving for the same overall outcome for RCT.

4.1.3 The consistent themes that have emerged from the above include climate change, health, cohesive communities and the importance of the environment and green space. The Vision has been formulated on this basis.

4.1.4 Rhondda Cynon Taf is a very distinctive place with a rich history, culture, important wildlife, beautiful landscapes and friendly communities. What is also distinctive about RCT is the differences between places. The previous LDP started the work of recognising and addressing these differences, and building on the strengths. This RLDP will continue this good work and build on the successes it has seen.

Vision

4.1.5 The Vision by 2037 is for a more resilient and sustainable RCT:

An area of sustainable, cohesive communities who are healthy, well connected and who have equal access to high quality homes, jobs, services and facilities.

An area more resilient and considerate to the challenges of climate change with protected and enhanced biodiversity and green spaces and a well-connected sustainable transport system.

An area with a diverse and healthy economy, supported by vibrant and viable town centres and a flourishing tourism sector. An RCT that celebrates its heritage and is resilient for the future.

4.1.6 The Vision will be delivered through the Plan's Objectives, which are set out in the next section.

RLDP Objectives

4.1.7 Clear Objectives need to be prepared at the outset of the Revised LDP. They set out in detail the wider intentions of the Vision of the RLDP. These Objectives will be monitored throughout the plan period, which will ultimately indicate if the RLDP has been delivered successfully.

4.1.8 Objectives have been formulated from the Vision and heavily informed by the breadth of Issues that are shown in the previous section. Further detail of how the Issues and Vision have informed the preparation of the Objectives can be seen in the Vision, Issues and Objectives Paper.

4.1.9 Further, specific Objectives were identified for the Integrated Sustainable Appraisal process, which also reflect national, regional and local policies, strategies and plans, including the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Well Being Plan.

4.1.10 It has been determined that the 15 ISA Objectives identified are fully appropriate to be taken forward as overall RLDP Objectives, as they fully align with our Vision and identified Issues. There are then a further 3 Objectives identified that would not be part of the ISA process, that are considered necessary for the RLDP to achieve.

4.1.11 Therefore, in order to support the delivery of the RLDP and its Vision, 18 specific Objectives have been identified and are listed below.

4.1.12 Under each specific objective, associated aims have been included to provide some information on the kinds of areas within the topic, which could be used to form the basis of detailed policies, as the plan preparation moves forward to the deposit draft.