Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority planners have claimed a Welsh first in adopting the Local Development Plan for the National Park area ahead of schedule and before any other local authority in Wales.

At the end of a lengthy process and a public inquiry the Park Authority is the first public sector organisation in Wales to formally adopt the Local Development Plan.

Speaking of the success, Park Authority chairman Richard Howells said: "This is a significant achievement for the organisation and is testament to four years of dedication and commitment by the Authority's Development Plans team to see the plan through to its adopted stage.

"The team has worked extremely hard to follow the process set out by the Welsh Assembly Government for the new plan, and the fact that we are the first local authority in Wales to formally adopt the plan is a wonderful accolade.

"Officers are already sharing best practice and expertise with planning colleagues across Wales who are yet to adopt their plans, offering advice and support wherever possible."

Officers were congratulated recently by Jane Davidson AM, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, as part of a visit to the authority.

Following the recent adoption, the plan is known as the 'Local Development Plan' and replaces the Joint Unitary Development Plan for the Park area. The plan for areas of the county outside of the National Park boundary remains as the Joint Unitary Development Plan under the responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Park Authority's Local Development Plan process included full public consultations, opportunities to propose changes and an Examination in Public, held by an independent inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The authority will now begin preparing supplementary planning guidance relating to the plan, beginning with affordable housing, which will be issued for formal consultation shortly.

The Local Development Plan and accompanying documents, including the Inspector's Report, Adoption Statement, Sustainability Appraisal and Consultation Report are available to download from the Park Authority's website at http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk">www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk. They can also be viewed at libraries and the National Park offices at Pembroke Dock. The Local Development Plan, the Inspector's Report and Adoption Statement can be purchased from the authority.

For further information, contact the Authority's Development Plans team on 0845 345 7275.