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The Design Commission for Wales is providing practical support to local planning authorities through the Strategic Placemaking Project, helping to reimagine how towns and cities in Wales can grow sustainably and compactly.

We are supporting eight local planning authorities to embed placemaking in their Local Development Plans, particularly in relation to where growth should be located, and balance the emphasis on large strategic sites, which require significant infrastructure investment and can be challenging to deliver with mixed‑use centres and public transport.

Our approach focuses on making the most of existing infrastructure and facilities by identifying opportunities for infill, densification and redevelopment within existing settlements. We are helping local authorities and national parks to create clear, place-based visions and establish simple, practical design principles to guide and enable housing and mixed-use development at a settlement level.

There are good examples of these types of developments within settlements in Wales and elsewhere in the UK. We have identified good practice and how good design can overcome common challenges with small sites and support placemaking. We have also identified measures to bring forward and enable developments and deliver high-quality design.

In the first of three phases, we explored opportunities in Brecon, Hay, Neath, Port Talbot, Caerphilly, and Bargoed. We are now focusing on settlements in Eryri, Anglesey, and Swansea.

We believe that small, design-led housing developments can make a significant contribution to affordable housing in Wales, while supporting our vision for vibrant, 20-minute neighbourhoods. Through this project, we are equipping local planning authorities with the skills and tools they need to unlock the potential of these sites and create great places to live.