Welsh Government allocates £447,400 to boost rural planning workforce

The Welsh Government announced a funding package of £447,400 to strengthen planning services in rural Wales. The investment continues the existing Pathways to Planning bursary (£126,000) for up to seven junior planners and creates a new Mid and West Wales Rural Planners bursary (£321,400 over three years) that will fund up to 12 additional qualified planners.

The schemes target Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Eryri National Park and Powys, supporting both new graduates and existing staff to pursue RTPI‑accredited postgraduate qualifications while remaining in their communities. Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian said the programmes respond to recruitment challenges and aim to retain Welsh‑speaking talent. Ceredigion County Council, led by Council Leader Bryan Davies, will oversee delivery of the rural bursary.

The initiative seeks to ensure that local planning capacity and expertise are maintained, helping shape sustainable development, housing and environmental protection across Mid and West Wales for future generations.