3.1. Only the policies of the Development Plan can have the special status afforded by Section 38(6) of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which requires that, "where in making any determination under the Planning Acts, regard is to be had to the development plan, the determination shall be made in accordance with the plan unless material consideration indicates otherwise." The Welsh Government advises that SPG may be a material consideration provided it is consistent with the LDP, the weight afforded to it being increased if it is consistent with LDP policies and has been the subject of consultation.

3.2. The Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Local Development Plan 2011-2026 forms the local authority level tier of the development plan framework and 'Future Wales – the National Plan 2040' is the national development plan. This SPG supplements the policies contained within the development plans and will be relevant for the determination of planning applications and appeals for new development within the Vale of Glamorgan.

3.3. The SPG was approved by Cabinet as a draft for public consultation on the 29^th September 2022 (Minute No. C80 refers). Once adopted, the SPG will be a material consideration in the determination of relevant future planning applications and appeals in the Vale of Glamorgan.