Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee

The committee had a very broad remit based on the portfolio of the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside. The Minister's portfolio embraced

• the environment and sustainable development;
• town and country planning;
• countryside and conservation issues; and
• agriculture and rural development, including forestry and food production.

The main functions of subject committees, as set out in Standing Order 9, were: policy development; scrutiny of Ministers and Assembly Sponsored Bodies; and scrutiny of legislation. They also advised on budget allocations.

Planning Decision Committee

Committee members also sat on the Assembly's Planning Decision Panel.