11 'themes' in tweaked plans for new national park in Wales

A second public consultation has been unveiled for a proposal that will reshape the map of North Wales. The Welsh Government wants to create the country’s fourth national park and initial plans have been amended already following a first consultation.

Outline proposals for the area to be included, in northeast Wales, cover a sweep of land much bigger than the existing Clwdian Range and Dee Valley AONB on which it is based. It extends from Gronant Dunes on the Flintshire coast to the Vyrnwy and Banwy Valleys in north Powys.

Initial feedback suggests that while some people want the draft boundary to be expanded to cover more areas, there was strong support for Halkyn Mountain and much of Powys to be dropped. This saw eight areas taken forward for detailed evaluation. Details of these, and suggested areas not being included, can be found here.

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Of almost 1,000 respondents, 51% of supported a new national park because of its potential to boost conservation, attract investment, protect against unwanted development. However 42% were against it, citing concerns related to over-tourism, littering and planning restrictions. Eleven common themes raised by respondents were identified, including cost and funding, outdoor recreation, land management and renewable energy.

Another was the potential impact of a new national park to drive up house prices by encouraging more second homes and holiday lets – though some people liked the idea of equity growth. Second homes currently make up 0.2%-3% of the housing stock in the five local authorities covered by the draft national park, with no “hotspots” formally identified. Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which is overseeing public consultations, said they have “relatively little influence on the affordability of housing”.

Unlike coastal national parks like Eryri, second home numbers in inland national parks such as Bannau Brecheiniog are generally low, said NRW. But the environmental body added: “Even at the low concentrations found in the area, second homes could possibly have other negative social or cultural impacts which would remain a concern.”

Article 4 holiday home controls could be in place in Eryri national park next year - this directive is in place already in the rest of Gwynedd. NRW noted that, if necessary, Article 4 could also be imposed in the new national park to manage holiday home numbers. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

The 11 main themes identified

These are in order of public concern or interest

1. Landscape, recognition for the area, tranquillity

2. Wildlife, agriculture and land management, environment and sustainability

3. Tourism, public services and infrastructure

4. Necessity for change, management and controls, costs, funding, bureaucracy

5. Local people & communities, local economy

6. Access, outdoor recreation

7. House prices

8. Culture and heritage

9. Planning implications

10. Boundary queries

11. Need for more information

A new draft map of the national park’s boundaries has now been drawn up and, in the coming months, NRW will be consulting the public again about its tweaked proposals. It’s organised a series of public drop-in events, public online events and targeted group events. Details of these can be found below.

Ash Pearce, of NRW’s Designated Landscapes Programme team said: “Early engagement has given us a much clearer picture of the issues, hopes and concerns of the local people and stakeholders. We have identified 11 themes that underline both risks and opportunities for the area.

"These reflect concerns about over tourism and the impact on housing, but also the hopes for better management, responsible access, conservation and nature’s recovery. If a new National Park is established, then it must be able to manage the risks and take advantage of the opportunities available, for the betterment of nature, people, and communities.”

People are encouraged to either drop by at an in-person event. Or they can sign up to an online event by emailing the project team at designated.landscapes.programme@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Northeast National Park consultation events

• Thurs, Oct 10, 3pm-7pm: Parkfields Community Centre, Ash Grove, Mold CH7 1TB

• Wed, Oct 16, 1pm-7pm: Ceiriog Centre, New Rd, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen LL20 7HE

• Mon, Oct 21, 3pm-7pm: Llanrhaeadr Village Hall, Back Chapel Street, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant Village SY10 0JY

• Sat, Oct 26, 10.30am-4.30pm: Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Rd, Mold CH7 5LH

• Fri, Nov 8, 3pm-7pm: Wrexham Memorial Hall, Bodhyfryd, Wrexham LL12 7AG

• Sat, Nov 16, 10am-4pm: Public Institute Committee, Park View/High St, Llanfyllin SY22 5AA

• Sat, Nov 30, 10am-4pm: Kings Hall Community Centre, Kings Ave, Prestatyn LL19 9AA

• Tues, Dec 3, 3pm-7pm: Cowshacc Centre (1st Clives Own Welshpool Scout Headquarters & Community Centre), Berriew Street, Welshpool SY21 7TE

• Wed, Dec 4, 3pm-7pm: Canolfan Ni, London Road, Corwen, Denbighshire LL21 0DP

• Wed, Dec 10, 3pm-7pm: Llangollen Town Hall, Castle St, Llangollen LL20 8NU

Public online events (via Microsoft Teams)

• Mon, Oct 14, 6pm-7.30pm

• Tues, Nov 12, 6pm-7.30pm

• Thurs, Dec 12, 6pm-7.30pm

Targeted group events

• Mon, Oct 7, 6pm-7.30pm: Elected members (Microsoft Teams)

• Thurs, Oct 24, 6pm-7.30pm: Recreation and access groups (Microsoft Teams)

• Wed, Nov 6, 2pm-3.30pm: Environment and heritage groups (Microsoft Teams)

• Mon, Nov 18, 2pm-3.30pm: Renewable energy sector (Microsoft Teams)

• Wed, Nov 20, 3pm-7pm: Agricultural sector and landowners, Llysfasi College, Ruthin Road, Llysfasi, Ruthin LL15 2LB

• Mon, Nov 25: 2pm-3.30pm: Utilities (Microsoft Teams)

• Wed, Nov 27, 6pm-7.30pm: Businesses and Tourism (Microsoft Teams)

People will only need to attend one event as the information shared will be the same for each. Attendees will again be invited to complete a questionnaire. All consultation resources will be available via the project website from October 7, 2024. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

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