Issue - meetings

To approve the response in Appendix 4 as Cyngor Gwynedd’s response to the
statutory consultation, with the addition of opposition to the draft designation order and propsed boundary for the proposed Glyndŵr National Park. 

To delegate the right to the Head of Environment Department to make any insignificant changes that may be required to the response before it is
submitted to Natural Resources Wales.

The report was submitted by Cllr Craig ab Iago. 

DECISION

To approve the response in Appendix 4 as Cyngor Gwynedd’s response to the
statutory consultation, with the addition of opposition to the draft designation order and proposed boundary for the proposed Glyndŵr National Park.  

To delegate the right to the Head of Environment Department to make any insignificant changes that may be required to the response before it is
submitted to Natural Resources Wales.

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the purpose of the item was to discuss the Council's response to the Statutory Consultation on the proposed Glyndŵr National Park. The relevant Cabinet Member stated that he was trying to persuade the Cabinet to change the Council's response to the Consultation.

The financial, environmental and housing crises, and all the cuts currently facing the Council and society were highlighted. It was noted, therefore, that the development of a new National Park was not a priority for residents. 

The Local Member for the Llandderfel Ward was welcomed to the meeting and he reiterated the words of the Cabinet Member. It was pointed out that the current National Parks had been underfunded annually.

Concerns were also raised about the impact of a new National Park on over-tourism in the Llandderfel area and on the Welsh language in the local community. It was noted that there was currently a high percentage of second and holiday homes in Llandderfel, and it was highlighted that house prices were even higher within the National Parks. Concerns were raised about the wider impact of this on society.

The lack of information about this designation and its potential impact was highlighted, and the concerns about the impact on the Welsh language noted by the Cabinet Member and the Local Member were reiterated.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was questioned why this topic was being prioritised by the Government while we were facing so many crises in various areas. The Welsh Government was called upon to prioritise the County's underprivileged communities rather than projects like this.

·       If the value of this land was so high, the rationale behind trying to establish this National Park later than the other three Parks was questioned.

·       The decision sought was amended to set out the Council's objection to the Statutory Consultation.