Agenda item

The draft Supplementary Planning Guidance: The Slate Landscape of North West Wales was approved for public consultation, and the Assistant Head of the Environment Department was delegated the right to make any non-material revisions that may be required to the draft SPG.

The item was presented by Cllr Gareth Griffith.

RESOLVED

The draft Supplementary Planning Guidance: The Slate Landscape of North West Wales was approved for public consultation, and the Assistant Head of the Environment Department was delegated the right to make any non-material revisions that may be required to the draft SPG. 

DISCUSSION

The report was presented, and the resolution was noted. 

It was noted that the report stated that this year the Council had successfully managed to receive the UNESCO World Heritage designation for the Slate Landscape of North West Wales in the county. It was stated that the specific area had been split into six component parts and the six were unique and this was highlighted in the Supplementary Planning Guidance. It was explained that the Guidance had been prepared jointly with Snowdonia National Park, as some planning applications were determined either by the Council or the Park.    It was noted that the Guidance gave detailed information about the areas and further guidance on how to ensure that features of the site are protected and improved. 

It was explained that the guidance contained 4 sections and these were highlighted.  It was stressed that the department had worked closely with the National Park and there had been discussions with key stakeholders.  It was noted as it was a joint Guidance between the National Park and the Council that there was a need to conduct a public consultation prior to any determination.  It was highlighted that any observations made during the consultation period would be reported to the Cabinet and the amendments would be made to them. 

Observations arising from the discussion

¾     It was noted that a great deal of work had been undertaken to develop the Supplementary Planning Guidance and it had been developed in accordance with the evidence.  Support was highlighted to go into consultation, however, there was an enquiry regarding non-material revisions that may arise and be amended as noted in the recommendation.  It was noted that these were non-material revisions such as spelling and it was stressed that if a material revision was highlighted then it would come back to the Cabinet.

¾     It was stated that the guidance noted the role to protect the heritage of the areas together with specific features and it was asked if it was possible to go a step further.  It was explained that this Guidance was part of the Management Plan and included specific policies that can be seen within the Local Development Plan, however, it was explained that the Economy Department was busy producing guidances highlighting good practice and the special features that can be seen in the areas that will be used when individuals adapt houses and gardens within the Slate Landscape area. 

¾     It was noted that the guidance highlighted what can be seen in the Joint Planning Policy and therefore it was an outline in the supplementary plan and consequently did not add any barriers for developers but highlighted what was important. A need to strike a balance was noted between facilitating developments and protecting special features within the areas.