Agenda item

Bleddyn Jones, AONB Officer to inform members on the AONB Management Plan.

To accept the information stated in the report on the AONB Management Plan.

The report on the AONB Management Plan was presented noting that the Joint-committee had a role to play in the process of preparing, coordinating and reviewing the Plan. It was noted that the current Management Plan was dated and needed reviewing. It was reported that background work had already been completed as well as commissioning an update of the Report on the Condition of the AONB. A summary of the main findings had been included with the report as appendix 1.

Information on the next steps was provided that would include reviewing notes, aims and the policies of the present Management Plan and suggestions to change some aspects. The timetable and what is proposed to complete was discussed including the period of consulting and considering the responses in 2023. The aim was to adopt and implement the revised Management Plan before the end of 2023.

During the discussion, members raised the following matters:-

-        An observation was made on the agricultural information in the report on the condition of the AONB which showed a reduction of 17% in the use of land for growing crops between 2008-2012. It was questioned how reliable the information was.

-        The importance of tightening the protection for traditional buildings was expressed and reference was made to planning applications for extensions that were contrary to the character of traditional houses. It was believed that the procedure and observations received from the AONB on planning applications should be strengthened.

-        Reference was made to the current work the Llŷn Landscape Partnership were undertaking with the Connectivity Strategy to try and improve the Llŷn landscape following the nature emergency and climate change. It would be appreciated if the AONB Unit was part of this process.

-        It was believed that the significant decline that had taken place over the years in the appearance of the AONB and in the Welsh language needed to be recognised and it was important to note this in the report.

-        It was recognised that habitats and protecting nature was important, but it was highlighted that food production was the main aim of the landscape, and it should be ensured that enough land was earmarked for this purpose.

In response, it was noted:

-        That the information in the report on the condition of the AONB was dated. It was noted that it had been challenging for the consultants to find recent information. The AONB Officer would try and follow up with the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales in order to receive recent information for the plan.

-        That the AONB Unit was an advisor and provided observations on planning applications. It was believed that there would be an opportunity when the Local Development Plan was updated.

-        The AONB Unit would contact the National Trust regarding connectivity along the coast when reviewing the plan.

-        It was explained that the full report did exist but only a summary was presented to the Joint-committee. It was noted that observations on culture and language were identified and would be included in the plan.

          DECISION

To note and accept the information in the report on the AONB Management Plan.

ept the information stated in the report on the AONB Management Plan.