Agenda item

To inform and update members on the AONB Management Plan.

Submitted – the report of the AONB Llŷn Officer, reminding Members that preparing and reviewing the Management Plan was one of Cyngor Gwynedd's statutory responsibilities in line with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It was noted that this Joint Advisory Committee had a role to play during the process of preparing and reviewing the Plan.

It was acknowledged that a variety of factors had affected the Plan's review timetable since the pandemic, work on other capital projects and the officer's capacity to complete the work on time. Nevertheless, it was emphasised that the existing Plan had dated and that reviewing it was a priority.

The importance of considering the latest information about the characteristics of the area, plans, strategic and conservation objectives when reviewing the Plan was emphasised. It was also noted there would be a need to follow the guidelines of Countryside Council for Wales which had now been updated by Natural Resources Wales for AONB and National Parks. It was noted that Llŷn AONB officers had already completed some of the background work by commissioning an update of a State of the AONB Report, with a summary of an update on the area's characteristics submitted to the Joint Committee. It was added that a Consultant had been commissioned to update the Context of the Plan.

Members were reminded of the qualities of Llŷn AONB, noting it was not anticipated that there would be a need to amend these for the revised Plan. It was noted that the special qualities of the Llŷn AONB were:

·       Beautiful Landscape and Coast

·       Tranquillity and Clean Environment

·       A wealth of wildlife and habitats

·       The Historic Environment

·       The Welsh Language and culture

·       People and Close-knit Communities

·       Local produce and businesses

·       ⁠Access and Rights of Way

A new vision had been recommended for the revised Plan based on the year 2050, namely;

"An area of beautiful landscape and coast where indigenous wildlife thrives,  low levels of environmental pollution and an abundance of public access opportunities. Historical buildings and features in good condition, local businesses succeeding and Llŷn communities sustaining the Welsh language and culture." ⁠

It was added that this vision was an update to the vision for 2040 which had already been included in the existing Plan.

It was explained that the AONB Unit was reviewing the objectives and policies of the existing Plan and would arrange a meeting of the Advisory Committee to discuss those amendments. It was elaborated that the Action Plan would be amended to include details of the work that was aimed to be completed within the Plan's operational period. It was noted there was a need to review the associated Environmental and Habitats Regulation Assessments.

It was then confirmed there would be a period of consultation on the draft revised Plan. It was confirmed that the Joint Committee had a role to consider the submitted comments.

A discussion was held on establishing specific sub-committees to develop the Plan and receive detailed input from Joint Committee Members on the specific qualities of the Llŷn AONB. Nevertheless, it was emphasised that this could hinder the process of updating the Plan as the Unit received fragmented information and recommendations. It was assured that discussions on aspects of reviewing the Plan would be discussed in detail at meetings of the Joint Committee in the future. It was agreed that it was crucial to have as much input as possible in the Plan recognising that it was Cyngor Gwynedd's statutory responsibility to complete it. It was noted that Joint Committee meetings were held more often when reviewing the Plan.

          DECISION

·       To accept the information in the report for the Management Plan.

·       To hold the next meeting of the Joint Committee in November to discuss matters relating to reviewing the Management Plan only.