Agenda item

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

The Llŷn AONB Service Manager referred to the matters below:

Landscapes of the Future of Wales

It was noted that conservation bodies had recently expressed concerns in the press as to the content of the draft report of the review. It was emphasised that there was general consensus among the partners involved in the review regarding the content of the draft. In terms of the timetable, it was reported that an amended report would be circulated among partners before an event is held to present the final report of the review during the Summer. It was explained that the report noted proposals to encourage collaboration, financial savings, attracting funding (but did not note that more funds would be available from Welsh Government) and supported the continuation of the Sustainable Development Fund.

A member noted that early discussions about the review had referred to the Welsh Government contributing financially toward the AONB and that officers would elevate the protection element of the designation.

A member noted that the Council had received a higher than average grant increase by Welsh Government for 2017-18 and that officers from Gwynedd had been at the forefront of providing the evidence to justify changing the distribution formula to reflect the true cost of care in the countryside. The member added that consideration should be given to replicating this work in relation to the AONB. The Llŷn AONB Service Manager asked the member to confirm the name of the officer with whom he could contact in relation to this.

Nova Innovation Application

Reference was made to an application by Nova Innovation on behalf of Ynni Llŷn to the Crown Estate for the right to develop a possible tidal energy plan near Bardsey Island. It was noted that the Tudweiliog Community Council Representative had come across a consultation leaflet that did not refer to the Joint Committee. The representative further mentioned that the form referred to the AONB but that there was no reference to consultation with the Joint Committee. She suggested that Ynni Llŷn should be contacted and a request be made for more information about the project and to inform the Crown Estates that the Joint Committee should be consulted with regarding the plan.

A member noted that he had been given to understand that this was only an initial consultation involving the possibility of setting up such a scheme.

The Tudweiliog Community Council Representative noted that the document stated that the next step would be to apply to the Crown Estates for a licence. This would, therefore, be the time to submit the Joint Committee's input to the consultation.

RESOLVED to contact Ynni Llŷn to request more information about the project and to inform the Crown Estates that the Joint Committee should be consulted regarding the plan.

Llanaelhaearn Community Council Letter

It was reported that the Chairman was in receipt of a letter by Llanaelhaearn Community Council requesting the support of the Joint Committee in their request to Gwynedd Council for street lighting at the Trefor junction on the grounds of road safety. It was noted that the AONB Management Plan stated that an attempt should be made to restrict the number of road signs and street lights to maintain tranquillity and was, thus, a difficult situation. It was noted that discussions had been held between the Head of the Regulatory Department, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, Local Members and Gwynedd Council. It was reported that the Head of the Regulatory Department was of the opinion that the junction was safe and that Gwynedd Council would not make any changes.

During the ensuing discussion, the following main points were noted:

·        That there were a number of similar junctions within the AONB, it would not be possible to support every application.

·        Concern about light pollution at night and the impact on biodiversity.

·        In this case, a compromise should be reached with regard to darkness to satisfy people's needs because of the safety concerns.

·        There had not been any fatal accidents since the new road.

·        Local people should be supported.

·        Not comfortable lobbying on the matter but support could be noted.

·        A response to the letter should be drawn up noting that the Joint Committee accepted local concern, asking that the Council review the situation and if the Council were to decide that street lighting was required for safety reasons, the Joint Committee would not object.

RESOLVED that the Llŷn AONB Service Manager respond to the letter on behalf of the Joint Committee based on the above observations.