And the winner is…Snowdonia

Today’s decision to refuse permission for multinational energy giant RWE to build a hydro scheme on the River Conwy is welcome news for local residents and local businesses, walkers, naturalists, anglers, kayakers, and people who love wild places and National Parks.

Addressing the Committee on behalf of the objectors, Snowdonia Society Director John Harold urged them to consider the words of Gwyn Thomas, now inscribed on the wall of Hafod Eryri:

‘Ein tasg ni ydi gwarchod y gogoniant hwn – It is our duty to guard this glory’

The Planning Committee did its duty today, putting Snowdonia first. Putting the long-term interests of the National Park ahead of narrower interests and personal preferences.  This is what the Planning Committee does, year in and year out. Balancing difficult issues, scrutinising the impacts of proposed developments and making difficult decisions.  Today’s decision was never going to make everyone happy.

Importantly though  it was a victory for all who believe we should stand up and protect our National Park Authorities. This is evidence that National Parks do what it says on the tin. The purposes of National Parks are to:

• Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
• Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public

This evidence is important at a time when Snowdonia and the other National Parks are at risk of being dismantled – undermined, under-resourced and misunderstood by Welsh Government.

Our warm thanks go to every single person who has helped us get this far – thank you to all who have written and petitioned to save the River Conwy. And thanks to Aberconwy AM Janet Finch-Saunders, who has been tireless in representing the concerns of so many of her constituents on this matter.

Image copyright: John Farrar