Mae’n rhaid i ni weithredu rŵan! Cyfrannwch at ein Cronfa afonydd Eryri
Cynllun hydro-electrig Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd
(Ymddiheurwn nad oes fersiwn Cymraeg am y dudalen hon eto.)
A new planning application has been submitted, little changed from the one refused in March. The developer hopes to wear down the opposition but will be disappointed.
Please help us safeguard the Falls and Fairy Glen for its nationally important wildlife, and for the generations of local families, anglers, kayakers, photographers, and visitors who love the unique atmosphere of this magnificent place.
Note: If you objected last time, your previous objection will not be considered unless you send it in again.
Three steps you can take
Here are three steps you can take to help save Conwy Falls and Fairy Glen.
STEP 1: Object to the planning application
Include this reference: NP4/26/323A. Deadline: 23rd September 2016
Make sure your refer to at least one of the National Park’s planning policies (more detail on specific impacts will be added here in the next few days):
Strategic Policy A: National Park Purposes
‘Proposals which compromise National Park purposes will be refused’:
(i) Give the highest priority to the protection and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
(ii) Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the ‘Special Qualities’ of the area by the public
(iv) Conserve and enhance the characteristic biodiversity of Snowdonia.
Development Policy 1: General Development Principles
(v) The development will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the characteristic biodiversity of Snowdonia, particularly habitats and species protected under national and European legislation.
(vi) The development does not result in the loss of landscape features, including woodland, healthy trees, hedgerows, dry stone walls or damage any important open space or public view.
(xiii) The development will not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the quite enjoyment of the area by the public.
Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment
- The natural resources, biodiversity geodiversity and ‘Special Qualities’ of the Snowdonia National Park will be protected from inappropriate development.
- Proposals should not adversely affect the National Park’s biodiversity resources including designated sites from an international through to a local level, as well as wider biodiversity resources eg habitats and species outside designated sites.
- For developments affecting nationally designated sites (eg Fairy Glen SSSI) the location, design and construction of the development is to be such that damage to nature conservation features is mitigated, and opportunities for nature conservation gain are taken.
Development Policy 2: Development and the Landscape
The scale and design of new development, including its setting and landscaping should respect and conserve the character of the landscape.
Development Policy 3: Energy
Microgeneration and small-scalecommunity renewable energy plant will be supported especially where they make a contribution to improving the quality of life in smaller communities.
All the policies are available here: Local Development Plan
Contacts
Post: Richard Thomas, Planning Officer, Snowdonia National Park Authority, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd LL48 6LF
Ebost: cynllunio@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Step 2: Write to the National Trust
Ask Dame Helen Ghosh to honour the NT’s objectives of “looking after natural beauty permanently for the benefit of the nation”, instead of exploiting it in the interests of profit.
Disappointingly the National Trust is involved in the scheme as a landowner and stands to make a substantial financial gain. Please tell the National Trust that you will cancel your membership and spend the money on nature by joining an organisation that doesn’t take part in the destruction of one our most precious places.
John Harold’s letter to the Times (click to see full size)
Listen to Snowdonia Society’s Director, John Harold, highlighting the National Trust’s role in the scheme on Radio 4’s Six O’clock News (@ 24 mins). Read coverage in The Times on-line and read his letter to The Times.
Contacts
Post: Dame Helen Ghosh, Director-General, The National Trust, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA
STEP 3: Write to Natural Resources Wales
NRW have statutory duties for National Parks and biodiversity – they should put in a holding objection to this planning application until they have completed their water permitting process. Otherwise they are forcing the national Park to make a decision on the landscape, visual and ecological impacts without knowing how much water is to be taken from the river!
Insist that NRW provides the National Park with all the information needed to make an informed decision on planning application NP4/26/323A, including full assessment of the risks posed to landscape, visual amenity, recreation and access, bryophytes, lichens, fish migration, salmon, trout, sea lampreys, freshwater pearl mussels, ancient woodland, and Fairy Glen SSSI. NRW’s comments on the last application were deficient and inadequate.
You can refer to our Director, John Harold’s, letter to NRW.
Contacts
Post: Tim Jones, Executive Director Operations North and Mid Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DW
Ebost: Tim.Jones@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk and copy to nrwboardsecretariat@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Diolch am weithredu i achub afon Conwy!
