Following the end of the formal consultation period which saw over 1000 people write to object to the controversial plan to build a dam across the Afon Cynfal and divert, at times, nearly 70% of the water around the waterfall of Rhaeadr y Cwm, more local people have spoken out to support the campaign to protect the waterfall and the unique Cynfal Gorge. Furthermore, the attitude of the Eryri National Park Authority towards the development has become clearer.
In a previous press release1, Cymdeithas Eryri Snowdonia Society expressed concern that the developers had stated on their application form that they had received pre-application advice from the Authority that: “The principle of the scheme [is] considered acceptable.”2 The National Park Authority has now made clear, however, in an email to the Society, that this is not the case.
Commenting on this the award-winning journalist and author Dei Tomos, who in the past has been a member of the National Park Authority, has commented:
“It now appears that the hydro developers have not received any indication of support for their planning application from the Eryri National Park Authority. What they said on their application form was misleading and Cymdeithas Eryri has been assured that no indication of support has been given by the National Park’s Planning department.
“Of course we know that this is a controversial plan to say the least. Rhaeadr y Cwm and the Cynfal river gorge are exceptionally beautiful, one of the jewels in Snowdonia’s crown, not only in terms of the extremely impressive view, but also in its diversity of amazing plants and habitats.
“That has been recognised through its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an Area of Natural Beauty in the Eryri Local Plan. That means there is a responsibility not to ‘adversely affect [its] character or amenity’. But in addition this is an area of history and romance, and this unique valley with its amazing river gorge and waterfall is connected to the Mabinogion. It must be protected and preserved.”
Local Councillors speaks out
Another person who has spoken up for the waterfall is Cllr Marc Lloyd Griffiths, who happens to be the Chair of the Ffestiniog Town Council where the waterfall is located – though in this instance he is speaking as an individual. He says: “Rhaeadr y Cwm is special in many ways. I hope that everyone understands that once the door has been opened, there will be no going back.”
Nationally rare lichen just found at previously threatened site
Meanwhile, as recently as this September this year Natural Resources Wales (NRW) revealed the discovery of the extremely rare lichen, Porina atlantica, in the Fairy Glen near Betws-y-coed4. This is only the second recording of the species anywhere in the UK. A recent survey of the site found 209 lichen species, with 94 classed as ‘nationally scarce’, almost doubling the number previously recorded.
Commenting on this, Dan Yates of Save our Rivers, one of the groups opposing the Cwm Cynfal scheme, said: “The Fairy Glen was previously threatened by hydro-electric development and this great news from NRW shows sites like this are special and no survey, no matter how well done, will record their full importance. Now the NGOs involved in protecting the Cwm Cynfal are asking for the same cautionary approach to hydro-electric development shown on the Conwy to be used at Cwn Cynfal”.
The application is likely to be determined by the National Park Authority’s Planning and Access Committee, possibly on 4 December or 22 January.
Notes:
The Snowdonia Society, established in 1967, is a member-based registered charity working to protect and enhance the beauty and special qualities of Eryri and to promote their enjoyment in the interests of all who live in, work in or visit the area both now and in the future.
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The Snowdonia Society
Caban, Brynrefail, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 3NR
info@snowdonia-society.org.uk
