Habitats Regulations Assessment

Home , Bardsey Island, Drosgl, Garnedd Goch, Llangywer, Llwytmor, Mynydd Perfedd

Eryri Local Development Plan 2016 – 2031 Short Form Revision

Finalised Habitats Regulations Assessment

February 2019

Introduction

The Habitats Regulations Assessment consists of a number of documents which detail the HRA that was carried out at every stage of the LDP’s preparation. All of the HRA’s carried out (including the HRA for the Local Development Plan 2007-2022) are included within this document. For ease of reference the documents included have been identified below:

 Habitats Regulations Assessment – Screening Report (March 2009)

 Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Revised Local Development Plan 2016-2031 – HRA Addendum (May 2017)

 Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Revised Local Development Plan 2016-2031 – HRA Addendum: Assessment of Focussed Changes (March 2018)

 Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Revised Local Development Plan 2016-2031 – Addendum: HRA Update Following MAC Review (September 2018)

Snowdonia National Park Authority Local Development Plan Habitats Regulations Assessment

Screening Report

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited 2212959 Firecrest Court Centre Park Warrington WA1 1RG United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)870 000 3008 Fax: +44 (0)870 000 3908 www.hyderconsulting.com

Snowdonia National Park Authority Local Development Plan Habitats Regulations Assessment

Screening Report

Author D Hourd

Checker N Hartley

Approver S Hill

Report No 002-NH51128-NHR-05

Date March 2009

This report has been prepared for the Snowdonia National Park Authority in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment for Sustainability Appraisal dated 30 July 2008. Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited (2212959) cannot accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party.

CONTENTS

Abbreviations ...... iii 1 Introduction and Purpose of the Report ...... 1 1.1 The Purpose of Habitats Regulations Assessment and Appropriate Assessment...... 1 1.2 Legislation and Guidance ...... 2 2 The Habitats Regulations Assessment Process ...... 3 2.1 HRA Screening Methodology ...... 3 2.2 The Scope of the Assessment...... 3 2.3 Applying HRA to the Snowdonia LDP...... 4 2.4 Definition of Significant Effects ...... 5 2.5 In Combination Effects ...... 5 2.6 Mitigation Measures ...... 7 3 The Deposit LDP ...... 9 3.1 Introduction...... 9 3.2 Influences ...... 9 3.3 The LDP Policies ...... 9 4 The European Sites...... 11 5 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Deposit Version LDP...... 15 5.1 Introduction...... 15 5.2 European Sites and the Settlement Hierarchy...... 15 5.3 Assessment Matrices ...... 15 5.4 Summary of Key Findings ...... 70 6 Conclusions and Recommendations...... 72

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Tables Table 2-1 Methodological Stages of the HRA Process 4

Table 2-2 Plans and Projects Considered for In-Combination Effects 5

Table 4-1 European Sites Located in and Around the National Park 12

Appendices

Appendix A Preferred Strategy Options February 2008 Appendix B Assessment of the Preferred Strategy Options February 2008 Appendix C European Sites located near to or adjacent to Settlements Appendix D Conservation Objectives of the European Sites Figure 1 Location of European Sites

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Abbreviations

CCW Countryside Council for Wales cSAC Candidate Special Area of Conservation FCS Favourable Conservation Status GB Great Britain GIS Geographical Information Systems HRA Habitats Regulations Assessment LDP Local Development Plan LHMA Local Housing Market Assessment pSPA Potential Special Protection Area RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAC Special Area of Conservation SNPA Snowdonia National Park Authority SPA Special Protection Area TAN Technical Advice Note UDP Unitary Development Plan WAG Welsh Assembly Government

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1 Introduction and Purpose of the Report

The Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) is preparing a Local Development Plan (LDP) for the period to 2022. The LDP builds on national and regional policy and provides the development strategy and policy framework within which provision is made for the development and conservation needs of the National Park. The LDP will be used by the Authority to encourage development to the most suitable locations and to provide a basis for determining planning applications consistently and appropriately.

The SNPA is obliged to afford the highest levels of protection to the intrinsic qualities of the National Park. The National Park’s biodiversity is a key aspect of this and, as such, the SNPA is committed to protecting the designated sites located within and around its borders.

Within the National Park and immediately adjacent there are a number of sites that form part of the Natura 2000 Network. Natura 2000 is a network of areas designated to conserve natural habitats and species that are rare, endangered, vulnerable or endemic within the European Community. The sites forming part of the network are frequently referred to as ‘European Sites’ and include Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated under the EC Habitats Directive 1992 (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) for their habitats and/or species of European importance and Special Protection Areas (SPA) classified under the EC Birds Directive 1979 (Council Directive 79/409/EEC) for rare, vulnerable and regularly occurring migratory bird species. There are also Ramsar Sites which are wetlands of international importance designated under the Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971.

Prior to the adoption of the LDP it is the responsibility of the SNPA to consider the potential effects of the LDP on European Sites. This process is referred to as Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

The HRA process for the LDP commenced for the LDP in February 2008 when the options for the LDP were reviewed to determine their effects on European Sites. Following consultation upon the LDP Options, the SNPA has prepared the Deposit Version of the LDP and it is necessary to re-screen the policies in the LDP to determine the likelihood of significant effects occurring and subsequently whether the LDP should be subject to Appropriate Assessment. This HRA Screening Report should be read in conjunction with the Deposit Version of the LDP1. 1.1 The Purpose of Habitats Regulations Assessment and Appropriate Assessment

Under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, an assessment is required where a plan or project may give rise to significant effects upon a site within the Natura 2000 network. This requirement is transposed into national legislation in the

1 SNPA (March, 2009) Local Development Plan, Deposit Version

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Conservation (Natural Habitats & c) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007.

As part of the assessment, effects upon SACs and SPAs must be considered. Additionally, and as a matter of policy, the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) requires all public authorities to treat potential SPAs (pSPA), candidate SACs (cSAC) and possible Ramsar sites (pRamsar) as if they were fully designated.

The overarching aim of HRA is to determine, in view of a site’s conservation objectives and qualifying interests, whether a plan, either in isolation and/or in combination with other plans, would have a significant adverse effect on the designated site. If the Screening Report concludes that significant adverse effects are likely then Appropriate Assessment must be undertaken to determine if there will be adverse effects on site integrity.

Section 2 provides further procedural and methodological information. 1.2 Legislation and Guidance

The HRA has drawn upon the following pieces of legislation and guidance:

Habitats Regulations (the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. Consultation Draft Annex to Technical Advice Note (TAN) 5, Nature Conservation and Planning – the Assessment of Development Plans in Wales under the Provisions of the Habitats Regulations (WAG 2006). Department for Communities and Local Government (2006) Planning for the Protection of European Sites: Appropriate Assessment (whilst it is acknowledged that this applies only to the English planning system, the guidance has many useful and transferable points). European Commission, Managing Natura 2000 sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. European Commission, Guidance document on Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.

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2 The Habitats Regulations Assessment Process

This section provides an outline of the stages involved in HRA and the specific methods that have been used in preparing this report. 2.1 HRA Screening Methodology

The purpose of the HRA Screening Report, as shown on Diagram 2-1, is to determine the likelihood of significant adverse effects occurring, as a result of the implementation of policies in the LDP. Should significant adverse effects be considered likely, then a full Appropriate Assessment will be required to accompany the Deposit LDP to Examination. Alternatively, concluding that no significant impacts are likely will enable the Deposit LDP to proceed without further HRA.

Diagram 2.1 Stages in the HRA Process

Stage of LDP HRA Development

Options Screening Preferred Options Report

HRA Screening Report

YesLikely No Deposit LDP Significant Effects?

Appropriate Assessment

Plan proceeds without further assessment Examination

2.2 The Scope of the Assessment

There are 21 designated sites of international nature conservation importance within the National Park, which may be directly or indirectly affected by the LDP. In accordance with best practice guidance and in recognition of the fact that the LDP could result in significant effects beyond the National Park boundary, this report

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has also considered a further site outside of the National Park. The location of these sites is shown on Figure 1. 2.3 Applying HRA to the Snowdonia LDP

This HRA Screening Report is a successor to an initial Options Screening Report, produced in February 2008, in which an assessment was made of the impacts of the LDP Preferred Options. Only the Preferred Options were assessed through the process, as the Strategic Environmental Assessment process was used to inform the selection of the most appropriate options and so it was not deemed necessary to review the discounted options in the HRA process.

The Preferred Options subject to HRA Screening in February 2008 are presented in Appendix A. The Screening Report consisted of a two-stage process in which the options were first screened to discard those that would have no impact upon European sites, with the remainder subject to a more in-depth assessment. Both stages are documented in Appendix B. This Screening Report was consulted upon publicly, as well as being submitted to the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) as the regulatory body for nature conservation in Wales, who provided feedback. The report was followed by a meeting between CCW, representatives of Hyder Consulting (UK) Ltd and the SNPA on 13 August 2008.

The SNPA has subsequently produced a Deposit Version of the LDP which builds upon the Preferred Options that were consulted upon in February 2008. This Deposit Version of the LDP will be consulted upon publicly in spring 2009. This report documents the HRA screening of the policies contained within the Deposit Version LDP.

Table 2-1 presents the methodological stages that have been followed in determining whether significant effects are likely to occur.

Table 2-1 Methodological Stages of the HRA Process

Methodological Application to this Study Stage (as identified in Consultation Draft Annex to TAN5)

Identify all European Data has been obtained from the CCW and the SNPA about the Sites in and around the European Sites within the National Park and in adjacent areas. LDP area. The identification of the sites has had regard to the fact that a site may be spatially distant from the National Park but could still be affected by policies in the LDP. A list of sites is presented in Section 4. All European Sites have been mapped using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – see Figure 1.

Acquire, examine and The interest features of all of the sites have been defined and understand conservation are presented in the tables in Section 5. objectives of each interest feature of each potentially affected

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Methodological Application to this Study Stage (as identified in Consultation Draft Annex to TAN5) European Site.

Consider the policies All LDP policies that could potentially affect European Sites are and proposals in the identified in Section 5. The impacts that would result from these LDP, and the changes policies are identified. that they may cause, that may be relevant to European Sites.

Determine whether the The tables presented in Section 5 discuss whether or not the plan would have a LDP is likely to have a significant adverse effect on European significant effect on any Sites. interest feature, alone, or in combination with other projects and plans, directly or indirectly.

2.4 Definition of Significant Effects

For the purposes of this assessment the definition of ‘likely’ and ‘significant’ follow those provided in the Consultation Draft Annex to TAN5 guidance. ‘Likely’ means ‘readily foreseeable not merely a fanciful possibility’ and ‘significant’ is defined as ‘not trivial or inconsequential but an effect that is potentially relevant to the site’s conservation objectives’. 2.5 In Combination Effects

As outlined in Table 2-1, it is necessary for the HRA to consider not only the policies within the LDP that may lead to significant impacts upon European Sites on their own, but those that may have a significant impact in combination with other plans. These may be general spatial planning documents produced by neighbouring planning authorities, or sector specific strategic plans on such topics as waste, water resources or transport. A review has been undertaken of plans and projects with the potential for an in-combination effect with the Snowdonia LDP. Table 2-2 presents details of the plans and projects considered.

Table 2-2 Plans and Projects Considered for In-Combination Effects

Authority Relevant Plan/Project

Gwynedd Council The current development plan framework comprises the Gwynedd Structure Plan, Menai Straits Local Plan, Rural Arfon Local Plan, Dwyfor Local Plan, Porthmadog/Ffestiniog Local Plan and the Dyffryn-Ardudwy Local Plan. These are due to be replaced later in 2009 when the Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is adopted. The

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Authority Relevant Plan/Project Proposed Modifications to the Deposit Draft 2008 version of the UDP have been used where relevant for the in- combination effects assessment. The UDP is currently a material planning consideration.

Conwy County Council The current development plan framework comprises the Clwyd Structure Plan Second Alteration, Gwynedd Structure Plan, Colwyn Borough Local Plan and Llandudno/Conwy District Plan. Work on the UDP has ended although it is still a material consideration in some planning applications. Preparation of the Local Development Plan (LDP) has commenced.

Ceredigion Council The UDP is used for development control purposes but work has now ceased on its development. Preparation of the LDP is now underway. As part of this process, a Draft Issues paper on Nature Conservation was published in 2008, recognising the need for the LDP to enhance as well as protect nature conservation in European Sites and across the wider Ceredigion area.

Denbighshire County The Adopted UDP is used for development control purposes. Council It will be replaced by the LDP which is currently in preparation.

Flintshire County Council Until the adoption of the emerging Flintshire UDP, the Development Plan for Flintshire consists of six documents: Clwyd Structure Plan First Alteration and Second Alteration: Flintshire Edition, Delyn Local Plan, Alyn & Deeside Local Plan, Draft North Flintshire Local Plan and the emerging UDP itself. It is anticipated that the Flintshire UDP will be adopted in 2010.

Powys County Council The Powys UDP is still in development but has been approved for the purposes of making development control decisions. Also relevant for this purpose until the UDP is fully adopted are: Powys County Structure Plan, Minerals Local Plan, and for the area bordering Snowdonia National Park, the Montgomeryshire Local Plan.

Anglesey County Council The current development plan framework comprises the UDP (work has ceased on the plan although it will be used for development control processes in certain circumstances), Gwynedd Structure Plan and Ynys Mon Local Plan. The Local Development Plan is now in preparation.

Trafnidiaeth Canolbarth Provisional Regional Transport Plan (December, 2008) Cymru (TraCC) – Mid Wales Transportation

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Authority Relevant Plan/Project

Taith North Wales Regional Transport Plan 2008

North Wales Regional North Wales Regional Waste Plan Members Group

Environment Agency North-West Wales Catchment Flood Management Plans Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies

National Assembly for Woodlands for Wales Wales

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Draft Water Resources Plan 2008

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Drought Plan 2006

Gwynedd Council North Cardigan Bay Shoreline Management Plan

WAG The Coastal Tourism Strategy

WAG People, Places, Futures – The Wales Spatial Plan 2008 Update

WAG One Wales: Connecting the Nation, Wales Transport Strategy and Plan

WAG Proposed improvements to the A470 (T) between the end of a previously improved section at Maes-yr-Helmau to a point near the Cross Foxes Hotel

WAG A470 (T) interim improvements at Gelligemlyn, north of Dolgellau. This priority scheme to repair the existing road and resume each-way traffic flow was given the approval of the Minister for the Economy and Transport in December 2008. A470(T) Gelligemlym: Main Scheme. A further proposal to improve a section of the A470 south of the interim scheme is currently at the planning stage.

WAG A487 Porthmadog, Minffordd and Tremadog Bypass. A scheme to divert traffic from the congested centre of Porthmadog that would cross undeveloped land to the north and east of the town.

It should be noted that in-combination effects only require consideration where the plan being assessed has an impact. A conclusion of ‘No Impact’ negates the possibility of in-combination effects. 2.6 Mitigation Measures

In preparing this HRA Screening Report, consideration has been given to potential avoidance and mitigation measures which would serve to avoid adverse effects on the integrity of European Sites, for example the provision of specific clauses within the policies that may prevent effects occurring.

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3 The Deposit LDP 3.1 Introduction

The Snowdonia LDP establishes policies to guide and direct the use of land within the National Park in the period to 2022. It sets out the SNPA’s overall vision and strategy for the National Park, creates land allocations for certain activities and forms the basis for the determination of planning applications. Crucially for an area of such significance for its landscapes and biodiversity, the LDP also contains provisions to conserve and protect the natural and cultural environment. 3.2 Influences

Development of the LDP has been influenced by the statutory purposes of the National Park: To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the Special Qualities of the area by the public. In addition to the above purposes, the Authority has a duty in taking forward these purposes to: Seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park. ‘Special Qualities’ are explicitly defined in the LDP and consist of a range of attributes for which the National Park is particularly valued, including biodiversity. The Deposit Version LDP must also reflect national and regional planning policy, including an allocation of new housing units to be delivered by the planning authority. It has been prepared through consideration of a wealth of information and evidence, including strategic guidance from WAG and partners, such as constituent authorities, statutory agencies and organisations funded by WAG. Its development has also sought to draw out community and key stakeholder perceptions of the most important issues that the Authority and its partners must address. 3.3 The LDP Policies

The HRA Screening Report focuses upon the Strategic Policies and Development Policies presented in the LDP. The Strategic Policies provide an overarching approach for development, whilst the Development Policies help to deliver the Strategic Policies by providing further detailed guidance against which individual planning applciations will be assessed. The policies in the LDP are grouped into the following sections:

The Development Strategy Protecting, Enhancing and Managing the Natural Environment

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Protecting and Enhancing the Cultural and Historic Environment Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Communities Supporting the Rural Economy Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion It is important to note that the policies in the LDP constitute an overall approach to future development in the National Park and that the LDP should be read as a whole.

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4 The European Sites

Twenty-two European sites have been considered in this assessment, 21 located either wholly or partially within the National Park, a further one lying just beyond the National Park boundary. The 22 sites comprise:

15 Special Areas of Conservation, designated under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC); 4 Special Protection Areas, designated under the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC); 3 Ramsar Sites, designated under the Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. A number of these sites overlie one another, such as where a large SAC contains a small lake designated as a Ramsar site, or when the same area is designated under both the Habitats and Birds Directives.

A list of the sites together with their status and location is presented in Table 4-1.

The boundaries of the sites are located on Figure 1.

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Table 4-1 European Sites Located in and Around the National Park

Name of Sites Status Location SAC SPA Ramsar Within Snowdonia Outside Snowdonia National Park National Park

Aber Dyfi / Dyfi Estuary

Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid / River Dee and Llyn Tegid

Afon Eden, Cors Goch – Trawsfynydd

Afon Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn / River Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn

Berwyn

Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains

Cadair Idris

Coedydd Aber

Coedydd Derw a Safleodd Ystlumod Meirion / Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites

Cors Fochno & Dyfi

Corsydd Eifionydd

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Name of Sites Status Location SAC SPA Ramsar Within Snowdonia Outside Snowdonia National Park National Park

Craig yr Aderyn / Bird’s Rock

Eryri / Snowdonia

Glynllifon

Llyn Idwal

Llyn Tegid

Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt

Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn

Mwyngloddiau Fforest Gwydir / Gwydyr Forest Mines

Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau

Rhinog

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5 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Deposit Version LDP 5.1 Introduction

The LDP Screening Report produced in February 2008 concluded that Appropriate Assessment was not required for the Preferred Options. However, it was considered necessary to re-screen the LDP once the Deposit Version had been prepared. This section presents the results of this screening exercise. 5.2 European Sites and the Settlement Hierarchy

A key element of the LDP is the establishment of a settlement hierarchy within the National Park to ensure that development is directed towards the most appropriate locations. In specific terms, this is reflected in a particular settlement’s allocation for new housing being proportionate to its level on the hierarchy.

As part of the HRA Screening process it has been essential to understand where settlements are situated in relation to European Sites. Appendix C of this report presents the hierarchy and details of the European Sites that are in close proximity to them. 5.3 Assessment Matrices

The matrices that follow present the results of the assessment of each European Site. Information about the vulnerability of each site has been extracted from the Natura 2000 Standard Data Forms available from the JNCC website.

When identifying the elements of the LDP that could potentially affect European Sites it was important to focus upon those policies that would have the greatest likelihood of impacting the sites and, therefore the definition of significance identified in Section 2.4 was very important. The LDP is intended to be read as a single document rather than a series of separate policies, and has been assessed as such. Policies in one area of the LDP may mitigate potentially damaging activities promoted in another area and should be understood in the wider context of the LDP’s aims and purposes. Both direct effects (e.g. land take) and indirect effects (e.g. disturbance) have been considered.

All policies within the Deposit Version LDP have been considered as being of potential relevance to European Sites.

In-combination effects with other plans and programmes are also referred to in the matrices

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Site Names Aber Dyfi / Dyfi Estuary Type of Site SPA Size of Site 2048.11ha Site Description The wide estuary of the Afon Dyfi supports tidal rivers, estuaries, mud flats, sand flats and lagoons. Annex I Birds and regularly occurring Over winter the area regularly supports: Greenland White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris): 1% of the Great Britain (GB) population (5 year peak mean for 1993/94 – 1997/98) [Status: Migratory Birds not listed on Annex I: Unfavourable – declining as the flock has reduced in size in recent years for reasons unknown] Quality and Importance Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. Vulnerability Disturbance by leisure activities including wildfowling, and also low-flying aircraft, may be significant to feeding and roosting geese. Appropriate grazing of the saltmarsh and grassland is important to maintain feeding areas. There is an increasing resident flock of Canada Geese on the estuary of approximately 2,000 birds. The interactions between this species and the Greenland White- Fronted Geese, and the impact on the habitat, are unknown.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Avoidance and Mitigation Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Located on the north bank of the estuary, New developments must comply with Strategic No effects on the SPA predicted. The Afon Dyfi drains an area partly outside the Aberdyfi is classified as a Service Settlement Policy A: National Park Purposes and National Park which is subject to the planning capable of absorbing developments that serve Sustainable Development and Development policies of Gwynedd Council and Ceredigion a wider area, including small scale affordable Policy 1: General Development Principles Council. housing, retail and employment sites. which seek to protect European designated No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and 110 houses are proposed across five Service sites as a priority. General Development hence no in-combination effects are likely. Policy 1 also states that development will only Settlements throughout the plan period. The Furthermore: exact number of houses proposed for Aberdyfi be permitted where: it will not have an Policy B14 of the Gwynedd UDP provides is not stipulated. unacceptable impact through discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface and ground strong protection for internationally designated Only a small part of the European site lies water; and, it does not cause significant harm nature conservation sites. Proposals likely to within the LDP jurisdiction – the north bank of to the environment by way of noise, dust, have a significantly adverse impact, either in the Dyfi and part of the channel itself. vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous isolation or in combination with other plans, will No land use changes are proposed higher up matrials or waste production. be refused unless there is no alternative, an the Dyfi Valley. overriding public interest and a threat to public Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment health and safety. The UDP then requires No direct land-take within the SPA is proposed. makes very strong provision for the protection compensatory measures and enhancement of Housing and population growth has potential to of European Sites when bringing new sites remaining features. result in indirect disturbance of SPA qualifying forward referencing the responsibilities under bird interests through noise and light pollution the Habitats Regulations. The southern part of the estuary is subject to Policy ENV1.2 of the Ceredigion UDP which and increased recreational pressure at the Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new affords protection to international conservation foreshore. However, the low levels of growth build housing and conversion to within the sites similar to that outlined above. proposed are not considered to have a housing development boundary unless there is significant potential effect. a need for a local conversion in the open countryside Development Policy 19: New Employment and Training Development restricts new employment development to within or adjacent to the main built up area, in existing buildings, expansion of existing buildings or new buildings only where there is no other suitable accommodation in the locality. Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new retail development to within the main built up areas and the scale should be appropriate to its setting.

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Avoidance and Mitigation Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a Positive impacts would be reinforced by the Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature management of the site being undertaken integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. jointly by the Royal Society for the Protection of of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Birds (RSPB) and CCW. Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No additional mitigation required. No effects on the SPA predicted. No significant in-combination effects have been Historic Environment identified from a review of relevant plans and projects. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11 also states that there No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the should be no adverse effects upon the integrity hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. of European Sites as a result of affordable The consequences of this policy for this housing on exception sites. European Site are discussed under, ‘The Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 19: New Employment and The focus for tourism is on promoting the Leisure and recreation activities causing an No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy Training Development restricts new understanding and enjoyment of the Special adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will hence no in-combination effects are likely. employment development to within or adjacent Qualities of the National Park. Developments not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: Leisure impacts are monitored by on-site to the main built up area, in existing buildings, causing disturbance or generating noise or Tourism and Recreation, part ii. wardens as part of the RSPB/CCW expansion of existing buildings or new light pollution will not be permitted. No effects on the SPA predicted. management arrangements. buildings only where there is no other suitable accommodation in the locality. Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new retail development to within the main built up areas and the scale should be appropriate to its setting. The consequences of this policy for this European Site are discussed under, ‘The Development Strategy’ above. Tourism in the National Park is generally promoted under Strategic Policy L: Tourism and Recreation. Such activites could result in disturbance effects upon qualifying bird interests.

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Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Names Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid / River Dee and Llyn Tegid Type of Site SAC Size of Site 1308.93ha Site Description Located in the eastern corner of Snowdonia, both the lake and River Dee contain important habitats with estuaries, mud flats, sand flats and lagoons. Annex I Habitats that are the primary Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [Status: Unfavourable – unclassified based upon an absence of Myriophyllum reason for site selection spicatum and scarcity of some species. Further research needed] Annex II Species that are a primary Atlantic salmon Salmo salar [Status: Unfavourable due to poor water quality and environmental disturbance] reason for site selection Floating water-plantain Luronium natans [Status: Favourable – unclassified] Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) [Status: Unfavourable – unclassified due to low numbers] Annex II Species present as a qualifying River lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) [Status: Unfavourable – unclassified but numbers unknown] interest but not a primary reason for site Otter (Lutra lutra) [Favourable – unclassified but further research required] selection Brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) [Status: Unfavourable – unclassified but numbers unknown] Bullhead (Cottus gobio) [Status: Unfavourable – unclassified due to low numbers] Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitat and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The site and its features are threatened by practices which have an adverse effect on the quality, quantity and pattern of water flows. In particular the following may threaten riverine ecosystems: inappropriate flow regulation; excessive abstraction (for industry, agriculture and domestic purposes); threats to water quality from direct and diffuse pollution; eutrophication and siltation. Vulnerability Degradation of riparian habitats due to engineering works, agricultural practices and invasive plant species may also have an adverse effect. The Atlantic salmon population is threatened by excessive exploitation by high sea, estuarine and recreational fisheries. Introduction of non-indigenous species could also threaten both fish and plant species.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy designates The two housing allocations in Y Bala are very No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Y Bala as one of two Local Service Centres in small and neither is situated in close proximity Indirect impacts resulting from increased runoff hence no in-combination effects are likely with the National Park where most housing and to the SAC. One site lies within the existing or polluted discharges would be mitigated to respect to effects upon water quality or flow. employment development will occur. development boundary, and the other lies negligible levels by the range of policy With respect to water quantity, the SAC is 225 houses are proposed to be spread immediately adjacent to it. measures proposed. subject to significant abstraction pressure from between Y Bala and Dolgellau throughout the New developments must comply with Strategic The scale of proposed development within Y a number of sources, notably further plan period. The exact number of houses Policy A: National Park Purposes and Bala alone is such that the impacts of downstream including in the Chester and proposed for Y Bala is not stipulated. There are Sustainable Development and Development increased water abstraction would be small. Flintshire area. two housing allocations in Y Bala. However, Policy 1: General Development Principles Furthermore, abstractions are not taken from Dwr Cymru review water resource both sites are small and neither is situated in which seek to protect European designated Bala to serve the local population. The Water requirements on a zonal basis which takes into close proximity to the European Site. One site sites as a priority. General Development Policy Resources Management Plan identifies that account a wide range of future demand lies within the housing development boundary, 1 also states that development will only be increased demand in the Bala Zone as a result scenarios based upon known levels of and the other lies immediately adjacent to it. permitted where: it will not have an of new development could be met through a development and growth which would put Employment sites would be supported on land unacceptable impact through discharges or programme of leakage detection. Abstraction pressure on that zone. This includes allocated in the proposals map. The site emissions to air, soil, surface and ground levels would therefore not need to increase abstraction requirements from the SAC. water; and, it does not cause significant harm identified already contains significant from the SAC. The River Dee component of the SAC also to the environment by way of noise, dust, employment development. The site lies within flows within the Alwen/Dee zone. Both this and vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous 100m of the European Site. the Bala Zone are predicted to fall into deficit matrials or waste production. As such, it is Retail would be allowed close to the existing with the amount of increased demand forecast considered that if polluted run-off or discharges commercial areas. over the plan period. However, these deficits are predicted to occur, then appropriate will be eliminated through a process of leakage No direct land-take within the SAC is proposed. mitigation measures would need to be provided detection. Furthermore, Dwr Cymru is obliged In the absence of mitigation, effects from as part of the design in order to comply with to apply for abstraction licenses from the housing, employment and retail development this LDP policy. Environment Agency who review these of this scale is likely to be limited to an Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment makes consents with respect to impacts upon the increase in surface water run-off which may

2 Dwr Cymru ( March 2008) Draft Water Reosurces Management Plan

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) contain polluants (such as road run-off or very strong provision for the protection of integrity of European Sites. If the Environment construction materials) which could find their European Sites when bringing new sites Agency does not renew the consent, Dwr way into the SAC. This is only likely to be of forward referencing the responsibilities under Cymru would be required to obtain the water concern for the employment site where some the Habitats Regulations. supply from other areas. As such, the of the site is greenfield land and is located Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new development proposed in the LDP cannot nearest to the boundary of the SAC. retail development to within the main built up result an adverse effect upon the SAC either Water is currently abstracted from Llyn Arenig areas and the scale should be appropriate to alone or in combination with other abstractions Fawr to serve Y Bala. It is anticipated that its setting. elsewhere. future houses constructed in the settlement Dwr Cymru’s Draft Water Resources Plan would also be served by this source and it is identifies the Bala Zone as falling into water not expcted that a direct water abstraction from resource deficit in 2010/11 reaching a the River Dee and Llyn Tegid SAC would be maximum deficit of 0.19 Ml/d in 2019/20. This required. The Water Resources Management is as a combined result of lower deployable 2 Plan assesses the level of demand and output and an increase in demand forecast. To available supply from this resource based upon resolve the deficit, the Water Resources Plan a wide range of demand assumptions including proposes a programme of leakage detection future growth predictions. The level of and improvement which would resolve this development proposed in Y Bala alone is deficit. unlikely to have a significant adverse effect Furthermore, Dwr Cymru is obliged to apply for upon water quantity in the SAC although abstraction licenses from the Environment effects may be possible in-combination with Agency who review these consents with other developments. respect to impacts upon the integrity of European Sites. If the Environment Agency does not renew the consent, Dwr Cymru would be required to obtain the water supply from other areas. As such, the development proposed in the LDP cannot result in an adverse effect upon the SAC either alone or in combination with other abstractions elsewhere. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a Positive impacts would be reinforced by the Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature ongoing management of the River Dee being integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. led by the Environment Agency with of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats contributions from other statutory and non- Regulations and the need for all future statutory organisations. developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing promotes the Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities development of new open market and Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. affordable housing in Y Bala. The be no adverse effects upon the integrity of consequences of this policy for this European European Sites as a result of affordable Site are discussed under, ‘The Development housing on exception sites. Strategy’ above. The lakeshore remains protected from Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on development under the plan. Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural The Y Bala employment site is identified under The focus for tourism is on promoting the Leisure and recreation activities causing an No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy The Development Strategy above. understanding and enjoyment of the Special adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will hence no in-combination effects are likely. Development Policy 19: New Employment and Qualities of the National Park. Developments not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: Training Development restricts new casuing disturbance or generating noise or Tourism and Recreation, part ii. employment development to within or adjacent light pollution will not be permitted. No effects on the SAC predicted. to the main built up area, in existing buildings, New developments must comply with Strategic expansion of existing buildings or new Policy A: National Park Purposes and buildings only where there is no other suitable Sustainable Development and Development accommodation in the locality. Policy 1: General Development Principles Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new which seek to protect European designated retail development to within the main built up sites as a priority. General Development Policy areas and the scale should be appropriate to 1 also states that development will only be its setting. permitted where: it will not have an unacceptable impact through discharges or The consequences of this policy for this emissions to air, soil, surface and ground European Site are discussed under, ‘The water; and, it does not cause significant harm Development Strategy’ above. to the environment by way of noise, dust, Tourism in the National Park is generally vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous promoted under Strategic Policy L: Tourism matrials or waste production. and Recreation. Such activites could result in water pollution effects upon SAC qualifying interests. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Afon Eden, Cors Goch Trawsfynydd Type of Site SAC Size of Site 248.29ha Site Description A tributary of the Afon Mawddach, the Afon Eden drains a little-modified catchment, containing meadow pools and naturally slow-moving waters north of Dolgellau. Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying interest but not a primary reason for site Active raised bogs (Priority feature) [Status: Unfavourable due to low Sphagnum cover, high cover of bare peat and the presence of a large artificial drain on the northern dome] selection Annex II Species that are a primary Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) [Status: Unfavourable due to a declining population now close to functional extinction] reason for site selection Floating water-plantain (Luronium natans) [Status: Favourable]

Annex II Species present as a qualifying Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) [Status: Unfavourable as the river is artificially stocked with EA releases] interest but not a primary reason for site selection Otter (Lutra lutra) [Status: Unfavourable due to limited distribution of individuals] Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitat and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. Vulnerability The pearl mussel and salmonids are particularly vulnerable to water pollution e.g. sheep-dip, nitrate input, sediment input, and inappropriate river management. Any inputs to the river which affect water chemistry need to be controlled, and river management must take account of the needs of the features. The mire features require appropriate grazing and control/cessation of burning, currently being addressed through agri-environment scheme agreements (Tir Cymen/Tir Gofal). The high rainfall and acidic geology/pedology renders this area vulnerable to acidification.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Located approximately 450m from the SAC, New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Trawsfynydd is classified as a Service Policy A: National Park Purposes and hence no in-combination effects are likely. Settlement capable of absorbing developments Sustainable Development and Development that serve a wider area, including small scale Policy 1: General Development Principles affordable housing, retail and employment which seek to protect European designated sites. sites as a priority. General Development Policy 110 houses are proposed across five Service 1 also states that development will only be Settlements throughout the plan period. The permitted where: it will not have an exact number of houses proposed for unacceptable impact through discharges or Trawsfynydd is not stipulated. emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm Ganllywd (immediately adjacent to the SAC) to the environment by way of noise, dust, and Llanelltyd (less than 100m from the SAC) vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous are identified as Secondary Settlements. 380 materials or waste production. houses are proposed across 39 Secondary Settlements throughout the plan period. The Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment exact number of houses in each settlement is makes very strong provision for the protection not stipulated. of European Sites when bringing new sites forward referencing the responsibilities under Small scale employment is also proposed in the Habitats Regulations. these settlements. Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new No direct land-take within the SAC is proposed. build housing and conversion to within the In the absence of mitigation, housing and housing development boundary. employment land development have the Development Policy 19: New Employment and potential to result in polluted run-off entering Training Development restricts new the SAC and causing harm to qualifying employment development to within or adjacent interests. However, the low levels of growth to the main built up area, in existing buildings, proposed are not considered to have a expansion of existing buildings or new significant potential effect. buildings only where there is no other suitable accommodation in the locality. Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new retail development to within the main built up areas and the scale should be appropriate to Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 23 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11 also states that there No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the should be no adverse effects upon the integrity hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. of European Sites as a result of affordable The consequences of this policy for this housing on exception sites. European Site are discussed under, ‘The Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 19: New Employment and Coed y Brenin is managed by the Forestry Developments at Coed y Brenin are the Conserving and enhancing biodiversity is an Economy Training Development restricts new Commission along sustainable tourism responsibility of the Forestry Commission and objective of WAG’s Woodlands for Wales employment development to within or adjacent principles. the LDP has a limited influence. Strategy. This document provides additional to the main built up area, in existing buildings, The focus for tourism is on promoting the Leisure and recreation activities causing an support for protecting the integrity of expansion of existing buildings or new understanding and enjoyment of the Special adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will designated conservation sites in or adjacent to buildings only where there is no other suitable Qualities of the National Park. Developments not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: forested areas. accommodation in the locality. causing disturbance or generating noise or Tourism and Recreation, part ii. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new light pollution will not be permitted. No effects on the SAC predicted. hence no in-combination effects are likely. retail development to within the main built up New developments must comply with Strategic areas and the scale should be appropriate to Policy A: National Park Purposes and its setting. Sustainable Development and Development The consequences of this policy for this Policy 1: General Development Principles European Site are discussed under, ‘The which seek to protect European designated Development Strategy’ above. sites as a priority. General Development Policy Potential improvements to tourism facilities at 1 also states that development will only be Coed y Brenin Forest would be supported by permitted where: it will not have an Strategic Policy L: Tourism and Recreation. unacceptable impact through discharges or These may include new buildings, extended emissions to air, soil, surface and ground car parking, and new walking or cycling trails. water; and, it does not cause significant harm If located adjacent to the Afon Eden they could to the environment by way of noise, dust, pose a threat to the SAC through compaction, vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous bank erosion and disturbance to wildlife. materials or waste production. Additional runoff and the introduction of pollutants from new less permeable surface materials may also have an adverse impact.

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Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required.

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Site Name Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn / River Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn Type of Site SAC Size of Site 114.29ha Glacial in origin, Llyn Cwellyn is a fine example of a Littorella-Lobelia-Isoetes oligotrophic lake. It is broadly representative of other oligotrophic lakes found across Snowdonia, though is relatively Site Description large, and deep. Its outfall, the Afon Gwyrfai, meets the Menai Strait west of Caernarfon and provides notable river corridor habitat. Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [Status: Unfavourable – recovering as a result of long term acidification, Annex I Habitats that are the primary though this may be reversing] reason for site selection Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [Status: Favourable]

Annex II Species that are a primary Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) [Status: Unfavourable – unclassified as a result of precautionary assessments] reason for site selection Floating water-plantain (Luronium natans) [Status: Favourable conditional upon deeper water survey of Llyn Cwellyn] Annex II Species present as a qualifying interest but not a primary reason for site Otter (Lutra lutra) [Status: Unfavourable due to low numbers and poor distribution of actual and potential breeding sites] selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The lake is utilised as a raw drinking water reservoir. The present abstraction regime is compatible with its nature conservation status. Recent investigations have revealed that Llyn Cwellyn has acidified by 0.7 pH units since the late 1800s, due to increases in emissions of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen and subsequent acidic depositions in the form of 'acid rain'. The management of the Vulnerability extensive block of coniferous plantation on the shores of Llyn Cwellyn is an important factor in safeguarding the conservation value of the lake. A management plan has been agreed upon between CCW and Forest Enterprise. Negotiations are in progress to redesign the plantation to remove trees from around tributary streams, and hence reduce any further risk of acidification. The Afon Gwyrfai is likely to be most vulnerable to cumulative impacts of small-scale changes along its length which may affect water quality and habitat structure.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Two small settlements immediately adjacent to New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and the SAC, Rhyd Ddu and Betws Garmon, are Policy A: National Park Purposes and hence no in-combination effects are likely. both identified as Smaller Settlements and Sustainable Development and Development Furthermore: would experience very little change as a result Policy 1: General Development Principles Housing policies within the Gwynedd UDP of the LPD. 54 houses are proposed across 27 which seek to protect European designated support additional dwellings in the countryside Smaller Settlements throughout the plan sites as a priority. General Development Policy and on exceptions sites bordering rural period. The exact number of houses proposed 1 also states that development will only be villages, subject to Policy B14: Protection of for each settlement is not stipulated. permitted where: it will not have an International Nature Conservation Sites. In unacceptable impact through discharges or Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy also allows practice, this caveat would exclude any emissions to air, soil, surface and ground improvements to and new community facilities potentially harmful development in the lower water; and, it does not cause significant harm to be provided to serve local residents only. reaches of the Afon Gwyrfai. to the environment by way of noise, dust, The very small scale of development in these vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous settlements is very unlikely to result in any form materials or waste production. of adverse impact upon the SAC. Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment makes very strong provision for the protection of European Sites when bringing new sites forward referencing the responsibilities under the Habitats Regulations. Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new build housing and conversion to within the housing development boundary. Development Policy 19: New Employment and Training Development restricts new employment development to within or adjacent to the main built up area, in existing buildings, expansion of existing buildings or new buildings only where there is no other suitable accommodation in the locality. Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 26 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new retail development to within the main built up areas and the scale should be appropriate to its setting. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a Positive impacts on water quality would be Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature reinforced by actions arising from the joint integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. CCW/Forestry Commission management plan of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats for Beddgelert Forest. Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Development Policy Ng: Housing restricts all Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities new build housing and conversion to within the Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. be no adverse effects upon the integrity of Furthermore: European Sites as a result of affordable The consequences of this policy for this Housing policies within the Gwynedd UDP housing on exception sites. European Site are discussed under, ‘The support additional dwellings in the countryside Development Strategy’ above. and on exceptions sites bordering rural Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on villages, subject to Policy B14: Protection of Exception Sites allows affordable housing on International Nature Conservation Sites. In exception sites outside but immediately practice, this caveat would exclude any adjoining the housing development boundary. potentially harmful development in the lower These would be small-scale exception sites reaches of the Afon Gwyrfai. although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 20: Agricultural The policy requires any diversification Adverse impacts on the integrity of the SAC, as The river will be sensitive to agricultural Economy Diversification promotes non-farming uses of proposals to support National Park purposes. a result of this policy will be highly unlikely. practices and land use changes lower down agricultural land. Land use changes in the When a conflict exists between the purposes, The area of agricultural land in the upper parts the Gwyrfai valley and to operations by the catchment of the Afon Gwyrfai pose a threat to the Sandford3 Principle applies that prioritises of the Gwyrfai catchment is small, and the Forestry Commission in Beddgelert Forest. the qualifying interests through changes to the conservation purpose. limited diversification possible under the policy These are tightly controlled by Policy B14 of water chemistry as a result of runoff and would cause imperceptible impacts to the the Gwynedd UDP and the measures within discharges. integrity of the SAC. the CCW/Forestry Commission management plan for the forest. No in-combination effects predicted. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

3 Section 62 of the Environment Act 1995 makes clear that if National Park purposes are in conflict then conservation must have priority. This is known as the ‘Sandford Principle’ and stems from the Sandford Committee’s recommendation, in 1974

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Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required.

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Site Names Berwyn Type of Site SPA Size of Site 24187.53ha Berwyn is located on the eastern side of Snowdonia. Its upland character contains the largest stands of upland European dry heath and tract of near-natural blanket bog in Wales. The site consists Site Description mainly of bogs, marshes, fens, heath, scrub, phygrana and dry grassland. During the breeding season the area regularly supports: Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus): 2.2% of the Great Britain (GB) breeding population (5 year mean, 1991-1995) [Status: Unfavourable as a result of nest predation, poor weather or unavailability of food (circumstantial evidence) or nest abandonment due to unidentified reasons] Annex I Birds and regularly occurring Merlin (Falco columbarius: 1.1% of the GB breeding population (5 year mean, 1991-1995) [Status: Unfavourable as a result of nest predation, poor weather or unavailability of food (circumstantial Migratory Birds not listed on Annex I: evidence) or unidentified reasons such as nest abandonment due to possible disturbance] Quality and Importance Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): 1.5% of the GB breeding population (5 year mean, 1991-1995) [Status: Unfavourable as a result of nest predation, poor weather or unavailability of food (circumstantial evidence) or unidentified reasons such as nest abandonment and in occasional cases nests theft] Red Kite (Milvus milvus): 1.2% of the GB breeding population (5 year mean, 1991-1995) [Status: Unknown] Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The breeding habitats of the hen harrier, merlin, red kite and peregrine are threatened by inappropriate agricultural operations such as drainage and reseeding, application of fertilisers and the adoption of damaging grazing regimes. These problems are being addressed successfully by means of management agreements with owners and occupiers and through joint agreement via the Tir Vulnerability Cymen Scheme. The breeding productivity of the ground nesting hen harriers and merlins is vulnerable to high levels of predation by species such as fox and carrion crow. Landowners are encouraged to use appropriate measures to control pest species. All the qualifying species are vulnerable to human persecution, by disturbance or destruction of nests, eggs or young; as well as illegal killing of adult birds. Liaison with owners, the police and the RSPB, as well as improving public understanding is attempting to address this problem.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy The Plan directs development to existing Outside of existing settlements new The LDP would have no impact upon the The SPA extends far beyond the boundaries of settlements. The small area of the SPA within development must conform to Development agricultural practices that pose the greatest the National Park into Powys, Denbighshire, the National Park is high, remote and forested Policy 1: General Development Principles, threat to the qualifying interests. Flintshire and Wrexham, and will also be liable with no settlements and, therefore there will be which require good access and environmental No land use changes are foreseen and to impacts from spatial plans for these areas. no land use changes either within or adjacent safeguards. There are also a series of therefore no impacts are predicted. The UDPs of the four identified local authorities to the European SIte. avoidance measures in Section 3 of the LDP; all contain policies to protect the integrity of ‘Protecting, Enhancing and Managing the European Sites. Natural Environment’ and the plan is intended As no impacts are predicted as a result of the to be read as a whole. LDP, there can be no in-combination effects with even minor impacts caused by these plans. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a No significant in-combination effects have been Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature identified from a review of relevant plans and integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. projects. of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable No communities are present within the area of No mitigation required. No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities the SPA and so there will be no land use hence no in-combination effects are likely. changes that could affect the site.

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 20: Agricultural The policy requires any diversification Changes to the use of land and the The site will be sensitive to operations by the Economy Diversification promotes non-farming uses of proposals to support National Park purposes. development of new buildings on agricultural Forestry Commission in Penllyn Forest. agricultural land. Land uses changes near the When a conflict exists between the purposes, holdings sanctioned by Development Policy 20: Conserving and enhancing biodiversity is an SPA may impact upon the abundance of the Sandford Principle applies that prioritises Agricultural Diversification would have no effect objective of WAG’s Woodlands for Wales suitable prey for the raptors that comprise the the conservation purpose. upon the qualifying interests. Any changes are Strategy. This document provides additional qualifying interests. Tourism development will only be supported in likely to be imperceptible in the context of the support for protecting the integrity of The promotion of tourism by Strategic Policy L: accessible, sustainable locations and not range and behaviour of the species concerned. designated conservation sites in or adjacent to Tourism and Recreation may lead to increased where the Special Qualities of the National Leisure and recreation activities causing an forested areas. visitor pressure in upland areas. Disturbance Park may be affected. Berwyn is an isolated adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will The UDPs of the four previously identified local to ground nesting birds may result. and remote part of the National Park not not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: authorities all contain policies to protect the subject to tourist pressure and does not meet Tourism and Recreation, part ii. integrity of European Sites. this criterion. No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and New developments must comply with Strategic hence no in-combination effects are likely. Policy A: National Park Purposes and Sustainable Development and Development Policy 1: General Development Principles which seek to protect European designated sites as a priority. General Development Policy 1 also states that development will only be permitted where: it will not have an unacceptable impact through discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm to the environment by way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous materials or waste production. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and, therefore, is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required.

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Site Names Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn and the South Clwyd Mountains Type of Site SAC Size of Site 27221.21ha Berwyn is located on the eastern side of Snowdonia. Its upland character contains the largest stands of upland European dry heath and tract of near-natural blanket bog in Wales. The site consists Site Description mainly of bogs, marshes, fens, heath, scrub, phygrana and dry grassland.

Annex I Habitats that are the primary European dry heaths [Status: Unfavourable – declining due to a lack of species diversity as a result of fragmentation and overgrazing] reason for site selection Blanket bogs (Priority feature) [Status: Unfavourable – declining due to inappropriate grazing, burning and drainage] Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies: on calcerous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) [Status: Unfavourable due to the presence of nettles and thistles as a result of intensive grazing] Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying Calcareous and calchist screes of the montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii) [Status: Unfavourable due to grazing pressure] interest but not a primary reason for site selection Transition mires and quaking bogs [Status: Unfavourable as inferred by an absence of positive indicator species] Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [Status: Unfavourable due to poor species diversity] Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats. Full details are given in Appendix D. The blanket bog, heaths, fens, and grasslands have been threatened by inappropriate agricultural development including drainage, reseeding, the application of fertilisers, burning, track construction and the adoption of damaging grazing regimes. Some areas of grassland and heath are also threatened by the encroachment of bracken. These problems are being addressed Vulnerability successfully by means of management agreements with owners and occupiers and through joint agreements with the Tir Gofal scheme. Local tourist pressure and damage by recreational vehicles can cause erosion problems. This is being addressed by visitor management and wardening as well as positive management works of vegetation reinstatement on eroded areas.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy The LDP directs development to existing Outside of existing settlements new The LDP would have no impact upon the The SAC extends far beyond the boundaries of settlements. The small area of the SAC within development must conform to Development agricultural practices that pose the greatest the National Park into Powys, Denbighshire, the National Park is high, remote and forested Policy 1: General Development Principles, threat to the qualifying interests. Flintshire and Wrexham, and will also be liable with no settlements and, therefore there will be which require good access and environmental No land use changes are foreseen and to impacts from spatial plans for these areas. no land use changes either within or adjacent safeguards. There are also a series of therefore no impacts are predicted. The UDPs of the four identified local authorities to the European SIte. avoidance measures in Section 3 of the LDP; all contain policies to protect the integrity of ‘Protecting, Enhancing and Managing the European Sites. Natural Environment’ and the LDP is intended As no impacts are predicted as a result of the to be read as a whole. LDP, there can be no in-combination effects with even minor impacts caused by these plans. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a Positive impacts on qualifying interests would Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature be reinforced by the management agreements integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. already in place. of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable No communities are present within the area of No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities the SAC and so there will be no land use hence no in-combination effects are likely. changes that could affect the site.

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 20: Agricultural The policy requires any diversification Changes to the use of land and the The site will be sensitive to operations by the Economy Diversification promotes non-farming uses of proposals to support National Park purposes. development of new buildings on agricultural Forestry Commission in Penllyn Forest. agricultural land. Changes in land use or When a conflict exists between the purposes, holdings sanctioned by Development Policy 20: Conserving and enhancing biodiversity is an management may impact upon the health and the Sandford Principle applies that prioritises Agricultural Diversification would have no objective of WAG’s Woodlands for Wales extent of vegetation in the SAC. the conservation purpose. significant impact upon the qualifying interests. Strategy. This document provides additional The promotion of tourism by Strategic Policy L: Tourism development will only be supported in Any changes are likely to be imperceptible in support for protecting the integrity of Tourism and Recreation may lead to increased accessible, sustainable locations and not the context of the range and behaviour of the designated conservation sites in or adjacent to visitor pressure in upland areas. Greater where the Special Qualities of the National species concerned. forested areas. numbers of walkers on footpaths in the SAC Park may be affected. Berwyn is an isolated Leisure and recreation activities causing an The UDPs of the four previously identified local may cause compaction, loss of vegetation and and remote part of the National Park not adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will authorities all contain policies to protect the erosion of vulnerable soils. subject to tourist pressure and does not meet not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: integrity of European Sites. Off-road vehicles are a direct threat to the this criterion. Tourism and Recreation, part ii. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and integrity of the site. New developments must comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC predicted. hence no in-combination effects are likely. Policy A: National Park Purposes and Sustainable Development and Development Policy 1: General Development Principles which seek to protect European designated sites as a priority. General Development Policy 1 also states that development will only be permitted where: it will not have an unacceptable impact through discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm to the environment by way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous materials or waste production. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment makes No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not very strong provision for the protection of hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required.

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Site Name Cadair Idris Type of Site SAC Size of Site 3785.05ha Site Description Located in the south-western corner of the National Park, this area is a mountainous range with lakes located in upland cwms and well-distributed vegetation on boulder scree. Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [Condition: Favourable – unclassified] Annex I Habitats that are the primary Siliceous scree of the montane to snow level (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [Condition: Favourable – maintained] reason for site selection Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [Condition: Unfavourable – declining due to invasion by Molinia and Jancus squarrosus, overgrazing, burning and subsequent erosion] Molinia meadows on calcareous, peaty or clayey-silt laden soils (Molinion caeruleae) [Condition: Unfavourable – declining as sward too high or scrub, trees or bracken present] Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels [Condition: Favourable – maintained] interest but not a primary reason for site Blanket bogs [Condition: Unfavourable – declining due to invasion by Eriophorum vaginatum and Jancus squarrosus] selection Alkaline fens [Condition: Favourable – maintained] European dry heaths [Condition: Unfavourable – declining due to low ericoid cover as a result of overgrazing] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [Condition: Unfavourable – recovering due to the presence of conifers]

Annex II Species present as a qualifying Marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) aurinia) [Condition: Unfavourable – declining as under-grazing failing to provide good quality habitat] interest but not a primary reason for site selection Slender green feather-moss (Hamatocaulis vernicosus) [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The area is very popular for walking, with heavy visitor pressure causing localised damage to the vegetation. However this problem is being addressed by the Snowdonia Upland Path Partnership (CCW/SNPA/NT). The moorland has been grazed and burnt heavily in some areas leading to an increase in the grassland component. However CCW is discussing management agreements with Vulnerability owners on the site in order to reduce the grazing levels to an appropriate level, and to restrict heather burning. The National Nature Reserve section of the site is managed according to a CCW management plan, but suffers from the fact that CCW does not own the grazing rights. The high rainfall renders the site vulnerable to acidification.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy No settlements listed in the LDP hierarchy are Outside of existing settlements new Dolgellau lies too far to the north for No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and located within or adjacent to the SAC. development must conform to Development development within its boundary to impact hence no in-combination effects are likely. To the north, Dolgellau’s status as a Local Policy 1: General Development Principles, upon the qualifying interests of the SAC. Service Centre identifies it as a more which require good access and environmental Any development in or adjacent to the SAC sustainable location for new economic safeguards. There are also a series of would not be permitted under Section 3 of the development, including retail, tourist and other avoidance measures in Section 3 of the LDP; LDP. ‘Protecting, Enhancing and Managing the employment sites. No effects on the SAC predicted. Natural Environment’ and the plan is intended Conversion of rural buildings and the to be read as a whole. construction of new housing to serve an essential need to live in the countryside are sanctioned under Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy. Localised impacts on the SAC may be possible. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a Positive impacts on qualifying interests would Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature be reinforced by the planned and existing integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. management agreements. of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable No communities are present within the area of No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities the SAC and so there will be no land use hence no in-combination effects are likely. changes that could affect the site. Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 33 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Coedydd Aber Type of Site SAC Size of Site 346.20ha The site is the largest continuous area of old sessile oak wood along the North Wales coast, and gives geographic representation of the habitat between the large examples further south in Wales, Site Description and those to the north in Cumbria. The main woodland extends along a valley, rising steeply from near sea level. The site is also important for its breeding bird assemblage. Annex I Habitats that are the primary Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [Status: Unfavourable due to unsuitable grazing practices] reason for site selection Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (Priority feature) [Status: Unfavourable due to a lack of native seedlings and high interest but not a primary reason for site proportion of young Sycamore (awaiting results of 2007/8 monitoring)] selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats. Full details are given in Appendix D. The woodland habitat is relatively robust, but there is scope for its enhancement through removal of conifers and other invasive species. Part of the site has recently been entered into a Tir Gofal Vulnerability agreement. The involvement of Forest Enterprise is necessary to ensure improved conservation management and better integration of existing and restored woodland on the higher slopes above the Aber valley and to ensure the current integrity of the site is maintained.

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Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. be no adverse effects upon the integrity of The consequences of this policy for this European Sites as a result of affordable European Site are discussed under, ‘The housing on exception sites. Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 19: New Employment and The focus for tourism is on promoting the Leisure and recreation activities causing an Conserving and enhancing biodiversity is an Economy Training Development restricts new understanding and enjoyment of the Special adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will objective of WAG’s Woodlands for Wales employment development to within or adjacent Qualities of the National Park. Developments not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: Strategy. This document provides additional to the main built up area, in existing buildings, causing disturbance or generating noise or Tourism and Recreation, part ii. support for protecting the integrity of expansion of existing buildings or new light pollution will not be permitted. No effects on the SAC predicted. designated conservation sites in or adjacent to buildings only where there is no other suitable New developments must comply with Strategic forested areas. accommodation in the locality. Policy A: National Park Purposes and No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new Sustainable Development and Development hence no in-combination effects are likely. retail development to within the main built up Policy 1 which seek to protect European areas and the scale should be appropriate to designated sites as a priority. Development its setting. Policy 1 also states that development will only The consequences of this policy for this be permitted where: it will not have an European Site are discussed under, ‘The unacceptable impact through discharges or Development Strategy’ above. emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm Potential improvements to tourism facilities to the environment by way of noise, dust, would be supported by Strategic Policy L: vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous Tourism and Recreation. These may include materials or waste production. new buildings, extended car parking, and new walking or cycling trails. If located in the SAC woodland they could pose a threat to the SAC through compaction and erosion of qualifying interests. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 36 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion / Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites Type of Site SAC / cSAC Size of Site 2813.02ha The Meirionnydd Oakwoods are centred on the Ffestiniog area but comprise a large number of individual habitat units. They are a significant example of old sessile oakwoods. They stretch along a Site Description series of inter-connected valleys with a wide variety of slopes and aspects including many narrow ravines and gorges, and extend into the Rhinog SAC.

Annex I Habitats that are a primary Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [Condition: Unfavourable – recovering due to lack of dead wood] reason for site selection Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) [Condition: Unfavourable – unclassified due to lack of dead wood (questionable)] Watercourses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation [Condition: Not assessed] Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying European dry heaths [Condition: Unfavourable due to scrub, tree & bracken encroachment and tall. Bushy nature of heather] interest but not a primary reason for site Bog woodland [Condition: Unfavourable – unclassified due to presence of invasive and non-native species] selection Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [Condition: Not assessed] Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines [Condition: Favourable maintained] Annex II Species that are a primary Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) [Condition: Favourable] reason for site selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. Management of the key features of these woodlands i.e. the Atlantic bryophyte and lichen assemblages requires light grazing of the field layer vegetation, usually by sheep. This must be balanced against the requirements to allow natural regeneration of trees. There are CCW management plans for the areas declared as National Nature Reserves. In other areas there are S15 management agreements with landowners and occupiers where appropriate grazing regimes have been implemented. Within the NNRs, fencing is maintained to allow grazing regimes ranging from total exclusion to relatively heavy periodic grazing. Mosses and liverworts in gorges where recreational activities such as gorge-walking and extreme canoeing take place are threatened by over-use. A Code of Conduct is being drawn up, combined with restrictions on use. Feral goats present within some of the sites require careful control to prevent bark-stripping and browsing damage to sapling Vulnerability and seedling trees. CCW undertakes annual monitoring of the herds throughout the SAC and implements control measures when numbers exceed set limits. Due to the very acid nature of the soils throughout the woodlands, they are vulnerable to acidification. In the past the heathland has been threatened by inappropriate burning/grazing and afforestation. These issues are being addressed through agri-environment schemes (Tir Cymen/Tir Gofal) and S15 Management Agreements. The populations of lesser horseshoe bats are most vulnerable in their summer and winter roosts. They are also affected by a reduction in the availability of insect prey due to changes in agricultural practices and pesticide use. Roosts are most often protected through the planning system, by incorporating the bats’ requirements into the plans at an early stage. Also many roosts in mine adits have now been grilled to prevent disturbance to hibernating bats.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy establishes New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC/cSAC predicted. The SAC/cSAC lies wholly within Snowdonia a settlement hierarchy to distribute Policy A: National Park Purposes and National Park. No neighbouring spatial plans development across the National Park. Development Policy 1: General Development are relevant. The following settlements are identified for Principles which seek to protect European A number of proposed road schemes have the development which lie either adjacent to or in designated sites as a priority. General potential to adversely affect the SAC/cSAC. close proximity to this widely spread Development Policy 1 also states that These include: improvements to the A470 (T) SAC/cSAC. development will only be permitted where: it at Gelligemlyn (two schemes) and Cross Foxes will not have an unacceptable impact through Local Service Centre (225 houses spread and also the Porthmadog bypass. discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface across two settlements) employment land However, no effects are predicted as a result of and ground water; and, it does not cause allocated, new or improved local facilities and the LDP and hence no in-combination effects significant harm to the environment by way of retail development: Dolgellau. The allocated with these projects are likely. noise, dust, vibration, odour, light pollution, employment land lies within the existing built hazardous materials or waste production. up area and is already developed land. Strategic Policy D makes very strong provision Service Settlement (110 houses across five for the protection of European Sites when settlements) employment development, new or bringing new sites forward referencing the improved local facilities and retail development: responsibilities under the Habitats Regulations. Harlech. Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Secondary Settlements (380 houses spread build housing and conversion to within the across 39 settlements) employment housing development boundary. development and new or improved local facilities: 11 settlements identified. Development Policy 19: New Employment and Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 38 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) Smaller Settlements (54 houses spread across Training Development restricts new 27 settlements) new or improved local facilities. employment development to within or adjacent No direct land-take within the SAC/cSAC would to the main built up area, in existing buildings, occur so it is not considered that such expansion of existing buildings or new development would result in adverse effects buildings only where there is no other suitable upon the Annex I habitats identified as accommodation in the locality. qualifying interests. However, taking a Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new precautionary approach, increased levels of retail development to within the main built up polluted surface run-off may occur which could areas and the scale should be appropriate to find there way into the SAC/cSAC in some its setting. areas where proposals are immediately Furthermore, Development Policies7: Listed adjacent to the SAC/cSAC boundary. It is and Traditional Buildings and 9: Conversion considered very unlikely that this would have a and Change of Use of Rural Buildings would significant effect. not allow such conversions if they were to Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy also allows result in significant adverse effects upon conversions of rural buildings in the open protected species or if significant adverse countryside. This is further supported by effects upon the integrity of a European Site Development Policies 7: Listed and Traditional were likely. Buildings and 9: Conversion and Change of Use of Rural Buildings. Locations of buildings are not specified but could viably be within the SAC/cSAC and may contain lesser horseshoe bat roosts. Conversions of these buildings have the potential to adversely affect these roosts and consequently bat populations. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SAC/cSAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats ‘Green wedges’ along the Ardudwy coast Regulations and the need for all future should aid foraging for bats in nearby units. developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & Development Policy 9: Conversion and In addition to the stringent requirements of No effects on the SAC/cSAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment Change of Use of Rural Buildings supports the Strategic Policy D, Development Policies 7 and hence no in-combination effects are likely. conversion of redundant rural buildings, which 9 would not allow conversions if they were to may be used as roosting sites by lesser result in significant adverse effects upon horseshoe bats. Conversions of these protected species or if significant adverse buildings have the potential to adversely affect effects upon the integrity of a European Site these roosts and consequently bat populations. were likely. Development Policy 7: Listed and Traditional Buildings also allows conversions and changes under exceptional circumstances. Such buildings, if within the SAC/cSAC may also house lesser horseshoe bat roosts which may be affected by conversions. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC/cSAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. be no adverse effects upon the integrity of The consequences of this policy for this European Sites as a result of affordable European Site are discussed under, ‘The housing on exception sites. Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 39 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Names Cors Fochno and Dyfi Type of Site Ramsar Size of Site 2492.24ha A bar-built estuarine complex, comprising the Dyfi estuary, two calcareous dune systems, and a large raised mire. The Dyfi is one of the best examples in north-west Europe of a small, drying, nutrient-poor estuary, which has been relatively unaffected by industrial development. A wide range of estuarine habitats are present, including rare transitions to peatland. Cors Fochno is of Site Description international importance being the type locality for estuarine raised mire and one of the largest active raised mires in the United Kingdom. The site is designated as Wales’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Justification for the application of each Ramsar Criterion 1: The site contains the largest expanse of primary raised mire in lowland Britain; the largest estuarine raised mire, and third-largest ‘active’ raised mire in Britain. Criterion Maintain the existing extent and quality of grazing marsh Rehabilitate areas which have become too dry or intensively managed Conservation Objectives Create grazing marsh from arable land in targeted areas The Conservation Objectives for the Cors Fochno SAC and Aber Dyfi SPA are also relevant to this site, and are presented in Appendix D. Despite covering a much larger area, the qualifying interest for the Ramsar site is restricted to the area of the raised mire at Cors Fochno. Threats to the integrity of the Aber Dyfi SPA are described Vulnerability in the relevant table above, though are not directly relevant to the Ramsar site.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Located on the north bank of the estuary, New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. The Afon Dyfi drains an area partly outside the Aberdyfi is classified as a Service Settlement Policy A: National Park Purposes and National Park which is subject to the planning capable of absorbing developments that serve Sustainable Development and Development policies of Gwynedd Council and Ceredigion a wider area, including small scale affordable Policy 1: General Development Principles Council. housing, retail and employment sites. which seek to protect European designated No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and 110 houses are proposed across five Service sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also hence no in-combination effects are likely. states that development will only be permitted Settlements throughout the plan period. The Furthermore: exact number of houses proposed for Aberdyfi where: it will not have an unacceptable impact Policy B14 of the Gwynedd UDP provides is not stipulated. through discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not strong protection for internationally designated Only a small part of the European site lies cause significant harm to the environment by sites of nature conservation. Proposals likely within the LDP jurisdiction – the north bank of way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light to have a significantly adverse impact, either in the Dyfi and part of the channel itself. pollution, hazardous materials or waste isolation or in combination with other plans, will No land use changes are proposed higher up production. be refused unless there is no alternative, an the Dyfi Valley. overriding public interest and a threat to public Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment health and safety. The UDP then requires No direct land-take within the Ramsar site is makes very strong provision for the protection compensatory measures and enhancement of proposed. of European Sites when bringing new sites remaining features. Given that no development would take place forward referencing the responsibilities under on the foreshore of the estuary and the scale of the Habitats Regulations. The southern part of the estuary is subject to Policy ENV1.2 of the Ceredigion UDP which development proposed is very small, it is not Strategic Policy Ng restricts all new build affords protection to international conservation considered that any adverse effects upon the housing and conversion to within the housing sites similar to that outlined above. sensitive features of the Ramsar site are development boundary. possible. Development Policy 19: New Employment and Training Development restricts new employment development to within or adjacent to the main built up area, in existing buildings, expansion of existing buildings or new buildings only where there is no other suitable accommodation in the locality. Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new retail development to within the main built up areas and the scale should be appropriate to

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) its setting. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a No significant in-combination effects have been Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature identified from a review of relevant plans and integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. projects. of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No additional mitigation required. No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No significant in-combination effects have been Historic Environment identified from a review of relevant plans and projects. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. be no adverse effects upon the integrity of The consequences of this policy for this European Sites as a result of affordable European Site are discussed under, ‘The housing on exception sites. Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 19: New Employment and The focus for tourism is on promoting the Leisure and recreation activities causing an No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy Training Development restricts new understanding and enjoyment of the Special adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will hence no in-combination effects are likely. employment development to within or adjacent Qualities of the National Park. not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: Leisure impacts are monitored by on-site to the main built up area, in existing buildings, New developments to comply with Strategic Tourism and Recreation, part ii. wardens as part of the RSPB/CCW expansion of existing buildings or new Policy A: National Park Purposes and No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. management arrangements. buildings only where there is no other suitable Sustainable Development and Development accommodation in the locality. Policy 1: General Development Principles Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new which seek to protect European designated retail development to within the main built up sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also areas and the scale should be appropriate to states that development will only be permitted its setting. where: it will not have an unacceptable impact The consequences of this policy for this through discharges or emissions to air, soil, European Site are discussed under, ‘The surface and ground water; and, it does not Development Strategy’ above. cause significant harm to the environment by way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light Tourism in the National Park is generally pollution, hazardous materials or waste promoted under Strategic Policy L: Tourism production. and Recreation. Such activities could result in direct physical harm to sensitive features of the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment Ramsar site makes very strong provision for the protection of European Sites when bringing new sites forward referencing the responsibilities under the Habitats Regulations. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment makes No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not very strong provision for the protection of hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under

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Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Corsydd Eifionydd Type of Site SAC Size of Site 144.32ha Site Description The site embraces four isolated topogeneous peatlands situated within the upland fringe transition between Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula. Annex I Habitats that are the primary Transition mires and quaking bogs [Status: Unfavourable – declining due to under-grazing, scrub encroachment and uncontrolled burning] reason for site selection

Annex II Species that are a primary Marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) aurinia) [Condition: Unfavourable – declining due to limited good quality habitat] reason for site selection Slender green feather-moss (Drepanocladus vernicosus) [Status: Unfavourable – declining due to under-grazing and scrub encroachment] Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitat and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The site is under one principal threat - scrub encroachment due to a lack of grazing, which is a reflection of the inaccessible, boggy nature of the terrain. Drainage and pollution are additional Vulnerability threats.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy The majority of the SAC lies outside the New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC predicted. The remaining three units of the SAC are National Park and is not, therefore, directly Policy A: National Park Purposes and subject to planning policies within the Gwynedd affected by the LDP. The one unit within the Sustainable Development and Development UDP. National Park is not adjacent to any Policy 1: General Development Principles No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and settlements or land use designations. which seek to protect European designated hence no in-combination effects are likely. sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy allows Furthermore: some housing or community facilities in the states that development will only be permitted A review of the Gwynedd UDP has not raised open countryside where there is an essential where: it will not have an unacceptable impact any concerns for this European Site. Policy need. If such housing or facilities were through discharges or emissions to air, soil, B14 of the Gwynedd UDP provides strong proposed within the SAC then it may result in surface and ground water; and, it does not protection for internationally designated sites of adverse effects upon the qualifying interests. cause significant harm to the environment by way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light nature conservation. Proposals likely to have a pollution, hazardous materials or waste significantly adverse impact, either in isolation production. or in combination with other plans, will be refused unless there is no alternative, an Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment overriding public interest and a threat to public makes very strong provision for the protection health and safety. The UDP then requires of European Sites when bringing new sites compensatory measures and enhancement of forward referencing the responsibilities under remaining features. the Habitats Regulations. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No additional mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No significant in-combination effects have been Historic Environment identified from a review of relevant plans and projects. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable In addition to the effects of Strategic Policy C, Development Policy 11 also states that there No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on should be no adverse effects upon the integrity hence no in-combination effects are likely. Exception Sites allows affordable housing on of European Sites as a result of affordable exception sites outside but immediately housing on exception sites. adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exceptional sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 20: Agricultural The policy requires any diversification No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy Diversification allows non-farming uses of proposals to support National Park purposes. hence no in-combination effects are likely. agricultural land. Land use changes near the When a conflict exists between the purposes, SAC may affect the quality of mire and bog the Sandford Principle applies that prioritises habitat and grazing intensity and consequently the conservation purpose. some of the qualifying species which are Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment dependent upon it. makes very strong provision for the protection of European Sites when bringing new sites forward referencing the responsibilities under the Habitats Regulations. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Craig yr Aderyn / Bird’s Rock Type of Site SPA Size of Site 89.26ha Site Description A small site consisting mainly of dry grassland and inland rocks, screes, sands and permanent snow and ice. Annex I Birds and regularly occurring During the breeding season the area regularly supports: Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax): 1.8% of the GB breeding population (1999). This increases to 8% of the GB population (1996) in winter Migratory Birds not listed on Annex I: months [Status: Favourable – maintained] Quality and Importance Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The chough and Wales’ only inland cormorant breeding colony are each vulnerable to disturbance, as the crags are a well known climbing site. This is being addressed by imposing restrictions on Vulnerability when the activity can take place. The grazing pressure is regulated by a Tir Cymen management agreement at the moment, to produce favourable chough feeding habitat.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy The site is a considerable distance from any None required No effects on the SPA predicted. The SPA lies wholly within the LDP boundary. identified settlements or land use designations. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies None required No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable No relevant policies None required No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Supporting a Sustainable Rural No relevant policies None required No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion No relevant policies None required No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Names Eryri / Snowdonia Type of Site SAC Size of Site 19737.60ha Site Description Snowdonia is a vast and ranging area comprising grassland, rock outcrops, screes, heath, scrub, marshes, bogs and water bodies including upland corries. Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [Status: Unfavourable – recovering] Siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels (Androsacetalia alpinae and Galeopsietalia ladani) [Status: Unfavourable due to disturbance by sheep, goats and humans] Annex I Habitats that are the primary Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands [Status: Unfavourable – declining due to low cover of dwarf shrubs, decline of Racomitrium and excessive grass cover reason for site selection Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [Status: Unfavourable due to grazing and presence of invasive species] Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels [Status: Unfavourable as a result of grazing pressure] Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation [Status: Unfavourable / Unclassified due to overgrazing and inappropriate recreational pressure. Further research required] Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands [Status: Unfavourable due to Epilobium brunnescens cover and lack of flowering plants] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [Status: Unfavourable] Alpine and Boreal heaths [Status: Unfavourable due to patchy and discontinuous extent] Alkaline fens [Status: Favourable – maintained] Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying Species-rich Nardus grassland, on siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and submountain areas in continental Europe) (Priority feature) [Status: Unfavourable as a result of grazing] interest but not a primary reason for site selection Alpine pioneer formations of the Caricion bicoloris-atrofuscae (Priority feature) [Status: Unfavourable – declined due to dispersed and remote pockets] Blanket bogs (Priority feature) [Status: Unfavourable due to past grazing, burning and drainage] Depressions on peat substrates with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) [Status: Favourable – maintained] Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [Status: Unfavourable – recovering as the effects of past grazing diminish] European dry heaths [Status: Unfavourable for varied reasons including over- and under-grazing] Annex II Species that are a primary Slender green feather-moss Drepanocladus (Hamatocaulis) vernicosus [Status: Favourable – maintained] Floating water-plantain Luronium natans [Status: Unclassified] reason for site selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The area is extensively grazed by sheep. In many areas, overgrazing takes place, ericaceous species are being suppressed, grass species are dominating and montane communities such as moss heath are being damaged and reduced in area. Resolution of this problem is complex, due to the breakdown of traditional shepherding, other changes in livestock management on these open mountain areas, and the economics of upland farming. This is being actively tackled by the CCW by the negotiation of management agreements. Snowdonia, which contains the highest peaks in Vulnerability Wales, has long been used for rock-climbing and fellwalking. It is subject to intense recreational pressures and where these are concentrated, particularly on paths and summit areas, there are severe erosion problems, despite management. However, these rarely impinge upon the special features of the area. Remedial work by SNPA, National Trust and CCW is tackling this problem. The high rainfall and extensive acidic geology/pedology renders this area, especially its watercourses and lakes, vulnerable to acidification.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Nant Peris (less than 200m from the SAC) and New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Capel Curig (less than 500m from the SAC) Policy A: National Park Purposes and hence no in-combination effects are likely. are identified as Smaller Settlements. 54 Sustainable Development and Development houses are proposed across 27 Smaller Policy 1: General Development Principles Settlements throughout the plan period. The which seek to protect European designated exact number of houses in each settlement is sites as a priority. General Development Policy not stipulated. New or improved community 1 also states that development will only be facilities are also enabled by Strategic Policy permitted where: it will not have an C: Spatial Strategy. unacceptable impact through discharges or No direct land-take within the SAC is proposed. emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm Given the very small scale of development to the environment by way of noise, dust, proposed and the distance from the SAC, no vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous adverse effects are considered likely. materials or waste production. Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy allows Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment some housing or community facilities in the makes very strong provision for the protection open countryside where there is an essential of European Sites when bringing new sites Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 47 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) need. If such housing or facilities were forward referencing the responsibilities under proposed within the SAC then it may result in the Habitats Regulations. adverse effects upon the qualifying interests. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies None required No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable In addition to the effects of Strategic Policy C, Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. Exception Sites allows affordable housing on be no adverse effects upon the integrity of exception sites outside but immediately European Sites as a result of affordable adjoining the housing development boundary. housing on exception sites. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 20: Agricultural The policy requires any diversification No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy Diversification allows non-farming uses of proposals to support National Park purposes. hence no in-combination effects are likely. agricultural land. Land uses changes near the When a conflict exists between the purposes, SAC may affect the quality of mire and bog the Sandford Principle applies that prioritises habitat and grazing intensity and consequently the conservation purpose. some of the qualifying species which are Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment makes dependent upon it. very strong provision for the protection of Potential improvements to tourism facilities European Sites when bringing new sites would be supported by Strategic Policy L: forward referencing the responsibilities under Tourism and Recreation. These may include the Habitats Regulations. new buildings, extended car parking, and new The focus for tourism is on promoting the walking or cycling trails. If located within the understanding and enjoyment of the Special SAC they could pose a threat through erosion. Qualities of the National Park. Developments However, it is unlikely that increased causing disturbance or generating noise or recreational pressure would impinge on the light pollution will not be permitted. qualifying interests as identified in the New developments must comply with Strategic vulnerability section of the Natura 2000 Data Policy A: National Park Purposes and Form. Sustainable Development and Development Policy 1: General Development Principles which seek to protect European designated sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also states that development will only be permitted where: it will not have an unacceptable impact through discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm to the environment by way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous materials or waste production.

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Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Glynllifon Type of Site SAC Size of Site 189.27ha Located just outside the north-western boundary of Snowdonia National Park, this largely wooded area is both a maternity and hibernation site for a large population of lesser horseshoe bat Site Description (Rhinolophus hipposideros) comprising about 6% of the UK population. Annex II Species that are a primary Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) [Status: Unfavourable given the management requirements of the five roosts] reason for site selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The site includes the bat roost and adjacent feeding areas. The building in which the roost is located is currently on sale [June 2006], and the management of the estate grounds, including the woodlands, is being revised. A recent road improvement scheme, which has interfered with a key flightpath out of the estate and which has failed to incorporate adequate mitigation for the bats, also Vulnerability illustrates the pressure on this site. A management agreement exists with the current owners of the roost building but this does not extend to the feeding areas, currently excluded from the SAC. There is some scope for improving management of the site as a whole for the bats, through management agreement, agri-environment schemes and other partnership initiatives.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy The SAC is located outside of the National Development Policies 7 and 9 which relate to No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Park and is therefore not directly affected by its listed and traditional buildings and conversion hence no in-combination effects are likely. Development Strategy. of rural buildings would not allow such However, Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy conversions if they were to result in significant allows conversions of rural buildings in the adverse effects upon protected species or if open countryside. This is further supported by significant adverse effects upon the integrity of Development Policies 7: Listed and Traditional a European Site were likely. Buildings and 9: Conversion and Change of Use of Rural Buildings. Locations of buildings are not specified but could viably contain lesser horseshoe bat roosts which relate to populations within the Glynllifon SAC even though it would be outside the Park. Conversions of these buildings has the potential to adversely affect these roosts and consequently bat populations. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & Issues associated with Development Policies 7 Conversions or changes of use of rural No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment and 9 are discussed above. buildings will not be permitted within European hence no in-combination effects are likely. Sites or where they may have a significant adverse impact upon protected species. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable No relevant policies in addition to those None required No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities identified above. hence no in-combination effects are likely. Supporting a Sustainable Rural The LDP supports the conversion of rural Conversions or changes of use of rural No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy buildings for employment uses. buildings will not be permitted within European hence no in-combination effects are likely. Sites or where they may have a significant adverse impact upon protected species. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Names Llyn Idwal Type of Site Ramsar Size of Site 13.51ha Site Description Wholly contained within the Eryri SAC, Llyn Idwal is a small glacial lake lying above the Nant Ffrancon valley on the northern slopes of the Glydderau massif. Justification for the application of each Ramsar Criterion 1: A small, shallow, oligotrophic cwm lake. The semi-circular rock basin (or cwm) containing the lake is one of the finest examples in Snowdonia. Criterion Ramsar Criterion 2: Species-rich plant community, including all of the species typical of oligotrophic waters in Britain. Notable species include Elatine hexandra and Subularia aquatica (both nationally scarce) and Pilularia globulifera (vulnerable at a European level). Conservation Objectives No specific Conservation Objectives have been compiled for this site. The following are management objectives for all mesotrophic and oligotrophic lakes in Snowdonia National Park: Maintain diversity of flora and fauna Identify and implement effective remedial action to address nutrient enrichment Set limits of acceptable change when the trophic status is determined Vulnerability A specific description of the vulnerability of this site has not been produced. A number of generic threats to mesotrophic and oligotrophic waters in Snowdonia National Park have been identified by the SNPA: eutrophication and associated toxic blue green algal blooms; atmospheric acid and nutrient deposition; recreational impacts; land use changes in lake catchment areas that can alter the water table, change the pollution load and degrade or remove valuable adjacent habitat; pesticide usage including sheep dip; water resources schemes; hydro-electric power schemes; climate change.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy The Ramsar site is located within a None required No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and mountainous area remote from any potential hence no in-combination effects are likely. development proposals identified in the Development Strategy. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies None required No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable No relevant policies None required No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Supporting a Sustainable Rural The area is popular with tourists. Potential Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment makes No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy improvements to tourism facilities would be very strong provision for the protection of hence no in-combination effects are likely. supported by Strategic Policy L: Tourism and European Sites when bringing new sites Recreation. These may include new buildings forward referencing the responsibilities under and extended car parking in the area which the Habitats Regulations. could lead to greater numbers of tourists The focus for tourism is on promoting the visiting the lake. However, it is unlikely that understanding and enjoyment of the Special increased recreational pressure would impinge Qualities of the National Park. on the qualifying interests.

Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations.

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Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Llyn Tegid Type of Site Ramsar Size of Site 478.08ha Site Description A large oligotrophic lake adjacent to the town of Y Bala, Llyn Tegid is the source of the River Dee. Justification for the application of each Ramsar Criterion 1: Largest natural lake in Wales, lying deep in formerly glaciated trough. Criterion Ramsar Criterion 2: Plant species growing in or beside the lake are mudwort (Limosa aquatica), six-stamened waterwort (Elatine hexandra), water sedge, (Carex aquatilis) and floating water plantain (Luronium natans), all of which are scarce in Britain. The latter species is regarded as vulnerable on a global scale. This site is also one of only six sites in Britain for whitefish (Gwyniad Coregonus lavaretus), though the Welsh population of this fish is genetically distinct. Llyn Tegid is also an unusual habitat for the normally riverine fish grayling (Thymallus thymallus). The nationally rare glutinous snail (Myxas glutinosa) has been rediscovered in the shallow gravels of the lake shore. Conservation Objectives No specific Conservation Objectives have been compiled for this site. The following are management objectives for all mesotrophic and oligotrophic lakes in Snowdonia National Park: Maintain diversity of flora and fauna Identify and implement effective remedial action to address nutrient enrichment Set limits of acceptable change when the trophic status is determined Vulnerability A specific description of the vulnerability of this site has not been produced. A number of generic threats to mesotrophic and oligotrophic waters in Snowdonia National Park have been identified by the SNPA: eutrophication and associated toxic blue green algal blooms; atmospheric acid and nutrient deposition; recreational impacts; land use changes in lake catchment areas that can alter the water table, change the pollution load and degrade or remove valuable adjacent habitat; pesticide usage including sheep dip; water resources schemes; hydro-electric power schemes; climate change.

Element of the LDP Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of In-Combination Effects (including relevant Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) avoidance and mitigation measures) The Development Strategy Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy designates The two housing allocations in Y Bala are very No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Y Bala as one of two Local Service Centres in small and neither is situated in close proximity Indirect impacts resulting from increased runoff hence no in-combination effects are likely with the National Park where most housing and to the Ramsar site. One site lies within the or polluted discharges would be mitigated to respect to effects upon water quality or flow. employment development will occur. existing development boundary, and the other negligible levels by the range of policy 225 houses are proposed to be spread lies immediately adjacent to it. measures proposed. between Y Bala and Dolgellau throughout the New developments must comply with Strategic plan period. The exact number of houses Policy A: National Park Purposes and proposed for Y Bala is not stipulated. There are Sustainable Development and Development two housing allocations in Y Bala. However, Policy 1: General Development Principles both sites are small and neither is situated in which seek to protect European designated close proximity to the European Site. One site sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also lies within the existing development boundary, states that development will only be permitted and the other lies immediately adjacent to it. where: it will not have an unacceptable impact Employment sites would be supported on land through discharges or emissions to air, soil, allocated in the proposals map. The site surface and ground water; and, it does not identified already contains significant cause significant harm to the environment by employment development. The site lies within way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light 100m of the European Site. pollution, hazardous materials or waste production. As such, it is considered that if Retail would be allowed close to the existing polluted run-off or discharges are predicted to commercial areas. occur, then appropriate mitigation measures No direct land-take within the Ramsar site is would need to be provided as part of the proposed. design in order to comply with this LDP policy. In the absence of mitigation, effects from Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment housing, employment and retail development makes very strong provision for the protection of this scale is likely to be limited to an of European Sites when bringing new sites increase in surface water run-off which may forward referencing the responsibilities under contain pollutants (such as road run-off or the Habitats Regulations. construction materials) which could find their Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new way into the Ramsar site. This is only likely to retail development to within the main built up be of concern for the employment site where areas and the scale should be appropriate to some of the site is greenfield land and is

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Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing promotes the Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities development of new open market and Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. affordable housing in Y Bala. The be no adverse effects upon the integrity of consequences of this policy for this European European Sites as a result of affordable Site are discussed under, ‘The Development housing on exception sites. Strategy’ above. The lakeshore remains protected from Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on development under the plan. Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural The Y Bala employment site is identified under The focus for tourism is on promoting the Leisure and recreation activities causing an No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy The Development Strategy above. understanding and enjoyment of the Special adverse impact upon the qualifying interest will hence no in-combination effects are likely. Development Policy 19: New Employment and Qualities of the National Park. Developments not be permitted under Strategic Policy L: Training Development restricts new causing disturbance or generating noise or Tourism and Recreation, part ii. employment development to within or adjacent light pollution will not be permitted. No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. to the main built up area, in existing buildings, New developments must comply with Strategic expansion of existing buildings or new Policy A: National Park Purposes and buildings only where there is no other suitable Sustainable Development and Development accommodation in the locality. Policy 1: General Development Principles Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new which seek to protect European designated retail development to within the main built up sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also areas and the scale should be appropriate to states that development will only be permitted its setting. where: it will not have an unacceptable impact through discharges or emissions to air, soil, The consequences of this policy for this surface and ground water; and, it does not European Site are discussed under, ‘The cause significant harm to the environment by Development Strategy’ above. way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light Tourism in the National Park is generally pollution, hazardous materials or waste promoted under Strategic Policy L: Tourism production. and Recreation. Such activities could result in water pollution effects upon Ramsar site qualifying interests. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the Ramsar site predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely.

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Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Names Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt Type of Site SAC Size of Site 19968.23ha Migneint and Dduallt mark the limits of a large upland block located along the eastern fringe of Snowdonia National Park. The site supports the largest area of blanket bog in north Wales after Site Description Berwyn and is particularly significant for the extent and quality of comparatively Sphagnum-rich M19 Calluna vulgaris – Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire

Annex I Habitats that are the primary European dry heaths [Status: Unfavourable as a result of inappropriate grazing, burning and presence of conifers] reason for site selection Blanket bogs [Status: Unfavourable due to extent of Eriophorum vaginatum, drainage, erosion of peat and presence of trees] Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [Status: Unfavourable – recovering due to overgrazing] Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [Status: Unfavourable due to grazing, burning and drainage] Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [Status: Unfavourable due to a lack of mature tress, lack of dead wood and concerns over grazing pressure and lack of interest but not a primary reason for site regeneration] selection Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds [Status: Unfavourable – unclassified based on failures regarding water quality and forestry]

Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The main threats to the vegetation features of this site are from inappropriate grazing/burning/drainage and consequent degradation of blanket bog and heath. Afforestation of mire and heath has also been a problem in the past. These problems are being addressed through a number of agri-environment scheme agreements (Tir Cymen/Tir Gofal) and several S15 management agreements. Vulnerability A joint RSPB/Forest Enterprise/CCW black grouse project has also helped restore blanket bog and heath in some areas which had previously been planted with conifers. The vegetation and lake features are vulnerable to acidification due to atmospheric pollution, which is compounded by the high rainfall and acidic geology/pedology of the site. Artificial liming of the catchment is an additional threat. In the past this site has been significantly affected by quarrying, resulting in habitat destruction.

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) The Development Strategy No development is proposed within or adjacent Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and to this SAC through the Development Strategy. makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. No effects are therefore likely. of European Sites when bringing new sites forward referencing the responsibilities under

the Habitats Regulations. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Development Policy 11 also states that there No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities Exception Sites allows affordable housing on should be no adverse effects upon the integrity hence no in-combination effects are likely. exception sites outside but immediately of European Sites as a result of affordable adjoining the housing development boundary. housing on exception sites. These would be small-scale exceptional sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 20: Agricultural The policy requires any diversification No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy Diversification allows non-farming uses of proposals to support National Park purposes. hence no in-combination effects are likely. agricultural land. Land uses changes near the When a conflict exists between the purposes,

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Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) SAC may affect the quality of heath and bog the Sandford Principle applies that prioritises habitat and grazing intensity and consequently the conservation purpose. some of the qualifying species which are Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment dependent upon it. makes very strong provision for the protection Potential improvements to tourism facilities of European Sites when bringing new sites would be supported by Strategic Policy L: forward referencing the responsibilities under Tourism and Recreation. These may include the Habitats Regulations. new buildings, extended car parking, and new The focus for tourism is on promoting the walking or cycling trails. If located within the understanding and enjoyment of the Special SAC they could pose a threat through erosion. Qualities of the National Park. Developments However, it is unlikely that increased causing disturbance or generating noise or recreational pressure would impinge on the light pollution will not be permitted. qualifying interests as identified in the New developments must comply with Strategic vulnerability section of the Natura 2000 Data Policy A: National Park Purposes and Form. Sustainable Development and Development Policy 1: General Development Principles which seek to protect European designated sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also states that development will only be permitted where: it will not have an unacceptable impact through discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm to the environment by way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous materials or waste production. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Names Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt Type of Site SPA Size of Site 19968.23ha Migneint and Dduallt mark the limits of a large upland block located along the eastern fringe of Snowdonia National Park. The site supports the largest area of blanket bog in north Wales after Site Description Berwyn and is particularly significant for the extent and quality of comparatively Sphagnum-rich M19 Calluna vulgaris – Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire During the breeding season the area regularly supports: Annex I Birds and regularly occurring Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus): At least 2.1% of the GB breeding population (5 year peak mean for 1993/94 – 1997/98) [Status: Favourable] Migratory Birds not listed on Annex I: Merlin (Falco columbarius): At least 0.7% of the population in Great Britain (5 year peak mean for 1993/94 – 1997/98) [Status: Favourable] Quality and Importance Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): At least 1% of the population in Great Britain (5 year peak mean for 1993/94 – 1997/98) [Status: Unfavourable with low numbers of birds recorded for reasons unknown] Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. Inappropriate grazing/burning/drainage management has damaged the feeding/breeding habitat of hen harrier and merlin, and damaged the feeding habitat of peregrine falcon. This is being addressed in some areas through S15 Management Agreements and Tir Cymen/Tir Gofal agreements. Afforestation of blanket bog has also reduced breeding/feeding habitat in the past, but this is being addressed to some extent by a joint RSPB/Forestry Commission/CCW habitat restoration project. The feeding/breeding habitats of all three species are also vulnerable to acidification due to Vulnerability atmospheric pollution being compounded by the high rainfall and acidic geology/pedology of the site. This site has also been significantly affected in the past by quarrying operations which have resulted in the destruction of habitats used by breeding birds, including the three SPA species. The recreational pressure from walkers is currently fairly low and diffused across the site, but the SPA features could be affected if usage were to increase significantly close to breeding sites, for example following the implementation of the CROW Act or increased publicity through guidebooks. Persecution has been a problem in the recent past, with birds being shot at the nest. It is hoped that this threat will be reduced by greater vigilance and by raising public awareness.

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) The Development Strategy No development is proposed within or adjacent Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and to this SPA through the Development Strategy. makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. No effects are therefore likely. of European Sites when bringing new sites forward referencing the responsibilities under

the Habitats Regulations. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities Exception Sites allows affordable housing on Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. exception sites outside but immediately be no adverse effects upon the integrity of adjoining the housing development boundary. European Sites as a result of affordable These would be small-scale exceptional sites housing on exception sites. although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 20: Agricultural The policy requires any diversification No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy Diversification allows non-farming uses of proposals to support National Park purposes. hence no in-combination effects are likely. agricultural land. Land uses changes near the When a conflict exists between the purposes, SPA may cause disturbance to qualifying bird the Sandford Principle applies that prioritises interest or cause changes to habitat quality the conservation purpose. through different land management practices. Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment Potential improvements to tourism facilities makes very strong provision for the protection Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 59 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) would be supported by Strategic Policy L: of European Sites when bringing new sites Tourism and Recreation. These may include forward referencing the responsibilities under new buildings, extended car parking, and new the Habitats Regulations. walking or cycling trails. If located within the The focus for tourism is on promoting the SPA they could pose a threat through erosion. understanding and enjoyment of the Special However, it is unlikely that increased Qualities of the National Park. Developments recreational pressure would impinge on the causing disturbance or generating noise or qualifying interests as identified in the light pollution will not be permitted. vulnerability section of the Natura 2000 Data New developments must comply with Strategic Form. Policy A: National Park Purposes and Sustainable Development and Development Policy 1: General Development Principles which seek to protect European designated sites as a priority. General Development Policy 1 also states that development will only be permitted where: it will not have an unacceptable impact through discharges or emissions to air, soil, surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm to the environment by way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light pollution, hazardous materials or waste production. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Tourism the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn Type of Site SAC Size of Site 1062.57ha The site consists of two reserves located on the northern coast of Cardigan Bay and separated by the town of Harlech. The site is a National Nature Reserve characterised mainly by shifting dunes Site Description along the shoreline and areas of salt marsh further inland. Embryonic shifting dunes [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Annex I Habitats that are the primary Dunes with Salix repens ssp. Argentea (Salicion arenariae) [Condition: Unfavourable – declining due to cattle grazing, human disturbance and scrub encroachment] reason for site selection Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (‘white dunes’) [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Humid dune slacks [Condition: Unfavourable – declining due to cattle grazing, human disturbance and scrub encroachment] Annex II Species that are a primary Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsil) has been recorded in dune slacks in the two dune systems at this site; it is most frequent at Morfa Dyffyrn. [Condition: Favourable – maintained] reason for site selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The beaches adjacent to both dune systems are subject to heavy recreational pressure, particularly in the summer months. Access points through the dunes are actively managed to minimise dune Vulnerability destabilisation by visitors. Morfa Dyffryn is especially vulnerable as it is actively mobile and has a limited external sand supply.

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) The Development Strategy Located immediately adjacent to the SAC, No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Harlech is classified as a Service Settlement Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment makes hence no in-combination effects are likely. capable of absorbing developments that serve very strong provision for the protection of Furthermore: a wider area, including small scale affordable European Sites when bringing new sites The Draft Final Wales Coastal Tourism housing, retail and employment sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategy (WAG, 2007) does not contain any 110 houses are proposed across five Service the Habitats Regulations. proposals which could adversely affect this Settlements throughout the plan period. The area. exact number of houses proposed for Harlech The North Cardigan Bay Shoreline is not stipulated. Management Plan (Gwynedd Council, Whilst no housing, employment or retail sites Highways and Engineering Department, Coast would directly affect the SAC, the associated Protection Unit, January 2002) divides the population growth may contribute to increased coast between Dyfi railway bridge and recreational pressure on the SAC causing, for Aberdaron at the tip of the Lleyn Peninsula into example, additional erosion of dune features or 13 management units, with each further access points. However, the levels of growth subdivided according to local topography and proposed are so small, it is not considered to land use. It sets the preferred management be likely to result in a perceptible effect upon option for each sub-unit - Hold the Line, the site. Advance the Line, Retreat or Do Nothing.

• There are no Advance the Line options within the National Park. • Retreat is the chosen option between Aberdyfi golf course and the outskirts of Tywyn and at Llwyngwril. • Hold the Line is selected at built up areas (Aberdyfi, Fairbourne, Barmouth, Tywyn, Llandanwg, Porthmadog), at Rola where the railway line runs close to the coast and on the south side of the Mawddach estuary. • Do Nothing is selected everywhere else.

As such, no adverse effects upon the SAC are predicted. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 61 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies None required No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. be no adverse effects upon the integrity of The consequences of this policy for this European Sites as a result of affordable European Site are discussed under, ‘The housing on exception sites. Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exceptional sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Expansion of neighbouring camping and It is unlikely that these small increases in visitor No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy caravan sites is supported within Development numbers would have a noticeable effect upon hence no in-combination effects are likely. Policy 22: Touring and Camping Sites. the SAC. However, Strategic Policy D would See comments regarding the Coastal Tourism The associated growth in visitor numbers may also need to be considered which makes very Strategy and Shoreline Management Plan contribute to increased recreational pressure strong provision for the protection of European above. on the SAC causing, for example, additional Sites when bringing new sites forward erosion of dune features or access points. referencing the responsibilities under the However, the levels of growth proposed are so Habitats Regulations. small, it is not considered to be likely to result in a perceptible effect upon the site. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SPA predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Mwyngloddiau Fforest Gwydir / Gwydyr Forest Mines Type of Site SAC Size of Site 39.75ha Site Description This site consists of a large number of small habitat units within a largely coniferous forested area between the towns of Betws-y-Coed and Llanrwst. Annex I Habitats that are the primary Calaminarian grasslands of the Violetalia calaminariae [Status: Unfavourable due to encroachment from higher plants, smothering by conifer needles, removal of mine spoil, recreation] reason for site selection Annex II Species present as a qualifying interest but not a primary reason for site Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) [Status: Unfavourable as entrances are unsecured leading to the potential for disturbance from either natural or anthropogenic sources] selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitat and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The component grassland sites are generally unmanaged and are not used recreationally. The SAC will require continued monitoring for purposes such as the assessment of conifer encroachment, Vulnerability as well as an agreement with the site owners to effect positive management.

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) The Development Strategy Located approximately 500m to the south of New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC predicted. Gwydyr Forest lies in the far north-east of the one unit of the SAC, Betws-y-Coed is classified Policy A: National Park Purposes and National Park. as a Service Settlement capable of absorbing Sustainable Development and Development No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and developments that serve a wider area, Policy 1: General Development Principles hence no in-combination effects are likely. including small scale affordable housing, retail which seek to protect European designated

and employment sites. sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also 110 houses are proposed across five Service states that development will only be permitted Settlements throughout the plan period. The where: it will not have an unacceptable impact exact number of houses proposed for Aberdyfi through discharges or emissions to air, soil, is not stipulated. surface and ground water; and, it does not cause significant harm to the environment by No direct land-take within the SAC is proposed way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light and the distance from the site suggests that pollution, hazardous materials or waste indirect impacts upon Calaminarian grasslands production. is very unlikely. Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy also allows makes very strong provision for the protection conversions of rural buildings in the open of European Sites when bringing new sites countryside. This is further supported by forward referencing the responsibilities under Development Policies 7: Listed and Traditional the Habitats Regulations. Buildings and 9: Conversion and Change of Use of Rural Buildings. Locations of buildings Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new are not specified but could viably be within the build housing and conversion to within the SAC and may contain lesser horseshoe bat housing development boundary. roosts. Conversions of these buildings have Development Policy 19: New Employment and the potential to adversely affect these roosts Training Development restricts new and consequently bat populations. employment development to within or adjacent to the main built up area, in existing buildings, expansion of existing buildings or new buildings only where there is no other suitable accommodation in the locality. Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new retail development to within the main built up areas and the scale should be appropriate to its setting. Furthermore, Development Policies 7 and 9 which relate to listed and traditional buildings and conversion of rural buildings would not

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Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) allow such conversions if they were to result in significant adverse effects upon protected species or if significant adverse effects upon the integrity of a European Site were likely. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected hence no in-combination effects are likely. integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & Development Policy 9: Conversion and In addition to the stringent requirements of No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment Change of Use of Rural Buildings supports the Strategic Policy D, Development Policies 7 and hence no in-combination effects are likely. conversion of redundant rural buildings, which 9 would not allow conversions if they were to may be used as roosting sites by lesser result in significant adverse effects upon horseshoe bats. Conversions of these protected species or if significant adverse buildings have the potential to adversely affect effects upon the integrity of a European Site these roosts and consequently bat populations. were likely. Development Policy 7: Listed and Traditional Buildings also allows conversions and changes under exceptional circumstances. Such buildings, if within the SAC may also house lesser horseshoe bat roosts which may be affected by conversions. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. be no adverse effects upon the integrity of The consequences of this policy for this European Sites as a result of affordable European Site are discussed under, ‘The housing on exception sites. Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exception sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural Development Policy 9 supports the conversion See above. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy of rural buildings for employment uses in hence no in-combination effects are likely. certain circumstances. The consequences of this policy for this European Site are discussed above. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 64 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau Type of Site SAC Size of Site 146,023.48ha A large marine area extending from Penrhyn Nefyn on the northern shore of the Lleyn Peninsula to just north of Aberystwyth in mid-Wales. It includes the shores of Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli), the Site Description Sarnau reefs in Cardigan Bay and the Glaslyn-Dwyryd, Mawddach and Dyfi estuaries.

Large shallow inlets and bays Estuaries Annex I Habitats that are the primary Coastal lagoons reason for site selection Reefs Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time

Mud-flats and sand-flats not covered by seawater at low tide Annex II Species that are a primary Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) reason for site selection Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand Submerged or partially submerged sea caves

Annex II Species present as a qualifying Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) interest but not a primary reason for site Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) selection Otter (Lutra lutra) Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. Construction, e.g. of slipways, coastal defence and marinas/harbours could cause disturbance to the estuarine, intertidal mudflat and sandflat, and reef habitats and disrupt physical processes essential for maintenance of these habitats. There is an increasing demand for additional facilities and/or upgrading existing facilities. Certain reef communities are vulnerable to disturbance from specific fishing methods, in particular heavy bottom-fishing gear. The potential impacts of heavy bottom-fishing gear on the subtidal sandbank and shallow inlet and bay habitats will need to be Vulnerability assessed. There is the possibility of future drilling for oil and gas in Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea as well as the possibility of offshore wind power developments – CCW is advising the on potential impacts and possible ways of minimising these. Many of the marine wildlife communities in the SAC are sensitive to oil pollution. The development of oilwells and boat traffic in the Irish Sea present potential pollution sources. The North Wales Standing Environment Group is preparing a regional contingency plan to help coordinate response to try and minimise environmental impacts in the event of a pollution incident.

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) The Development Strategy Strategic Policy C: Spatial Strategy establishes New developments to comply with Strategic No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and a settlement hierarchy to distribute Policy A: National Park Purposes and hence no in-combination effects are likely. development across the National Park. Sustainable Development and Development The Draft Final Wales Coastal Tourism The following settlements are identified for Policy 1: General Development Principles Strategy (WAG 2007) does not contain any development which lie either adjacent to or in which seek to protect European designated proposals which could adversely affect this close proximity to the SAC. sites as a priority. Development Policy 1 also area. states that development will only be permitted Service Settlement (110 houses across five The North Cardigan Bay Shoreline where: it will not have an unacceptable impact settlements) employment development, new or Management Plan (Gwynedd Council, through discharges or emissions to air, soil, improved local facilities and retail development: Highways and Engineering Department, Coast surface and ground water; and, it does not Aberdyfi – adjacent to the SAC. All proposals Protection Unit, January 2002) divides the cause significant harm to the environment by are within or adjacent to existing built-up areas coast between Dyfi railway bridge and way of noise, dust, vibration, odour, light away from the foreshore. Aberdaron at the tip of the Lleyn Peninsula into pollution, hazardous materials or waste 13 management units, with each further Secondary Settlements (380 houses spread production. subdivided according to local topography and across 39 settlements) employment Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment land use. It sets the preferred management development and new or improved local makes very strong provision for the protection option for each sub-unit - Hold the Line, facilities: Llanelltyd (adjacent to SAC) and Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 66 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) Bont-Ddu (within 100m of the SAC). All of European Sites when bringing new sites Advance the Line, Retreat or Do Nothing. proposals are within or adjacent to existing forward referencing the responsibilities under built-up areas away from the foreshore. the Habitats Regulations. • There are no Advance the Line options Smaller Settlements (54 houses spread across Strategic Policy Ng restricts all new build within the National Park. 27 settlements) new or improved local facilities: housing and conversion to within the housing • Retreat is the chosen option between Penmaenpool (adjacent to the SAC). development boundary. Aberdyfi golf course and the outskirts of Tywyn and at Llwyngwril. No direct land-take within the SAC would occur Development Policy 19: New Employment and • Hold the Line is selected at built up areas and the development proposed would not be Training Development restricts new (Aberdyfi, Fairbourne, Barmouth, Tywyn, adjacent to the SAC so it is not considered that employment development to within or adjacent Llandanwg, Porthmadog), at Rola where such development would result in adverse to the main built up area, in existing buildings, the railway line runs close to the coast and effects upon the qualifying interests. expansion of existing buildings or new on the south side of the Mawddach No indirect effects are considered likely. buildings only where there is no other suitable estuary. accommodation in the locality. • Do Nothing is selected everywhere else. Development Policy 23: Retail restricts new retail development to within the main built up As such, no adverse effects upon the SAC are areas and the scale should be appropriate to predicted. its setting.

Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a North Cardigan Bay Shoreline Management Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature Plan reinforces the conservation objectives of integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. the SAC against inappropriate development. of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Strategic Policy E: Climate Change also Regulations and the need for all future requires that coastal and protection works must developments to meet their requirements. have no adverse effects or that they can be satisfactorily mitigated. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies None required No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable Strategic Policy Ng: Housing restricts all new Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities build housing and conversion to within the Exception Sites also states that there should hence no in-combination effects are likely. housing development boundary. be no adverse effects upon the integrity of North Cardigan Bay Shoreline Management The consequences of this policy for this European Sites as a result of affordable Plan reinforces the conservation objectives of European Site are discussed under, ‘The housing on exception sites. the SAC against inappropriate development. Development Strategy’ above. Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites allows affordable housing on exception sites outside but immediately adjoining the housing development boundary. These would be small-scale exceptional sites although they may be close to or adjoining European Sites and could therefore result in adverse effects. Supporting a Sustainable Rural No relevant policies None required No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy hence no in-combination effects are likely. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion No relevant policies None required No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and hence no in-combination effects are likely.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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Site Name Rhinog Type of Site SAC Size of Site 3144.53ha A rugged upland massif, Rhinog is located between Morfa Harlech and Llyn Trawsfynydd. It consists of upland dry heaths on shady slopes and contains some of the best high-quality examples of Site Description old sessile oak woods in the British Isles.

Annex I Habitats that are the primary European dry heaths [Condition: Favourable – maintained] reason for site selection Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea [Condition: Unfavourable – recovering due to poor water quality] Annex I Habitats present as a qualifying Depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion [Condition: Favourable] interest but not a primary reason for site Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix [Condition: Favourable – maintained] selection Blanket bog (Priority feature) [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Alpine and Boreal heaths [Condition: Favourable – maintained] Annex II Species present as a qualifying interest but not a primary reason for site Floating water plantain (Luronium natans) [Condition: Favourable – maintained] selection Conservation Objectives To achieve the Favourable Conservation Status of the above Habitats and Species. Full details are given in Appendix D. The area is popular for walking; however, due to the rough terrain, recreational pressures are largely confined to public rights of way and car parks, with minimal impact upon the special features. The high rainfall and extensive acidic geology/pedology renders this area, especially its watercourses and lakes, vulnerable to acidification. The lichen-rich and bryophyte-rich oceanic heathland is Vulnerability vulnerable to burning and over-grazing. Current general policy is to continue the traditionally low levels of sheep/feral goat grazing and to discourage burning. In the woodland areas, the vegetation requires careful management by manipulation of grazing to achieve appropriate light and humidity levels for the exceptionally rich lichen and bryophyte assemblages while ensuring adequate regeneration of the woodland. These issues are being addressed through the use of agri-environment schemes (Tir Cymen/Tir Gofal) and S15 management agreements.

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) The Development Strategy No settlements listed in the LDP hierarchy are Outside of existing settlements new Dolgellau lies too far to the north for No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and located within or adjacent to the SAC. development must conform to Development development within its boundary to impact hence no in-combination effects are likely. Conversion of rural buildings and the Policy 1: General Development Principles, upon the qualifying interests of the SAC. construction of new housing to serve an which require good access and environmental Any development in or adjacent to the SAC essential need to live in the countryside are safeguards. There are also a series of would not be permitted under Section 3 of the sanctioned under Strategic Policy C: Spatial avoidance measures in Section 3 of the LDP; LDP. ‘Protecting, Enhancing and Managing the Strategy. Localised impacts on the SAC may No effects on the SAC predicted. be possible. Natural Environment’ and the plan is intended to be read as a whole. Protecting, Enhancing & Managing the The policies within this group, and the Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states Positive impacts upon the European site as a Positive impacts on qualifying interests would Natural Environment objectives behind their creation, support the that biodiversity resources will be protected result of measures to support nature be reinforced by the planned and existing integrity of European Sites and the objectives from inappropriate development. There is a conservation within the planning process. management agreements. of nature conservation. specific clause addressing the Habitats Regulations and the need for all future developments to meet their requirements. Protecting & Enhancing the Cultural & No relevant policies. No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Historic Environment hence no in-combination effects are likely. Promoting Healthy & Sustainable No communities are present within the area of No mitigation required. No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Communities the SAC and so there will be no land use hence no in-combination effects are likely. changes that could affect the site. Supporting a Sustainable Rural The promotion of tourism by Strategic Policy L: The focus of Strategic Policy L: Tourism and There would be no effects on the SAC as a No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and Economy Tourism and Recreation may see increases in Recreation is on promoting sustainable tourism consequence of policies in the LDP. hence no in-combination effects are likely. the numbers of people accessing parts of the that enables appreciation of the Special Strategic Policies D: Natural Environment and SAC. Walkers in particular may contribute to Qualities of the National Park. The policy L: Tourism and Recreation provide sufficient Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 68 k:\projects\nh51128-snowdonia-sea\f-reports\002-nh51128-nhr-05-hrascreeningldp.doc

Element of the LDP Issues & Challenges Development and Land-Use Changes and Avoidance and Mitigation Likely Significant Effects (In View of Potential Effects Avoidance and Mitigation) ground compaction, loss of vegetation and specifically excludes developments that protection to the SAC against indirect effects of erosion of vulnerable soils that support the adversely impact upon European Sites. minor development. qualifying interests. Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment would Several campsites adjoin the SAC whose also apply and would eliminate the risk of potential expansion is sanctioned under campsite expansion to the SAC. Development Policy 22: Touring and Camping Sites. Promoting Accessibility & Inclusion The LDP does not stipulate specific transport Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment No effects on the SAC predicted. No effects predicted as a result of the LDP and development proposals and therefore is not makes very strong provision for the protection hence no in-combination effects are likely. specific to effects upon individual European of European Sites when bringing new sites sites. forward referencing the responsibilities under Strategic Policy LI: Accessibility and Transport the Habitats Regulations. states that development will be supported where changes to the road network do not damage or cause adverse effects to environmental designations.

Appropriate Assessment Requirements Appropriate Assessment not required

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5.4 Summary of Key Findings

The assessment exercise highlighted a number of areas of potential concern that could affect the European Sites. However, in each case it has been determined that the avoidance and mitigation provisions within the LDP would be sufficient to eliminate the possibility of significant adverse impacts upon European Sites. The areas of concern are broadly similar to those identified in the Options Screening Report, but have now been addressed during the production of the Deposit Version LDP. The following summarises how this has been achieved.

Overall Level of Development The LDP plans for very modest levels of development, in keeping with National Park status requiring the highest levels of statutory protection. The requirement for new housing development during the plan period has been calculated at approximately 770-830 dwellings (around 51-55 dwellings epr year). No major developments will be permitted in the National Park e.g quarries, large industrial development, large power generating schemes, without a proven national need, and regional growth targets will be mainly accommodated in larger settlements outside the park such as Bangor, Caernarfon and Aberystwyth. The levels of growth and the identified locations for it make impacts upon European Sites unlikely. Furthermore, the LDP has to be read as a whole and Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment states that biodiversity resources will be protected from inappropriate development and it cites the requirements of the Habitats Regulations. Specific mitigation is laso included within those policies where potential risks have been identified.

Housing Growth The provision of more affordable housing is a key aim of the LDP. A settlement hierarchy is established to distribute new housing within existing settlements, and concentrates growth in the two Local Service Centres of Y Bala and Dolgellau where higher level services are already provided. Although small-scale extensions to existing settlements for affordable housing are possible within Development Policy 11: Affordable Housing on Exception Sites, Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment ensures that inappropriate development will be unable to take place on or close to European Sites. Furthermore, Development Policy 11 includes a specific mitigationclause. Collectively, these measures would ensure that significant development that could potentially harm the integrity of European Sites is not possible under the Plan.

Conversion of Rural Buildings As part of the overall aim of accommodating limited growth with minimum impact upon the landscape, Development Policy 9: Conversion and Change of Use of Rural Buildings supports the conversion of existing but redundant rural buildings for housing or employment uses. Such structures may by bats as temporary and permanent roosts, and as the Lesser Horseshoe Bat is a qualifying interest of some of the European Sites, there is the potential for adverse impacts as a result of the change of use. Following recommendations from the SA process, this policy

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has been amended to ensure that there would be no significant adverse imapcts on protected species, as a .result of conversions.

Promotion of Tourism Tourism a key economic activity within the National Park and the LDP supports the growth of sustainable tourist developments. An amendment to Strategic Policy L: Tourism and Recreation specifically requires that designated conservation sites be protected. Indirect impacts of this policy may relate to increasing tourist numbers placing additional strain upon the infrastructure of the National Park, notably roads and footpaths. However, tourist numbers are influenced by a wide range of socio- economic factors and management strategies over which the LDP has no control. However, there is likely to be a role for the National Park Management Plan in helping to control tourist activities in the National Park.

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6 Conclusions and Recommendations

The Snowdonia National Park’s planning framework confers the highest level of statutory protection in the UK. As the planning authority, the SNPA is obliged to have full regard to the intrinsic qualities of the National Park at both the strategic planning and development control levels. The National Park’s biodiversity is one of these qualities and as such, the SNPA is committed to protecting the biodiversity within and around its borders. In addition, the SNPA is required by legislation to protect sites of international significance, of which there are many in the National Park.

The LDP identifies a growth strategy and broad locations and approaches for implementing this growth. Many of the European Sites are located near to existing settlements but the levels of growth are very low and considered to be negligible in terms of potentially affecting any European Sites. Whilst the locations of all developments are unknown and will be dependent upon the submission of individual planning applications, Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment provides clear guidance that the integrity of European Sites will be protected from potentially harmful development.

In the development of the Deposit Version LDP, the SNPA has included provisions to protect European Sites within individual policies. It has also included within Strategic Policy D: Natural Environment, the overarching aim to protect the integrity of European Sites against potentially harmful development. The LDP must be read as a whole, and it is considered that this strong provision will ensure that no significant environmental effects would be likely and that there is no need to undertake an Appropriate Assessment of the LDP.

Furthermore, in addition to considering the impacts of the LDP in isolation, it is necessary to determine whether it would have significant effects in combination with other plans. The Consultation Draft Annex to TAN5 states that if a plan has no effects in isolation then the planning authority can determine that there would be no significant effects in combination with any other plan.

In light of the results of this Screening Report, it can be concluded that the LDP will not have any significant effects upon the integrity of any of the European Sites within the National Park or in adjacent areas, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects and will, therefore, not require Appropriate Assessment.

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Appendix A

Preferred Strategy Options February 2008

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Landscape L1c Continue to develop programmes aimed at improving the current landscape through practical interventions, e.g. Rhaglen Tir Eryri, control of invasive weeds L1e Designate ‘green wedges’ between settlements to avoid coalescence of settlements Biodiversity B1a Pursue targets for individual species in accordance with the Eryri Local Biodiversity Plan. Develop policies and programmes to increase levels of biodiversity significantly through Snowdonia, to reduce the negative impact of invasive weeds and to encourage community involvement in relevant programmes. B1b Give the highest priority to the conservation and enhancement of the characteristic biodiversity of Snowdonia. This gives specific, yet not exclusive protection to habitats and species designated under European legislation and as such affords protection to the integrity of those sites listed within the Natura 2000 network B1c Progress improvements to water, soil and air quality with partner organisations and identify any future changes that may occur through climate change (recognising the vital role of all three elements in reduction and mitigation) Land Management LM 1a Support agricultural and forestry diversification only where this is consistent with National Park purposes, allowing sensitively designed and sited development, and encouraging development which helps to conserve the National Park’s Special Qualities or provides for their understanding or enjoyment Cultural Heritage CH1a Take into account the desirability of conserving the cultural traditions, practices and artefacts of Snowdonia in determining planning applications and formulating programmes. CH1b Treat vernacular barns and other buildings as important features in their own right, and encourage sensitive re-use of redundant traditional farm and other buildings to ensure their conservation. CH1c Preserve the historic environment of Snowdonia and protect it from intrusion or dilution by change and development, primarily because Snowdonia’s cultural heritage is a cornerstone of its identity. CH1d In conserving the historic environment and the landscape of Snowdonia recognise that new innovative high quality design, drawing on traditional or locally sourced materials may be appropriate. CH1e Take a pro-active approach to the conservation of the historic environment of Snowdonia through: Encouraging appreciation of its value and particular

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qualities Strict control of development which may affect it having regard to its quality, rarity and contribution to Snowdonia’s character Promoting programmes and encouraging development which secures its future and complements it. Lobby for additional funding to support the effective application of Conservation Area status and regeneration initiatives founded on cultural heritage Identify and promote sensitive techniques for the adaptation of buildings and settlements to meet contemporary needs

Levels of Growth G1a The apportionment of the Welsh Assembly Government’s North Wales regional household projections proposed an annual dwelling requirement for the Snowdonia National Park of 40 dwellings per year. A total of 600 dwellings will be required over the 15 year plan period. (85 net4) Affordable Housing AH1b Provide an authority wide target based on results form the Local Housing Market Assessment (LHMA). Settlement Strategy

SS1b Re-examine settlement selection based on criteria such as services, facilities, accessibility to public transport, education and population.

Local Service Centres: Local Service Villages Smaller Villages Hamlets

Housing Development Boundary HDB1a Keep the housing development boundaries predominantly the same as those in the Eryri Local Plan. Review after 4 years Housing Development Criteria HC1d Local Service Centres Windfall sites: Open Market allowed within development boundaries. Where evidence of need is shown a proportion of such development shall be Affordable Housing for Local Needs (AHLN). Allocated Strategic Site: Y Bala: Land to be released in phases (see plan 4). A proportion of the development shall be AHLN.

4 Taking into account estimates of 5 year housing land availability at April 2007 – 515 units

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Local Service Villages and Smaller Villages: Where evidence of need is shown AHLN only (mix of intermediate and social rented). Adjoining village boundary: 100% small scale affordable housing for local needs Hamlets: No settlement boundary. Single units for AHLN. 2/ 3 across 15 year plan period HCC 1a Consider the conversion of suitable traditional buildings outside the housing development boundary for residential purposes for AHLN. Include a set of stringent development control criteria. If agricultural workers dwelling is no longer required, dwelling should be changed to AHLN. If holiday accommodation is no longer required unit should be changed to affordable housing for local needs. Housing Size and Type HS1b Restrict the size of all new build AHLN in accordance with a sliding scale for different dwelling types (with e.g. a maximum of 100 square metres for a three bedroomed house) HS1d Negotiate the appropriate mix of dwelling types for new mixed development i.e. intermediate and social rented. Partnership Delivery Options HPD1a Continue to work with neighbouring local housing authorities, housing associations and relevant organisations to help identify local needs and help deliver to meet the needs, including support for the Gwynedd Rural Housing Enabler and the Conwy & Denbighshire RHE. Working in partnership with partners such as Forestry Commission HPD1b Encourage Community Land Trusts and co-operative self-build to address local affordability issues. Community and Language CL1b Prioritise consideration of the language as a material consideration in decision making throughout the National Park. CL1c Focus on positive measures to maintain sustainable Welsh speaking communities by: Providing housing and employment for local people, Ensuring that there is adequate provision of Welsh medium education, Supporting linguistic integration initiatives for incomers.

Economy E1a Support business development consistent with National Park purposes, therefore encouraging: sensitively designed and sited development, development which helps conserve the National Park’s Special Qualities or provides for their understanding or enjoyment,

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retention of existing jobs and premises growth of new jobs through development of existing businesses upskilling

E1b Seek to designate appropriate employment land for commerce only within local service centres (Dolgellau, Y Bala) E1d Seek partner commitment to develop proven mechanisms to support the local economy in the long-term, giving full consideration to the emerging Convergence Funding Programme

Tourism Development TD1a Secure a spatial approach to the development of small scale, sustainable tourism, identifying locations where development might be encouraged and locations where landscape, wildlife or cultural considerations require constraint TD1b Foster small-scale tourism based projects with added value, founded on ‘National Park’ assets and sympathetic to National Park purposes TD1d Encourage relatively large scale high quality developments to locations outside the National Park, where public transport infrastructure is or can be made available, developing strong links to the local economy TD1e Seek to develop appropriately sized, innovative short term and non- permanent accommodation based on the principles of sustainable tourism in selected locations Motorised Sport RA1a Restrict all motorised sports due to their effects on the National Park’s tranquillity and environment

Harnessing Renewable Energy Generation in Buildings Ey2a All buildings are designed to enable retrofitting of integrated renewables or 10% of the development’s energy needs are provided through renewable energy Ey2b All developments over 60m² will required to incorporate renewable energy technologies to provide at least 10% of predicted requirements Ey2d Encourage micro-generation from renewable energy sources, but retain firm control over siting and design to minimise effects on the landscape Coast and Marine CM1a Continue to protect Undeveloped Coastline from inappropriate development

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CM1b Ensure that any development on the coastline is adaptable to, or can mitigate rising sea levels and increase in the frequency of storms CM1c Work with partner organisations to ensure that the coastline is managed in an holistic and sustainable manner through Integrated Coastal Zone Management CM1d Work in partnership with other organisations to improve access to the coastline CM1e Prepare to undertake any additional requirements following the introduction of the Marine Bill, for example the preparation of a Marine Spatial Plan Transport and Communications TC1e Support sympathetic road improvements only where they meet environmental and landscape constraints, contribute significantly to economic and / or safety objectives and include mitigation measures to ensure high quality environmental design

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Appendix B

Assessment of the Preferred Strategy Options February 2008

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Introduction This section constitutes the assessment of whether or not significant effects on any of the European Sites are likely as a result of the LDP Preferred Strategy alone and/or in combination with other plans.

This section is divided into two stages:

Firstly, an initial screening is undertaken to rule out those elements of the strategy that are clearly unlikely to have any form of adverse affect on a European site. Secondly, following on from the initial screening, those remaining elements of the strategy are looked at in more detail. The purpose of this is to establish whether or not these elements are indeed likely to have significant effects on a European site or sites and hence would require Appropriate Assessment.

Initial Screening of the Components of the Preferred Strategy The currently preferred strategy comprises a number of different options within a range of option groups. Many of these options will clearly have no adverse effect upon the European Sites and some may have potential to have an effect. Table AB-1 identifies those options which clearly will have no effect and those which are to be taken forward for further consideration (in Table AB-2) to determine whether or not they may result in likely significant effects.

Option Group Preferred To be considered further? Option Landscape L1c, L1e No The options relate to landscape improvement programmes (including, for example, invasive weed control) and green wedge designation. Both are expected to benefit biodiversity and conform to the principles of European site protection. Biodiversity B1a, B1b, No B1c All aspects of these options are designed to protect and enhance biodiversity. B1b specifically affords the highest levels of protection to European Sites. Land LM1a No management This option is heavily focused upon being consistent with National Park purposes and conserving its Special Qualities. Maintaining the Park’s European Sites is central to these themes.

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Option Group Preferred To be considered further? Option Cultural Heritage CH1a, CH1a and CH1d – No CH1b, CH1b and CH1e - Yes CH1d, On the whole, these options are focussed upon the sensitive CH1e, conservation of the Park’s historic environment. However, elements of CH1b and CH1e relate to sensitive conversions of buildings such as vernacular barns. Such structures may house bats which may be qualifying interests of some European Sites. Levels of Growth G1a Yes This is a low growth option although it proposes 600 dwellings over the next 15 years. Depending upon their location these may affect European Sites. Affordable AH1b No Housing Affordable housing is a sub-set of the other housing options. Whether dwellings are affordable or not will not affect European Sites. Settlement SS1b Yes Strategy The strategy guides locations for development relating to settlements. This relates to G1a and, depending upon the locations for development, these may affect European Sites. Housing HDB1a Yes Development The option retains existing settlement boundaries for four Boundary years, but after that they would be reviewed. Allocated sites may also need to be larger or more numerous to meet housing targets. Depending upon location of these sites, there may be adverse effects on European Sites. Housing HC1d, HC1d and HCC1a - Yes Development HCC1a HC1d allocates a strategic site at Y Bala – River Dee and Llyn Criteria Tegid SAC is within this locality. It may also result in more greenfield land being taken up on the edge of towns and villages which, depending upon location, may affect European Sites. HCC1a relates to conversions of buildings such as vernacular barns. Such structures may house bats which may be qualifying interests of some European Sites. Housing Size and HS1b, No Type HS1d This is a sub-set of other housing options. Individual dwelling size and mix will not affect European Sites. Partnership HPD1a, No Delivery Options HPD1b These delivery options are unlikely to have specific, adverse consequences for European Sites.

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Option Group Preferred To be considered further? Option Community and CL1b, No Language CL1c Promotion of the Welsh language will not affect European Sites. The housing elements of CL1c are covered within the overall housing and growth options. Whether or not they are for local people will not affect European Sites. Economic Options E1a, E1a and E1d – No E1b, E1b – Yes E1d E1a specifically refers to business development that is consistent with National Park purposes, and as such this is assumed to include protection of European Sites. E1d relates to partner commitment and is not likely to result in specific adverse effects. E1b seeks to designate employment land. Depending upon location, these may affect European Sites. Tourism TD1a, TD1a, TD1b and TD1e – No Development TD1b. TD1d – Yes Options TD1d, On the whole, these options relate to sustainable tourism that TD1e respects the environment and National Park purposes. However, TD1d encourages relatively large scale development which, depending upon location, may affect European Sites. Motorised Sport RA1a No The option restricts motorised sport in order to protect the environment. Harnessing Ey2a, No renewable energy Ey2b, Energy generation devices will only relate to existing dwellings generation in Ey2d or those already covered within the housing options. As buildings devices are expected to be small scale, they are unlikely to have adverse effects on European Sites. Coast and marine CM1a, CM1a, CM1b, CM1c and CM1e – No CM1b, CM1d - Yes CM1c, On the whole, these options relate to protecting undeveloped CM1d, coastline from inappropriate development. However, CM1d CM1e promotes access to the coastline which has the potential to put pressure on coastal European Sites. Transport and TC1e No Communications The option specifically refers to only supporting road improvements where environmental constraints are met.

Table AB-1 Initial Screening of Options

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Assessing the Likelihood of Significant Effects This second stage of the screening looks at those options that are deemed to have some potential to affect European Sites and determines whether or not there is a likelihood of significant effects occurring which would require Appropriate Assessment. Note that it is considered that options G1a, SS1b, HDB1a and HC1d should be considered together as they each relate to the size and distribution of new housing with respect to settlements. Option HCC1a relates to housing outside new settlements and consequently may have different effects upon European Sites.

This process is reported in Table AB-2.

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Elements of European Sites Which Could be Reason for Concern Are Potential Effects Considered Likely to Is Appropriate Preferred Affected be Significant and Why? Assessment Strategy that Required? are of Potential Concern CH1b Meirionydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites CH1b encourages sensitive re-use of Options CH1b and CH1e promote sensitive No CH1e SAC redundant traditional and other buildings. re-use and adaptation which can be Glynllifon SAC There is concern that where these re- interpreted as meaning sensitive to developments may occur either in or near to ecological features as well as heritage Gwydyr Forest Mines SAC these SACs, this may damage or disturb the features. roosts of lesser horseshoe bats Rhinolophus Furthermore, the strategy must be read as a hipposideros which may exist in the whole and it is considered that the provisions buildings. Lesser horseshoe bats are of option B1b provide sufficient overarching qualifying interests of each of these SACs protection to all European Sites to ensure and therefore adversely affecting roosts that other elements of the strategy which could conflict with objectives for Favourable may have some potential to adversely affect Conservation Status. the integrity of a European site would not be CH1e includes for the identification and allowed if a risk was shown to exist on a promotion of sensitive techniques for the case-by-case basis. adaptation of buildings to meet contemporary It is recommended that a policy is written needs. The same concerns surround this as in the deposit LDP to reaffirm this with CH1b. principle. G1a A number of European Sites are These options provide for the development The level of new housing growth in No SS1b located in close proximity to some of of 40 new dwellings per year over 15 years. Snowdonia is proposed to be very low with the settlements identified within the New dwellings are likely to be developed many new dwellings likely to be developed in HDB1a settlement categories. These are largely in existing settlements and are guided existing settlements as guided by the HC1d detailed for each settlement in Table by the Settlement Strategy (SS1b), Housing Settlement Strategy, Housing Development 5-3. The European Sites include: Development Boundary option (HDB1a) and Boundary option and Housing Development Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites Housing Development Criteria (HC1d). Criteria (see Table 5-3). SAC These propose that the settlement hierarchy It is anticipated that the levels of growth Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains is as presented in Table 5-3. Settlements in would be negligible in terms of physical

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Elements of European Sites Which Could be Reason for Concern Are Potential Effects Considered Likely to Is Appropriate Preferred Affected be Significant and Why? Assessment Strategy that Required? are of Potential Concern SAC each tier are located adjacent to the disturbance, toxic contamination and non- Berwyn SPA European Sites in the adjacent column. physical disturbance to qualifying interests in the European Sites. Llyn Tegid and River Dee SAC The Housing Development Boundary option proposes that current housing development It is also anticipated that the quantities of Snowdonia SAC boundaries will remain the same for four water abstraction from surface and Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC years after which they will be reviewed. groundwater sources that are either River Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC Allocated sites may also need to be larger or designated European Sites themselves or Coedydd Aber SAC more numerous to meet housing targets. are hydraulically linked to European Sites Afon Eden, Cors Goch – Trawsfynydd Depending upon location, these may affect would be negligible with this growth scenario. any of these European Sites. Most towns/villages get their supply from SAC small, local reservoirs – with small scale Menai Straight and Conwy Bay SAC The Housing Development Criteria allocates a strategic site at Y Bala – Llyn Tegid and associated treatment works. Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn SAC River Dee SAC and Ramsar site are within Housing development boundaries will be Afon Eden, Cors Goch – Trawsfynydd this locality. Option HC1d may also result in reviewed after four years under option SAC more greenfield land being taken up on the HDB1a and HC1d may result in the edges of Dyfi Estuary SPA edge of towns and villages which, depending settlements being redefined. It is not Cors Fochno & Dyfi Ramsar site upon location, may affect any of these considered that the review or re-definitions European Sites. would affect European Sites, as changes are Llyn Tegid and River Dee SAC There is concern that if inappropriately likely to be very small and localised and, in Llyn Tegid Ramsar site developed, new dwellings may be line with option B1b and the SNPA’s constructed in a way that could damage the obligations, they would not be allowed to integrity of any of the European Sites, result in adverse impacts upon any potentially in the following ways: European Sites. New housing development would increase The strategy must be read as a whole and the local population and could result in the provisions of option B1b provide increased recreational activity which could sufficient overarching protection to all have direct physical impacts on the European Sites to ensure that any new qualifying interests of the European Sites dwellings or settlement boundary changes

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Elements of European Sites Which Could be Reason for Concern Are Potential Effects Considered Likely to Is Appropriate Preferred Affected be Significant and Why? Assessment Strategy that Required? are of Potential Concern through abrasion and compaction. would not be allowed where they would put Accidental spillages during the construction the integrity of a European site at risk. process could cause toxic contamination to The same overarching protection applies qualifying habitats and species. These with respect to option HC1d where a new developments could also place increasing strategic housing development is proposed pressure on water treatment works and there at Y Bala, adjacent to the Llyn Tegid and may be changes to domestic effluent outfalls River Dee SAC, and the Llyn Tegid Ramsar which could reach habitats within the site. It is considered that the increased levels European Sites. of water abstraction and human activity as a There may also be increased requirement for result of these 40 dwellings would have a ground and surface water abstractions negligible impact upon the qualifying habitats which could directly or indirectly affect and species within the river and lake which European Sites. are located some 300m away. Non-physical disturbance to qualifying It is recommended that policies are species could increase as a result of noise written in the Deposit LDP which affirm and light pollution. that no housing development would be allowed in locations that would lead to adverse effects on European Sites. HCC1a Meirionydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites HCC1a promotes the consideration of If inappropriately developed, these rural No SAC converting suitable traditional buildings for conversions may have potential to adversely Glynllifon SAC residential purposes outside the affect a European site. However, the strategy development boundary. must be read as a whole and it is considered Gwydyr Forest Mines SAC There is concern that where these re- that the provisions of option B1b provide developments may occur either in or near to sufficient overarching protection to all these SACs, this may damage or disturb the European Sites to ensure that conversion of roosts of lesser horseshoe bats Rhinolophus traditional buildings would not be allowed if a hipposideros which may exist in the risk was shown to exist to the integrity of a buildings. Lesser horseshoe bats are European Site on a case-by-case basis.

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Elements of European Sites Which Could be Reason for Concern Are Potential Effects Considered Likely to Is Appropriate Preferred Affected be Significant and Why? Assessment Strategy that Required? are of Potential Concern qualifying interests of each of these SACs It is recommended that policies are and therefore adversely affecting roosts written in the Deposit LDP which affirm could conflict with objectives for Favourable that no housing conversions would be Conservation Status. allowed in locations that would lead to adverse effects on European Sites. E1b Llyn Tegid and River Dee SAC The option seeks to designate appropriate The scale of employment land creation is not No Llyn Tegid Ramsar site employment land for commerce only within Y considered to be significant enough to result Bala and Dolgellau. Employment in any adverse effects on the European Meirionydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites opportunities may exist at Llanbedr airfield. Sites. The types of employment activities are SAC The principle concerns here relate to: also considered to be low impact commercial Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn SAC accidental/construction spillages, effluent developments and not industrial. outfalls leading to watercourse pollution and Furthermore, brownfield sites will be construction activity causing toxic favoured and so direct land take in European contamination of protected habitats and Sites will not be allowed. species. The provisions of option B1b are overarching Non physical disturbance to habitats and and comprehensive. It will provide sufficient species caused by noise (including during protection to all European Sites to ensure construction) which could adversely affect that commercial land will not be allocated if qualifying fauna associated with the there is a risk of an adverse impact on the European Sites. integrity of a European site. It is recommended that policies are written in the Deposit LDP which affirm that no commercial development would be allowed in locations that would lead to adverse effects on European Sites. TD1d Potentially any or all European Sites The option promotes relatively large scale If inappropriately developed, these tourism No located outside but near to, or near tourism developments outside the National sites may have potential to adversely affect a

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Elements of European Sites Which Could be Reason for Concern Are Potential Effects Considered Likely to Is Appropriate Preferred Affected be Significant and Why? Assessment Strategy that Required? are of Potential Concern the internal borders of the National Park where infrastructure linkages can be European site. However, the strategy must Park. These include: made to the local Snowdonia economy. be read as a whole and it is considered that Llyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC The concern is that generic tourism projects the provisions of option B1b provide sufficient overarching protection to all Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites could have a variety of impacts upon the European Sites to ensure that other SAC qualifying interests of any of the European Sites. As the locations of the projects are not elements of the strategy which may have Coedydd Aber SAC known, these impacts could potentially affect some potential to adversely affect the Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains any aspect of any of the European Sites. In integrity of a European site would not be SAC & Berwyn SPA general terms, these impacts could include: allowed if a risk was shown to exist on a case-by-case basis. River Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC Increased recreational activity within the Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC &SPA European Sites which could have direct It is recommended that policies are River Dee and Llyn Tegid SAC physical impacts through abrasion and written in the Deposit LDP which affirm compaction. that no tourism development would be Snowdonia SAC allowed in locations that would lead to Effluent/contaminated runoff from such Corsydd Eifionydd SAC adverse effects on European Sites. facilities could cause toxic contamination to Glynllifon SAC habitats and species within the European Gwydyr Forest Mines SAC Sites. Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC Non physical disturbance to habitats and Traeth Lafan / Lavan Sands, Conwy species caused by noise (including during Bay SPA construction) which could adversely affect Llyn Tegid Ramsar site qualifying interests. Cors Fochno & Dyfi Ramsar site CM1d Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC This option aims to improve access to the This option is too broad to be able to say that No Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC coastline and there are concerns over the adverse impacts would occur as a result of potential impacts that may be caused by coastal erosion. The European Site most Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn SAC increased recreational pressure on coastal likely to be affected by any coastal access Dyfi Estuary SPA European Sites. improvements would be Morfa Harlech and

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Elements of European Sites Which Could be Reason for Concern Are Potential Effects Considered Likely to Is Appropriate Preferred Affected be Significant and Why? Assessment Strategy that Required? are of Potential Concern Increased recreational activity within the Morfa Dyffryn as it is designated primarily for European Sites which could have direct its unique dune formations that could viably physical impacts through abrasion and be affected by improved access. However, compaction. the provisions of option B1b would ensure that access to coastal European Sites would not be allowed if there was a risk that it may result in adverse impacts on a site’s integrity. It is recommended that policies are written in the Deposit LDP which affirm that no coastal access schemes would be allowed in locations that would pose a risk to European Sites.

Table AB-2 Detailed consideration of whether elements of the Preferred Strategy are likely to result in significant effects

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Appendix C

European Sites located near to or adjacent to Settlements

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Settlement Type of Settlement European Sites Near or Adjacent to Hierarchy Development Settlement Proposed in LDP

Local Service Open market housing & Dolgellau Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion Centres affordable housing for SAC local needs. Land allocated for new or existing employment opportunities. Y Bala Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid SAC Improve existing and Llyn Tegid Ramsar provide new community and visitor facilities. Retail development in close proximity to town centres.

Service Small scale affordable Aberdyfi Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC Settlements housing for local needs. Cors Fochno & Dyfi Ramsar Small scale Aber Dyfi SPA employment development. Betws y Coed Mwyngloddiau Fforest Gwydir SAC Improve existing and Harlech Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn SAC provide new community Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion and visitor facilities. SAC Retail development Llanberis - within established centres of Aberdyfi, Trawsfynydd Afon Eden, Cors Goch – Trawsfynydd SAC Harlech & Betws-y- Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC / SPA Coed.

Secondary Small scale affordable Abergwyngregyn Coedydd Aber SAC Settlements housing for local needs. Abergynolwyn - Small scale employment Beddgelert Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion development. SAC Improve existing and Bontddu Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC provide new community Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion facilities to serve SAC residents and rural hinterland. Brithdir Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Bryncrug -

Capel Garmon -

Dinas Mawddwy -

Dolgarrog -

Dolwyddelan -

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Settlement Type of Settlement European Sites Near or Adjacent to Hierarchy Development Settlement Proposed in LDP

Dwygyfylchi Y Fenai a Bae Conwy SAC

Dyffryn Ardudwy & - Coed Ystumgwern

Friog Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Frongoch Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid SAC

Ganllwyd Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC Afon Eden, Cors Goch – Trawsfynydd SAC

Garndolbenmaen -

Garreg & - Llanfrothen

Gelliydan -

Llan Ffestiniog Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Llanbedr Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Llanegryn -

Llanelltyd Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC Afon Eden, Cors Goch – Trawsfynydd SAC

Llanfachreth -

Llanfair Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn SAC

Llanuwchllyn -

Llwyngwril Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC

Maentwrog Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Nantlle -

Parc -

Penmachno

Pennal -

Rhydymain Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Rowen -

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Settlement Type of Settlement European Sites Near or Adjacent to Hierarchy Development Settlement Proposed in LDP

Tal y Bont Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Talsarnau Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Trefriw -

Ysbyty Ifan -

Smaller Single units of Aberangell - Settlements affordable housing for Arthog Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC local needs – 2/3 across 15 year plan period. Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC Improve existing and provide new community Betws Garmon Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC facilities for residents. Capel Curig Eryri SAC

Capelulo -

Croesor -

Cwm Penmachno -

Cwrt -

Llanbedr y Cennin -

Llandanwg Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC

Llandecwyn Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC

Llangywer Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid SAC Llyn Tegid Ramsar

Llanllechid -

Llanymawddwy Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd SAC Berwyn SPA

Mallwyd -

Nant Gwynant Eryri SAC Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Nant Peris Eryri SAC

Nantmor Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Nebo -

Penmaen-pŵl Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC

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Settlement Type of Settlement European Sites Near or Adjacent to Hierarchy Development Settlement Proposed in LDP

Penmorfa -

Prenteg Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion SAC

Rhoslefain -

Rhosygwaliau -

Rhyd -

Rhyd ddu Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC

Rhyd Uchaf -

Ynys Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau SAC

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Appendix D

Conservation Objectives of the European Sites

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Introduction Conservation Objectives of European Sites consist of two inter-related components:

A Vision for the feature concerned which outlines in broad terms the condition of the feature and its environment that enables it to be considered in Favourable Conservation Status. A set of Performance Indicators by which progress towards the Vision will be judged. For the purposes of the HRA Screening Report, the Vision component is deemed sufficient to form an assessment of likely significant effects. The sensitivity of the feature to disturbance is apparent from the Vision, whereas the Performance Indicators drop into a level of detail that is not required for the purposes of this assessment. The Vision parts of the Conservation Objectives for each European Site are presented in the following tables. These have been obtained from the current Core Management Plan for each site which is separately referenced at the end of each table. It should be noted that references and figures referred to in the following tables can be obtained from the source documents i.e the Core Management Plan for each site.

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Aber Dyfi / Dyfi Estuary SPA Qualifying Vision interest Greenland white-fronted The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, goose (Anser albifrons where all of the following conditions are satisfied: flavirostris) 1. The Dyfi wintering population attains national importance level (i.e.1% of the national (UK) population), annually. 2. Winter mortality levels are <1% annually. 3. Juvenile/ sub-adult birds comprise > 5% of the wintering population annually. 4. All site-specific factors affecting the achievement of these conditions (eg. avoidable disturbance), are under control

Reference Lovering, T. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Dyfi Estuary / Aber Dyfi SPA. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid / River Dee and Bala Lake SAC Qualifying Vision interest Water Course The vision for the water course is for it to be in Favourable Conservation Status, (While not a feature in its where all of the following conditions are satisfied: own right the ecological 1. The ecological status of the water environment should be sufficient to status of the water maintain a stable or increasing population of each feature. This will include course is a major factor elements of water quantity and quality, physical habitat and community in determining FCS for composition and structure (It is anticipated that these limits will concur with the all of the site features) relevant standards used by the Review of Consents process). 2. There will be no deterioration in water quality other than that temporarily generated by natural variations in water flow or by man made variations occurring as a result of operating the River Dee flow control regime within its normal operating parameters. 3. The Dee flow regime should remain within 10% of ‘recent actual flow’ as described by Bethune (2006). 4. The river plan-form and profile should be predominantly unmodified. Physical modifications having an adverse effect on the integrity of the SAC will be avoided. 5. Artificial factors impacting on the capability of each feature to occupy the full extent of its potential range should be modified where necessary to allow passage, eg. weirs, bridge sills, or other forms of barrier. 6. Natural limiting factors such as waterfalls, which may limit the natural range of a feature or its dispersal between naturally isolated populations, should not be modified. 7. Flow objectives for assessment points in the Dee Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy will be agreed between EA and CCW as necessary. 8. Levels for nutrients, in particular phosphate, will be agreed between EA and CCW for each Water Framework Directive water body in the River Dee and Bala Lake SAC, and measures taken to maintain nutrients below these levels (It is anticipated that these limits will concur with the standards used by the Review of Consents process). 9. The levels of water quality parameters, in addition to those deemed to be nutrients and including levels of suspended solids, that may affect the distribution and abundance of SAC features will be agreed between EA and CCW for each Water Framework Directive water body in the River Dee and Bala Lake SAC, and measures taken to maintain them below these levels (It is anticipated that these limits will concur with the standards used by the Review of Consents process). 10. Potential sources of pollution, nutrient enrichment and/or suspended solids that have not been addressed in the Review of Consents such as, but not confined to, diffuse pollution or disturbance to sediments, will be considered in assessing plans and projects.

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Water courses of plain to The vision for this feature is for it to be in a Favourable Conservation Status, montane levels with where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Ranunculion fluitantis 1. The conservation objective for the water course must be met and Callitricho- 2. The extent of this feature within its potential range in this SAC should be Batrachion vegetation stable or increasing 3. The extent of the sub-communities that are represented within this feature should be stable or increasing. 4. The conservation status of the feature’s typical species should be favourable. 5. All known, controllable factors, affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control (many factors may be unknown or beyond human control). Atlantic salmon (Salmo The vision for this feature is for it to be in a Favourable Conservation Status, salar) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The parameters defined in the vision for the water course must be met 2. The SAC feature populations will be stable or increasing over the long term. 3. The natural range of the features in the SAC is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. 4. There will be no reduction in the area or quality of habitat for the feature populations in the SAC on a long-term basis 5. All known, controllable factors, affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control (many factors may be unknown or beyond human control). Floating water plantain The conservation objective for the lake water body (see conservation objectives (Luronium natans) for Llyn Tegid Ramsar) must be met. The vision for this feature is for it be in Favourable Conservation Status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. There will be no contraction of the current L. natans extent and distribution, and the populations will be viable throughout their current distribution & will be able to maintain themselves on a long-term basis. Each L. natans population must be able to complete sexual and/or vegetative reproduction successfully. 2. The lake will have sufficient habitat to support existing L. natans populations within their current distribution and for future expansion. 3. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Sea lamprey The vision for this feature is for it to be in a Favourable Conservation Status, (Petromyzon marinus) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Brook lamprey 1. The parameters defined in the vision for the water course must be met (Lampetra planeri) 2. The SAC feature populations will be stable or increasing over the long term. River lamprey 3. The natural range of the features in the SAC is neither being reduced nor is (Lampetra fluviatilis) likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. 4. There will be no reduction in the area or quality of habitat for the feature populations in the SAC on a long-term basis 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Bullhead (Cottus gobio) The vision for this feature is for it to be in a Favourable Conservation Status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The parameters defined in the vision for the water must be met 2. The SAC feature populations will be stable or increasing over the long term. 3. The natural range of the features in the SAC is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. 4. There will be no reduction in the area or quality of habitat for the feature

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populations in the SAC on a long-term basis 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control European otter (Lutra The vision for this feature is for it to be in a Favourable Conservation Status, lutra) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The parameters defined in the vision for the water course must be met. 2. The SAC otter population is stable or increasing over the long term, both within the SAC and within its catchment. 3. There will be no loss of otter breeding or resting sites other than by natural means (such as naturally occurring river processes) within the SAC or its catchment. 4. There number of potential resting sites within the SAC will not be a factor limiting that limits the otter population’s size or extent 5. There should be no reduction of fish biomass within the SAC or its tributaries except for that attributable to natural fluctuations 6. There should be no loss of amphibian habitat likely to provide a source of prey for members of the SAC otter population. 7. The potential range of otters in the within the SAC or its catchment is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. 8. All known or potential access or dispersal routes within the catchment for otters that might be considered part of the SAC population should be maintained such that their function is not impaired including the incorporation of measures or features required to avoid disturbance. 9. Off site habitats likely to function as ‘stepping stones’ within the catchment for members of the SAC otter population will be maintained for migration, dispersal, foraging and genetic exchange purposes. 10. All man-made structures within or likely to be used by otters from the SAC population must incorporate effective measures to facilitate the safe movement and dispersal of otters. All known, controllable factors, affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control (many factors may be unknown or beyond human control).

Reference

Hatcher, D. and Garrett, H. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for River Dee and Bala Lake/Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Afon Eden, Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC Qualifying Vision interest Water Course The ecological status of the water course is a major determinant in the capacity (While not a feature in its for the habitats in the SAC to support each feature at near-natural population levels, as determined by natural ecological and hydromorphological processes own right the ecological and characteristics. Flow regime, water quality, quantity and physical habitat status of the water should be maintained or restored as far as possible to a near-natural state in course is a major factor order to support the coherence of the ecosystem structure and function. in determining FCS for Favourable conservation status (FCS) is determined in part by the capacity of the all of the site features) water course to support the species for which it is considered special, so the relevant SAC features must be in FCS for the water course feature to be in FCS. FCS can be maintained or restored to favourable conservation status when all the following conditions for the water course are satisfied: 1. Water flows and water quantity shall be sufficient to support the SAC features. This shall include: • During the migration periods of each migratory fish species that their passage upstream to spawning sites is not hindered by abstraction discharges, engineering or gravel extraction activities or other impacts. • Water quantity and flows at pearl mussel beds, fish spawning sites and nursery areas will not be depleted by abstraction, discharges, engineering or gravel extraction activities or other impacts to the extent that these sites are damaged or destroyed. 2. Water quality shall be sufficient to support the SAC features. This shall include: • Levels of nutrients, in particular orthophosphate, will be agreed between EA and CCW for the Water Framework Directive water body in the Afon Eden – Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC, and measures taken to maintain nutrients below these levels. • Levels of suspended solids will be agreed between EA and CCW for the Water Framework Directive water body in the Afon Eden – Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC. Measures including, but not limited to, the control of suspended sediment generated by agriculture, forestry and engineering works, will be taken to maintain suspended solids below these levels. 3. The physical habitat and substrate quantity shall be maintained. All known breeding, spawning and nursery sites of species features should be maintained as suitable habitat except where natural processes cause them to change. Artificial factors impacting on the capability of each species feature to occupy the full extent of its natural range should be modified where necessary to allow passage, eg. leats, bridge sills etc. Floating water-plantain The vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where (Luronium natans) all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The L. natans populations will be viable throughout their current extent in the Afon Eden & will be able to maintain themselves on a long-term basis. There will be no contraction of the current L. natans distribution in the Afon Eden and each L. natans population must be able to disperse and complete sexual and/or vegetative reproduction successfully. 2. The river will have sufficient habitat to support existing L. natans populations within their current distribution and future expansion. 3. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Freshwater pearl mussel The vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where (Margaritifera

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Afon Eden, Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC Qualifying Vision interest margaritifera) all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The freshwater pearl mussel population must be viable throughout its distribution in the river and maintaining itself on a long-term basis. 2. There will be no contraction of the number, age range, distribution or size of mussel beds found within the population. 3. Within the distribution of these beds there will be sufficient habitat to support a viable population. 4. The transference of pearl mussel glochidia (larvae) is facilitated by an abundant and self-sustaining Atlantic salmon population. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo The vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where salar) all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The Atlantic salmon population must be viable throughout its distribution in the river and maintaining itself on a long-term basis. 2. There will be no contraction of the number or age range of the salmon population. 3. There will be sufficient habitat to support a viable population. 4. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Otter (Lutra lutra) The vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The population of otters in the SAC is stable or increasing over the long term and reflects the natural carrying capacity of the habitat within the SAC, as determined by natural levels of prey abundance and associated territorial behaviour. 2. The natural range of otters in the SAC is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. The natural range is taken to mean those reaches that are potentially suitable to form part of a breeding territory and/or provide routes between breeding territories. A number of potential and breeding sites have been identified (Lyles, 2006 – refer to the Management Plan for this reference) in the upper reaches of the Afon Eden. The size of breeding territories may vary depending on prey abundance. 3. The population size should not be limited by the availability of suitable undisturbed breeding sites. Where these are insufficient they should be created through habitat enhancement and where necessary the provision of artificial holts. No otter breeding site is subject to a level of disturbance that could have an adverse effect on breeding success. Where necessary, potentially harmful levels of disturbance are managed. Survey information shows that otters are widely distributed in the Mawddach catchment. 4. The safe movement and dispersal of individuals around the SAC is facilitated by the provision, where necessary, of suitable riparian habitat, and underpasses, ledges, fencing etc at road bridges and other artificial barriers. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Reference

Garrett, H. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Afon Eden and Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Afon Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC Qualifying Vision interest Water Course 1. The capacity of the habitats in the SAC to support each feature at near- natural population levels, as determined by predominantly unmodified ecological (While not a feature in and hydromorphological processes and characteristics, should be maintained as its own right the far as possible, or restored where necessary. ecological status of the 2. The ecological status of the water environment should be sufficient to water course is a major maintain a stable or increasing population of each feature. This will include factor in determining elements of water quantity and quality, physical habitat and community FCS for all of the site composition and structure. It is anticipated that these limits will concur with the relevant standards agreed between CCW and the Environment Agency through features) the Review of Consents process. 3. Flow regime, water quality and physical habitat should be maintained in, or restored as far as possible to, a near-natural state, in order to support the coherence of ecosystem structure and function across the whole area of the SAC. 4. All known breeding, spawning and nursery sites of species features should be maintained as suitable habitat as far as possible, except where natural processes cause them to change. 5. Flows, water quality, substrate quality and quantity at fish spawning sites and nursery areas will not be depleted by abstraction, discharges, engineering or gravel extraction activities or other impacts to the extent that these sites are damaged or destroyed. 6. The river plan-form and profile should be predominantly unmodified. Physical modifications having an adverse effect on the integrity of the SAC, including, but not limited to, revetments on active alluvial river banks using stone, concrete or waste materials, unsustainable extraction of gravel, addition or release of excessive quantities of fine sediment, will be avoided. 7. River habitat SSSI features should be in favourable condition. 8. Artificial factors impacting on the capability of each species feature to occupy the full extent of its natural range should be modified where necessary to allow passage, e.g. weirs, bridge sills, acoustic barriers. 9. Natural factors such as waterfalls, which may limit the natural range of a species feature or dispersal between naturally isolated populations, should not be modified. 10. Flows during the normal migration periods of each migratory fish species feature will not be depleted by abstraction to the extent that passage upstream to spawning sites is hindered. 11. Levels of nutrients, in particular phosphate, will be agreed between the EA and CCW in the Water Framework Directive water body in the Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC, and measures taken to maintain nutrients below these levels. It is anticipated that these limits will concur with the standards to be agreed between CCW and Environment Agency Wales used by the Review of Consents process. 12. Levels of water quality parameters that are known to affect the distribution and abundance of SAC features will be agreed between EA and CCW for the Water Framework Directive water body in the Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC and measures taken to maintain pollution below these levels. It is anticipated that these limits will concur with the standards to be agreed between CCW and Environment Agency Wales used by the Review of Consents process. 13. Potential sources of pollution not addressed in the Review of Consents, such as contaminated land, forestry operations and improvement of riparian habitat, will be considered in assessing plans and projects. 14. Levels of suspended solids will be agreed between EA and CCW for the Water Framework Directive water body in the Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC. Measures including, but not limited to, the control of suspended sediment

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Afon Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC Qualifying Vision interest generated by agriculture, forestry and engineering works, will be taken to maintain suspended solids below these levels.

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Afon Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC Qualifying Vision interest Oligotrophic to 1. Water quality of the lake is within parameters which are suitable to support mesotrophic standing the characteristic flora and fauna. waters with vegetation 2. The lake shows a characteristic vegetation zonation from the shore to the of the Littorelletea deeper water. uniflorae and /or of the 3. The lake has a macrophyte flora which includes many of the characteristic Isoteo-Nanojuncetea species including Littorella uniflora, Lobelia dortmanna, Isoetes lacustris, Luronium natans and Subularia aquatica, together with a diverse range of associates including Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Callitriche hamulata, Nitella flexilis and Potamogeton berchtoldii. 4. Nitella gracilis and Luronium natans to be present as characteristic plants. Water courses of plain 1. The conservation objective for the water course as defined in 4.1 of the to montane levels with Core Management Plan must be met. the Ranunculion 2. The extent of this feature within its potential range in this SAC should be fluitantis and Callitricho- stable or increasing. Batrachion vegetation 3. The extent of the sub-communities that are represented within this feature should be stable or increasing. 4. The conservation status of the feature’s typical species should be favourable. 5. All known, controllable factors, affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control (many factors may be unknown or beyond human control). Atlantic salmon Salmo The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where salar all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The conservation objective for the water course as defined in 4.1 above must be met 2. The population of the feature in the SAC is stable or increasing over the long term. 3. The natural range of the feature in the SAC is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. The natural range is taken to mean those reaches where predominantly suitable habitat for each life stage exists over the long term. Suitable habitat is defined in terms of near-natural hydrological and geomorphological processes and forms e.g. suitable flows to allow upstream migration, depth of water and substrate type at spawning sites, and ecosystem structure and functions. Suitable habitat need not be present throughout the SAC but where present must be secured for the foreseeable future. Natural factors such as waterfalls may limit the natural range of individual species. Existing artificial influences on natural range that cause an adverse effect on site integrity, such as physical barriers to migration, will be assessed. 4. The Gwyrfai will continue to be a sufficiently large habitat to maintain the feature’s population in the SAC on a long-term basis. Floating water-plantain The vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where Luronium natans all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The conservation objective for the water course as defined in 4.1 above must be met. 2. Llyn Cwellyn will continue to support a peripheral floating water-plantain assemblage, as well as a deeper water assemblage, with a characteristic zonation of vegetation from the shore at two areas of the lake. 3. Floating water-plantain will continue to flourish in the Afon Gwyrfai and will continue to occur in every selected section 4. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. European otter Lutra The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where lutra all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The population of otters in the SAC is stable or increasing over the long

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Afon Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC Qualifying Vision interest term and reflects the natural carrying capacity of the habitat within the SAC, as determined by natural levels of prey abundance and associated territorial behaviour. 2. The natural range of otters in the SAC is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. The natural range is taken to mean those reaches that are potentially suitable to form part of a breeding territory and/or provide routes between breeding territories. The size of breeding territories may vary depending on prey abundance. 3. The population size should not be limited by the availability of suitable undisturbed breeding sites. Where these are insufficient they should be created through habitat enhancement and where necessary the provision of artificial holts. No otter breeding site is subject to a level of disturbance that could have an adverse effect on breeding success. Where necessary, potentially harmful levels of disturbance are managed. 4. The safe movement and dispersal of individuals around the SAC is facilitated by the provision, where necessary, of suitable riparian habitat, and underpasses, ledges, fencing etc at road bridges and other artificial barriers. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

Reference Anon (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Berwyn SPA Qualifying Vision interest Hen harrier (Circus The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, cyaneus) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The size of the population must be maintained at eleven breeding pairs or increased beyond this. 2. There will be sufficient appropriate habitat to support the population in the long-term including patches of tall heather available for nesting and roosting, areas grasslands, bracken of low trees/scrub for feeding with an adequate supply of prey species in the form of small birds and small mammals to maintain successful breeding. 3. Distribution of species within site is maintained. 4. Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species is maintained. 5. Developments should not be permitted where they can be shown to have likely adverse impacts upon hen harrier. 6. Populations of legally controllable predator species, such as foxes and carrion crows, will not pose a threat to ground nesting birds. 7. Hunting territories will be managed by controlled grazing to improve structural diversity within the grasslands. This will increase seed production and maximise prey availability e.g. small passerines. 8. There will be no disturbance of any nest location. 9. Illegal human persecution of protected bird species should not occur. 10. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control Merlin (Falco The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, columbarius) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The size of the population must be maintained at 13 breeding pairs or increased beyond this. 2. There will be sufficient appropriate habitat to support the population in the long-term including patches of tall heather available for nesting and roosting, areas grasslands, bracken of low trees/scrub for feeding with an adequate supply of prey species in the form of small birds and small mammals to maintain successful breeding. 3. Distribution of species within site is maintained. 4. Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species is maintained. 5. Developments should not be permitted where they can be shown to have likely adverse impacts upon merlin. 6. Populations of legally controllable predator species, such as foxes and carrion crows, should not pose a threat to ground nesting birds. 7. Adjoining hunting territories will be managed by controlled grazing to improve structural diversity within the grasslands. This will increase seed production and maximise prey availability e.g. small passerines. 8. There will be no disturbance of any nest location. 9. Illegal human persecution of protected bird species should not occur. 10. All factors affecting the achievement of theses conditions are under control Peregrine falcon (Falco The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, peregrinus) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The size of the population must be maintained at 13 breeding pairs or increased beyond this.

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Berwyn SPA Qualifying Vision interest 2. Mountainous and moorland terrain with cliffs, crags and quarries for nesting and roosting plus grasslands, bracken of low trees/scrub for feeding with an adequate supply of prey species in the form of small birds and small mammals to maintain successful breeding. 3. The range of the population must not be contracting. 4. Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species is maintained. 5. Developments should not be permitted where they can be shown to have likely adverse impacts upon peregrine. 6. Populations of legally controllable predator species, such as foxes and carrion crows, should not pose a threat to ground nesting birds. 7. Adjoining hunting territories will be managed by controlled grazing to improve structural diversity within the grasslands. This will increase seed production and maximise prey availability e.g. small passerines. 8. There will be no disturbance of any nest location. 9. Illegal human persecution of protected bird species should not occur. 10. All factors affecting the achievement of theses conditions are under control Red kite (Milvus milvus) The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The size of the population must be maintained at two breeding pairs or increased beyond this. 2. Sufficient Broadleaf woodland required for nesting and roosting plus heath and rough grassland for feeding with an adequate supply of prey species in the form of carrion, small birds and small mammals to maintain successful breeding. (NOTE: Red kite do not nest within the SPA.) 3. Developments should not be permitted where they can be shown to have likely adverse impacts upon red kite. 4. Adjoining hunting territories will be managed by controlled grazing to improve structural diversity within the grasslands. This will increase seed production and maximise prey availability e.g. small passerines. 5. There will be no disturbance of any nest location. 6. Illegal human persecution of protected bird species should not occur. 7. All factors affecting the achievement of theses conditions are under control

Reference

Anon (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC and Berwyn SPA [DRAFT]. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC Qualifying Vision interest Blanket Bogs The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. There will be no measurable decline in blanket bog; the area of the habitat must be stable or increasing. 2. Dry blanket bog on moisture shedding ridges and slopes will be defined as ericoid (typically Calluna) dominated, with clearly subordinate Erica tetralix. Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea and/or V. myrtilus will be present at high frequency. Eriophorum vaginatum typically constant but sometimes only at low cover – other graminoids are typically scarce. Vaccinium oxycoccus may sprawl over the thick bryophyte mat but other elements of ‘wet’ bog such as Narthecium and Drosera are characteristically sparse. Hypnoid mosses (typically Hypnum jutlandicum and Pleurozium schreberi) often the dominant bryophyte component, and Sphagna where present most often represented by Sphagnum capillifolium. 3. Wet blanket bog on plateaux and col areas is characterised by a more even balance between ericoids and graminoids. Eriophorum vaginatum generally achieves a higher cover than in drier situations and E. angustifolium is constant. Representation of Molinia caerulea and Trichophorum cespitosum is variable according to past management and hydrology. Smaller elements such as Vaccinium oxycoccus, Narthecium and Drosera are typically present. Hypnoids and Sphagnum capillifolium may still comprise the main bryophyte element, but often joined by species of Sphagnum sect. Sphagnum. 4. All areas of blanket bog should exhibit a high water table just below the surface of the ground for the majority of the year as this is consistent with continued peat formation. 5. In areas of wet bog in particular, the vegetation should develop or retain an irregular pattern with drier hummocks and wetter hollows. 6. The quality of blanket bog (including in terms of ecological structure and function) must be maintained. 7. Areas with habitats classed as degraded or modified blanket bog and bare peat should be restored to a more sustainable state by encouraging the growth of typical blanket bog vegetation and the blocking of drainage ditches. 8. Burning blanket bog will be discouraged as it retards the development of hummock & hollows as well as the development of more sensitive Sphagna. 9. There should be no moor drains or grips draining the peat body. 10. There should be no evidence of damage caused, for example, by active drainage or burning. 11. Any typical species must also be at FCS, as defined below. 12. Non-native plant species should be absent. 13. There should be no decline in the range or abundance of characteristic plant species and vegetation communities. 14. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. European Dry Heaths The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. There will be no measurable decline of dry heath area; the area of the

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Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC Qualifying Vision interest habitat must be stable or increasing. 2. The European dry heath consists principally of NVC type H12 Calluna vulgaris–Vaccinium myrtillus heath, with frequent Empetrum nigrum and occasional Vaccinium vitis-idaea. Other heath vegetation present includes areas of H18 Vaccinium myrtillus–Deschampsia flexuosa heath and in some areas stands of damp H21 Calluna vulgaris–Vaccinium myrtillus–Sphagnum capillifolium heath. These latter heaths occur in an intermediate position between the drier heaths and blanket mire and support occasional plants of Listera cordat.a 3. Its quality (including in terms of ecological structure and function) must be maintained. 4. The areas of heath vegetation should be retained and where possible permitted to re-establish on areas modified or degraded as a result of agricultural improvement, or through inappropriate management. 5. The dry heathland should have a diverse age structure in the heather and other shrubby plants. 6. Management will ensure the development of a mosaic of age structures through pioneer, building, mature to degenerate heather with at least 10% identified for no-management and allowed to develop through to maturity. 7. Management will not be undertaken within sensitive habitat areas. 8. Some native scrub development will be acceptable up to 10% cover with higher densities, up to 20% within e.g. identified black grouse management zones. 9. Heather and other plants should not exhibit signs of suppressed growth forms due to grazing. 10. There should be areas of long heather providing nesting habitat for ground nesting birds such as grouse, merlin and hen harriers; and areas of lower young heather, and wet flushes where birds can feed on heather shoots and invertebrates. 11. Non-native plant species should be absent. 12. Any typical species must also be at FCS, as defined below. 13. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Semi-natural dry The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, grasslands and where all of the following conditions are satisfied: scrubland facies: on 1. The extent of the calcareous and neutral grasslands should be maintained calcareous substrates or increase in size at the expense of bracken, scrub and other more improved (Festuco-Brometalia) grasslands. No loss in extent is acceptable. 2. The calcareous grassland varies floristically. At low altitudes the sward of the calcareous grassland should be rich in calcicolous species such as Carlina vulgare, Briza media and Sanguisorba minor. Locally scarce species such as Gymnadenia conopsea and Blackstonia perfoliata should also be present. At higher elevations the calcareous sward has more acid species present. Along with the typical indicator species of calcareous grassland, acid loving species such as Agrostis tenuis and Potentilla erecta are regular. Within the sward, fine leaved grasses and herb species like Briza media, Carlina vulgaris and Thymus polytrichus will be regular, although due to the upland nature of the site other more typically acid-loving herbs like heath Galium saxatile and Campanula

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Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC Qualifying Vision interest rotundifolia may commonly occur. Though described as grasslands, more than half of the ground cover will consist of herbaceous species. 3. The limestone grassland areas will have a wide variety of plant communities with the limestone grasslands having those typical of thin, lime rich soils. 4. Grazing will be at levels that allow plants to flower and set seed whilst preventing the spread of trees and scrub. 5. Bracken will only be found in a few isolated patches at the perimeters. 6. Within the sward tree and scrub seedlings, and robust or tussock forming grasses such as Dactylis glomerata, and Deschampsia cespitosa are uncommon or at low cover. While weeds and other agriculturally favoured species such as Lolium perenne, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvensis and C. vulgare are rare or absent. 7. Introduced species should be absent and control measures should be taken if any such species becomes established. 8. High levels of grazing results in localised soil erosion on steeper parts of the escarpment, which degrades some areas. However, grazing pressure should be sufficient to open small transient patches of bare ground within the sward providing a seed bed for the vascular plant species and suitable habitat for the diminutive bryophytes, macro-lichens and short-lived vascular plant species which are particularly characteristic of limestone grassland on the steeper, more exposed slopes. 9. On deeper soils south of the quarry acid grassland develops and in places forms a mosaic of habitats with the calcareous grassland. On these soils the spread of gorse and bracken should be controlled. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Transition mires and The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, quaking bogs where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. There will be no measurable decline in Transition mires and quaking bogs; the area of the habitat must be stable or increasing. 2. Typically characterised by a range of low-growing sedges over an extensive carpet of Sphagnum bog mosses, accompanied by other mosses, rushes and some scattered herbs. 3. The water table is above the surface of the substrate, giving rise to characteristic floating mats of vegetation. 4. The vegetation normally has intimate mixtures of species considered to be acid-lovers and others thought of as lime-lovers. 5. There should be no moor drains or grips draining the mire. 6. There will be no threats to the transition mire habitat from burning or grazing. 7. There is no significant input of nutrient-rich water from ditches and surrounding land. 8. All factors affecting the achievement of theses conditions are under control. Calcareous and calcshist The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, screes of the montane to where all of the following conditions are satisfied: alpine levels 1. There will be no measurable decline of habitat, the area of the habitat must (Thlaspietea rotundifolii) be stable but due to its nature an increase in extent is unlikely.

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Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC Qualifying Vision interest 2. The feature is typically characterised by sensitive pioneer species including maidenhair spleenwort, and bryophytes that are able to colonise the scree, as the crags and ledges provide shelter from grazing and frost action. 3. The flora representative of this feature reflects the base rich nature of the rocks including limestone, calcareous-schists and the more basic igneous rocks such as serpentine and basalt. 4. The scree community is important for the rich fern flora and acts as refugia for a number of rare species. 5. Light grazing will prevent the succession to scrub and minimise colonisation by species such as ash and hazel whilst not damaging the feature through overgrazing. 6. The scree will remain largely undisturbed by human activity and the depositional slopes will continue to accumulate small amounts of scree. The vegetation is only likely to be truly representative of this feature where it occurs on stable scree on less steep slopes where the vegetation can accumulate. 7. The existing diversity of species in each of the above communities should be maintained. 8. There will be no reduction in extent as a result of undesirable human activity such as afforestation, quarrying, climbing or civil engineering works. 9. The use of herbicides, such as Asulox to control the spread of bracken, should be restricted to areas where they will not adversely impact the feature. 10. Only native species should be present. All factors affecting the achievement of theses conditions are under control. Calcareous rocky slopes The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, with chasmophytic where all of the following conditions are satisfied: vegetation 1. There will be no measurable loss of habitat, the area of the habitat must be stable but due to its nature an increase in extent is unlikely. 2. The chasmophytic vegetation will consist of plant communities colonising cracks and fissures of rock faces. The type of plant communities developing will be largely determined by the base-status of the rock face. 3. The chasmophytic vegetation is usually dominated by ferns such as Asplenium ruta-muraria and small herbs such as Thymus praecox and Hieracium spp. The inaccessibility of rock habitats to grazing animals, specially rock ledges provides a refuge for many vascular plants that are sensitive to grazing, including numerous local and rare species. 4. Bryophytes and crustose lichens should form a dominant component in crevices but are also found on open rock surfaces where there is a lack of competition form vascular plants. Ledge communities are recognised as part of the feature on the site due to the spectacular stepped topography. 5. Grass benches should be floristically diverse supporting species characteristic of the feature such as Campanula rotundifolia, Centaurea nigra and Dryopteris spp. 6. The existing diversity of species in each of the above communities should be maintained. 7. Only native species should be present. 8. Chasmophytic vegetation and grass benches vegetation will not exhibit

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Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC Qualifying Vision interest signs of overgrazing. 9. There will be no reduction in extent as a result of undesirable activities such as quarrying. 10. Small scale excavations may enhance the interest of the site by providing additional exposures but would be deleterious to the highly vulnerable scree and clitter slopes. 11. The use of herbicides, such as Asulox, to control the spread of bracken should be restricted to areas where they will not adversely impact the feature. 12. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

Reference

Anon (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC and Berwyn SPA [DRAFT]. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Cadair Idris SAC Qualifying interest Vision Oligotrophic to The vision for the oligotrophic to mesotrophic (clear-water) lakes SAC features is mesotrophic standing for them to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following waters with vegetation of conditions are satisfied: the Littorelletea uniflorae 1. The total extent of the clear-water lakes shall be maintained including open and/or of the Isoëto- water/swamp and immediate lake basin visible on air photographs. The Nanojuncetea catchments should also be maintained in at least their current condition. 2. The location of the clear-water lakes will be as shown in the Core Management Plan. 3. The typical species, as listed following, of the vegetation communities comprising the clear-water lakes SAC feature will be common. 4. The vegetation community is characterised by amphibious short perennial vegetation, with shoreweed Littorella uniflora, water lobelia Lobelia dortmanna and quillworts Isoetes spp. being the defining components. On Cadair Idris these species occur in association with bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius, bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus, alternate water milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum, the stonewort Nitella flexilis and floating water bur-reed Sparganium angustifolium. 5. Invasive non-native species are absent 6. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Siliceous scree of the The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, montane to snow levels where all of the following conditions are satisfied: (Androsacetalia alpinae 1. The total extent of the vegetated scree should be maintained. and Galeopsietalia 2. The scree vegetation should be made up primarily of either desirable ladani) species listed in the table below or by other lichen and bryophyte dominated communities characteristic of mobile scree 3. The scree should be mobile and open and free from bracken, tree and scrub species such as birch Betula and rowan. 4. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Calcareous rocky slopes The vision for these features is for them to be in a favourable conservation with chasmophytic status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: vegetation 1. The total extent of the tall herb ledge and chasmophytic vegetation should Siliceous rocky slopes be stable or increasing. with chasmophytic 2. The tall herb ledges, and chasmophytic vegetation should be made up vegetation primarily of the typical and desirable species listed in the table below. Hydrophilous tall herb 3. Non-native species are absent or rare. fringe communities of 4. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. plains to and of the mountain to alpine level (Tall herb ledges) European dry heaths The vision for the heath land SAC features is for them to be in a favourable Northern Atlantic wet conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: heath with Erica tetralix 1 The total extent of the dry heath, approximately 1451 ha, shall at least be maintained. The currently unfavourable areas of dry heath and acid grassland capable of restoration should be managed under a restoration programme. The area of dry heath should increase at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities such as acid grassland. The total extent of the wet heath, approximately 239 ha, shall at least be

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Cadair Idris SAC Qualifying interest Vision maintained. The area of wet heath should increase overall at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities. Some areas of wet heath which are degraded blanket bog may be restored to that priority habitat provided that there is no net loss of wet heath within the SAC. 2 The distribution of the dry and wet heath will at least be as mapped in Gray (2003) and Averis (2000) and will preferably be increasing as it is restored in additional areas. 3 The typical species of the vegetation communities comprising the dry heath and wet heath will be frequent and abundant. 4 The abundance and distribution of uncommon plants will be maintained or increased. 5 The structure of the heath should be maintained and restored, to show natural regeneration by layering and seeding, and to ensure that the component vegetation communities are naturally diverse (refer also to 3 and 4 above). In practise some stands will benefit from being taller with very mature heather (e.g NVC H 21) and others including wet heath from having a medium to short structure, less than 30cms height. Signs of overgrazing, including ‘suppressed’, ‘topiary’ or ‘drumstick’ growth habits will not be apparent. 6 Invasive non-native species such as conifers, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam will not be present. 7 The surface of the heath will be generally free from trees and at most have only a few individuals at a density of no more than two per hectare. Exceptions to this rule are transition zones from woodland to heath land where trees may be denser grading to open heath. Limits for woodland transition zones should be set on a unit or sub-unit basis. 8 All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Blanket Bog The vision for this priority blanket bog SAC feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The total extent of the blanket bog area is stable at some 200 ha in total of NVC blanket bog communities and some 73ha of vegetation on deep peat (Gray 2003), or increasing. Vegetation mapped as NVC M20, or not recognisable as a blanket bog community, is always considered to be unfavourable. The area of the blanket bog feature is increasing at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities or if wet heath is restored to blanket bog commensurate areas of land are gained to wet heath. 2. The location and distribution of the blanket bog is increasing at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities. 3. The typical species of the vegetation communities comprising the blanket bog SAC feature are frequent. 4. The structure of the blanket bog is maintained and restored to include bog pools, depressions, hummocks and hollows as a natural feature of the bog surface. Artificial drainage ditches or moor grips are not present as functioning drains. No significant areas of peat erosion should be present. 5. Invasive non-native species such as conifers, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam are not present within the SAC and a species specific buffer area. 6. The blanket bog is free from all trees. 7. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Old Sessile oak woods The vision for the Woodland SAC feature is for it to be in a favourable with Ilex and Blechnum

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Cadair Idris SAC Qualifying interest Vision woodlands conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The total extent of the woodland area, including woodland canopy and scrub, woodland glades and associated dry heath, bracken and grassland, of approximately 73ha shall be stable or increasing. 2. The location of the woodland SAC feature will be at least as indicated on Map 1. The woodland covered by this feature is woodland often without clear boundary such as on Tir Stent (unit 9) and should be encouraged to spread up slope at Dol y Cae. 3. The tree canopy percentage cover within the woodland shall be no less than the current cover (excepting natural catastrophic events). 4. The canopy and shrub layer comprises locally native species. (Some areas are less oak and more birch dominated examples of this SAC feature.) 5. There shall be sufficient natural regeneration of locally native trees and shrubs to maintain the woodland canopy and shrub layer, by filling gaps, joining fragments of woodland and allowing the recruitment of young trees, and encouraging a varied age structure. 6. The typical ground layer species of the woodland SAC feature will be common. It is important that the vegetation does not become rank and overgrown with a height above 40cm and/or dominated by species such as bramble, ivy and young holly. Limits may be set on a unit or compartment basis. Typical lower plants including oceanic species should continue to be abundant and/or maintained. Dol y cae is known to support oceanic bryophytes of interest. 7. The abundance and distribution of uncommon mosses, liverworts, lichens and ferns, will be maintained or increased. 8. There will be a defined number of mature trees per hectare within the existing tree canopy on a unit basis. These are, as a guide, of c60cm diameter plus for oak and ash and/or with signs of decay, holes etc. 9. Dead wood will be present and consist of a mixture of fallen trees (minimum one per hectare), broken branches, dead branches on live trees, and standing dead trees (minimum one per hectare). Volumes of deadwood are currently at relatively low levels because the woodlands, in general, have an even-age structure and lack mature trees. Some lower plants are dead wood specialists but these woodlands tend to lack the rare dead wood invertebrate assemblage found in other parts of the UK. 10. Invasive non-native species such rhododendron, larch, sycamore, beech, ornamental broad-leaved and conifer trees are not present. 11. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Molinia meadows on The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, calcareous, peaty or where all of the following conditions are satisfied: clayey-silt-laden soils 1. The total extent of the Molinia grasslands should be stable or increasing. (Molinion caeruleae) Both upland Molinia grasslands and lowland Molinia grasslands should be represented at Tir Stent. 2. The Molinia grasslands are composed of typical species 3. Rare/uncommon species shall flourish. 4. Species indicative of agricultural modification, such as perennial rye grass Lolium perenne and white clover Trifolium repens will be absent from the Molinia grasslands. 5. Bare ground is limited. 6. The vegetation is not rank and overgrown.

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Cadair Idris SAC Qualifying interest Vision 7. Tree and scrub species such as willow Salix and birch Betula will also be absent from the Molinia grasslands. 8. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Alkaline Fens The vision for the feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The total extent of the alkaline fen vegetation should be stable or increasing. 2. The alkaline fens are vegetated primarily with the desirable species listed in the table 3. The alkaline fens have a low frequency/cover of Molinia caerulea and rushes. 4. Tree and scrub species such as willow Salix and birch Betula are absent. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Slender green feather The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, moss (Drepanocladus where all of the following conditions are satisfied: (Hamatocaulis) 1. The population of Hamatocaulis vernicosus is stable or increasing. vernicosus) 2. The habitats, which support the Hamatocaulis vernicosus, should be in good condition. 3. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Marsh Fritillary The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, (Euphydryas, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: (Eurodryas, Hypodryas) 1. The metapopulation of the marsh fritillary should be stable or increasing. aurinia) 2. The marshy grasslands which support the marsh fritillary should be in good condition for the marsh fritillaries. 3. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

Reference

Evans, F., Williams, P. and Lewis, H. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Cadair Idris Special Area of Conservation. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Coedydd Aber SAC Qualifying Vision interest Old sessile oak woods The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, with Ilex and Blechnum where all of the following conditions are satisfied: in the British Isles 1. The woodland is maintained as far as possible by natural processes. 2. The location of open glades or gaps varies over time. 3. Trees and shrubs are locally native, and neither beech nor conifers are dominant anywhere in the canopy or understorey. 4. Trees and shrubs of a wide range of ages and sizes are present. 5. Tree seedlings are plentiful throughout the site and where occurring in open glades develop into viable saplings. 6. Field and ground layers are a patchwork of various vegetation communities characteristic of local soil and humidity conditions. 7. There are abundant dead and dying trees (with holes and hollows, rot columns, torn off limbs and rotten branches) with associated dead wood dependent species present. 8. Humidity levels are high enough to favour the presence of ferns, mosses and liverworts. 9. The woodland continues to support populations of birds and mammals. 10. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Alluvial forests with The vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where Alnus glutinosa and all of the following conditions are satisfied: Fraxinus excelsior (Alno 1. The woodland is maintained as far as possible by natural processes. – Padion, Alnion 2. The trees and shrubs will be locally native broadleaved species with alder incanae, Salicion albae) dominating the canopy. 3. The sparse shrub layer will comprise a scattering of hazel, willow and rowan. 4. Seedlings will be relatively sparse throughout the site with only a few native seedlings from non-self coppicing trees developing into saplings. 5. The majority of regeneration will be from the base of the alders by means of self-coppicing. 6. There will be abundant dead and dying trees with holes and hollows, rot columns, torn off limbs and rotten branches throughout the woodland. Dead wood, both standing and fallen, will be retained to provide habitats for other species. 7. Veteran trees will be favoured during any silvicultural management because they support a wide variety of species, including lichens. Old forest lichen species will be found throughout the sites, especially on well-lit trees around woodland edges and glades. 8. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Reference

Creer, J. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Coedydd Aber SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion / Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites SAC / cSAC Qualifying Vision interest Woodlands, including The vision for the Woodland SAC feature is for it to be in a favourable the following: conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Old sessile oakwoods 1. The total extent of the woodland area, including woodland canopy and with Ilex and Blechnum scrub, woodland glades and associated dry heath, bracken and grassland shall Bog woodland be maintained as indicated on maps in Annex 2 of the Core Management Plan, some 1826 ha in total. Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and 2. The location of the different woodland SAC features, as listed in the title ravines above, will be as shown in Annex 2 of the Core Management Plan. The distribution of these woodland communities is largely a reflection of the Alluvial forests with topography, soils, geology and aspect and is unlikely to change. Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior 3. The tree canopy percentage cover within the woodland area for the whole SAC shall be no less than 80%, 87% being the current canopy cover (excepting natural catastrophic events). Some units will have a lower canopy cover which is acceptable provided this is compatible with safeguard of the habitat, features and special interest. 4. The canopy and shrub layer comprises locally native species. Table 2 in the Core Management Plan gives the relevant species for each woodland SAC feature. 5. There shall be sufficient natural regeneration of locally native trees and shrubs to maintain the woodland canopy and shrub layer, by filling gaps and allowing the recruitment of young trees, and encouraging a varied age structure. 6. The typical ground layer species of each woodland SAC feature will be common. It is important for most of the woodland SAC that the vegetation does not becomes rank and overgrown with a height above 40cm and/or dominated by species such as bramble, ivy and young holly. Limits may be set on a unit or compartment basis. 7. The abundance and distribution of common and typical (Atlantic, sub-Atlantic, western, oceanic) mosses and liverworts, lichens (and slime moulds), will be maintained or increased. Indicative lists are provided in Tables 3 & 4 of the Core Management Plan. 8. The abundance and distribution of uncommon mosses and liverworts, lichens and slime moulds, will be maintained or increased. Indicative lists are provided in Tables 5 & 6 in Annex 3 of the Core Management Plan. 9. There will be a scattering of 5 mature trees per hectare within the existing tree canopy or parkland, that is trees of c60cm diameter plus for oak and ash and/or with signs of decay, holes etc. In the longer-term, by 2060 there should be 1 veteran trees per hectare that is trees of c100cm diameter plus for oak and ash and 75cms birch. 10. The volume of dead wood will exceed 30 cubic metres per hectare throughout and consist of a mixture of fallen trees (minimum one per hectare), broken branches, dead branches on live trees, and standing dead trees (minimum 1 per hectare). Volumes of deadwood are currently at relatively low levels because the woodlands, in general, have an even-age structure and lack mature trees and any quantity of deadwood because of past silvicultural management. Some lower plants are dead wood specialists but these woodlands tend to lack the rare dead wood invertebrate assemblage found in other parts of the UK. 11. Invasive non-native species such as rhododendron, Japanese knotweed

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Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion / Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites SAC / cSAC Qualifying Vision interest and Himalayan balsam will not be present. 12. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Lesser horseshoe bats The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, (Rhionolphus where all of the following conditions are satisfied: hipposideros) 1. The population of lesser horseshoe bats should be maintained at its current size and encouraged where possible to increase. Supporting information is provided in the Core Management Plan. As there has been an upward trend in lesser horseshoe bats numbers in Wales it is reasonable to expect the Gwynedd population to increase. 2. There are sufficient breeding roosts (buildings, structures and trees) and hibernation roosts (mines and buildings) of appropriate quality. The other types of roost such as night, transitional, leks and swarming sites, should also be maintained as our knowledge of these often significant roosts improves. 3. Foraging or feeding habitat in the SAC and surrounding countryside, including grasslands and some gardens, is of appropriate quality, extent and connectivity across the range. 4. The range of the population within the SAC/Gwynedd is stable or increasing. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. European Dry Heaths The vision for the dry heath feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1 The total extent of the dry heath area, approximately 21 ha, shall be maintained. 2 The distribution of the dry heath will at least be as shown in the Core Management Plan 3 The typical and uncommon species of the vegetation communities comprising the dry heath will be frequent and abundant. 4 The structure of the heath should be maintained and restored, to show natural regeneration by layering and seeding, and to ensure that the component vegetation communities are naturally diverse (refer also to 3 above). 5 Invasive non-native species such as conifers, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam will not be present. 6 The heath will be generally free from trees and at most have only a few individuals at a density of no more than two per hectare. Exceptions to this rule are transition zones from woodland to heath land where trees may be denser grading to open heath. Limits for woodland transition zones should be set on a unit or sub-unit basis. 7 All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Water courses of plain to The vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where montane levels with the all the following conditions are satisfied: Ranunculion fluitantis 1. The extent of suitable river habitat within which the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho- and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation can occur should be stable as indicated on Batrachion vegetation map in Annex 2. 2. The current distribution (not known) of the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation should be stable or increasing. 3. The river with floating vegetation may be dominated by water crowfoot

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Coedydd Darw a Safloedd Ystlumod Meirion / Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites SAC / cSAC Qualifying Vision interest species usually Ranunculus fluitans, (but this species is not recorded in Meirionnydd), Callitriche stagnalis and bryophytes. 4. Species indicative of unfavourable condition for this feature eg. filamentous algae associated with eutrophication and invasive non-native species, should be absent or below an acceptable threshold level, indicative of high ecological status, within the SAC. This attribute is considered further under factors. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these factors are under control

Reference

Clark, J, Barber, P. and Evans, F. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Cors Fochno SAC Qualifying Vision interest Active raised bogs The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. NVC type M18 Sphagnum papillosum-Erica tetralix raised mire and M2 Sphagnum cuspidatum bog pool communities will occupy > 95% of the ‘primary’ (i.e. uncut) bog area. 2. The cover level of characteristic bog mosses (Sphagnum species) will be sufficiently high (>25%) to indicate healthy peat growth. 3. ‘Hummock and hollow’ patterning will be present across the centre of the bog dome. 4. The hollows (ie. Rhyncosporion depressions) will usually have greater sundew Drosera anglica present and will be increasing or maintaining their extent. 5. The following species will be common in the active raised bog: Sphagnum capillifolium, S. papillosum and S. magellanicum, bog rosemary Andromeda polifolia and white-beak sedge Rhyncospora alba. 6. The rare hummock forming bog mosses Sphagnum austinii and S. fuscum will be have stable or increasing populations. 7. Purple moor grass Molinia caerulea will be largely absent from the active raised mire 8. Scrub species such as willow Salix and birch Betula will also be largely absent. 9. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Degraded raised bogs The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, still capable of natural where all of the following conditions are satisfied: regeneration 1. 80% of the degraded raised bog resource is restored to active raised bog, with the remainder, being hydrologically compatible with active bog. 2. Vegetation corresponding to National Vegetation Classification raised mire communities types M2 and/or M18 will be stable or increasing in extent relative to that mapped in 2003. 3. Areas/ stands of M18 vegetation will have a 20% or more cover of bog moss, and tree species and rhododendron will be rare or absent. 4. Other non-woodland semi-natural vegetation communities, including poor fen, brackish fen and swamp will have tree species not exceeding their extent in 2003. 5. Characteristic plant species of the mire margins and transitions, including alder buckthorn, black bog rush, brown beak-sedge, greater tussock sedge, lesser butterfly orchid, marsh cinquefoil, royal fern and veilwort will have stable or increasing populations. 6. Species intolerant of impeded drainage such as bracken and most grass species will be absent or rare throughout the site, together with alien invasive species such as rhododendron. 7. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

Reference

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Lovering, T. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Cors Fochno SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Corsydd Eifionydd SAC Qualifying Vision interest Transition Mires and The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, quaking bogs where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. Transition mire and quaking bog will be the dominant habitat at Cors Gyfelog and Cors Graianog 2. A mosaic of fen, bog, marshy grassland and swamp habitats should cover at least 80% of both sites. The habitat should be of good quality, supporting a number of scarce, rare and endangered plant species. It should also provide habitat for a wide range of birds, insects and reptiles. 3. During the driest part of the year most of the site should have water at or above the surface and when the site is walked upon, the bog shakes. This quaking bog should support wetland habitats with typical species such as cross- leaved heath, bog asphodel, sundews, bogmosses (Sphagnum spp.) and cotton grass. 4. The site should support healthy populations of rarer plants such as intermediate bladderwort, bog sedge, royal fern, oblong-leaved sundew together with rare insect populations. Habitat suitable for the marsh fritillary butterfly should be present. The blue flowered devil’s bit scabious should be common on the site because it is the food plant of marsh fritillary caterpillars. 5. Wet woodland should cover no more than 30% of Cors Gyfelog and 10% of Cors Graianog and there should be no rhododendron present. This diverse woodland community has developed over a number of years and supports a rich lichen and moss community. The woodland should continue to contain a number of different tree species and be able to support the lichen and moss communities. 6. Light grazing by cattle and ponies will occur across all accessible parts of the site during the late spring to early summer months. 7. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Slender green feather The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, moss (Dreplanocladus where all of the following conditions are satisfied: (Hamatocaulis) 1. The low growing fen vegetation of Cors Gyfelog and Cors Llanllyfni should vernicosus) continue to support a healthy population of the slender green feather-moss. Management shall ensure that the population remains stable and afford it the opportunity to expand 2. On Cors Gyfelog, H. vernicosus is confined to neutral or slightly basic flushes and runnels with an open vegetation structure of brown mosses, sedges, mixed forbs and Sphagnum spp. 3. The open vegetation needs to be maintained by seasonally light grazing and a high water table with ground conditions being wet throughout the year, the water table being at or near to the surface. 4. Under-grazing is a significant threat to the H. vernicosus sub-populations at both sites since it could lead to increased cover by rushes, forbs, sedges and scrub invasion. When the vegetation became denser, the H. vernicosus formed small sub-populations of a few scattered scrawny stems. The site is summer- grazed by ponies, which maintains the short open sward conditions favoured by the moss. 5. Nutrient enrichment of the water source is also a potential risk at both sites. Measures should be implemented to prevent, and/or reduce to a minimum,

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Corsydd Eifionydd SAC Qualifying Vision interest sources of nutrient enrichment. 6. Certain herbs, grasses and sedges grow in close proximity to the moss populations. These plants share the habitat requirements of the moss; they include Lesser Spearwort, Sharp-flowered Rush, Purple Moor Grass, Star Sedge, Carnation Sedge, Devil’s- bit Scabious, Lesser Skullcap, Large Birdfoot Trefoil, Bogbean,, Common marsh-bedstraw, Common Cotton Sedge, Bottle Sedge, Common Sedge, Common Yellow Sedge, Velvet Bent and Flea Sedge. 7. All factors affecting the achievement of the foregoing conditions are under control Marsh fritillary butterfly The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, (Euphydryas aurinia) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. To ensure this, at least 80% of Cors y Wlad SSSI should be covered by habitat suitable for the marsh fritillary i.e. rushy vegetation (rhos pasture). The habitat should be of good quality (tussocky grassland at a height of 10 – 20cm) with an abundance of devil’s bit-scabious, the food plant of the marsh fritillary caterpillars. 2. The SAC supports a nationally important population of the marsh fritillary butterfly. Although, numbers of adult butterflies and larvae fluctuate annually in response to a parasitic wasp and weather conditions, the population is robust, resilient and viable in the long term. This population contributes towards the larger population of the butterfly in the general area. 3. During peak years, a visitor taking a walk through the site on a sunny day in June will see numerous adult butterflies. In these years the caterpillars, feeding communally in silken webs on their food-plant Devils Bit Scabious, will be abundant throughout those units supporting the butterfly. 4. The SAC population contributes to and is the core of the Eifionydd marsh fritillary metapopulation. The metapopulation consists of the SAC population, plus populations breeding on land outside the SAC. 5. The population breeds throughout four units, where it is a key species driving the management of each unit. 6. Rosettes of Devils Bit Scabious will be both very numerous and widespread throughout parts of those units supporting marsh fritillary (particularly Cors y Wlad SSSI), growing amongst a turf of grasses, sedges and flowering herbs with scattered tussocks of purple moor grass and rushes providing shelter for the caterpillars in wet weather. 7. Dense mixed hedges of hawthorn, hazel, mountain ash and other locally native species grow around the external and internal boundaries and offer vital shelter to the breeding adult butterflies during poor weather in what is otherwise a very exposed landscape with little shelter. 8. All factors affecting the achievement of the foregoing conditions are under control

Reference

Anon. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Corsydd Eifionydd SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Craig yr Adern / Bird’s Rock SPA Qualifying Vision interest Chough (Pyrrhocorax The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, pyrrhocorax) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The breeding population of Chough is at least five pairs 2. The winter roosting population should be at least 27 birds 3. Sufficient suitable habitat is present to support the populations 4. The factors affecting the feature are under control

Reference

Anon. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Craig yr Adern (Bird’s Rock) SPA. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Eryri / Snowdonia SAC Qualifying Vision interest Siliceous alpine and The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, boreal grasslands where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The high summits of the Carneddau (Carnedd Dafydd, Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Llewelyn, Garnedd Uchaf, Yr Aryg, Foel Grach, Llwytmor, Drosgl, Foel Fras, Pen Llythrig y Wrach and Pen yr Helgi Ddu) the Glyderau (Y Garn, Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr, Elidir Fach, Carnedd y Ffiliast and Mynydd Perfedd), should each support summit heath vegetation which does not show signs of heavy modification by grazing and/or heavy trampling. 2. There should be no further loss of summit heath on Yr Wyddfa. The extent of the habitat at Crib y Ddysgl and Garnedd Uchaf should be retained as an absolute minimum and there should be no loss of quality. 3. The vegetation should be dominated by species typical of species of summit heath such as Racomitrium lanuginosum (woolly hair moss), Carex bigelowii (stiff sedge), shrubs dwarfed by the high altitude conditions such as Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) and Salix herbacea, lichens and montane bryophytes. 4. Grasses should not comprise a significant proportion of the vegetation. 5. The habitat should grade into montane heath at its lower level. 6. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Alpine and Boreal The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, Heaths where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. Alpine and Boreal heath habitat should cover considerable areas of the Eryri SAC at high altitudes i.e. from about 600m upwards, though it may extend below this in particularly exposed areas. 2. It should grade into summit heath on the high summits and ridges, and into dry heath at its lower end. 3. This vegetation should be dominated by dwarf shrubs, typically stunted by the high altitude conditions, such as cowberry (Vaccinium vitis idea), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and mountain crowberry (Empetrum hermaphroditum), prostrate ling (Calluna vulgaris) and in some stands dwarf juniper (Juniperus communis ssp. nana.)Other montane species such as wooley hair moss (Racomitrium lanuginosum) and other montane bryophytes and lichens should be present. 4. Although some grasses, particularly sheep’s fescue, will be present, they should not be at high cover. 5. In the long term we expect existing habitat to be retained and to improve in quality in its current locations, and also to expand into other suitable localities where the habitat now exists in a degraded state. 6. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control Hydrophilous tall herb The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, communities of plains where all of the following conditions are satisfied: and of the montane to 1. The area of tall herb ledge must be stable, or increasing in the long term. alpine levels There will be no loss of tall herb ledge vegetation and the feature will occur in all management units in which it currently occurs 2. Tall herb ledge vegetation will develop on ledges and on damp calcareous grassland below cliffs where the potential exists but expansion is currently prevented by grazing.

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Eryri / Snowdonia SAC Qualifying Vision interest 3. Tall herb vegetation will consist of a number of flowering plant species such as Lady’s mantle Alchemilla spp., Meadowsweet Filipendula vulgaris, Globeflower Trollius europaeus, Welsh poppy Meconopsis cambrica, Devilsbit scabious Succisa pratensis, Ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris, Roseroot Sedum rosea, Lesser meadow rue Thalictrum minus and Common valerian Valeriana officinalis 4. The flowering plants will be ungrazed and able to mature and set seed freely Calcareous rocky slopes The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, with chasmophytic where all of the following conditions are satisfied: vegetation 1. The feature must be stable or increasing in the long term. There will be no loss of calcareous chasmophytic vegetation and it will continue to occur in all of management units in which it currently occurs. 2. The feature must continue to support a range of arctic alpine plant populations. 3. The plants will be ungrazed and able to mature and set seed freely, or non- flowering plants reproduce by propagules or vegetative means. 4. The feature will not be inhibited by invasive non-native plant species. Alpine and subalpine The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, calcareous grasslands where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. This habitat should remain in its current locations although there may be some shifts in its extent. 2. The feature should continue to support the characteristic plants including arctic alpine plant species. 3. The only acceptable losses of this habitat should be due to succession to other valuable montane communities such as tall herb ledge vegetation. Siliceous rocky slopes The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, with chasmophytic where all of the following conditions are satisfied: vegetation 1. This habitat should support a range of bryophytes and ferns in suitable crevices on acid rocks. 2. The feature should not be damaged by grazing. 3. It should be widespread on suitable moist acidic rock crevices on each massif. Siliceous scree of the The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, montane to snow levels where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The naturally mobile scree on each massif will have open vegetation on or among the boulders, with Cryptogramma crispa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Galium saxatile, Huperzia selago and an extensive and varied bryophyte flora. 2. There will not be excessive disturbance to the as a result of human or animal activity. Oligotrophic to The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, mesotrophic standing where all of the following conditions are satisfied: waters with vegetation of 1. Each of the lakes has a macrophyte flora which includes some of the the Littorelletea uniflorae characteristic species such as Littorella uniflora, Lobelia dortmanna, Isoetes and/or of the Isoëto- lacustris, Myriophorum alterniflorum, Juncus bulbosus, Potamogeton species Nanojuncetea

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Eryri / Snowdonia SAC Qualifying Vision interest and Subularia aquatica 2. The lakes which have not been dammed for use as reservoirs retain a natural profile. 3. All of the lakes show a characteristic vegetation zonation from the shore to the deeper water. 4. Water quality of each lake is within parameters which are suitable to support the characteristic flora and fauna North Atlantic wet heaths The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, with Erica tetralix where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The feature must be stable or increasing in the long term. 2. The habitat will typically comprise Erica tetralix and Calluna vulgaris and mosses on a wet peaty substrate with a range of small flowering plants such as bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, milkwort Polygala serpyllifolia, Common butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris, small sedges and round leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia. European Dry Heath The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The feature must be stable or increasing in the long term. 2. The habitat will be dominated by at least two dwarf shrub species, usually heather Calluna vulgaris and bilberry Vaccinium mytillus, but sometimes western gorse Ulex gallii or crowberry Empetrum nigrum may be prominent. 3. There will be a mixed age range of heath at an appropriate scale which includes stands of young vigorous dwarf shrubs, mature stands where the heather is becoming senescent, and all age ranges in between. 4. The heath shrubs will not exhibit forms characteristic of overgrazing. 5. There will be no signs of frequent burning or reversion to grassland. 6. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Blanket Bog The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The extent of this habitat should be of the order of 1342 ha (as notified on the N2K data form). This figure however includes a considerable amount of degraded blanket bog. At present it is unknown how much of this is capable of restoration to good quality blanket bog habitat. 2. The good quality blanket bog will support typical species e.g. oligotrophic Sphagnum spp., cotton grass Eriophourm spp, ling Calluna vulgaris, bell heather Erica cinerea, crowberry Empetrum nigrum, cow berry Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccus. 3. The intact habitat will not show any signs of degradation as a result of overgrazing, drainage, or burning, such as depletion of dwarf shrubs and sphagna with increased grass cover. 4. The degraded habitat will not show any recent signs of further degradation as a result of overgrazing, drainage or burning. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Depressions on peat The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, substrates of the where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Rhynchosporion 1. The extent has not been fully measured because the nature of the habitat is

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Eryri / Snowdonia SAC Qualifying Vision interest small scale and patchy within mosaics of blanket bog and wet heath. However the extent should be at least that which has been mapped. 2. The habitat, characterised by white beak sedge Rhynchospora alba will support a range of plant species such as bog pimpernel Anagallis tenella, ling Calluna vulgaris, round leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia, cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix, cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium, marsh St John’s wort Hypericum elodes, purple moor grass Molinia caerulea, bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius, Sphagnum spp., and short sedges. 3. There will be no signs of excessive grazing which would result in large areas of bare peat and possibly significant cover of rushes Juncus spp. 4. Drainage or burning would damage this habitat and neither activity should be consented where this habitat could potentially be affected. 5. At Cwmffynnon and other small areas in the Glyderau, the habitat supports the uncommon species, marsh clubmoss Lycopodiella inundata. Here we would expect to see frequent small patches of bare peat which support the species. Many of these areas may be caused by vigorous flushing of water rather than by grazing animals. Species-rich Nardus The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, grassland on siliceous where all of the following conditions are satisfied: substrates in mountain 1. The extent will be at least 10 hectares of the habitat to include 5 ha on the areas slopes above Llyn Llydaw. 2. The grassland will support a range of plant species such as Harebell Campanula rotundifolia, Eyebright Euphrasia spp. Devilsbit scabious Succisa pratensis, Wild thyme Thymus polytrichus, Heath speedwell Veronica officinalis, Spring sedge Carex caryophyllea, Flea sedge Carex pulicaris, Carnation sedge Carex panicea, Lady’s mantle Alchemila glabr. 3. There will not be any significant cover of invasive species. New Zealand willowherb, Epilobium brunnescens is a long established alien plant on the site and is accepted at present as it doesn’t appear to adversely affect the feature. (At present CCW has no knowledge of any means of reducing or eliminating it) Old sessile oakwoods The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, with Ilex and Blechnum where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The extent is increasing. 2. The woodland comprises locally native canopy forming trees including: Quercus petraea, Betula pubescens, B. pendula, Fraxinus excelsior and Sorbus aucuparia. 3. There is a mixed age structure within the woodland. 4. Regeneration is occurring and sufficient seedlings can grow on to saplings and ultimately canopy trees. 5. There are no significant alien species. Petrifying springs with The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, tufa formation where all of the following conditions are satisfied: (Cratoneuron) 1. This feature on Eryri does not form tufa but should display a dominant cover of mosses such as Cratoneuron communatum, Philonotis fontana and Bryum pseudotriquetrum with frequent characteristic forbs such as Montia fontana, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and Saxifraga stellaris.

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Eryri / Snowdonia SAC Qualifying Vision interest 2. There are no significant increases in grass or rush cover Alkaline fens The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The habitat consists of flushes, influenced by some base-enrichment, where brown mosses (such as Scorpidium scorpioides, Cratoneuron commutatum and Drepanocladus revolvens) are present. Small sedge species such as Carex viridula, C. panicea, C. dioica C. pulicaris and Eriophorum spp will be present and usually also Pinguicula vulgaris. Alpine pioneer The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, formations of the where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Caricion bicoloris- 1. The feature consists of base rich flushes at high altitude which are flushed atrofuscae continuously with cold water. 2. This habitat should have a high bryophyte cover and support arctic alpines such as Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. stellaris and Thalictrum alpinum. Juncus triglumis should be present and sedges such as Carex viridula. 3. There should be no non-native species. 4. The flowering plants should be able to flower and set seed unhindered by grazing Floating water plantain The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, (Luronium natans) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. Luronium natans occurs in Llyn Cwmffynnon as a minimum Slender green feather- The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, moss (Drepanocladus where all of the following conditions are satisfied: (Hamatocaulis) 1. The moss is present at Cwm Afon Llafar Flush A and Flush B. vernicosus) 2. The associated vegetation should be dominated by rushes and sedges, with <20% rush cover. 3. There should be less than 10% disturbed bare ground within the flushes.

Reference

Hughes, H. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Eryri SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Glynllifon SAC Qualifying Vision interest Lesser horseshoe bat 1. The natural range of lesser horseshoe bats will not be reduced, nor be likely (Rhinolophus to be reduced for the foreseeable future. hipposideros) 2. There is, and will continue to be, sufficient habitat to maintain the lesser horseshoe bat population on a long-term basis. 3. The three maternity roosts will continue to be occupied annually by lesser horseshoe bats and their babies: Glynllifon Mansion (Unit 16), Melin y Cim (Unit 32), Pen y Bont (Unit 36). 4. There will be a sufficiently large area of suitable habitat surrounding these roosts to support the bat population, including continuous networks of sheltered, broadleaved and coniferous woodland, tree lines and hedgerows connecting the various types of roosts with areas of insect-rich grassland and open water. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

Reference

Anon. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Glynllifon SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC Qualifying Vision interest Blanket Bog The vision for this priority blanket bog SAC feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The total extent of the blanket bog area, including those areas that are considered unfavourable or currently degraded is maintained at the area present when designated, some 8100 ha in total. Vegetation mapped as NVC M20, currently approx. 1700ha, is always considered to be unfavourable. The area of the blanket bog feature is expanding into areas of heavily modified bog currently occupied by wet heath or acid grassland. 2. The location and distribution of the blanket bog is increasing at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities. 3. The degraded areas and currently unfavourable blanket bog are managed under a restoration programme so that the area and distribution of favourable blanket bog is increasing. 4. The typical species of the vegetation communities comprising the blanket bog SAC feature are frequent. 5. The abundance and distribution of uncommon plants is maintained or increased. 6. The structure of the blanket bog is maintained and restored to include bog pools, depressions, hummocks and hollows as a natural feature of the bog surface. Artificial drainage ditches or moor grips are not present as functioning drains. Peat erosion should be under control, and limited to apparently long- established plateux erosion systems. 7. Invasive non-native species such as conifers, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and bridewort (Spiraea) are not present within the SAC and a species specific buffer area. 8. The blanket bog is free from all trees. 9. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. European dry heaths The vision for the heath land SAC features is for them to be in a favourable and Northern Atlantic conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: wet heath with Erica 1. The total extent of the dry heath area, including those areas that are tetralix ‘degraded’ (approx 2600ha) shall at least be maintained as present when designated. The degraded areas and currently unfavourable dry heath should be managed under a restoration programme. The area of dry heath should increase at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities such as acid grassland. The total extent of the wet heath area, including those areas that are ‘degraded’ (approx 400 ha) shall at least be maintained as present when designated. The area of wet heath should increase in overall at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities. Some areas of wet heath which are degraded blanket bog may be restored to that priority habitat provided that there is a net gain of wet heath within the SAC. 2. The distribution of the dry and wet heath will at least be as shown on Maps 1-4 of the Core Management Plan and will preferably be increasing as it is restored in additional areas. 3. The typical species of the vegetation communities comprising the dry heath and wet heath will be frequent and abundant. 4. The abundance and distribution of uncommon plants will be maintained or

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Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC Qualifying Vision interest increased. 5. The structure of the heath should be maintained and restored, to show natural regeneration by layering and seeding, and to ensure that the component vegetation communities are naturally diverse (refer also to 3 and 4 above). In practise some stands will benefit from being taller with very mature heather (eg NVC H 21) and others including wet heath from having a medium to short structure, less than 30cms height. Signs of overgrazing, including ‘suppressed’, ‘topiary’ or ‘drumstick’ growth habits will not be apparent. 6. Invasive non-native species such as conifers, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and bridewort (Spiraea) will not be present. 7. The surface of the heath will be generally free from trees and at most have only a few individuals at a density of no more than 2 per hectare. Exceptions to this rule are transition zones from woodland to heath land where trees may be denser grading to open heath. Limits for woodland transition zones should be set on a unit or sub-unit basis. 8. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Oligotrophic to Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt has 22 lakes of more than 0.5ha in area, and many more mesotrophic standing smaller pools. Although these nominally consist of two distinct types (clear-water waters with vegetation of and peaty), in practice the water bodies on the site span the full range from very the Littorelletea uniflorae clear lakes such as Llyn Arenig Fawr, to typical peaty lakes such as Llyn y and/or of the Isoëto- Dywarchen. Climate change and recovery from acidification is expected to lead Nanojuncetea and for to increased peat staining of many of these water bodies, but it is essential that natural dystrophic lakes this situation is not exacerbated by inappropriate land management. and ponds The vision for the oligotrophic to mesotrophic (clear-water) and dystrophic (peaty) lakes SAC features is for them to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1 The total extent of the clear-water and peaty lakes shall be maintained, as indicated on Maps 1-4 of the Core Management Plan, some x ha of open water/swamp and immediate lake basin, as visible on air photographs. The lake condition is intrinsically linked to the condition of the catchment therefore the catchments should be maintained in at least their current condition (including vegetation cover, drainage and appropriate management ie not over grazing and burning). 2 The location of the clear-water and peaty lakes will be as shown on Maps 1-4 of the Core Management Plan. 3 The typical species, as listed following, of the vegetation communities comprising the clear-water lakes SAC feature will be common. The vegetation community is characterised by amphibious short perennial vegetation, with shoreweed Littorella uniflora being considered as the defining component. This species often occurs in association with water lobelia Lobelia dortmanna, bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius, quillwort Isoetes lacustris, bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus, alternate water milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum and floating water bur-reed Sparganium angustifolium. On Migneint- Arenig-Dduallt all the above species are present, together with yellow water-lily Nuphar lutea, white water-lily Nymphaea alba, smooth stonewort Nitella flexilis, lesser bladderwort Utricularia minor and the nationally scarce slender stonewort Nitella gracilis. In the case of peaty lakes, these water bodies are very acidic and poor in plant nutrients. Their water has a high humic acid content and is usually stained dark brown through exposure to peat. Most examples are small (less than 5 ha in

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Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC Qualifying Vision interest extent), shallow, and contain a limited range of flora and fauna, with the principal aquatic plants being Sphagnum, floating bur-reed and water lilies. The pools are naturally species-poor and a littoral zone is often absent. Fringing vegetation is that characteristic of the habitat in which the pools occur. 4 All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Old sessile oakwoods The vision for the Woodland SAC feature is for it to be in a favourable with Ilex and Blechnum conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Woodland 1. The total extent of the woodland area, including woodland canopy and scrub, woodland glades and associated dry heath, bracken and grassland shall be maintained as indicated on the map in the annex, of 67 ha plus additional areas of c.13ha (not mapped) giving a total of approx.80 ha. Broadleaved woodland and scrub currently covers about 0.4% of the site (and bracken over 2% (c. 450 ha). 2. The location of the woodland SAC feature will be as shown on Maps in annex 1 of the Core Management Plan. Woodlands include: Coed Dol- Fudr (SH 831318), Coed Gordderw (SH 838336), Coed Maen y Menyn (SH 848354) and Coed Boch-y-Rhaeadr (SH 843398). 3. The tree canopy percentage cover within the woodland area shall be no less than 85% (excepting natural catastrophic events). 4. The canopy and shrub layer comprises locally native species, as indicated in Table 2, typical of this upland woodland which is less oak and more birch dominated than more lowland examples of this SAC feature. 5. There shall be sufficient natural regeneration of locally native trees and shrubs to maintain the woodland canopy and shrub layer, by filling gaps and allowing the recruitment of young trees, and encouraging a varied age structure. 6. The typical ground layer species of the woodland SAC feature will be common. It is important for most of the woodland SAC that the vegetation does not becomes rank and overgrown with a height above 40cm and/or dominated by species such as bramble, ivy and young holly. Limits may be set on a unit or compartment basis. Typical lower plants including oceanic species (refer to Table 2 of Core Management Plan for an indicative list where known records are ticked) should continue to be abundant and/or maintained. 7. The abundance and distribution of uncommon mosses, liverworts, lichens and ferns, will be maintained or increased. 8. There will be a defined number of mature trees per hectare within the existing tree canopy on a unit basis. This will need to be defined by diameter for the upland situation where comparable trees at lower altitude are of c60cm diameter plus for oak and ash and/or with signs of decay, holes etc. 9. Dead wood will be present and consist of a mixture of fallen trees (minimum one per hectare), broken branches, dead branches on live trees, and standing dead trees (minimum one per hectare). Volumes of deadwood are currently at relatively low levels because the woodlands, in general, have an even-age structure and lack mature trees. Some lower plants are dead wood specialists but these woodlands tend to lack the rare dead wood invertebrate assemblage found in other parts of the UK. 10. Invasive non-native species such as rhododendron, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam will not be present. 11. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

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Reference

Evans, F., Young, N. and Jenkins, R. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC/SPA. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SPA Qualifying Vision interest Hen harrier (Circus The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, cyaneus) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The size of the population is at least eight breeding pairs (SPA form 2003 10-12 pairs) and preferably increasing. (2007 –11 pairs) 2. Hen Harrier nesting distribution within the site is maintained or expanded, so that breeding occurs in all appropriate habitats. 3. Hen Harrier breeding success is at least one young fledged per nest. 4. There is sufficient nesting and roosting tall heather habitat to support the population in the long-term. 5. There is sufficient hunting habitat, often in mosaic and including areas of grassland, bogs, flushes, short heath and bracken with low trees/scrub present. There is an adequate supply of prey species in the form of small birds and small mammals to maintain successful breeding. Prey supply cannot be easily monitored or assessed but may be an important attribute, for research and study, if productivity is low. 6. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control Merlin (Falco The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, columbarius) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The size of the population is at least nine breeding pairs (SPA form 2003 9-12 pairs, 0.7-0.9% GB) and preferably increasing. 2. Merlin nesting distribution within the site is maintained or expanded, so that breeding occurs in all appropriate habitats. 3. Merlin breeding success is at least one young fledged per nest when sample monitoring is carried out. 4. There is sufficient nesting and roosting tall heather, individual trees often with crows’ nests and forestry edge habitat to support the population in the long-term. 5. There is sufficient hunting habitat, often in mosaic and including areas of grassland, bogs, flushes, short heath and bracken with low trees/scrub present. There is an adequate supply of prey species in the form of small birds (commonly meadow pipit and skylark) and large insects to maintain successful breeding. Prey supply cannot be easily monitored or assessed but may be an important attribute, for research and study, if productivity is low. 6. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control Peregrine (Falco The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, peregrinus) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The size of the population is at least 9 breeding pairs (SPA form 2003 9-12 pairs, 0.7-0.9% GB) and preferably increasing. 2. Peregrine nesting distribution within the site is maintained or expanded, so that breeding occurs in all appropriate nest sites. 3. Peregrine breeding success is at least one young fledged per nest when sample population monitoring is carried out. 4. There are sufficient cliff and crag with ledges suitable for nesting usually known traditional nest sites to support the population in the long-term. 5. There is a sufficient hunting habitat and prey. Prey supply cannot be easily monitored or assessed but may be an important attribute, for research and study,

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Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SPA Qualifying Vision interest if peregrine productivity is low. 6. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control

Reference

Evans, F., Young, N. and Jenkins, R. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC/SPA. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn SAC Qualifying Vision interest Embryonic shifting The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, dunes where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The total extent of the embryonic shifting dunes including those areas that are considered unfavourable or currently degraded is maintained at the area present when designated. 2. The strand line and embryonic dune vegetation should be made up of typical species listed in the table below. 3. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Shifting dunes along the The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, shoreline with where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Ammophila arenaria 1. The total extent of the shifting dunes including those areas that are considered unfavourable or currently degraded is maintained at the area present when designated, c.18.9 ha at Morfa Harlech which should be present both along the seaward dune ridge and inland within units 1, 3, 4 and 5 and at least 82 ha of shifting dunes at Morfa Dyffryn which should be distributed throughout units 28, 27, 26, 24, and 23. 2. The shifting dunes should be vegetated by species such as those listed in the table below. 3. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Humid Dune Slacks The vision for these features is for them to be in a favourable conservation Dunes with Salix repens status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The total extent of the humid dune slacks and dunes with Salix repens including those areas that are considered unfavourable or currently degraded is maintained at the area present when designated, some 65.1 ha at Morfa Harlech and 43.6 ha at Morfa Dyffryn. 2. All successional phases of dune slack vegetation should be present at Morfa Dyffryn. 3. The humid dune slacks should be vegetated with typical and desirable species such as those outlined in the table below. 4. The dune slack vegetation should be free from scrub and should have a relatively short sward. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Petalwort (Petalophyllum The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, ralfsii) where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The population of Petalophyllum will remain stable or increase. 2. Petalophyllum should be present at Morfa Harlech should be distributed across the northern part of Morfa Dyffryn sand dune system (Units 26 and 28). 3. The successionally young dune slacks that support the Petalophyllum should be in good condition as defined in the conservation objective for features 3 and 4 above. 4. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

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Reference

Anon. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn Special Area of Conservation. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Mwyngloddiau Fforest Gwydir / Gwydyr Forest Mines SAC Qualifying Vision interest Calaminarian grasslands The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, of the Violetalia where all of the following conditions are satisfied: calaminariae 1. The area of calaminarian grassland must be stable (based on the extent at the time of SAC notification), or increasing in the long term, and will occur in all management units (where previously recorded see Table 4). 2. The remainder of the management units not highlighted for calaminarian grassland will be maintained in a favourable condition for lesser horseshoe bat. 3. The calaminarian grassland can be described as either “calaminarian grassland with Ditrichum plumbicola” or ‘calaminarian grassland (metal spoil) without Ditrichum plumbicola’. a. Calaminarian grassland with D. plumbicola will be defined as a characteristically sparse and species poor vegetation type. The substrate varies from fine scree, through fine clay to fine silt like spoil. The substrate is rich in heavy metals (notably lead and zinc) resulting in a paucity of taxa within the habitat. Mosses and liverwort (e.g. Polytrichum piliferum, Jungermanniana gracillima, Weissia controversa, Dicranella heteromalla, Pholia nutans and Cephaloziella spp.) are often the only taxa found in association with D. plumbicola. b. Calaminarian grassland (metal spoil) without D. plumbicola is characterised by lichen encrusted (often Stereocaulon species), heavy metal rich, mine spoil. Between the blocks of spoil where humus accumulates, lower and higher plants with some degree of heavy metal toxicity tolerance grow. Mosses and liverworts often dominate the vegetation, however, in areas with greater depths of humus, pteridophytes and angiosperms can dominate. The metallophytes Asplenium septentrionale (Forked Spleenwort), Silene uniflora (Sea Campion) and Thlaspi caerulescens (Alpine Penny-cress) are often found in association with other higher plants on the mine spoil. 4. Broadleaf, coniferous, exotic and scrub species should be absent from the calaminarian grassland stands, because the above plants will shade out the slower growing moss and lichen species, and in time will smother the lower plants with litter material. 5. A 10m buffer, clear of coniferous vegetation, will be maintained around the stands of calaminarian grassland with D. plumbicola. 6. Disturbance through human impact and recreation will be absent from the calaminarian grassland. 7. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Lesser horseshoe bat The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, (Rhinolophus where all of the following conditions are satisfied: hipposideros) 1. The site will support a sustainable population of lesser horseshoe bats in the Gwydyr Forest area. 2. The population will viable in the long term, acknowledging the population fluctuations of the species. 3. The natural range of lesser horseshoe bats is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future. 4. Mines on the site will be in optimal condition to support the populations. 5. Sufficient foraging habitat is available, in which factors such as disturbance,

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Mwyngloddiau Fforest Gwydir / Gwydyr Forest Mines SAC Qualifying Vision interest interruption to flight lines, and mortality from predation or vehicle collision, changes in habitat management that would reduce the available food source are not at levels which could cause any decline in population size or range. 6. There is a sufficiently large area of suitable habitat surrounding the roosts to support the bat population, including continuous networks of sheltered broadleaved and coniferous woodland, and tree lines, connecting the various roosts with areas of insect rich grassland and open water. 7. Management of the surrounding habitats is of the appropriate type and sufficiently secure to ensure there is likely to be no reduction in population size or range, nor any decline in the extent or quality of breeding, foraging or hibernating habitat. 8. All factors affecting the achievement of the foregoing conditions are under control.

Reference

Anon. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Mwyngloddiau Fforest Gwydir / Gwydyr Forest Mines SAC. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest Reefs The conservation objective for the reefs is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The reefs feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: NATURAL RANGE AND AREA (i) The distribution of the reef feature within the site is as indicated on the indicative feature maps ii, ii and the reef feature map 1.1 - this includes rocky intertidal and subtidal reefs, the Sarnau cobble and boulder reefs, biogenic reefs (horse mussel, Modiolus modilus, mussel reefs formed by Musculus discors and honeycomb worm reefs formed by Sabellaria alveolata) and carbonate reefs structures formed by methane gas leaking from the seabed. (ii) There is no reduction in the overall extent of the reef habitat or the extent of the different components of the reef feature (rocky intertidal and subtidal reefs, the Sarnau cobble and boulder reefs, biogenic reefs (horse mussel, Modiolus modiolus, mussel reefs formed by Musculus discors and honeycomb worm reefs formed by Sabellaria alveolata) and carbonate reefs structures formed by methane gas leaking from the seabed. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iii) There is no change to the distribution, extent and variation of the rock types forming the reefs within the site. (iv) The geomorphology (reef morphology, topography, orientation, aspect, bathymetry) of all components of the reef feature is determined by and evolves under the influence of uninterrupted environmental processes. (v) The supply and nature (granulometry and structure) of sediment deposits on reef surfaces and influencing the reef communities is not hindered or modified (this includes sediment supply to create scour conditions and provide material for construction of reef communities (e.g. reefs formed by Sabellaria spp.). (vi) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the reefs and their associated communities operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature. (vii) The nature and pattern of hydrological and hydrodynamic processes (including wave –exposures, tidal stream strengths, depth ranges, scour regimes, temperature) and the interaction and influence of these on the reefs and their associated communities continueto operate without constraint or interference. (viii) The levels of suspended particulate concentrations and water clarity/turbidity are within a range that sustains the continued presence of the communities and typical species of the reefs. (ix) The water and sediment chemistry (includes salinity, dissolved oxygen, levels of contaminants) are within ranges that sustains the continued presence of the communities and typical species of the reefs. (x) Levels of nutrients in the water column and sediments remain: - at or below existing statutory guideline concentrations - at levels within ranges that are not potentially detrimental to the long-term maintenance of the biotic assemblages and species populations of the reef TYPICAL SPECIES

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest (xi) The species richness, population dynamics, biomass and range of typical species of the reefs including assemblages of mobile species are determined by and sustained in response to the prevailing physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes. (xii) The large variety of biological communities (as categorised by intertidal and subtidal biotopes) includes, but is not limited to that listed in Appendix 4.1.1 of the Management Plan. (xiii) The distribution of the biological communities of the reefs reflects the range of physiographic conditions throughout the site (including a broad spectrum of rocky substrata, wave exposure, tidal stream strengths, depth ranges, turbidity and scour regimes). (xiv) The communities within the 7 different groupings of communities listed in Appendix 4.1.2 and shown on map 1.2 are present and there is no reduction in their extent, distribution and quality is as described. (xv) The seaweed communities of the Sarnau are representative/characteristic of disturbed and scoured habitat and conditions (as indicated by the presence of extensive examples of a limited number of specific communities) (xvi) There is no reduction in the extent of the Horse mussel Modiolus modiolus community off the north Llŷn coast or the quality of this community in terms of its structural integrity (age structure, density of live Modiolus), community composition and species richness (epibiota and infuana). (xvii) The potential for expansion of the Horse mussel Modiolus modiolus community off the north Llŷn coast is not inhibited. (xviii) There is no reduction in the extent and distribution of the honeycomb worm reef Sabellaria alveolata in the intertidal and shallow infralittoral) or the quality of this community in terms of its community composition and species richness and the presence of honeycomb worm reefs in varying stages of development and maturity. (xix) There is no reduction in the extent of the Carbonate reef structure formed by gas leaking from seabed or the quality of this habitat in terms of its species community (epibiota) and assemblage of mobile species. (xx) The 20 notable species listed in Appendix 4.1.3 are present within, but not limited to, the reefs. (xxi) The assemblages of fish species and other mobile species supported by and associated with the reefs are present. SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xxii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Large shallow inlets and The conservation objective for the large shallow inlet and bay is to achieve the bays favourable conservation status of the feature. The large shallow inlet and bay feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: NATURAL RANGE AND AREA (i) The distribution of the large shallow inlet and bay within the site is as indicated on the indicative features maps ii and iii (ii) There is no reduction in the area (extent) of the large shallow inlet and bay STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest (iii) The structure of the bay (the sediments of the seashore and seabed, their topography and the bathymetry of the bay) are determined by and continue to evolve under the influence of uninterrupted environmental processes. (iv) There is no reduction in the variety and relative extent of the various sediment types within the bay. (v) The structure of the shingle shore at Pwllheli is suitable to support the population of Pectenogammarus planicrurus. (vi) The supply and nature of the sediments and material forming and sustaining the large shallow inlet and bay feature and its associated communities are not hindered or modified. (vii) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the large shallow inlet and bay and its associated communities continue to operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature (viii) The nature and pattern of hydrodynamic processes and the interaction and influence of these on the patterns of sediment movement that form and sustain the varied habitats of the large shallow inlet and bay and their associated communities continue to operate without constraint or interference. (ix) The pattern and range of seabed surface and surface water temperatures sustains the continued presence of the communities and typical species of the large shallow inlet and bay. (x) Levels of nutrients in the water column and sediments remain: - at or below existing statutory guideline concentrations - at levels within ranges that are not potentially detrimental to the long-term maintenance of the biotic assemblages and species populations of the large shallow inlet and bay TYPICAL SPECIES (xi) The species richness, population dynamics, biomass and range of typical species of the large shallow inlet and bay are determined by and sustained in response to the prevailing physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes. (xii) The variety of the biological communities of the large shallow inlet and bay (as categorised by intertidal and subtidal biotopes) includes, but is not limited to that listed in Appendix 4.2.1 of the Management Plan. (xiii) The distribution of the biological communities of the large shallow inlet and bay reflects the range of physiographic conditions present within the bay (a summary description of this distribution is provided in Appendix 4.2.2 of the Management Plan) (xiv) No reduction in the extent and quality of the 9 communities listed in Appendix 4.2.3 of the Management Plan. (xv) The 11 notable species listed in Appendix 4.2.4 of the Management Plan are present within, but not limited to, the large shallow inlet and bay. (xvi) The bay functions as a nursery area for crustaceans and fish species without interference and/or constraint SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xvii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest secure in the long term. Subtidal sandbanks The conservation objective for the sandbanks which are slightly covered by seawater all the time is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The ‘subtidal sandbanks’ feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: RANGE AND EXTENT (i) The distribution of the sandbanks within the site is as indicated on the indicative features maps ii and iii (ii) The overall extent of sandbank habitat is as indicated in the indicative feature maps ii and iii . STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iii) The supply and nature of sediment forming and sustaining the sandbanks structures is not hindered or modified (iv) The relative proportions of sediment types on each sandbanks are as listed in Appendix 4.3.1 (v) The topography of each sandbank is maintained within the relative proportions described in Appendix 4.3.2 (vi) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the sandbanks and their associated communities operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature. (vii) The dynamic nature and pattern of hydrodynamic processes and the interaction and influence of these on the patterns of sediment movement that form and sustain the sandbanks and their associated communities continue to operate without constraint or interference (viii) Levels of nutrients in the water column and sediments remain: - at or below existing statutory guideline concentrations - at levels within ranges that are not potentially detrimental to the long-term maintenance of the biotic assemblages and species populations of the sandbanks CONSERVATION OF TYPICAL SPECIES (ix) The variety and distribution of infaunal communities of the sandbanks should include, but is not limited to that listed in Appendix 4.3.3 (x) The species richness, population dynamics, biomass and range of typical species of the sandbanks are determined by and sustained in response to the prevailing physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes. (xi) The species richness of infauna at the base of the Tripods, Bastram Shoal and Devil’s Ridge sandbanks is no lower than, and contains the species listed in Appendix 4.3.4 (xii) The assemblages (and their populations) of mobile species associated with the sandbanks (on the sediment surface and in the water column) are present SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xiii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Estuaries The conservation objective for the estuaries is to achieve the favourable

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest conservation status of the feature. The estuaries feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: RANGE AND EXTENT (i) The distribution of the estuaries of the SAC is as indicated on the indicative features maps ii and iii. (ii) There is no reduction in the extent of each of the estuaries that comprise the feature within the site (iii) Additional land which should form an integral part of the estuarine ecosystem is restored STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iv) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the estuaries and their associated communities operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature. (v) The geomorphological processes operating within the estuaries are not constrained or modified (vi) The supply and nature of sediment forming and sustaining the estuaries is not hindered or modified (vii) The pattern and rate of sediment movement within the estuaries, and between the estuaries and coastal and inshore areas are not hindered or modified (viii) There is no increase in the background levels of riverine sediment input into each estuary (ix) The dynamic evolution of the spit at the mouth of each estuary continues and there is no reduction in the size of the ebb tide delta at mouth of (x) The current range of bathymetric horizons present in each estuary is retained such that the majority of estuarine sediment in each estuary is exposed at low water. (xi) Each estuary is in a state of dynamic equilibrium (xii) The dynamic process of channel movement within each estuary continues without constraint or hindrance (xiii) There is a relatively higher proportion of sandy sediments to muddy sediments in each estuary. (xiv) The hydrological and hydrodynamic processes (including the characteristic flood hydrograph) & salinity regime within each estuary are within ranges that sustain the continued presence of the communities and typical species of the estuary. (xv) There is no increase in the background nutrient levels within the water and sediments of each estuary. (xvi) The water and sediment chemistry (e.g. dissolved oxygen, temperature and levels of contaminants) are within ranges that sustain the continued presence of the communities and typical species of the estuaries. (xvii) The structure and functions of the estuaries that have been damaged/degraded by the constraints of artificial structures (e.g. flood banks) are restored CONSERVATION OF TYPICAL SPECIES (xviii) The variety of typical plant and animal species within viable populations

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest continue to be present (xix) The variety of biological communities supported by the estuary feature reflects the gradient of estuarine physio-chemical conditions and includes, but is not limited to, the communities listed in Appendix 4.4.1 of the Management Plan. (xx) The following communities are present and their extent, distribution and quality is as described: • The distribution of the intertidal mudflat and sandflat communities present in estuarine conditions reflects the gradient of sediment and salinity conditions typical of estuarine conditions is as indicated in map 4.1 of the Management Plan. • The proportion of sand to mud and muddy sand communities within the estuaries is as indicated in Appendix 4.4.2 of the Management Plan. • There is no reduction in the extent of intertidal rock habitat suitable to support the variety of rocky shore intertidal communities, as indicated on map 4.2 of the Management Plan. • The extent, distribution and quality of the variable salinity rocky and mixed substrate communities is as indicated in map 4.3 and listed in Appendix 4.4.3 of the Management Plan. • There is no reduction in the extent, quality and distribution of, saltmarsh, transition and sand dune communities. (xxi) The assemblages of marine and terrestrial invertebrates, fish and birds supported by and associated with the estuaries are present. See appendix 4.4.4 of the Management Plan. (xxii) The estuaries continue to function effectively as nursery areas for bass Dicentrarchus labrax and other fish species and as a migratory route for salmon Salmo salar, sea trout Salmo trutta and eels Anguilla anguilla. SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xxiii) The management of activites or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Mudflats and sandflats The conservation objective for the mudflats and sandflats not covered by not covered by seawater seawater at low tide is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the at low tide feature. The “intertidal mudflats and sandflats” feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: NATURAL RANGE AND EXTENT (i) The distribution of the intertidal mudflats and sandflats within the site is as indicated on the indicative feature maps ii and iii (ii) There is no reduction in the extent of the intertidal mudflats and sandflats in estuarine conditions (as indicated in map 4.1) (iii) There is no reduction in the extent of the intertidal mudflats and sandflats in open coast situations (as indicated in map 5.1) STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iv) The supply and nature of sediment forming and sustaining the intertidal mudflats and sandflats are not hindered or modified (v) The geomorphology, topography and sediment characteristics of the mudflats and sandflats support the extent and distribution of the feature and its variety and

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest populations of typical species (vi) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the inertidal mudflats and sandflats and their associated communities operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature (vii) The nature and pattern of hydrological and hydrodynamic processes (includes sediment transport patterns & processes; wave exposure; tidal range; tidal currents; temperature) and the interaction and influence of these on the intertidal mudflats and sandflats and their associated communities continue to operate without constraint or interference. (viii) The water and sediment chemistry (e.g. salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, levels of contaminants) are within ranges that sustain the continued presence of the communities and typical species of the intertidal mudflats and sandflats (ix) There is no increase in the levels of nutrients in the water column and sediments of the estuaries (x) Levels of nutrients in the water column and sediments of the open coast areas remain: - at or below existing statutory guideline concentrations - at levels within the ranges that are not potentially detrimental to the long-term maintenance of the biotic assemblages and species populations of the open coast intertidal mudflats and sandflats CONSERVATION OF TYPICAL SPECIES (xi) The range of typical infaunal, epifaunal and mobile species (including their population dynamics and biomass) continue to be associated with the intertidal mudflats and sandflats. (xii) The variety of biological communities (as categorised by intertidal biotopes) supported by the intertidal mudflats and sandflats in estuarine conditions reflects the gradient of sediment and salinity conditions typical of estuarine conditions and includes, but is not limited to the communities listed in Appendix 4.5.1. (xiii) The distribution of the intertidal mudflat and sandflat communities present in estuarine conditions reflects the gradient of sediment and salinity conditions typical of estuarine conditions is as indicated in map 4.1 (xiv) The variety of biological communities (as categorised by intertidal biotopes) supported by the intertidal mudflats and sandflats in open coast conditions reflects the gradients of differing exposure to wave action and aspect and includes, but is not limited, to the communities listed in Appendix 4.5.2. (xv) The distribution of the intertidal mudflat and sandflat communities present in open coast conditions reflects the gradients of differing exposure to wave action and aspect as is indicated in map 5.1 (xvi) The following communities are present and their extent, distribution and quality is as described: • The proportion of sand to mud and muddy sand communities within the estuaries is as indicated in Appendix 4.5.3 • There is no reduction in the geographical distribution of the nationally important community of Mya arenaria and polychaetes in muddy gravel gravel as indicated in map 5.2. • There is no reduction in the extent, distribution and quality (in terms of blade density) of eel grass Zostera marina (see map 5.3 for indication of location of

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest intertidal eel grass beds). • The extent and overall community of species associated with the muddy gullies in the Mawddach estuary is as described in Appendix 4.5.4 (xvii) The extent and community composition of examples of sediment zonation is as described in Appendix 4.5.5. SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xviii) The management of activites or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Atlantic salt meadows The conservation objective for the Atlantic salt meadow (Glauco-Puccinellietalia) (Glauco-Puccinellietalia is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The “Atlantic salt maritimae) meadow” feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: NATURAL RANGE AND EXTENT (i) The distribution of the Atlantic salt meadow of the SAC is as indicated on the indicative features maps ii and iii (ii) There is no reduction in the overall extent of the Atlantic saltmeadow. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iii) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the Atlantic salt meadow and its associated communities operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature. (Also see structural and functional components under estuaries) (iv) A variety of geomorphological components are present within the Atlantic salt meadow, e.g. saltmarsh creeks, saltpans and erosional cliffs. (v) The morphology of the saltmarsh creeks and pans within the Atlantic salt meadow continues to evolve in response to the influence of uninterrupted environmental processes. THE CONSERVATION OF TYPICAL SPECIES (vi) The variety of typical plant and animal species within viable populations continue to be present. (vii) The variety of the saltmarsh communities that form the Atlantic salt meadow includes the communities listed in Appendix 4.6.1. (viii) The distribution and quality of the saltmarsh communities that form the Atlantic salt meadow is as described in Appendix 4.6.2 and shown on map 6.1. (ix) No reduction in the extent and quality of the transitions between the Atlantic salt meadow and other communities as described in Appendix 4.6.3 (x) The nationally rare and scarce communities listed in Appendix 4.6.4 are present and there is no reduction in their extent and quality. (xi) The nationally rare, scarce and uncommon species listed in Appendix 4.6.5 are present and there is no reduction in their populations. SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term.

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest Salicornia and other The conservation objective for the Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud annuals colonising mud and sand is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The and sand “Salicornia” feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: NATURAL RANGE AND EXTENT (i) The distribution of the Salicornia communities of the SAC is as indicated on map 7.1 (ii) There is no reduction in the overall extent of the Salicornia and other annuals feature. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iii) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the Salicornia and other annuals feature operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature. (Also see structural and functional components under estuaries). (iv) A variety of geomorphological components are present within the Salicornia communities, e.g. saltmarsh creeks, saltpans and erosional cliffs. THE CONSERVATION OF TYPICAL SPECIES (v) The variety of typical plant and animal species within viable populations continue to be present. (vi) The variety of the saltmarsh communities that form the Salicornia and other annuals feature includes the communities listed in Appendix 4.7.1. (vii) The distribution and quality of the saltmarsh communities that form the Salicornia feature is as described in Appendix 4.7.2 (viii) The nationally scarce community characterised by the species Sarcocornia perennis is present and there is no reduction in its extent and quality (ix) The notable plant species listed in Appendix 4.7.3 are present in the Salicornia and other annuals communities and there is no reduction in their populations. SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (x) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Submerged or partly The conservation objective for the submerged or partially submerged sea caves submerged sea caves is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The “sea caves” feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: NATURAL RANGE AND EXTENT (i) There is no reduction in the geographical distribution of the different types and sizes of sea caves present within the site (ii) There is no reduction in the overall area (extent and number) of the sea caves within the site (see maps ii and iii for an indication of the areas where sea caves are present within the SAC) STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iii) There is no change to the distribution, extent and variation of the rock types where the sea caves are present within the site. (iv) The morphology, topography, orientation, aspect and bathymetry of the sea

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest caves is determined by and evolves under the influence of uninterrupted environmental processes. (v) There is a variety of sediment / rock deposits in base of sea caves determined by and evolving under the influence of uninterrupted environmental processes (vi) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the sea caves and their associated communities operate witin the range of dynamic fluctuaion that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature. TYPICAL SPECIES (vii) The sea caves support a variety and distribution of biological communities that includes, but is not limited to that described in Appendix 4.8.1 (viii) The species richness, population dynamics, biomass and range of typical species of the sea caves are determined by and sustained in response to the prevailing physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes. (ix) There are extensive examples of sea cave communities (as categorised by biotopes) present in, but not limited to, certain caves as described in Appendix 4.8.2 (x) The larger caves near Hell’s Mouth, St. Tudwal’s Islands and Pen y Cil (Trwyn y Fulfran cave, Two-levels cave and Pen y Cil tunnel (Bunker & Holt 2003) continue to support a relatively high species and habitat richness and well- developed zonation of sea cave communities. (xi) The notable species listed in Appendix 4.8.3 are present within, but not limited to, the sea caves listed. SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term Coastal lagoon The conservation objective for the coastal lagoons is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The coastal lagoons feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: NATURAL RANGE AND EXTENT (i) The distribution of the lagoon within the site is as shown on the indicative features maps ii and iii (ii) There is no reduction in the area (extent) of the lagoon STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (iii) There is no modification to the physical structure of the lagoon (iv) There is no modification to the structure of the supporting/impounding shingle spit, bank and beach (v) The patterns of physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes that form and sustain the lagoon and its associated community operate within the range of dynamic fluctuation that would be expected to satisfy the ecological requirements of the feature. (vi) There is no interruption to the input of seawater through percolation and input of freshwater through percolation and rainfall. (vii) The salinity regime is within the range to support the lagoonal specialist

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest species (10‰ - 40‰) (viii) The temperature regime is within the range to support the lagoonal specialist species (ix) Levels of nutrients in the water column and sediments remain: - at or below existing statutory guideline concentrations - at levels within ranges that are not potentially detrimental to the long-term maintenance of the lagoonal specialist species and the biotic assemblage of the lagoon (x) The level of dissolved oxygen in the water and sediments is within the range to support the lagoonal specialist species CONSERVATION OF TYPICAL SPECIES (xi) The lagoon supports a community of species that is determined by and sustained in response to the prevailing physical, chemical and biological conditions and processes. (xii) The lagoon supports a community of species that includes a minimum of three lagoonal specialist species and a variety of other species including, but not limited to the species listed in Annex/Appendix 4.9.1 SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (xiii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Bottlenose dolphin The conservation objective for the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) to (Tursiops truncatus) achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The “bottlenose dolphin” feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: POPULATION DYNAMICS (i) The number of bottlenose dolphins within the SAC is stable or increasing (ii) The number of bottlenose dolphin calves produced in the SAC and beyond is sufficient to sustain the population (iii) There is a balance between the relative proportions of immature, mature, male and female bottlenose dolphins within the SAC and beyond (iv) The physiological health of bottlenose dolphins within the SAC is good NATURAL RANGE (v) The range of the bottlenose dolphin within the SAC and their contribution to the SW UK and Ireland population is not constrained or hindered SUPPORTING HABITAT (vi) There are appropriate and adequate food sources for the bottlenose dolphins within the SAC and beyond. (vii) The amount of supporting habitat for the bottlenose dolphins is stable or increasing SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (viii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Grey seal (Halichoerus The conservation objective for the Grey seal Halichoerus grypus is to achieve the

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Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Qualifying Vision interest grypus) favourable conservation status of the feature. The ‘grey seal’ feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: POUPLATION DYNAMICS (i) The number of grey seals within the site is stable or increasing and there is a balance between the relative proportions of immature, mature, male, female components (ii) The level of pup production within the SAC is stable or increasing (iii) The physiological health of grey seals within the SAC is good NATURAL RANGE (iv) The range and distribution of grey seals within the SAC and beyond is not constrained or hindered SUPPORTING HABITATS (v) Sites used by grey seals are accessible to them and the extent and appropriate quality of supporting habitats are stable or increasing. (vi) There are appropriate and sufficient food sources for grey seals within the SAC and beyond SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (vii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term. Otter (Lutra lutra) The conservation objective for the Otter Lutra lutra is to achieve the favourable conservation status of the feature. The ‘otter’ feature will be considered to be in favourable conservation status when: POPULATION DYNAMICS (i) The number of otters within the SAC is stable or increasing (ii) The number of otter cubs produced in the SAC and beyond is sufficient to sustain the population (iii) The physiological health of otters within the SAC is good NATURAL RANGE (iv) The range of otters within the SAC and adjacent inter-connected areas is not constrained or hindered SUPPORTING HABITAT (v) Supporting habitats used by otters (e.g. for safe breeding, feeding, resting and travelling) are accessible to them, and the extent and quality of these habitats is stable or increasing. (vi) There are appropriate and sufficient food sources for otters within the SAC and beyond (vii) There are sufficient sources within the SAC and beyond of high quality freshwater for otter drinking and bathing SECURITY OF THE FEATURE IN THE LONG TERM (viii) The management of activities or operations likely to damage or degrade the distribution, extent, structure, function or typical species populations of the feature, is appropriate for maintaining favourable conservation status and is secure in the long term.

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Reference

Anon. (2008). Draft advice provided by the Countryside Council for Wales in fulfilment of Regulation 33 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 for Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau European Marine Site. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Rhinog SAC Qualifying Vision interest European dry heaths The vision for the heath land SAC features is for them to be in a favourable and Northern Atlantic conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: wet heath with Erica 1 The total extent of the dry heath area, approximately 1419 ha, shall be tetralix maintained. The area of dry heath should increase at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities such as acid grassland where appropriate. The total extent of the wet heath area, approximately 324ha, shall be maintained. The area of wet heath should increase in overall at the expense of less desirable vegetation communities. Some areas of wet heath which are degraded blanket bog may be restored to that priority habitat provided that there is a net gain of wet heath within the SAC. 2 The distribution of the dry and wet heath will at least be as at its present extent and will preferably be increasing as it is restored in additional areas. 3 The typical and uncommon species of the vegetation communities comprising the dry heath and wet heath, including lower plants, will be frequent and abundant. See Table 1. The nationally rare liverwort Welsh notchwort Gymnocolia acutiloba should continue to flourish at its known locations within the humid rocky heath. 4 The structure of the heath should be maintained and restored, to show natural regeneration by layering and seeding, and to ensure that the component vegetation communities are naturally diverse (refer also to 3 above). Wet heath will often benefit from having a medium to short structure, less than 30cms height. Signs of overgrazing, including ‘suppressed’, ‘topiary’ or ‘drumstick’ growth habits will not be apparent. 5 Invasive non-native species such as conifers, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and bridewort (Spiraea) will not be present. 6 The surface of the heath will be generally free from trees and at most have only a few individuals at a density of no more than two per hectare. Exceptions to this rule are transition zones from woodland to heath land where trees may be denser grading to open heath. Limits for woodland transition zones should be set on a unit or sub-unit basis. 7 All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Old sessile oakwoods The vision for the Woodland SAC feature is for it to be in a favourable with Ilex and Blechnum conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Woodland 1. The total extent of the woodland area, including woodland canopy and scrub, woodland glades and associated dry heath, bracken and grassland shall be maintained as at present, of some 42 ha plus. The woodland feature is broadly in five interconnecting ‘zones’ to the west and south-west of Llyn Cwm Bychan. 2. The location of the woodland SAC feature will be as at present. Most of the woodland within Rhinog SSSI is excluded from Rhinog SAC and is included within Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC (refer to that SAC plan). The woodland covered by this feature is woodland generally without clear boundary between the heath, bog, acid grassland and bracken. Indeed these transitions between the habitats to woodland, which make measuring woodland extent difficult, are of interest in their own right. 3. The tree canopy percentage cover within the woodland area shall be no less than the current cover (excepting natural catastrophic events).

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Rhinog SAC Qualifying Vision interest 4. The canopy and shrub layer comprises locally native species, as indicated in Table 2, typical of this upland woodland which tends to be less oak and more birch dominated than more lowland examples of this SAC feature. 5. There shall be sufficient natural regeneration of locally native trees and shrubs to maintain the woodland canopy and shrub layer, by filling gaps, joining fragments of woodland and allowing the recruitment of young trees, and encouraging a varied age structure. 6. The typical ground layer species of the woodland SAC feature will be common, see Table 2. It is important that the vegetation does not become rank and overgrown with a height above 40cm and/or dominated by species such as bramble, ivy and young holly. Limits may be set on a unit or compartment basis. Typical lower plants including oceanic species (refer to Table 1 below for an indicative list) should continue to be abundant and/or maintained. 7. The abundance and distribution of uncommon mosses, liverworts, lichens and ferns, will be maintained or increased. 8. There will be a defined number of mature trees per hectare within the existing tree canopy on a unit basis. This will need to be defined by diameter for the upland situation where comparable trees at lower altitude are of c60cm diameter plus for oak and ash and/or with signs of decay, holes etc. 9. Dead wood will be present and consist of a mixture of fallen trees (minimum 1 per hectare), broken branches, dead branches on live trees, and standing dead trees (minimum one per hectare). Volumes of deadwood are currently at relatively low levels because the woodlands, in general, have an even-age structure and lack mature trees. Some lower plants are dead wood specialists but these woodlands tend to lack the rare dead wood invertebrate assemblage found in other parts of the UK. 10. Invasive non-native species such as rhododendron, conifers, sweet chestnut, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam will not be present. 11. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Blanket Bog The vision for this priority blanket bog SAC feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The total extent of the blanket bog area of approximately 231ha, is maintained. 2. The location and distribution of the blanket bog is maintained. 3. The typical species of the vegetation communities comprising the blanket bog SAC feature are frequent. The bulk of the blanket bog is referable to Trichophorum- Eriophorum bog (M17) with more localised stands of Calluna – Eriophorum bog (M19). See Table 1. 4. The abundance and distribution of uncommon plants, often indicative of good quality, is maintained or increased. 5. The structure of the blanket bog is maintained and restored where appropriate to include bog pools, depressions, hummocks and hollows as a natural feature of the bog surface. Artificial drainage ditches or moor grips are not present as functioning drains. No significant areas of peat erosion should be present. 6. Invasive non-native species such as conifers, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and bridewort (Spirea) are not present within the SAC and a species-specific buffer area 7. The blanket bog is free from all trees.

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Rhinog SAC Qualifying Vision interest 8. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Alpine and sub-Alpine The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, heaths where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. The extent of alpine and sub-alpine heath (currently 5.1ha of NVC H14 and possibly less than 1 ha of U10a –not measured) is maintained to be as large as possible such that it occupies all the area suitable for its development. The extent is unlikely to increase significantly here as most suitable areas are already NVC H14. 2. The location and range of the alpine and sub-alpine shall be the summits of Rhinog Fawr, Rhinog Fach and currently fragmentary stands around Craig Wion as well as Y Llethr, which currently supports small patches of moss heath (U10a) within the acid grassland NVC U4e. 3. Vegetation composition: The following characteristic plants will be common in the NVC H14 heath: Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, V.vitis-idaea, Empetrum nigrum, Racomitrium lanuginosum,Hypnum jutlandicum,Cladonia sps. This NVC community also has a less mossy form on Rhinog which is considered to be the most common form of this montane heath in Wales. Typical montane clubmosses, sedges and grasses. Moss-heath NVC U10a here on y Llethr is “an almost continuous carpet of Racomitrium lanuginosum studded with small plants such as Salix herbacea, Vaccinium myrtillus,V.vitis-idaea, Carex bigelowii and Diphasiastrum alpinum” (Averis 2004) . Typical montane clubmosses, sedges and grasses will also be present. 4. Non-native species are not present. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.Performance indicators for the alpine heath Feature Depressions on peat The vision for this feature at Rhinog is for it to be in a favourable conservation substrates of the status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: Rhynchosporion 1. Extent: The feature occupies all the area suitable for its development within a complex mosaic of mires, wet heaths and bog pools. From a partial survey in 2007 this feature is currently thought to cover about 1 ha. 2. Location: 3. Vegetation composition: The following plants will be common in the ‘depressions on peat substrates of the Rhynchosporion’: Rhyncospora alba, Sphagnum papillosum, Molinia caerulea, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum angustifolium. Extensive mats of Sphagum mosses will also be present locally, and Menyanthes trifoliata and Carex echinata also feature frequently. Other than Myrica gale, dwarf shrubs will be sparse. There will be no non native species present. 4. Uncommon species continue to be present including Sphagnum magellanicum, Drosera intermediaand the nationally scarce marsh clubmoss Lycopodiella inundata. 5. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Oligotrophic to The vision for the oligotrophic to mesotrophic (clear-water) lakes SAC feature is mesotrophic standing where all of the following conditions are satisfied: waters with vegetation of 1 The total extent of the clear-water lakes shall be maintained. The the Littorelletea uniflorae catchments should also be maintained in at least their current condition.

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Rhinog SAC Qualifying Vision interest and/or of the Isoëto- 2 The location of the clear-water lakes will be as shown on and as referred to Nanojuncetea by name in the table below. 3 The typical species, as listed following, of the vegetation communities comprising the clear-water lakes SAC feature will be common. The vegetation community is characterised by amphibious short perennial vegetation, with shoreweed Littorella uniflora and quillworts Isoetes spp. being considered as the defining components. On Rhinog, this species often grows in association with water lobelia Lobelia dortmanna, awlwort Subularia aquatica, bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius, bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus, floating club-rush Eleogiton fluitans,alternate water-milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum and floating bur-reed Sparganium angustifolium, small pondweed Potamogeton berchtoldii and bladderworts Utricularia spp. 4 All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control. Floating water plantain The conservation objective for the Oligotrophic lakes feature must be met. The (Luronium natans) vision for this feature is for it to be in favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied: 1. There will be no contraction of the current L. natans extent and distribution from Llyn Cwm Bychan. L. natans populations in sections 1 and 2 of the lake will be viable & will be able to maintain themselves on a long-term basis. L. natans must be able to complete sexual and/or vegetative reproduction successfully. 2. The lake will have sufficient habitat to support existing L. natans populations within their current distribution and for future expansion. 3. All factors affecting the achievement of these conditions are under control.

Reference

Williams, P., Evans, F. and Lewis, H. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Rhinog Special Area of Conservation (ACA) [sic]. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Traeth Lafan / Lavan Sands, Conwy Bay SPA Qualifying Vision interest Oystercatcher The vision for this feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, (Haematopus where all of the following conditions are satisfied: ostralegus) 1. The 5 year mean peak of the number of wintering oystercatchers is at least 4,000. 2. The abundance and distribution of cockles of 15mm or larger and other suitable food are maintained at levels sufficient to support the population with a 5 year mean peak of 4,000 individuals. 3. Oystercatchers are not disturbed in ways that prevent them spending enough time feeding for survival. 4. Roost sites, including high tide roost sites, remain suitable for oystercatchers to roost undisturbed. 5. The management and control of activities or operations likely to adversely affect the oystercatchers, is appropriate for maintaining the feature in favourable condition and is secure in the long term.

Reference

Anon. (2008). Core Management Plan including Conservation Objectives for Traeth Lafan/Lavan Sands, Conway Bay SPA. Countryside Council for Wales.

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Figure 1

Location of European Sites

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Project

Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Local Development Plan

Title

Location of European Sites

Notes:

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK

Capel Curig

Betws-y-coed

SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION (SAC)

Beddgelert

SPECIAL PROTECTION Porthmadog AREA (SPA)

Trawsfynydd

Harlech RAMSAR SITE Llanuwchllyn

Dolgellau

Mallwyd

C Copyright reserved Disclaimer: Status: Client: Crown copyright. All rights reserved. FINAL Countryside Council for Wales 1000018813 (2007). Date FEB 09 Global Scale 1 : 250000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey Horizontal Scale on Behalf of HMSO © Crown copyright and Designed by SP Drawn by Vertical Scale Snowdonia National Park Authority database right (2006). All rights reserved. SP National Park Office Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited Ordnance Survey No: 100023387 Original Checked by Penrhyndeudraeth DH Size A2 330 Firecrest Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1RG. Gwynedd Tel: +44 (0)870 000 3008 Fax: +44 (0)870 000 3908 02 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Local Development Plan Update FEB 09 Approved by AS Datum/Grid LL48 6LF Project CodeDrawing No. Issue Filename: K:\projects\NH51128-Snowdonia-SEA\B-Incoming-Data\GIS\ Tel: (01766) 770274 Issue Date HRA of the SNP Local Development Plan Fax: (01766) 771211 NH51128 FIGURE 1 2

Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Revised Local Development Plan 2016-2031

HRA ADDENDUM MAY 2017

DRAFTED FOR Snowdonia National Park Authority

STATUS: FNAL CONSULTATION VERSION

BY DTA ECOLOGY

Rectory Farm Finchampstead Wokingham Berkshire RG40 4JY

Tel 0118 973 4700 [email protected]  Website: www.dt-a.co.uk

Doc. Ref. 1031 SNPA LDP HRA Date: 17th May 2017 Contents

Contents ...... 1 1 Relevant background and introduction ...... 2 1.1 Relevant background ...... 2 1.2 HRA of Land use plans generally ...... 2 1.3 Introduction and approach ...... 5 1.4 The Defra guidance on competent authority co-ordination...... 9 2 The changes which have been proposed since the earlier 2007-2022 LDP and accompanying Habitats Regulations Assessment ...... 12 2.1 The key issues changes compared to the 2007-2022 LDP ...... 12 3 European Site potentially affected ...... 13 3.1 Sites identified as relevant March 2009 HRA...... 13 4 Preliminary consideration of the changes to the LDP ...... 14 4.1 Summary of the findings from the October 2016 AA ...... 14 5 Preliminary screening for likely significant effects ...... 16 5.1 Approach to screening the revisions ...... 16 5.2 Screening outcomes ...... 16 5.3 Conclusions ...... 17 6 Appropriate Assessment of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone ...... 18 6.1 The scope of the assessment ...... 18 6.2 Assessing the LDP revisions ...... 23 6.3 Summary ...... 28 7 Assessment of the proposed development ‘in combination’ with other plans and projects ...... 31 7.1 Approach to the in combination requirements ...... 31

Appendix 1…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 32

1 Relevant background and introduction

1.1 Relevant background 1.1.1 The background to this addendum to the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) work already undertaken in respect of the 2007-2022 Local Development Plan (LDP) is important to a correct reading and interpretation of this report. The purpose of this section 1.1 is to capture the key steps in what is an iterative approach to the assessment of the Local Development Plan under the Habitats Regulations. 1.1.2 The current LDP for the national park (2007-2022) was adopted in July 2011 and was subject to a full HRA1. As part of the later short form revision process SNPA drafted a Review Report in July 20162 which outlined how the LDP had performed over the past 5 years and considered whether there was a need for any changes. This Review identified the need for some key changes to the LDP which are currently being progressed. 1.1.3 DTA Ecology has been commissioned by Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) to undertake a ‘shadow’ HRA in respect of the proposed review of the LDP. This work has been approached by way of an addendum to the March 2009 HRA which was undertaken in respect of the original LDP. The focus of this addendum is therefore to assess the changes which were identified through the review report and to update the findings of the earlier HRA accordingly. 1.1.4 The In order to avoid a duplication of assessment effort, and to ensure a clear and logical audit trail this document therefore forms an addendum to the March 2009 HRA. The majority of the LDP is unchanged from the earlier 2007-2022 version such that most of the earlier HRA work remains fit for purpose and can simply be ‘adopted’ for the purpose of the updated LDP. This addendum follows chronologically, and sets out in a transparent manner how the changes to the LDP have been subject to assessment under the Habitats Regulations.

1.2 HRA of Land use plans generally 1.2.1 In the case of the EC v UK3 the European Court of Justice (now the Court of Justice of the European Union) required the UK Government to secure the assessment of Britain’s land use plans under the provisions of the Habitats Directive. In that judgment the Advocate General and the Court itself recognised that although they considered Britain’s land use plans could potentially have significant effects on European sites, despite the subsequent need for planning permission at ‘project’ level stage, the assessment of plans had to be tailored to the stage in plan making. 1.2.2 The Advocate General’s opinion4 which informed the judgment of the court acknowledged the difficulties associated with an assessment of the early stages of a plan (such as a pre-

1 Snowdonia National Park Authority Local Development Plan HRA, Hyder Consulting, March 2009. 2 Eryri Local Development Plan Revision Review Report, SNPA, July 2016. 3 Case C-6/04: Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland judgment of the Court 20 October 2005. 4 Opinion of advocate general Kokott, 9th June 2005, Case C-6/04. Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

deposit proposals paper informing the preparation of a Deposit Plan). In paragraph 49 of her opinion Advocate General Kokott stated that adverse effects: “...must be assessed at every relevant stage of the procedure to the extent possible on the basis of the precision of the plan. This assessment is to be updated with increasing specificity in subsequent stages of the procedure”

1.2.3 Consistently, in the High Court case of Feeney5, in respect of the Oxford City Council Core Strategy in England, the judge said: “Each appropriate assessment must be commensurate to the relative precision of the plans at any particular stage and no more. There does have to be an appropriate assessment at the Core Strategy stage, but such an assessment cannot do more than the level of detail of the strategy at that stage permits”

1.2.4 It is therefore important, even adopting a precautionary approach, not to assign a ‘likely significant effect’ to policies and proposals that could not, realistically, have such an effect, because of their general nature. It is important to apply the precautionary principle in the ‘likely significant effect test’ in the Regulations, but the European Commission in its own guidance on the application of the test6, accepts that policies in a plan that are no more than general policy statements or which express the general political will of an authority cannot be likely to have a significant effect on a site. 1.2.5 To include such policies or general proposals in a formal ‘appropriate assessment’ is likely to generate a considerable amount of abortive or unnecessary work. It could even lead to the plan failing the ‘integrity test’. Not because, in practice, any policy or proposal might adversely affect the integrity of any European site, but because policies have been ‘screened in’ which generate no more than theoretical risks, or vague or hypothetical effects, and for which no meaningful assessment can be made at this stage, because no particular significant effect on any particular European site can actually be identified. Such an approach is not believed to be in the interests of the plan or the European sites. In the Boggis judgment7, the Court of Appeal ruled that there should be “credible evidence that there was a real, rather than a hypothetical, risk”. What the assessment needs to concentrate on are those aspects of the plan that could, realistically, be likely to have a significant effect. 1.2.6 Too lenient a view however can be equally problematic. For example, in respect of proposed mitigation measures, the intention to simply rely on a general European ‘site protection policy in the LDP would not form a compliant basis for the HRA. 1.2.7 Reliance on a general European site safeguard policy as the ‘mitigation measure’ is insufficient to resolve any tensions or conflicts in the LDP between site protection and policies or proposals which could significantly affect European sites. In the EC v UK, the ECJ found that it was the requirement to determine planning applications in accordance with the development plan (unless material considerations indicate otherwise) that made Britain’s land use plans capable of significantly affecting European sites. Consequently, policies or

5 Sean Feeney v Oxford City Council and the Secretary of State CLG para 92 of the judgment dated 24 October 2011 Case No CO/3797/2011, Neutral Citation [2011] EWHC 2699 Admin 6 European Commission, 2000, Managing Natura 2000 Sites: The provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC section 4.3.2 at http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/provision_of_art6_en.pdf 7 Peter Charles Boggis and Easton Bavants Conservation v Natural England and Waveney District Council, High Court of Justice Court of Appeal case C1/2009/0041/QBACF Citation No [2009] EWCA Civ. 1061 20th October 2009

proposals which could have a high potential for significant adverse effects on European sites should be removed from the plan (or dropped at option selection stage); or policy-specific, or proposal-specific, mitigation measures must be introduced to the plan. This is in preference to a general protection policy which merely creates an internal conflict between plan policies, rather than avoiding the potentially significant effects. Any tension in the plan must be resolved in favour of protecting the European sites from harm which may be caused by the effects of the policies or proposals in the plan8. 1.2.8 Consequently, a general policy cannot form a mitigation measure in order for the park authority to ascertain no adverse effects on the integrity of any European sites. A safeguard condition or policy qualifying a particular proposal in the plan would however be permissible, because it would refer to specific details of future particular development9. There is nothing wrong in adopting something in principle which may not happen in the future if the condition or qualification is not satisfied10. But this principle cannot be stretched so far that the condition or qualification is merely a general policy aspiring to protect all European sites from all and any effects of the plan. 1.2.9 The inherent problems with an intention to rely on a general policy as appropriate mitigation in the HRA of the LDP is what underpins the need to consider the requirements of the Habitats Regulations at the earlier stages in the plan development process. Where possible, the elimination of the likelihood of significant effects at this early stage can be particularly important to the overall assessment. This can be done by removing any policies or proposals that may have such an effect or by introducing case-specific measures to mitigate them. 1.2.10 With specific reference to mitigation measures in the context of a strategic land use plan, it is important to recognise the extent to which it is necessary to set out every detail of proposed mitigation measures at the plan making stage. An approach which potentially relies upon the detailed aspects of mitigation matters being finalised after the adoption of the plan was specifically endorsed by the High Court in the case of Abbotskerswell v Teignbridge (2014)11. In this case the Inspector ‘did not consider that safeguards proposed in the plan – the strategic mitigation strategy, settlement and site mitigation plans – had to be in place in advance of adoption of the Local Plan’. The Court ruled in para 84 that ‘the Inspector was entitled to conclude that the Local Plan met the statutory requirements and was sound’. 1.2.11 More recently, in the case of NANT v Suffolk Coastal District Council (2015)12, the Court of Appeal ruled that ‘the important question… is not whether mitigation measures were considered at the stage of Core Strategy in as much detail as the available information permitted, but whether there was sufficient information at that stage to enable the Council to be duly satisfied that the proposed mitigation measures could be achieved in practice’. These cases should not be read to suggest that the consideration of mitigation measures can be put aside at the plan making stage, but that it is not necessary (or reasonable) to require all the detailed elements of proposed mitigation measures to be identified and agreed.

8 Feeney paragraph 97 9 Feeney paragraphs 88, 90 and 92 10 Feeney paragraph 96 11 Abbotskerswell Parish Council v Teignbridge District Council [2014] EWHC 4166 (Admin) 12 No Adastral New Town v Suffolk Coastal District Council [2015 ] EWCA Civ 88

1.3 Introduction and approach 1.3.1 This addendum is drafted to fulfil the brief from SNPA and is provided as a ‘shadow’ HRA addendum as, strictly speaking, in accordance with the Habitats Regulations it is for SNPA as the competent authority to undertake the assessment as required by regulation 102, and make the necessary decisions in respect of the findings of that assessment. This shadow HRA addendum is therefore provided to SNPA, as the competent authority, who must then consider whether they will ‘adopt’ the reasoning and findings for the purposes of their own assessment. 1.3.2 This assessment adopts the methodology for the assessment of the planning application that is set out in Part F of The Habitats Regulations Assessment Handbook13 (hereafter referred to as ‘the HRA Handbook’). This method was considered by Natural Resources Wales specialists in HRA during a period of ‘guest access’ to the Handbook on line before it was made available to subscribers in September 2013. Following consideration of the Handbook’s recommended method, and the consideration of the Handbook’s 180 principles to be applied in HRA drawn from case law, EC and Government guidance, Natural Resources Wales did not request any changes to be made to the text of the Handbook and proceeded to take out a multiple user subscription to make it available for all staff. 1.3.3 Current subscribers to the Handbook include Government (England and Wales), Natural England, Marine Management Organisation, the Planning Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, all Welsh Local Planning Authorities and a growing number of local planning authorities in England, together with lawyers, consultants and NGOs. This methodology is accepted by the statutory nature conservation body and the Planning Inspectorate as appropriate for their own staff to follow. As such, the approach set out in the Handbook is considered to represent current best practice. The process and method of assessment is summarised in the following three diagrams. Figure 1.1 illustrates the statutory procedures required by the regulations. Figure 1.2 is an outline of the four stage approach to the HRA of plans. Figure 1.3 illustrates how the HRA process is integrated into the plan making process.

13 Tyldesley, D., and Chapman C. (2013) The Habitats Regulations Assessment Handbook, September 2016 edition UK: DTA Publications Limited.(see website at www.dtapublications.co.uk)

Figure 1.1: Procedures required by regulations 61 and 102 of the Habitats Regulations

Figure 1.2: Outline of the four stage approach to the assessment of plans under the Habitats Regulations

Figure 1.3: Relationship of steps in the Habitats Regulations Assessment with a typical plan making process

1.4 The Defra guidance on competent authority co-ordination 1.4.1 An important, but frequently overlooked, provision within the Habitats Regulations can be found at regulation 65 which reads as follows:

Co-ordination where more than one competent authority involved 65. (1) This regulation applies where a plan or project— (a) is undertaken by more than one competent authority; (b) requires the consent, permission or other authorisation of more than one competent authority; or (c) is undertaken by one or more competent authorities and requires the consent, permission or other authorisation of one or more other competent authorities. (2) Nothing in regulation 61(1) or 63(2) requires a competent authority to assess any

implications of a plan or project which would be more appropriately assessed under that provision by another competent authority.

1.4.2 In light of the significance of this provision for minimising duplication of assessment effort, Defra issued guidance on regulation 65 under the provisions of 65(3) and competent authorities in England are obliged to have regard to this guidance under the provisions of regulation 65(4). Whilst the guidance is relevant to England, in the absence of equivalent guidance for Wales, the Welsh Government have endorsed the use Defra guidance by Welsh Planning Authorities as ‘best available information’, In considering the extent to which the HRA work already undertaken in respect of the 2009 HRA of the original Local Development Plan is relevant to this HRA of Revision Review LDP, SNPA should therefore be mindful of provisions of this Defra guidance an competent authority co-ordination14. 1.4.3 Whilst, strictly speaking, the provisions of regulation 65 do not apply as a matter of law to the current assessment requirements, as the reviewed ’plan’ does not meet either of the three scenarios in regulation 65(1), it is generally accepted15 that paragraphs 5-7 of the Defra guidance (which comprise the guidance issued under regulation 65(3)) can be applied widely as a matter of good practice. Paragraph 4 of the guidance refers to two situations where competent authorities might ‘co-ordinate’ their assessment requirements. The first scenario is of relevance to the current HRA as it states that ‘where previous decisions have been taken in relation to the appropriate assessment requirements for a plan or project, competent authorities should adopt the parts of the earlier assessment that are robust and have not become outdated by further information or developments’. 1.4.4 Having introduced the concept of ‘adopting’ earlier decisions in order to ‘simplify the assessment process and reduce its time and costs for both the applicant and the competent authorities involved’16, paragraphs 5-7 then provide specific further guidance on how and when a competent authority might adopt the reasoning or conclusions from an earlier assessment; they read as follows:

14 Habitats Directive: Guidance on competent authority co-ordination under the Habitats Regulations, July 2012 (Defra) www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-competent-authority-coordination-under- the-habitats-regulations 15 Refer section C.12 of The Habitats Regulations Assessment Handbook (ibid) 16 Refer para 2 of the Defra guidance

5. The Regulations transposing the Habitats Directive enable competent authorities to adopt the reasoning or conclusions of another competent authority as to whether a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a European site, or will adversely affect the integrity of a European site. They also provide that a competent authority is not required to assess any implications of a plan or project that would be more appropriately assessed by another competent authority’.

6. Competent authorities should adopt the reasoning, conclusion or assessment of another competent authority in relation to the appropriate assessment requirements for a plan or project, if they can. This can happen when all or part of the appropriate assessment requirements have already been met by another competent authority. It could also happen if one competent authority is completing all or part of the appropriate assessment requirements on behalf of others. Competent authorities remain responsible for ensuring their decisions are consistent with the Habitats Directive, so must be satisfied:

 No additional material information has emerged, such as new environmental evidence or changes or developments to the plan or project, that means the reasoning, conclusion or assessment they are adopting has become out of date  The analysis underpinning the reasoning, conclusion or assessment they are adopting is sufficiently rigorous and robust. This condition can be assumed to be met for a plan or project involving the consideration of technical matters if the reasoning, conclusion or assessment was undertaken or made by a competent authority with the necessary technical expertise. ‘7. Due to these conditions there may be cases where it is not appropriate to adopt the reasoning, conclusions or assessment of another competent authority, or it is only appropriate to adopt some elements of an earlier assessment. In addition, even where the conditions are met, a competent authority may need to undertake additional work to supplement the assessment they have adopted in order to meet the full appropriate assessment requirements.’

1.4.5 The application and implications of the Defra guidance has been considered in detail within Part C12 of the HRA Handbook which refers to a ‘common sense’ approach at C.12.3 and states that: ‘In respect of ‘earlier decisions’ that relate to a separate plan or project, the competent authorities do not need to ‘coordinate’, because only one authority has a decision to take... However, the principles set out in the Defra statutory guidance, about adopting the reasoning and conclusions of another authority may be applicable and should be adopted as good practice. ‘Earlier decisions’ that relate to a separate plan or project could be separated by short, or relatively long, periods of time. The point is that the earlier decision is made before the later competent authority embarks on its assessment’

1.4.6 In the context of the HRA which needs to be undertaken in respect of the LDP Revision Review HRA therefore, in recognition of the Welsh Government having advised that the Defra guidance should be referred to as ‘best available information’, and in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of assessment effort, this assessment ‘adopts’ the reasoning,

10 conclusion or assessment of earlier HRA work where it is appropriate to do so. SNPA will seek to ‘adopt’ the reasoning, conclusion or assessment of the earlier HRA findings if they can. Before they do so they must be satisfied that a) no additional material information has emerged which might render the earlier decision ‘out of date’ and b) that the analysis underpinning the reasoning, conclusion or assessment is sufficiently rigorous and robust.

2 The changes which have been proposed since the earlier 2007- 2022 LDP and accompanying Habitats Regulations Assessment

2.1 The key issues changes compared to the 2007-2022 LDP 2.1.1 The key changes to the current LDP are summarised below: 1) To roll forward the end date to 2031 2) To decide on a new plan housing requirement and how this can be met through the allocation of new sites, amendments to housing development boundaries and the contribution from windfall sites. This is likely to have a small impact on the distribution of housing development in the settlement hierarchy. 3) To amend Housing Policies as required along with associated text. 4) To reference existing policies and text with Supplementary Planning Guidance prepared since adoption 5) To consider the implications of any policies and proposals with a spatial component and update proposals map accordingly 6) To show the designation of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone on the Proposals Map and introduce a new positive and enabling policy to manage new development within the Zone 7) To review policies dealing with types of tourism accommodation and related contextual policies 8) To amend retail policy to provide more flexibility on alternative uses 9) To recognise the designation of the Dark Sky Reserve 10) Minor inconsequential updates to policies and supporting text. 2.1.2 With reference to the Defra guidance on competent authority co-ordination. It is the opinion of DTA Ecology that: a) in the absence of additional material information which might render the earlier findings ‘out of date’, and b) on the basis that the analysis underpinning the earlier March 2009 HRA is considered to be ‘rigorous and robust’, the findings of the March 2009 HRA can be adopted by the SNPA in respect of all other aspects of the LDP which are unchanged by the revision review. To subject the entire LDP to HRA would represent an unnecessary duplication of assessment effort. 2.1.3 This addendum to the March 2009 HRA therefore focuses on the effects of the changes as outlined in points (1-10) above.

3 European Site potentially affected 3.1 Sites identified as relevant March 2009 HRA 3.1.1 Section 4 of the 2009 HRA identified the European sites which are potentially affected by the LDP. Table 4.1 identified a list of European sites which were subject to screening in respect of effects associated with the LDP as a whole including: European Sites identified in respect of the earlier March 2009 HRA Aber Dyfi / Dyfi Estuary SAC Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid / River Dee and Bala Lake SAC Afon Eden -Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC Afon Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn / River Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC Berwyn SPA Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd / Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains SAC Cadair Idris SAC Coedydd Aber SAC Coedydd Derw a Safleodd Ystlumod Meirion / Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites SAC Cors Fochno SAC Corsydd Eifionydd SAC Craig yr Aderyn / Bird’s Rock Eryri / Snowdonia SAC Glynllifon SAC Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn SAC Mwyngloddiau Fforest Gwydir / Gwydyr Forest Mines SAC Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau / Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC Rhinog SAC

3.1.2 Details concerning all these sites are available within the March 2009 addendum and are not repeated here. 3.1.3 This addendum does not seek to subject the entire revised LDP to HRA as this would generate unnecessary duplication of assessment effort already undertaken. Instead it focuses on the effects which might arise from the changes listed as (a-j) in 3.1.1 above. The implications of these changes will be considered in view of the sites identified as potentially relevant to the HRA of the earlier LDP and will also consider the inclusion of additional sites if necessary and appropriate to do so.

4 Preliminary consideration of the changes to the LDP 4.1 Summary of the findings from the October 2016 AA 4.1.1 As explained in para 1.3.2, this assessment adopts the approach set out in Part F of the Habitats Regulations Assessment Handbook ‘Practical Guidance for the Assessment of Plans’. With reference to F.3.4 of the HRA Handbook, when considering the changes identified, it is first appropriate to consider if any of the changes can be ‘eliminated’ from further assessment on the basis that they have no conceivable effect upon a European site. Table 4.1 below considers each of the changes identified at para 2.1.1 above in turn and asks whether they could have any conceivable effect upon a European site.

Table 4.1: Can the changes be eliminated from further assessment? Proposed change Eliminate? Justification 1) to roll forward end date to Yes The extension of the end date for the LDP will 2031 have no conceivable effect on any European sites and is eliminated from further assessment. 2) to decide on a new plan No This change could have conceivable effects housing requirement and how which might undermine the conservation this can be met through the objectives for European sites and should be allocation of new sites subject to further consideration 3) amend Housing Policies as Yes It is the allocations themselves which generate required along with associated the potential for effects upon a European site. text These are taken forward through (b) above. These consequent wording alterations will have no conceivable effect on any European site. 4) to reference existing policies Yes These wording alterations will have no and text with Supplementary conceivable effect on any European site and is Planning Guidance prepared eliminated from further assessment since adoption 5) consider the implications of Yes Likewise, these improvements will have no any policies and proposals with a conceivable effect on any European site and is spatial component and update eliminated from further assessment proposals map accordingly 6) to show the designation of the No This change could have conceivable effects Snowdonia Enterprise Zone on which might undermine the conservation the Proposals Map and introduce objectives for European sites and should be a new positive and enabling subject to further consideration policy to manage new development within the Zone 7) to review policies dealing with No This change could have conceivable effects types of tourism accommodation which might undermine the conservation and related contextual policies objectives for European sites and should be subject to further consideration 8) to amend retail policy to No This change could have conceivable effects provide more flexibility on which might undermine the conservation alternative uses objectives for European sites and should be subject to further consideration

9) to recognise the designation of Yes This change will have no conceivable effect on the Dark Sky Reserve any European sites and is eliminated from further assessment. 10) minor and inconsequential Yes The tracked change version has been subject to updates to policies and review and all minor editing changes have no supporting text conceivable effect on any European site and can be eliminated from further assessment.

4.1.2 Following the initial pre-screening step, changes 1, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10 are all eliminated from any further assessment. Changes 2, 6, 7 and 8 have been identified as potentially giving rise to effects which could conceivably undermine the conservation objectives for European sites. These changes are therefore taken forward for screening as to whether they have a likely significant effect.

5 Preliminary screening for likely significant effects 5.1 Approach to screening the revisions 5.1.1 Having eliminated the changes which have no conceivable effect on the site, Section F.6.3 of the HRA Handbook introduces ‘screening categories’. It is relevant to note that these screening categories are intended for use against individual plan policies rather than the types of generic ‘changes’ as listed in 2.2.1. As such, a proportionate approach to screening the changes has been adopted whereby each chapter of the updated LDP is considered in light of the four ‘changes’ identified above which could conceivably have an effect upon a European site. Any revisions to policies or supporting text which are driven by changes 2, 6, 7 and 8 are screened against the screening categories. The screening categories in the HRA Handbook are as follows: A. General statement of policy / general aspiration (screened out). B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability / sustainability of proposals (screened out). C. Proposal referred to but not proposed by the plan (screened out). D. Environmental protection / site safeguarding policy (screened out). E. Policies or proposals which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects (screened out). F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other change (screened out). G. Policy or proposal that could not have any conceivable effect on a site (screened out). H. Policy or proposal the (actual or theoretical) effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives (either alone or in combination with other aspects of this or other plans or projects) (screened out). I. Policy or proposal with a likely significant effect on a site alone (screened in). J. Policy or proposal with an effect on a site but not likely to be significant ‘alone’, so need to check for likely significant effects in combination. K. Policy or proposal not likely to have a significant effect either alone or in combination (screened out after the in combination test). L. Policy or proposal likely to have a significant effect in combination (screened in after the in combination test).

5.2 Screening outcomes 5.2.1 Appendix 1 provides the detailed assessment outcomes whereby revisions to each Chapter were subject to review and those driven by changes 2, 6, 7 and 8 were screened for likely significant effects. All changes driven by changes 2, 7 and 8 were screened out as having no likely significant effects with full justification provided in Appendix 1. All the revisions driven by these changes were screened out against categories B, F and G. The generic nature of the text and the lack of any spatial specificity mean that the revisions can be considered to have no likely significant effects at all. As such, the revisions have no residual effects which might combine with the effects from other proposals and do not require assessment in combination with other plans and projects. 5.2.2 As such the revisions to the LDP arising from these changes (as listed below)are excluded from further assessment:  New plan housing requirement and how this can be met through the allocation of new sites (change 2),

 A review of policies dealing with types of tourism accommodation and related contextual policies (change 7),  Amendments to retail policy to provide more flexibility on alternative uses (change 8) 5.2.3 The revisions to the LDP driven by change 6 were identified as having a likely significant effect. The relevant text within the revised LDP is found in Chapter 6 at paragraphs 6.14-6.27 including Development Policy 27. Likely significant effects have been identified in respect of the following qualifying features of five European sites. Table 5.1: European sites for which a likely significant effect from the Enterprise Zone has been identified EZ location European Sites and qualifying features affected Trawsfynydd Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC (lesser horseshoe bat feature only)

Llanbedr Morfa Harlech Dunes SAC (all features) Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC (lesser horseshoe bat feature only) Abardaron Coast and Bardsey Island SPA (all features) Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC (grey seal feature only) Cardigan Bay (grey seal feature only)

5.3 Conclusions 5.3.1 This revised text at paragraphs 6.14-6.2,7 as a result of change 6 ‘the designation of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone on the Proposals Map and introduce a new positive and enabling policy to manage new development within the Zone’ is taken forwards for appropriate assessment. All remaining revisions to the LDP been screened out as having no likely significant effect, either alone or in combination with other plans and projects. 5.3.2 With the exception of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone, the absence of any likely significant effects arising from the LDP revisions is not unsurprising given:  The statutory purpose of the National Park and its Local Development Framework  The statutory obligations of the National Park Authority  The low level of development expected and provided for in the National Park; and  The exceptionally high development management standards applied by the National Park Authority

6 Appropriate Assessment of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone 6.1 The scope of the assessment 6.1.1 The Snowdonia Enterprise Zone is based on two distinct geographic locations. The first is on the site of the former Magnox nuclear power station in Trawsfynydd (figure 6.1) and the second relates to the Llanbedr airfield (figure 6.2) Figures 6.1 and 6.2 Snowdonia Enterprise Zone at Trawsfynydd and Llanbedr

6.1.2 Para 6.25 of the LDP refers to the Llanbedr airfield providing access to 7,100km of segregated airspace. The segregated airspace is worthy of further consideration due to the potential for disturbance to birds arising from associated aircraft movements. Figure 6.3 shows the segregated airspace. The Aberdaron Coast and Bardsey Island SPA is located within area D201 and D201C and the Cardigan Bay SAC is located within D201 and D201E. Potential disturbance effects to populations for which the SPA has been classified therefore need to be considered. By way of clarification use of the airspace is not considered to represent and credible disturbance risk to marine mammals such as harbour porpoise and dolphins, but SACs designated for seals (who spend significant periods out of the water) have been identified for further consideration.

Figure 6.3: Segregated airspace accessible from Llanbedr

6.1.3 The appropriate assessment will therefore consider the potential effects on qualifying features as listed in table 5.1. The assessment is limited to the specific effects and qualifying features for which a likely significant effect has been identified: 6.1.4 When considering how the Enterprise Zone might adversely affect the European sites it is it is first relevant to set out further information about the qualifying features which have been identified as potentially at risk. Table 6.1 below summarises the information which is available in respect of the qualifying features which are potentially at risk.

Table 6.1: Further information on European site qualifying features for which likely significant effects have been identified Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC Qualifying Feature identified as being at risk  Lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros

Potential effects from Enterprise Zone

The SAC in located some 1.6km from Trawsfynydd site and 1km from the Llanbedr site. The wide foraging range of the lesser horseshoe bat raises the potential for development to impact upon strategic flight lines in land which is functionally connected to the SAC and potentially important to supporting the population for which the SAC has been designated.

Further information on lesser horseshoe bat from SAC management plan

With reference to the conservation objectives listed on page 17 of the management plan performance indicator F3 ‘Bat navigation flight lines’ and F4 ‘Roads and Development’ are of most relevance to the potential effects from the Enterprise Zone.

F3 reads as follows ‘Bats use linear and other features including hedges, walls, lines of trees, scrub, ditches streams etc. between roosts and feeding areas’… the operational limit states ‘There should be no loss or decline in the quality of physical features used as flight lines’.

F4 reads ‘Roads, particularly new widened routes, can cause increased mortality through collision with vehicles. This may also be through interruption to flight lines, by removal of traditional safe flight lines along linear features or by lighting. Lighting of roosts can have similar effects’… the operational limit states ‘Maintain closed canopy crossings over roads with connectivity to hedges and tree lines to foraging sites and roosts. Lighting should be avoided’.

Further information in respect of F3 and F4 is provided in the conservation status section of the management plan which reads:

‘Flight lines: Lesser horseshoe bats use linear vegetation features, (hedgerows, lines of trees, areas of scrub, ditches, streams and rivers) for navigation between roosts and feeding grounds and these should be maintained, particularly in the vicinity of roost entrances. It is also important to ensure that access points and flight lines to nearby foraging habitat are not illuminated.

Roads/Development: Roads, particularly new widened routes, can cause increased mortality through collision with vehicles. This may also be through interruption to flight lines by removal of traditional safe flight lines along linear features or by lighting. Lighting of roosts can have similar effects. Other developments, particularly those with tree and vegetation clearance and lighting could have Similar effects to roads within and adjacent to the SAC.’

Morfa Harlech Dunes SAC Qualifying Features identified as being at risk • Embryonic shifting dunes • Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (‘white dunes’) • Humid dune slacks • Dunes with Salix repens ssp. argentea (Salicion arinarea) • Petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii

Potential effects from the Enterprise Zone

The area of the Llanbedr site allocated for physical infrastructure is limited to that within the hatched area as seen on figure 7.1. Significant development within the vicinity of the existing runways is not envisaged. The area allocated for development raises potential risks associated with site hydrology, drainage and impacts associated with increased recreational activities should access be provided from any new development to the dunes.

Further information from SAC management plan

Map 2 of the site shows that the area of the SAC which might be affected management by development within the EZ is limited to units 23-28. Table 4 of the Management plan shows that embryonic shifting dunes are not present in any of the management units and this feature can therefore be excluded from further assessment.

The management plan provides information on the vision in terms of population, distribution and extent of qualifying features. In addition, with reference to the potential effects identified above the management plan states:

Shifting dunes F5 Vehicle or visitor damage: Pressure from trampling or vehicles can cause damage to vegetation and erosion and that vehicle or visitor damage should be absent or rare.

Humid dune slacks and Dunes with salix F3 Hydrological regime: The slack vegetation is maintained by a high water table. As such –  Within Units 26, 27, 28, 35, 37, and 38 at Morfa Dyffryn or land adjacent to the SAC boundaries, there should be no drainage ditches or water abstraction or pumping which could cause a lowering of the water table.  There should be no tracks created which would disrupt the hydrological regime.

F4 Vehicle or visitor damage: Vehicles or pressure from visitors including camping can cause damage or loss of slack vegetation, compaction and erosion. Camping is a particular problem at Morfa Dyffryn. As such:  Vehicle or visitor damage should be absent or rare at vulnerable locations  No camping or car parking should occur on the dune slack vegetation.  There should be no new tracks, hard standing or car parking areas created within the dunes slacks.

Petalwort F1 vehicle or visitor damage: Physical damage by vehicles or visitors could cause the loss of Petalophyllum colonies and damage or loss of to the dune slack habitat of Petalophyllum including, compaction and erosion. 4x4 tracks originating from unit 28 were noted within Petalophyllum area A (Unit 26) in 2007. As such: • Vehicle or visitor damage should be absent within areas A, B, C and D (within Units 26 and 28) on map 8. • There should be no camping within areas A, B, C or D marked on map 8. • No new tracks should be created.

F2 Hydrological regime: Petalophyllum favours the slacks with a high water table where seasonal flooding is common. As such within Units 26, 27, 28, 35, 37, and 38 or land adjacent to the SAC boundaries at Morfa Dyffryn, there should be no drainage ditches or water abstraction or pumping which could cause a lowering of the water table.

Aberdaron Coast and Bardsey Island SPA Qualifying Features breeding Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus breeding and non-breeding chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Potential effects from Enterprise Zone

The distance between the SPA and the Llanbedr site is such that potential effects are limited to those which might be associated with disturbance from the use of the segregated airspace

Further information from SPA management plan

The management plan provides information on the vision in terms of population size and extent and supporting habitat. In addition, with reference to the potential effects from disturbance identified above the plan states:

Chough 4.1 Conservation objectives: ‘The vision for the feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied….. disturbance of breeding chough is minimal’

F2 Disturbance: Nest and roost sites are considered to be subject to few direct threats, as climbing near known nest sites is effectively controlled by voluntary codes of conduct. As such, no upper and lower limits have been set in terms of disturbance.

5.1 Management requirements: Human Disturbance Breeding birds are vulnerable to human disturbance during the breeding season. Disturbance may be by informal scrambling close to nest sites. Most nest sites are naturally protected from disturbance as they are in inaccessible cliff areas. Birds at the nest could potentially be disturbed by boating or diving activity in the immediate vicinity of the cliffs. Feeding birds may also be disturbed by walkers, although chough seem generally unperturbed by passers by unless directly approached. Increases in visitor pressure may prove a cause for concern, and monitoring should be undertaken with necessary mitigation where problems exist.

Manx shearwater 2.3 The Manx shearwater population on Ynys Enlli is largely self-maintaining, and requires little in the way of active management. They simply require suitable nesting locations which are available in abundance on Enlli, access to fish in the open sea, and minimal disturbance.

4.2 Conservation objectives: The vision for the feature is for it to be in a favourable conservation status, where all of the following conditions are satisfied….. nesting birds are not disturbed by restoration works on boundary walls or recreational activities’

F7 Human disturbance/trampling: Human disturbance can be through erosion or collapse of shearwater burrows or by disturbing individuals on and at night. Collapse of burrows during the breeding season would be particularly detrimental to breeding success and that all promoted paths should avoid Manx shearwater burrows. All visitors to be advised of sensitive areas.

5.2 Management requirements: Human Disturbance - Human disturbance can be through erosion or collapse of shearwater burrows or by disturbing individuals on land at night. Collapse of burrows during the breeding season would be particularly detrimental to breeding success. Boating and diving activity in the vicinity of the island may lead to the disturbance of feeding Manx shearwater. There are currently no official constraints on any vessels operating around the island, either in terms of speed restrictions or exclusion zones/periods. • Visitors and new residents should be informed of the presence of Manx shearwaters and the importance of the island’s population. They should be advised to avoid sensitive areas and to avoid disturbance. • Paths should be diverted away from sensitive areas. • Visitors should be advised not to walk on burrows or field boundary walls.

Cardigan Bay SAC Qualifying Features

Grey seal

Potential effects from Enterprise Zone

The distance between the SAC and the Llanbedr site is such that potential effects are limited to those which might be associated with disturbance from the use of the segregated airspace

Further information from Regulation 35 report

The Regulation 35 report identifies grey seals as potentially sensitive to physical disturbance (noise and visual) from military aircraft activity. It is therefore reasonable to assume that they are likewise potentially sensitive to aircraft movements that might be associated with use of the segregated airspace.

6.2 Assessing the LDP revisions 6.2.1 Reviewing the information contained in table 6.1 above, the Enterprise Zone may provide for development which could cause:

• Visual and noise disturbance to the bird populations for which the Aberdaron Coast and Bardsey Island SPA has been classified. The SPA management plan does not identify any concerns over disturbance from aircraft activities but the potential for disturbance remains. • Visual and noise disturbance to the grey seal populations for which the Cardigan Bay SAC has been classified. The Regulation 35 advice recognises grey seals as potentially sensitive to physical disturbance (noise and visual) from military aircraft activity. 6.2.2 Having identified these potential risks, in undertaking an appropriate assessment, it is recognised that the level of detail provided in respect of the nature of the development proposals which might come forwards through the LDP within Enterprise Zone does not allow these potential effects to be assessed in a meaningful manner. The LDP simply recognises the designation of the Enterprise Zone by the Welsh Government and provides an enabling policy. The LDP document refers to: • Business and employment uses with a focus on development within the low- carbon energy, ICT or aerospace sectors (6.14). • Employment opportunities to support sustainable local communities (6.17). • The SNPA expectation for an outline ‘masterplan’ to be in place before any significant development commences on site (6.19). • The SEZ designation at Trawsfynydd which recognises the importance of the lake as an integral part of the opportunity presented at the site, particularly for energy development (6.23) • The Llanbedr airfield which has three runways providing access to 7,100km2 of segregated airspace with significant development being limited to the north east area of the site (6.25). • Policy 27 which sets out criteria to be met including ‘no significant effects on the features, functionality and integrity of neighbouring Natura 2000 sites’. 6.2.3 Looking at the policy wording and supporting text, in the absence of more specific proposals as to what type of development proposals might ultimately come forwards, in considering how best to ‘assess’ the potential effects identified in an appropriate manner, the options are limited. 6.2.4 Firstly, with regards potential degradation of flight lines for bats, whilst this effect cannot be excluded on the basis of objective information, it is entirely possible that a proposal might come forwards which avoids any degradation of strategic flight lines. Likewise, depending on the development proposals which come forwards it is also possible that the construction works associated with development at Llanbedr might have no adverse effects on local hydrological conditions within the dune habitats at Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn SAC. 6.2.5 In a similar manner, until the nature and frequency of aircraft movements which might be associated with the use of the segregated airspace are understood, it is also reasonable to anticipate that disturbance effects to bird populations within the SPA and grey seals associated with the Cardigan Bay SAC might not represent any adverse effect to the integrity of the sites concerned. 6.2.6 The policy restriction provided by the specific Natura 2000 criteria in policy 27 does provide a degree of protection to European sites but, before this wording can be relied upon, it is

necessary to ensure that this does not create an internal conflict within the LDP (see para 1.2.7). By way of example, such a conflict might arise if it were obvious at this stage that options to avoid potentially adverse effects from the development provided for were limited, or if securing the necessary mitigation measures might be problematic. The purpose of the AA is therefore to consider whether the policy 27 criteria can be relied upon to avoid adverse effects from the development opportunities provided for. 6.2.7 The HRA Handbook recognises the potential for such difficulties in plan based HRA at F.10.1 which includes the following text box:

Because the integrity test incorporates the application of the precautionary principle as a matter of law, and because plan assessments are, by their nature, less precise than project assessments, it is important for the assessment process to eliminate the prospect of adverse effects on site integrity in so far as that is possible at the level of specificity inherent in the nature and purpose of the particular plan.

6.2.8 The Handbook continues at F.10.1.1 to refer to the ‘need to address the tension between the plan’s effects and the precautionary approach of the assessment process’. The Handbook sets out a list of potential mitigation options which might be relevant in the case of a plan HRA but none of those options would be appropriate to the assessment of effects potentially identified from the Enterprise Zone. Section F.10.1.2 of the Handbook continues: ‘In some plans, despite the application of the kinds of mitigation measures listed above, in order to ascertain no adverse effects on site integrity, other kinds of mitigation measures may be required at this stage. These are listed and discussed in more detail below.

Further mitigation measures that may be introduced during or after the ‘appropriate assessment’ stage may be:

• Case-specific policy restrictions; • Case-specific policy caveats; • Prescribing how adverse effects on site integrity will be avoided by mitigation measures in a lower level or more detailed plan, to be confirmed by a more detailed Habitats Regulations Assessment at that level; • Deleting aspects of the plan that will probably fail the tests of the Directive at project application stage; • Ensuring that there are no proposals that could adversely affect the integrity of a European site that if retained in the plan may lead to a case for the proposal to be permitted, using the incorporation in the plan as the imperative reason of overriding public interest in its favour, because the plan relies on it being, or assumes that it will be, implemented; 6.2.9 Considering the list above, policy 27 already includes a policy restriction but the nature and scale of the Enterprise Zone means that this generic restriction cannot be regarded as ‘case specific’. As referred to at para 1.2.7 and 6.2.6 above, such generic wording merely risks creating an internal conflict within the LDP. 6.2.10 Likewise, the lack of any details as to the nature and scale of development potentially provided for by the Enterprise Zone is such that ‘case specific’ policy caveats are also

difficult. There is no suggestion at this stage that the Enterprise Zone will ‘probably’ fail the tests of the Habitats Directive and deleting the policy (bullet point 4) is not a reasonable option. 6.2.11 In considering bullet point 5, the LDP does not ‘rely’ on the Enterprise Zone being implemented, or ‘assume’ that it will be so implemented. As such it is unlikely that the plan itself would ever be argued as an over-riding public interest as to why a development proposal should go ahead. 6.2.12 This leaves bullet point 3 ‘relying on mitigation measures in a lower tier plan’ and this option warrants further consideration. Section F.10.1.5 is relevant here. Key extracts are pasted below: ‘It may be difficult to assess the potential effects of ‘higher level plans’ where there are ‘tiers’ of plan-making and higher level plans make provisions which lower level plans must take forward to implement in detail. However, the assessment of lower level plans could protect the sites that may potentially be affected before they are assessed at project application stage. The Advocate General’s opinion in the European Court of Justice case C-6/04 European Commission v United Kingdom confirmed the progression of assessment that must take place either from higher level to lower level plans, or as the plan becomes more specific. In her opinion Advocate General Kokott said (paragraph 49):

‘adverse effects on areas of conservation must be assessed at every relevant stage of the procedure to the extent possible on the basis of the precision of the plan. This assessment is to be updated with increasing specificity in subsequent stages of the procedure.’

The following paragraphs set out an approach to mitigation which can allow an appropriate assessment to be completed in some cases of uncertainty…

…This way of ascertaining no adverse effect on site integrity is not a way of deferring or delaying the assessment process, but a way of securing mitigation measures in a lower level plan, or later stage of a plan, where they cannot be secured in detail in the higher level plan or early in the plan making process.

The following are proposed as criteria for the consideration of whether it would be appropriate to rely on a more detailed Habitats Regulations Assessment, with more detailed mitigation measures, at a later stage or lower level of plan making. This will be where all three of the criteria are met. In such a case, subject to appropriate adjustments to the plan itself, the plan-making body can reasonably ascertain that there would be no adverse effect on the integrity of the European site arising from the policy or proposal.

In order to ascertain that there would be no adverse effect on the integrity of a European site, a plan-making body may only rely on mitigation measures in a later stage or lower level of plan making if the following three criteria are all met:

a) The earlier stage or higher level plan assessment cannot reasonably predict any effect on a European site in a meaningful way; whereas b) The later stage or lower level plan, which will identify more precisely the nature, timing, duration, scale or location of development, and thus its

potential effects, will have the necessary flexibility over the exact nature, timing, duration, scale and location of the proposal to enable an adverse effect on site integrity to be avoided; and c) The Habitats Regulations Assessment of the plan at the later stage or lower level is required as a matter of law or Government policy. It may be possible and appropriate for the higher level plan to outline some aspects of mitigation measures, which must be provided at the later stage or lower level plan, in order to be able to conclude that there would be no adverse effects on site integrity.

6.2.13 The three criteria setting out when reliance on a lower tier HRA would be appropriate are considered to be met in respect of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone. Firstly, an assessment based on the current level of information available within the LDP cannot reasonably predict effects in a meaningful way. 6.2.14 Secondly, para 6.19 of the LDP is explicit in the expectation that an outline masterplan will be produced in respect of the Enterprise Zone. This masterplan will identify more precisely the nature, timing, duration and scale of development and will provide sufficient flexibility to enable adverse effects to be assessed in a more meaningful manner. 6.2.15 The publication of a masterplan for the Enterprise Zone will be a ‘plan’ for the purpose of regulation 61 and assessment under the Habitats Regulations will be required as a matter of law. Furthermore, project level HRA will also be required in respect of any development applications which ultimately come forward under policy 27. 6.2.16 The final paragraph of the guidance quoted above is of relevance to this HRA and it is considered appropriate, in relying on the criteria in policy 27 alongside the securing of mitigation measures in a lower tier plan or project, to outline some aspects of mitigation measures which might be relied upon if later assessment identify that they are necessary. The park authority can have greater confidence in policy 27 if they consider that mitigation which might be necessary ‘can be achieved in practice’17. Table 6.2 below sets out mitigation options in respect of the potential effects identified in table 6.1 above: Table 6.2: mitigation options in respect of the potential likely significant effects Potential effects Mitigation options degradation to flight lines which support the Various mitigation options exist involving the population of lesser horseshoe bats for which use of underpasses, hop overs or vegetation the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC has enhancements if potential effects upon been designated strategic flight lines are identified. Hydrological regime changes or trampling to Options to mitigation for changes to the habitats for which the Morfa Harlech a Morfa hydrological regime include drainage solutions, Dyffryn SAC has been designated SUDS and the use of permeable surfaces. Visual and noise disturbance to the bird populations Mitigation options include restricting location, for which the Aberdaron Coast and Bardsey extent, scale, frequency, timing or duration of Island SPA has been classified associated flight activity. Visual and noise disturbance to the grey seal Mitigation options include restricting location, populations for which the Cardigan Bay SAC has extent, scale, frequency, timing or duration of been classified associated flight activity.

17 Refer para 72 in NANT v Suffolk Coastal DC [2015] EWCA (Civ) 88, 17th February 2015.

6.2.17 In considering mitigation options and the reliance on policy 27 to avoid adverse effects from arising it is also noted that, arguably, the wording of policy 27 goes beyond the provisions as set out in the Habitats Regulations. The application of Policy 27 as currently written would appear to exclude any development within the Enterprise Zone which was considered to have a significant effect on the features, functionality and integrity of neighbouring Natura 2000 sites. There are three observations in respect of this current wording. 6.2.18 Firstly, strictly speaking regulation 61 only restricts development where it cannot be ascertained that there would be no adverse effect on the integrity of a European site. Introducing phrasing such as ‘features, functionality and integrity’ confuses the correct interpretation and application of the Regulations. 6.2.19 Secondly, the criteria applies to ‘neighbouring’ Natura 2000 sites. This HRA has identified the potential for effects on European sites at some distance to the Enterprise Zone due to the extensive segregated airspace associated with the Llanbedr site. Furthermore, flight lines of strategic importance to the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC might be located beyond the site boundary and not be regarded as ‘neighbouring’. 6.2.20 Thirdly, the wording does not make any allowance for the potential application of regulation 62 and the consideration of imperative reasons of overriding public interest. In this manner it goes beyond the provision of the Regulations which explicitly allow for development which might adversely affect the integrity of European sites, in the absence of alternative solutions where the proposal can be justified in terms of imperative reasons of overriding public interest. The fact that the Enterprise Zone has been designated to provide employment opportunities to support sustainable local communities (para 6.17) and to improve Meirionydd’s economic prospects provides a potential basis upon which development proposals which might represent a risk of adverse effects to the integrity of a European site could, nevertheless, be acceptable under the provisions of regulation 62. Compensatory measures would need to be delivered under regulation 66 in such a scenario. 6.2.21 As such, it is recommended that the wording of criteria (iii) of policy 27 should be amended. It is for the park authority to agree the final form of words but the following options are provided by way of suggestion: • Option 1 (concise but less specific): Development proposals have been considered in view of the requirements of the Habitats Regulations and found to be compliant. • Option 2 (more specific but more wordy) ‘Development proposals will be considered in view of the requirements the Habitats Regulations. Development will not be permitted unless it can be ascertained that there will be no adverse effects on the integrity of any European sites, unless there are no alternative solutions and the development must be carried out for reasons of overriding public interest.’ 6.3 Summary 6.3.1 Having considered the likely significant effects identified in the preliminary screening stage, an appropriate assessment has been undertaken. This assessment has considered potentially adverse effects ‘to the extent possible on the basis of the precision of the plan’ 6.3.2 The potential for effects to arise from development proposals has been identified as follows:

• degradation to flight lines which support the population of lesser horseshoe bats for which the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC has been designated. The SAC management plan states that There should be no loss or decline in the quality of physical features used as flight lines’ • Hydrological regime changes or trampling to habitats for which the Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn SAC has been designated. The SAC management plan states that there should be no drainage ditches or tracks which might disrupt the hydrology of the site. It is implicit that other types of development which might disrupt the hydrological regime should also be avoided. • Visual and noise disturbance to the bird populations for which the Aberdaron Coast and Bardsey Island SPA has been classified. The SPA management plan does not identify any concerns over disturbance from aircraft activities but the potential for disturbance remains. • Visual and noise disturbance to the grey seal populations for which the Cardigan Bay SAC has been classified. The Regulation 35 advice recognises grey seals as potentially sensitive to physical disturbance (noise and visual) from military aircraft activity 6.3.3 This assessment has considered whether the protective policy 27 can be relied upon to avoid adverse effects on European sites as a result of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone. The generic nature of the wording in criteria (iii) raised the potential for an internal conflict within the policy if it becomes apparent (at a later stage) that mitigation in respect of proposals cannot be identified or secured. 6.3.4 Having identified the potential effects, the absence of an outline masterplan for the Enterprise Zone or any specific information concerning the type of development proposals which might come forward, assessment at this time ‘cannot reasonably predict any effect on a European site in a meaningful way’. However, having identified that potential mitigation options exist in respect of the impact mechanisms identified above (see table 6.2), the park authority can be satisfied that the necessary mitigation measures to avoid adverse effects can be achieved in practice. This provides a degree of reassurance that the Natura 2000 caveat in policy 27 is unlikely to create an internal conflict within the plan. 6.3.5 Furthermore, should challenges in securing the necessary mitigation measures nevertheless arise as a result of a particularly large scale proposal coming forwards, the proposed wording changes to criteria (iii) of policy 27 would ensure that the requirements of the Habitats Regulations can be satisfied. Development proposals which generate a risk of adverse effects to the integrity of a European site will only be permitted where there are no alternative solutions and imperative reasons of overriding public interest. 6.3.6 With reference to the approach set out in section F.10.1.5 of the HRA Handbook, this assessment concludes that it is possible to ascertain that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of any European site as a result of the revision to the LDP to provide for the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone through reliance on HRA assessment obligations which will arise in respect of the outline masterplan for the Enterprise Zone and subsequent project level HRA. 6.3.7 It is therefore advised that the wording of policy 27 be amended as outlined in para 7.2.21 above. With such amendments it can be ascertain that the LDP will have no adverse effect on the integrity of any European sites.

• Assessment at this stage cannot reasonably predict actual effect on a European site in a meaningful way; whereas • The anticipated outline masterplan will identify more precisely the nature, timing, duration, scale or location of development, and thus its potential effects. The masterplan will have the necessary flexibility over the exact nature, timing, duration, scale and location of the proposal to enable an adverse effect on site integrity to be avoided; or to justify why a proposal should nevertheless process in the absence of alternative solutions for reasons of overriding public interest. • The Habitats Regulations Assessment of the outline masterplan and subsequent project applications is required as a matter of law.

7 Assessment of the proposed development ‘in combination’ with other plans and projects

7.1 Approach to the in combination requirements 7.1.1 It has been concluded that an assessment of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone cannot assess effects in a meaningful manner on the basis of the detail currently available. The anticipated outline masterplan will provide greater specificity and will be subject to HRA at a later stage. 7.1.2 Attempts to undertake in-combination assessments too early in the assessment process can often lead to unnecessary or abortive work. The Regulations require a plan to be assessed ‘either alone OR in-combination with other plans or projects’ as a result an in-combination assessment is normally regarded as meaning the following: 7.1.3 Firstly that the test is only therefore applied to plans or projects, that is, to proposals, not to existing developments which should be treated as part of the baseline and whose effects are already part of the existing environmental conditions. 7.1.4 Secondly, that if a plan or project would be likely to have a significant effect ‘alone’ it is assessed alone. If it would have some effect on the site, which on its own would not be significant, it must then be assessed with the effects of other plans or projects, to see if their cumulative effects would be significant. Where a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect alone therefore, an in-combination assessment is not required until such a time as the project is no longer considered to have such an effect ‘alone’. 7.1.5 It is not possible to pre-determine which other plans or projects would need to be assessed in combination until the effects of the subject plan are properly understood. This is because there may be a wide range of plans and projects potentially applicable, but if they would not add in some way to the effects of the subject plan, so as to make the subject plan’s effects either more likely and / or more significant, they are irrelevant to the in combination test. 7.1.6 At the current stage in the strategic planning for the Enterprise Zone, where neither the actual effects of the ‘plan’ or the scope of suitable mitigation measures are yet fully understood, it is not considered appropriate to undertake an in-combination assessment. Such an assessment would be so speculative in nature that there is little to be gained in terms of informing the further stages of the HRA. 7.1.7 Furthermore, it is not known at what time actual development proposals will come forwards. The nature and type of ‘other plans and projects’ to be included within an in- combination assessment reflect the situation at the time an application is made. An in combination assessment on the basis of the plans and projects currently ‘on the table’ will be of little relevance to an in combination assessment that will need to be undertaken at the time that any detailed proposals come forwards. 7.1.8 Only when the further details as to the nature, scale and timing of development proposals is decided, such that the credible effects on European sites becomes apparent can a focussed and proportionate in-combination assessment be undertaken.

Dr Caroline Chapman MCIEEM (Director, DTA Ecology Ltd) 17th May 2017

Appendix 1: Screening of revisions to the LDP which are related to changes 2, 6, 7 and 8 at para 2.1.1.

Each LDP chapter has been subject to review. Any revisions which are related to a change that might have a conceivable effect upon a European site are identified in the table below. Other revisions in the chapters which are not identified in the table below are considered to relate to the changes which would have no conceivable effect upon any European site. For ease of reference the changes identified as conceivably affecting European sites are those referred to in para 2.1.1 of the main addendum as 2, 6, 7 and 8 as follows:

2. new plan housing requirement and how this can be met through the allocation of new sites 6. the designation of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone on the Proposals Map and introduction of a new positive and enabling policy to manage new development within the Zone 7. to review of policies dealing with types of tourism accommodation and related contextual policies 8. to amend retail policy to provide more flexibility on alternative uses

Revision Change? Screening Justification (2, 6, 7 or 8)) category Chapter 1 Para 1.57 refers to the designation of the Snowdonia 6 F (screen This text does not in itself lead to development Enterprise Zone and new employment opportunities out) Chapter 2 No revisions which relate to changes b, f, g or h None N/A N/A Chapter 3 Revision to paragraphs 3.34-3.37 and updated policy None F (screen Whilst this revision does not relate to changes b, f, g and h per se. It is E(1) text. out) also not specifically included in the list of revisions identified at 3.1.1 so by way of completion it has been screened out here to avoid any confusion. The changes relate to safeguarding of mineral resources and cannot lead to development which would have any effect on European sites. Chapter 4 No revisions which relate to changes b, f, g or h None N/A N/A Chapter 5 Housing requirements and revisions to paras 5.4 – 2 F (screen The revisions to the LDP reduce the number of houses provided for. As 5.12 inclusive. out) the original figures were deemed acceptable in the March 2009 HRA the reduction of housing provision cannot lead to additional development

over and above that already found to be compliant with the Habitats Regulations. Screened out through adoption of the earlier HRA conclusions. Affordable housing target and revisions to paras 5.14 – 2 F (screen The revisions reduce the number of houses provided for. As the original 5.16 inclusive out) figures were deemed acceptable in the March 2009 HRA the reduction of housing provision cannot lead to additional development over and above that already found to be compliant with the Habitats Regulations. Screened out through adoption of the earlier HRA conclusions. The provision of new housing and revisions to paras 2 F (screen The revisions reduce the number of houses provided for. As the original 5.17 – 5.27 inclusive out) figures were deemed acceptable in the March 2009 HRA the reduction of housing provision cannot lead to additional development over and above that already found to be compliant with the Habitats Regulations. Screened out through adoption of the earlier HRA conclusions. Chapter 6 Para 6.6 refer to the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone 6 F (screen This text does not in itself lead to development out) The Snowdonia Enterprise Zone - Paras 6.14 – 6.27 6 I (screen in) The proposed Snowdonia Enterprise Zone include 2 geographically inclusive and Development Policy 27. distinct sites. The Trawsfynydd site is located in close proximity to Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC and Afon Eden Cors Gocg Trawsfynydd SAC. The distance and lack of hydraulic continuity between the lake and the Afon Eden Cors Gocg site means that likely significant effects can be excluded on this SAC. However the proximity to the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC and the wide foraging ranges of bats means that this SAC requires further consideration.

The Llanbedr site is adjacent to the Morfa Harlech Dunes SAC and is also close to the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC. The close proximity to the Dunes means that further investigation is necessary and, whilst the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC is 1km distant, the wide foraging ranges of bats means that this SAC also requires further consideration. Finally the use of the extensive segregated airspace associated with this site raises potential disturbance issues in respect of nearby SPA sites and SAC sites which are designated for seals.

The Enterprise Zone represents a potentially significant scale of development in close proximity to European sites. It is not possible to

exclude potential effects which might undermine the conservation objectives on the basis of objective information. The Enterprise Zone has a likely significant effect ‘alone’ and should be subject to appropriate assessment. Para 6.39 and Development Policy 22 refers to the 7 G (screen The replacement of existing accommodation will not lead to any increase replacement of static caravans with appropriately out) in effects upon European sites. Occupation numbers and associated designed chalets. tourism related impacts will be the same whether accommodation is provided in static caravans of chalets. Screened out through adoption of the earlier HRA conclusions. Alternative low impact holiday accommodation, paras 7 B (screen There is no spatial provision within this policy for where such 6.42-6.51 and Development Policy 29 out) development might take place. As such strategic policy D can be relied upon to avoid adverse impacts upon European sites should applications come forward for such accommodation in locations where potential adverse effects might arise. Retail, paras 6.52-6.57 and Development Policy 24 8 G (screen The different retail use classes will not lead to any increased effects upon out) European sites. Furthermore there is no spatial provision within this policy for where such development might take place. As such strategic policy D can be relied upon to avoid adverse impacts upon European sites Chapter 7 No revisions which relate to changes b, f, g or h None N/A N/A Supporting Proposals Maps and Inset Maps As set out in the updated draft deposit version Spring 2 G (screen In terms of housing numbers, the revisions reduce the number of houses 2017 out) provided for. As stated above, the original figures were deemed acceptable in the March 2009 HRA so the reduction of housing provision cannot lead to additional development over and above that already found to be compliant with the Habitats Regulations.

In view of the geographic location of development all maps have been checked and none relate to development which might have a conceivable effect on any European site. Allocation 22/02 is in close proximity to the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC (separated from only by a tree lined track) but the scale of the development and the availability of sensitive design options to avoid light pollution are such that it is unlikely that development will undermine the conservation objectives for the site. Strategic Policy D can be relied upon to avoid likely significant effects.

Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Revised Local Development Plan 2016-2031

HRA ADDENDUM: Assessment of Focussed Changes MARCH 2018

BY DTA ECOLOGY

Rectory Farm Finchampstead Wokingham Berkshire RG40 4JY

Tel 0118 973 4700 [email protected]  Website: www.dt-a.co.uk

Doc. Ref. 1031b SNPA HRA Addendum Date: 12th March 2018 Contents

Contents ...... 1 1 Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Relevant background ...... 2 1.2 The approach to this review ...... 2 1.3 Focussed changes relevant to HRA ...... 3 2 Screening the changes from table 1.1 ...... 4 2.1 Screening conclusions ...... 4

1 Introduction

1.1 Relevant background 1.1.1 The background to this addendum to the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) work already undertaken in respect of the 2007-2022 Local Development Plan (LDP) is important to a correct reading and interpretation of this report. The purpose of this section 1.1 is to capture the key steps in what is an iterative approach to the assessment of the Local Development Plan under the Habitats Regulations. 1.1.2 The current LDP for the national park (2007-2022) was adopted in July 2011 and was subject to a full HRA1. As part of the later short form revision process SNPA drafted a Review Report in July 20162 which outlined how the LDP had performed over the previous 5 years and considered whether there was a need for any changes. This Review identified the need for some key changes to the LDP which were progressed. 1.1.3 DTA Ecology was commissioned by Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) to undertake a ‘shadow’ HRA in respect of the proposed review of the LDP. This work was undertaken by way of an Addendum to the March 2009 HRA which was completed in respect of the original LDP. The focus of the May 20173 work was therefore to assess the changes which were identified through the review report and detailed revisions within the Deposit Local Development Plan to update the findings of the earlier HRA accordingly. 1.1.4 Following consultation on the deposit LDP and the representation received, the Authority have proposed some changes to the Deposit Plan. At the request of the Inspector these need to be subject to public consultation. The purpose of this further addendum is to set out in a transparent manner how these ‘focussed changes’ to the LDP have been subject to assessment under the Habitats Regulations. This addendum should therefore be read in conjunction with the proposed focussed change document.

1.2 The approach to this review 1.2.1 This review follows the approach adopted for the more substantial May 2017 HRA work. Readers are referred to sections 1.3, 1.4 of that report for further detail. The list of European sites potentially affected is unchanged and reflects that referred to in section 3.1 of the May 2017 report. The approach taken to the screening for likely significant effects is set out in section 5.1 and the screening categories form the HRA Handbook are used as set out below: A. General statement of policy / general aspiration (screened out). B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability / sustainability of proposals (screened out). C. Proposal referred to but not proposed by the plan (screened out). D. Environmental protection / site safeguarding policy (screened out). E. Policies or proposals which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects (screened out).

1 Snowdonia National Park Authority Local Development Plan HRA, Hyder Consulting, March 2009. 2 Eryri Local Development Plan Revision Review Report, SNPA, July 2016. 3 Shadow HRA of the Snowdonia National Park Revised Local Development Plan 2016-2031 HRA Addendum May 2017.

F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other change (screened out). G. Policy or proposal that could not have any conceivable effect on a site (screened out). H. Policy or proposal the (actual or theoretical) effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives (either alone or in combination with other aspects of this or other plans or projects) (screened out). I. Policy or proposal with a likely significant effect on a site alone (screened in). J. Policy or proposal with an effect on a site but not likely to be significant ‘alone’, so need to check for likely significant effects in combination. K. Policy or proposal not likely to have a significant effect either alone or in combination (screened out after the in combination test). L. Policy or proposal likely to have a significant effect in combination (screened in after the in combination test).

1.3 Focussed changes relevant to HRA 1.3.1 Table 1.1 below summarises the ‘focussed changes’ which have been made which are considered to be potentially relevant for review under the Habitats Regulations.

Table 1.1: Focussed changes considered to be relevant to HRA FC What policy Brief outline of the change number NFf06 Strategic Policy C: Some new wording to refer to that, in exceptional Spatial Development circumstances new small scale development will be permitted Strategy in line with Development Policy 19

NFf11 Development Policy More significant amendments with regards to renewable 3 – Energy energy

NFf12 Strategic Policy E1 – Additional minor wording Minerals

NFf14 Development policy Added the requirement for a waste planning assessment to be 4 waste submitted with an application

NFf20 Strategic Policy G: Added some wording and the list of all the housing allocations Housing

NFf21 Strategic Policy H: Some additional wording to refer to safeguarding existing key A Sustainable Rural employment sites Economy

NFf22 Development Policy Wording has been added to ensure consistency with National 19 Planning Policy – development in exceptional circumstances may be permitted in open countryside subject to strict criteria

NFf27 Explanatory text Minor changes to site areas around Development Policy 27 – Enterprise Zone

3 Table 1.1: Focussed changes considered to be relevant to HRA FC What policy Brief outline of the change number NFf28 Development Policy Additional text asking for landscape led Masterplan to be 27 Enterprise Zone produced and outlining that parts of the wider enterprise zone are in flood risk and any new development should incorporate appropriate and acceptable risk mitigation measures.

NFf31 Development Policy Minor edit to correct a typing error 22:Chalet and Static Caravan Sites

NFf36 Allocation Map The change here is that the focus area for development is smaller due to flood risk. Some small developments may occur outside of the focus area on a case by case basis in line with the policy but the focus will be in the blue allocation.

2 Screening the changes from table 1.1

2.1 Screening conclusions 2.1.1 The focussed changes identified in Table 1.1 were subject to screening against the HRA Handbook categories listed at 1.2. The screening conclusions are provided in Appendix 1 and all changes are screened out under either category G ‘no conceivable impact on a site’ or category H ‘effects cannot undermine the conservation objectives’. 2.1.2 No further assessment is required under the Habitats Regulations as all focussed changes considered to be relevant to the HRA have been identified as having no likely significant effect at all. As such, the revisions have no residual effects which might combine with the effects from other proposals and do not require assessment in combination with other plans and projects.

Appendix 1: Screening the focussed changes

Revision Policy amended and summary of change Screening Justification category NFf06 Strategic Policy C: Spatial Development Strategy G The proposed changes have no conceivable impact on any Some new wording to refer to that, in exceptional circumstances European site. new small scale development will be permitted in line with Development Policy 19 NFf11 Development Policy 3: Energy H The new wording refers to the SPG on Renewable Energy Minor wording changes to existing wording and inclusion of new which, in turn, directs readers to the SPG 6 on Nature Renewable Energy policy wording Conservation and Biodiversity. Strategic Policy D and the supporting SPG provide sufficient policy provision to ensure that any renewable schemes proposed under this policy cannot undermine the conservation objectives for any European sites. NFf12 Strategic Policy E (1): Minerals H Strategic Policy D and the supporting SPG 6 provide sufficient Minor wording policy provision to ensure that any proposals under this policy cannot undermine the conservation objectives for any European sites. NFf14 Development Policy 4: Waste G The proposed changes have no conceivable impact on any Added the requirement for a waste planning assessment to be European site. submitted with an application NFf20 Strategic Policy G: Housing G The proposed changes have no conceivable impact on any Added some wording and the list of all the housing allocations European site. No new allocations are proposed. NFf21 Strategic Policy H: A Sustainable Rural Economy G The proposed changes have no conceivable impact on any Some wording to refer to safeguarding existing key employment European site. sites NFf22 Development Policy 19: New Employment and Training Dev. H Strategic Policy D and the supporting SPG 6 provide sufficient Wording has been added to ensure consistency with National policy provision to ensure that any proposals under this policy Planning Policy – development in exceptional circumstances may cannot undermine the conservation objectives for any be permitted in open countryside subject to strict criteria European sites.

5 NFf27 Development Policy 27: Enterprise Zone G The proposed changes have no conceivable impact on any Minor changes to site area European site.

NFf28 Development Policy 27: Enterprise Zone G The HRA conclusions recorded in May 2017 in respect of Additional text asking for landscape led master plan to be policy 27 generally remain valid. This screening considers the produced and outlining that parts of the wider enterprise zone proposed changes only which will have no conceivable impact are in flood risk on any European site. NFf31 Development Policy 22: Chalet and Static Caravan Sites H Strategic Policy D and the supporting SPG 6 provide sufficient Minor edit to correct typing error policy provision to ensure that any proposals under this policy cannot undermine the conservation objectives for any European sites. NFf36 Allocation Map G The proposed changes have no conceivable impact on any The focus area for development within Llanbedr Enterprise Zone European site. is smaller due to flood risk. Some small developments may occur outside of the focus area on a case by case basis in line with the policy but the focus will be in the blue allocation

6 ADVICE TO SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Revised Local Development Plan 2016-2031

ADDENDUM – HRA UPDATE FOLLOWING MAC REVIEW

STATUS: FINAL CONSULTATION VERSION BY DTA ECOLOGY

Rectory Farm Finchampstead Wokingham Berkshire RG40 4JY

Tel 0118 973 4700 [email protected]  Website: www.dt-a.co.uk

Doc. Ref. 1031 SNPA HRA MAC Addendum Date: 3rd September 2018

Contents

Contents ...... 2 1 Introduction ...... 3 1.1 Background ...... 3 1.2 Context ...... 3 2 Screening of MACs identified as potentially relevant ...... 4 2.1 Findings of the main HRA ...... 4 2.2 Approach to screening of the MACs identified as relevant to the HRA ...... 5 2.3 Overall Conclusion ...... 6

1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.1.1 The Snowdonia National Park Authority is preparing a revised Local Development Plan. This report is an addendum to the shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment1 (hereafter referred to as ‘the main HRA’) which has already been carried out in respect of the revised LDP, as required under Regulation 105 of the Habitats Regulations2. 1.1.2 The addendum is necessary to take account of the Matters Arising Changes (MACs). As an addendum to the main HRA, this report should be read and interpreted alongside that document.

1.2 Context 1.2.1 This report is a further addendum to the main HRA which was required under regulation 105 of the Habitats Regulations. It is the responsibility of the Park Authority as the competent authority to undertake the assessment and to make the decisions which are required to be taken. The Authority must decide whether to adopt the findings of this report for the purpose of their own assessment, or not. 1.2.2 The MACs to the Revised LDP are detailed but the majority of the changes are irrelevant to the HRA work which has already been completed. By way of example, many changes relate to minor wording amendments or deletions which are of no consequence to any European site. In their role as competent authority the Park Authority have identified the MACs which they consider to be potentially relevant to their obligations under the Habitats Regulations. This list is assumed to be correct and this addendum only reviews those MACs as identified by the Authority. 1.2.3 The list of MACs identified as potentially relevant are set out in table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1: MACs identified as relevant to HRA addendum MAC Policy Title Notes 5 Strategic policy G and The housing provision has been increased by 75 such that proposed Development the overall provision has gone from 810 to 885 over the policy 30 plan period

8 Development Policy 13 To conform with new government guidance it has been necessary to remove the requirement to produce an evidence of need 12&13 Development policy 27: Various amendments to the text of the policy. Proposals Snowdonia Enterprise map now shows Llanbedr in its totality. Zone 23 Proposals map Amend the proposals map to show the Welsh Government’s Enterprise Zone designation at Trawsfynydd in its totality.

1 Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment of Snowdonia National Park Revised Local Development Plan 2016- 2031 (HRA Addendum May 2017), DTA Ecology, Final consultation version. 2 The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 SI No 1012

2 Screening of MACs identified as potentially relevant 2.1 Findings of the main HRA 2.1.1 The main HRA of the original revised LDP identified a potential for likely significant effects in respect of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone. An appropriate assessment was undertaken which considered potentially adverse effects ‘to the extent possible on the basis of the precision of the plan’. 2.1.2 The appropriate assessment identified the potential for effects arising from: • Degradation to flight lines which support the population of lesser horseshoe bats for which the Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat sites SAC has been designated. • Hydrological regime changes or trampling to habitats for which the Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn SAC has been designated. • Visual and noise disturbance to the bird populations for which the Aberdaron Coast and Bardsey Island SPA has been classified. • Visual and noise disturbance to the grey seal populations for which the Cardigan Bay SAC has been designated. 2.1.3 Having identified these potential effects, in the absence of an outline masterplan for the Enterprise Zone or any specific information concerning the type of development proposals which might come forward, it was recognised that assessment at this time ‘cannot reasonably predict any effect on a European site in a meaningful way’. 2.1.4 With reference to the approach set out in section F.10.1.5 of the HRA Handbook, this assessment concluded that it is possible to ascertain that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of any European site as a result of the revision to the LDP to provide for the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone through reliance on HRA assessment obligations which will arise in respect of the outline masterplan for the Enterprise Zone and subsequent project level HRA3. Amendments to the policy wording were suggested at para 6.2.21 and have since been incorporated as point A(iii) in policy 27. 2.1.5 With reference to the findings of the main HRA, MACs are only likely to be relevant if they: • Introduce new policies not previously subject to any screening; • Fundamentally change a policy in a manner which may result in new potential effects not considered in the main HRA; • Increase the overall quantum of development provided for; • Fundamentally alter the policy in respect of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone such that reliance on HRA assessment obligations which will arise in respect of the outline masterplan for the Enterprise Zone and subsequent project level applications is no longer appropriate. 2.1.6 The Authority, in their role as the relevant competent authority under the Habitats Regulations have identified any such MACs (refer table 1.1 above).

3 Refer para 6.3.6 of the main HRA

2.2 Approach to screening of the MACs identified as relevant to the HRA 2.2.1 As set out in section 1.3 of the main HRA, the HRA approach follows the guidance on the assessment of plans available through the Habitats Regulations Assessment Handbook4. Current subscribers to the Handbook include Natural Resources Wales and the Planning Inspectorate and the ‘Practical Guidance for the Assessment of Plans under the Regulations’ contained in Part F is considered to represent best practice as it is accepted by both these bodies as appropriate for their own staff to follow. 2.2.2 In screening the MACs identified in table 1.1 the screening categories from section F.6.3 of the HRA Handbook have been applied. These are listed in section 5 of the main HRA report and are copied below for ease of reference: A. General statement of policy / general aspiration (screened out). B. Policy listing general criteria for testing the acceptability / sustainability of proposals (screened out). C. Proposal referred to but not proposed by the plan (screened out). D. Environmental protection / site safeguarding policy (screened out). E. Policies or proposals which steer change in such a way as to protect European sites from adverse effects (screened out). F. Policy that cannot lead to development or other change (screened out). G. Policy or proposal that could not have any conceivable effect on a site (screened out). H. Policy or proposal the (actual or theoretical) effects of which cannot undermine the conservation objectives (either alone or in combination with other aspects of this or other plans or projects) (screened out). I. Policy or proposal with a likely significant effect on a site alone (screened in). J. Policy or proposal with an effect on a site but not likely to be significant ‘alone’, so need to check for likely significant effects in combination. K. Policy or proposal not likely to have a significant effect either alone or in combination (screened out after the in combination test). L. Policy or proposal likely to have a significant effect in combination (screened in after the in combination test).

2.2.3 The findings of the screening are captured below: MAC Policy Title Notes Category Justification 5 Strategic policy G Increase G The overall scale of development across the and proposed housing plan area is very modest and the inclusion of Development provision an additional 75 properties through windfall policy 30 by 75 sites (location yet to be determined) will have no conceivable effect on any European sites. 8 Development deletion G This deletion will have no conceivable effect Policy 13 on any European sites. Development changes G The changes will have no conceivable effect policy 27: on the conclusions reached in the main HRA 12 & Snowdonia and it remains appropriate to rely on HRA 13 Enterprise Zone assessment obligations which will arise in respect of the outline masterplan for the

4 Tyldesley, D. and Chapman, C. (2013) The Habitats Regulations Assessment Handbook, May 2016 edition UK: DTA Publications Ltd (see www.dtapublications.co.uk)

MAC Policy Title Notes Category Justification Enterprise Zone and subsequent project level applications. 23 Proposals map replace G This replacement will have no conceivable effect on any European sites.

2.2.4 All relevant MACs identified for review have been screened out as having no likely significant effect on any European site. The changes are all minor and will have no conceivable effect on the conclusions as recorded in the main HRA work already undertaken.

2.3 Overall Conclusion 2.3.1 The Authority have identified a list of MACs which are regarded as relevant to the HRA of the revised LDP. These have been subject to screening under the Habitats Regulations and all have been screened out of further assessment according to the categories referred to in the HRA Handbook. 2.3.2 All policies are assigned to a screening category which allows them to be screened out as unlikely to have a significant effects either alone or in-combination. With reference to the list of categories at 2.2.2 only category J would require further assessment of the potential for effects ‘in combination’. 2.3.3 As such, no further assessment ‘in combination’ is required and there is no requirement to progress to an appropriate assessment.