R HYBUDD O GYFARFOD / NOTICE OF M EETING

Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri National Park Authority

Emyr Williams Emyr Williams Prif Weithredwr Chief Executive Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri Snowdonia National Park Authority Penrhyndeudraeth LL48 6LF Gwynedd LL48 6LF Ffôn/Phone (01766) 770274 Ffacs/Fax (01766)771211 E.bost/E.mail : [email protected] Gwefan/Website: : www.eryri.llyw.cymru

Cyfarfod : Pwyllgor Cynllunio a Mynediad

Dyddiad: Dydd Mercher 23 Ionawr 2019

Amser 10.00 y.b.

Man Cyfarfod: Plas Tan y Bwlch, .

Meeting: Planning and Access Committee

Date: Wednesday 23 January 2019

Time: 10.00 a.m.

Location: Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog.

Aelodau wedi’u penodi gan Gyngor Gwynedd Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Y Cynghorydd / Councillor : Freya Hannah Bentham, Elwyn Edwards, Alwyn Gruffydd, Annwen Hughes, Judith Mary Humphreys, Edgar Wyn Owen, Elfed Powell Roberts, John Pughe Roberts, Gethin Glyn Williams;

Aelodau wedi’u penodi gan Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy Members appointed by Council Y Cynghorwyr / Councillors : Philip Capper, Wyn Ellis-Jones, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Aelodau wedi’u penodi gan Llywodraeth Cymru Members appointed by The Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. Elinor Gwynn, Mr. Neil Martinson, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr Owain Wyn.

A G E N D A

1. Apologies for absence and Chairman’s Announcements To receive any apologies for absence and Chairman’s announcements.

2. Declaration of Interest To receive any declaration of interest by any members or officers in respect of any item of business.

3. Minutes The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 5th December 2018 be signed as a true record (copy herewith) and to receive matters arising, for information.

4. Inspection Panel Reports To submit the report of the Northern Area Inspection Panel held on 19th December 2018 together with the report by the Director of Planning and Land Management on the application. (Copy herewith)

5. Reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management To submit the reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management on applications received. (Copies herewith)

6. Update Reports To submit update reports, for information. (Copies herewith)

7. Approval of the appointment of a Casual Vacancy for the Northern Snowdonia Local Access Forum To submit a report by the Access Officer and Local Access Forums Secretary. (Copy herewith)

8. Access Forums Report To submit a report by the Access Officer, for information. (Copy herewith)

9. Delegated Decisions To submit the list of applications which have been determined in accordance with delegated authority, for information. (Copy herewith)

ITEM NO. 3

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 5th DECEMBER 2018

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Freya Bentham, Alwyn Gruffydd, Annwen Hughes, Judith Humphreys, Edgar Wyn Owen, Elfed Powell Roberts, John Pughe Roberts, Gethin Glyn Williams;

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Wyn Ellis-Jones;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. Elinor Gwynn, Mr. Neil Martinson, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Aled Lloyd, Mr. Richard Thomas, Ms. Sara Roberts, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey, Mrs. Gwen Aeron.

Apology Councillor Ifor Glyn Lloyd.

1. Chairman’s Announcements (1) Members were informed that Mr. Dewi Roberts, the Authority’s Senior Planning Technician, had recently undergone transplant surgery. RESOLVED to ask the Director of Planning and Land Management to write to Mr. Roberts, on behalf of Members, to convey the Committee’s best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. (2) Members congratulated Mrs. Jane Jones, the Authority’s Principal Planning Officer (Compliance), who had recently been appointed Junior Vice-Chair of RTPI Cymru Executive Committee. (3) Members noted that the Authority, along with Purcell UK and Cadw, had recently received the RTPI’s Highly Commended Award for Yr Ysgwrn project. (4) Members were advised that all decisions taken at today’s meeting would be subject to the revised Planning Policy , Edition 10. RESOLVED to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Land Management to assess the Committee’s decisions against the revised Planning Policy Wales, Edition 10. If the Director of Planning and Land Management considers that Planning Policy Wales Edition 10 raises new material information on any application considered at the meeting, then the Director of Planning and Land Management will bring back any such application for further consideration by the Planning and Access Committee.

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2. Declaration of Interest Councillor Annwen Hughes declared both a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 4 (2) on the Agenda, under paragraphs 10 (2) (c) (i) and 12 (1) of the Code of Conduct for Members, and left the meeting whilst the matter was being considered.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on the 5th September 2018 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

Arising thereon, Item 6 – Delegated Decisions Siting of a single static caravan on land used as permanent residential accommodation on land known as Tan y Bryn, Glandwr, . The Head of Development Management confirmed that sufficient evidence had been presented for officers to grant permission and that the information had been passed onto the Member who had raised concerns.

4. Reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management Submitted – Reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management on planning applications and compliance matters.

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

5. Update Reports Submitted – Update reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management on planning applications and compliance matters.

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

6. Delegated Decisions Submitted and Received – List of applications determined in accordance with delegated authority.

RESOLVED to note the report.

The meeting ended at 12.55

2 ITEM 3.1 SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 5th DECEMBER 2018 Item No.

4. Reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management (1) NP4/29/482 – Erection of 25m high lattice telecommunications mast supporting 3 No. antennas and 2 No. 0.6m dish antennas together with 3 No. ground based equipment cabinets, generator, satellite dish and ancillary development enclosed within secure compound, land at Moel Llechwedd Hafod, Cwm . Reported – Case Officer presented the report and detailed background. Public Speaking Catherine McLean, objector, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following objections:- - the mast action group was established to protect the outstanding scenic beauty of this truly remote village, one of only 2% located such a distance from an ‘A’ road. - the photo montage shows tall trees for visual integration. These trees are not in-situ. - NRW has confirmed that any remaining trees will be harvested in due course and the home office are oblivious to this fact. - the mast is significant and will have a negative effect on residents and tourists. - the mast should be erected on an alternative, sensitively chosen site, with tall tree cover. - the mast was close to homes and close to part of a proposed UNESCO heritage site. - there was insufficient detail for blending, camouflaging and screening and a lack of regard for every visual amenity. - NRW response to the LVIA states that it does not provide sufficient assessment. - the application was out of date.

Mr. Kenny Stott, on behalf of the applicant, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - Clarke Telecom act on behalf of the Home Office on the new Emergency Services Communications Network being rolled out. - the programme will replace the current system known as “Airwave” with a new network which will be known as the Emergency Service Network (ESN). - the service will provide an integrated critical voice and broadband data communications to meet public safety requirements for functionality, coverage, availability and security and will enhance the commercial 4G network. - the Emergency Services are all represented at strategic and operational levels. - the Home Office have identified specific requirements for a new radio base station at this location to provide coverage to Cwm Penmachno and minor roads. - the mast will be located within a secure compound on land adjacent to an existing track in the NRW Forestry. - proposal is sited against a large conifer plantation to shield the apparatus in the landscape. - the mast will not appear prominent in the landscape until 2027 and coverage for the emergency services will outweigh the minor harm to the surrounding area.

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- the height is the lowest the structure can be, being any lower would require additional installations and lead to the proliferation of masts in the area. - the proposal was in accordance with national planning guidance and would provide a much needed communication provision for the Emergency Services to Cwm Penmachno and the surrounding area. RESOLVED – Site Inspection. Officers from Natural Resources Wales and the National Park’s Tree and Woodlands Officer to be invited to attend.

(2) NP5/69/16C – Proposed erection of 2,700 square metre (135m x 20m x 7.03m) 32,000 bird poultry unit for the production of eggs, improvements to access track and associated ground works, Castell Mawr Farm, . Reported – Case Officer reported upon improved landscaping plan and improved access plan. Officers advised that they had not been provided with a copy of the letter from Snowdonia Society which was sent to members. Members were asked to note that this proposal was for an agricultural development and not diversification. Public Speaking Alma Gabriel, objector, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following objections:- - planning policy contraventions were highlighted. - proposal was contrary to the development plan especially to the statement ‘not unduly prominent’. - there had been no modelling to assess the impact. - the development will be highly visible from the surrounding area, especially Bwthyn Castell Mawr. - dust will reach nearby neighbours, as the nearest property was only 20m away. - there had been no assessment of odour. - the unit would be mechanically intensive for 365 days a year. - additional bund/landscaping will not prevent dust and smell. - the proposal will cause significant harm and contradicts planning policy 1 sub- section xii. - the development benefits one family only with no additional employment opportunities being created. - the National Park has a duty to protect, and as such, this planning application should be refused.

Llion Pugh, the applicant, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - in the early 90’s there were 4,000 chickens on the farm. With 3 children, this number was reduced due to time constraints. - the egg business had now increased, and the farm supplies 1,700 eggs weekly to the north west Wales area. - the unit currently employs 2 full and 2 part-time staff and the hope was to increase the sale of eggs and employ more local people. - such diversification should be supported in the light of Brexit, beef subsidy concerns etc. - it will be impossible for the applicant and his brother to return home without this project. - there were no objections from statutory consultees. The NRW were not objecting, neither were there any objections to noise pollution etc.

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- Gwynedd Environmental Health officers have no objections. - Heavy Goods vehicles currently use the road regularly. - Members were asked to support the proposal and allow the sons to return home to the family farm and maintain its profitability. RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions.

(3) NP4/11/160T – Proposed erection of mixed use development comprising 21 bedroom serviced accommodation, spa facility, 3 commercial units, car parking, landscaping and alterations to existing vehicular access, land adjacent to The Waterloo Hotel, Betws y Coed.

Public Speaking Glenn Evans, the applicant, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - the applicant was the owner of both the Royal Oak Hotel and the Waterloo Hotel in Betws y Coed. - early consultation was undertaken with officers. - the proposal would go some way to improve the current collection of buildings. - all finishes would be of natural materials to reflect the local surroundings. - the applicant would ensure that the proposal conforms with planning legislation. - the applicant had always supported the village, sponsored arts festivals, supported local suppliers and growers and felt lucky to live in such an area. - there was a need to diversify in order for the business to continue. - the applicant referred to the ingenuity of the design, his intention to protect the lifestyle of the area, and provide continuity of employment. - Llandrillo College and other local training and outdoor specialists had all benefited from the business in the form of apprenticeships etc. - the applicant provides 4* high quality facilities, a café and a spa facility all of which were open all year round. RESOLVED subject to satisfactory details on finishes, to grant permission in accordance with recommendation.

(4) Planning Annual Performance Report (APR) 2017-18: Assessment Submitted – A report by the Director of Planning and Land Management to highlight the content of the 2017-18 Annual Performance Report.

Reported – The Director of Planning and Land Management presented the report and Members and officers discussed the key issues and actions identified.

Arising thereon, officers agreed:- - to further consider the engagement process as a whole. Members felt that access to comments/observations on planning applications was disjointed and fragmented. The Director of Planning and Land Management advised that comments from consultees were available online, and whilst acknowledging the need to update the website, agreed to further assess how and in what form information is provided. He advised that Snowdonia was the only Planning Authority in who provide an information pack of letters from objectors, supporters and consultees and a further report on the issues raised would be presented to a future meeting of the Planning and Access Committee.

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- to update the public on the procedure for addressing the committee, possibly in the form of a leaflet at the meeting, to reinforce the information already available online. - to assess the pressure on the Compliance Service and its staff and present a report on how improvements can be achieved in future. RESOLVED to note the report and await further reports, as outlined, to a future meeting of the Planning and Access Committee.

(5) Implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems on New Developments Submitted – A report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance to highlight the obligations arising from implementation of Schedule 2 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Reported – The Head of Development Management and Compliance presented the report and background.

Members were then introduced to Mr. Owain Griffith, Group Environment Officer Gwynedd Council, who gave a short presentation on the requirements of the new legislation, which comes into force on 7 January 2019. He advised upon the advantages of the new Sustainable Drainage Systems, which aims to manage rainwater in a way that is similar to natural processes, by using the natural landscape and vegetation to manage the flow and volume of surface water. The presentation was followed by questions and observations from Members.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Griffiths for the presentation.

RESOLVED to note the report and presentation for information.

5. Update Reports (1) List of Compliance Cases – For Information Arising thereon, NP5/61/ENF23P – Untidy condition of building, St Davids Hotel Harlech The Director of Planning and Land Management advised on the latest position. RESOLVED to note the report.

(2) Planning, Enforcement Notices and Certificates of Lawful Use Appeals submitted and awaiting decision – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

(3) Section 106 Agreements – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

(4) Outstanding Applications where more than 13 weeks have elapsed – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

6 ITEM 4.0

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

NORTHERN AREA INSPECTION PANEL, 19th DECEMBER 2018

NP4/29/482 – ERECTION OF 25M HIGH LATTICE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST SUPPORTING 3 NO. ANTENNAS AND 2 NO. 0.6M DISH ANTENNAS TOGETHER WITH 3 NO GROUND BASED EQUIPMENT CABINETS , GENERATOR, SATELLITE DISH AND ANCILLARY DEVELOPMENT ENCLOSED WITHIN SECURE COMPOUND, LAND AT MOEL LLECHWEDD HAFOD, CWM PENMACHNO.

PRESENT Councillors E. Edwards, P. Capper, A. Gruffydd, W.E.Jones, E.W Owen, Ms T Evans.

APOLOGIES Councillors J. Humphreys, I.G.Lloyd, Mr O. Wyn, Mr N. Martinson.

IN ATTENDANCE Aled Lloyd, Head of Development Management and Compliance Sara Roberts, Planning Officer Rhydian Roberts, Forestry Officer Richard Sumner, Natural Resources Wales Daniel Davies, Natural Resources Wales

REPORTED - The Members visited the site itself accessing via the forestry tracks and then moved on to look at the site from near Carrog Terrace and from the rear of Tai Newyddion. - The details of the application was reported to members on the site of the proposed base station including the size and the base station. It was then reported that the Management Plan for the forest showed that trees in which currently screen the front of the site would be removed between 2027 and 2031 and the large area of larch between 2037-41. It was also noted that the larch may need to be removed earlier due to disease. - Members were informed that a time limited permission was recommended by officers as result of the change that would likely occur when the forest coupe to the front of the site was removed sometime after 2027.The applicants have indicated that they happy to accept such a condition. - Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers provided background information on relation to their comments and noted that if members were minded to approve the proposal that the final finished colour was critical and needed to be critically analysed. - The Authority’s forestry officer provided details in relation to how long it would take for any new trees to grow on the site following the felling of trees and that it would take 5 years for trees to establish strongly and a further 10-15 years for them to grow to 10m.

7 - Officers reported to member that the mast site would be located c. 600m from Tai Newyddion and a little less from Dyfant Terrace. - NRW officers suggested that there may be scope to ask for future planning of the forest to take into consideration the mast site - Members were informed that information had been received from the applicants in relation to the site proposed by NRW in their response dated 14.11.18. The applicants concluded that from a radio perspective the siting of the mast at this site would create a hole in the required coverage area and therefore was not a viable option. In addition, due to the topography of the site it would be very difficult from a construction and health and safety perspective to build a mast in the vicinity of this site.

DISCUSSION - Members observed that the location of the base station was currently well screened by mature trees. - Members asked whether following the felling of the trees the height of the mast could be reduced. - Members observed that the proposed mast would have a backdrop and did not break the brow of any hill. - It was discussed that the colour of the mast and its associated antennas, dished and the detail of the base station was important and could help assimilate the structure into the landscape. - When viewing the site from the rear of Tai Newyddion members observed that the site was located some distance away and that none of the dwellings in either Tai Newyddion or Dyfnant Terrace fronted onto the site They also observed the existing electricity line and associated infrastructure at that location.

CONCLUSION - The Panel concluded to discuss further at the next planning committee meeting.

Please note: In view of the 10th Edition of Planning Policy Wales being published on 05.12.18 , the revised contents of the document has been reviewed with regard to this planning application. It has been concluded while there are changes to the wording of the section on Telecommunications (paragraphs 5.2.5 - 5.2.13) these changes are not considered to have any impact on the officers recommendation on this application.

8 PREVIOUS REPORT

Snowdonia National Park Authority Date: 05/12/2018 – Planning & Access Committee

Application Number: NP4/29/482 Date Application Registered: 11/05/18

Community: Grid Reference: 276660.4 347804.6

Case Officer: Mrs. Sara Roberts Location: Land at Moel Llechwedd Hafod, Cwm Penmachno.

Applicant: Description: The Home Office Erection of 25m high lattice Marsham Street telecommunications mast supporting 3 no. London antennas and 2 no. 0.6m dish antennas SW1P 4DP together with 3 no ground based equipment cabinets , generator, satellite dish and ancillary development enclosed within secure compound.

Site: Land at Moel Llechwedd Hafod, Cwm Penmachno.

Proposal: Erection of 25m high lattice telecommunications mast supporting 3 no. antennas and 2 no. 0.6m dish antennas together with 3 no ground based equipment cabinets , generator, satellite dish and ancillary development enclosed within secure compound.

Responses from consultees: Bro Machno Council Support Conwy Council - Highways No objection, advice provided Natural Resources Wales Significant concerns raised Ecology No objection, advice provided

Designations: Open countryside

Publicity Undertaken: Site Notice: Yes Press Notice: N/A Neighbour Letters: N/A

Reason(s) Application Reported to Committee: Application called in by the Director of Planning and Land Management

Planning History: No planning history for site.

9 Relevant Planning Policies – Eryri Local Plan: Policy No. Policy A National Park Purposes and Sustainable Development 1 General development principles 2 Development and the Landscape 6 Sustainable Design and Materials D Natural Environment 26 Telecommunications SPG:7 Landscapes and Seascapes of Eryri SPG 13 Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment

National Planning Policy and Guidance

Planning Policy Wales 9th Ed Technical Advice Note 19 : Telecommunications

Assessment:

1. Site

1.1. The site is Located on Moel Llechwedd Hafod on a hillside adjacent to a forestry track which forms part of the large conifer plantations on the northern approach to the Upper Machno Valley and the settlement of Cwm Penmachno.

1.2. The site is located within a forestry plantation which is owned and managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and is characterised by large mature conifer trees to the south of the site and younger larch to the north.

1.3. The land is designated as Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Open access land and two public footpaths run close to the site as well as an array of other paths and tracks. Two recreational routes also run close to the site the Snowdonia Slate Trail and Penmachno mountain bike trails.

2. Proposal

2.1. The proposal involves the installation of a 25m (26.3m to top of antennas) lattice telecommunications mast located within a secure compound on land adjacent to an existing track in the plantation.

2.2. The mast is shown supporting 3 no. antennas and 2 no. 0.6m dish antennas and the ground based equipment within the compound would include 3 no ground based equipment cabinets housed within a foul weather enclosure with a footprint of 6m2 and a height of 3m, a meter cabinet, generator and satellite dish.

2.3. Supporting information submitted with the application detail that the mast would have a galvanised finish and the equipment cabinets and generator would have a green finish.

10 2.4. To the rear of the site the existing ground would be made level and one row of gabion baskets (11m) installed as a retaining structure.

2.5. The site would have a footprint of 88.5m2 and be enclosed by a 1.8m high mesh fence topped with 3 strands of barbed wire. To support the application photomontages have been produced looking at the mast site from different points within the Cwm as well as a Zone of Theoretical Visibility map.

2.6. Supplementary documents has also been provided which details why this site was chosen, other sites considered and the background to the application.

2.7. The proposal forms part of the new emergency service network being rolled out by the Home office by the mobile operator EE using 4th generation technology (4G). The area covering Penmachno and Cwm Penmachno has been recognised as a not-spot for mobile communications infrastructure and the mast is proposed to address this issue to provide coverage for use by the emergency services in this area.

2.8. Currently the mast is only proposed to provide communications for the emergency services.

2.9. The application also includes a declaration of Conformity with international commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection Public Exposure Guidelines.

3. Consultation responses

3.1. During the initial consultation the Authority received a large number of responses in relation to this proposal from the local community.

3.2. In objection to the application 115 letters/ emails/ online comments were received, plus one submissions with 15 signatories and another with 46. 3.3. A summary of the main points raised by both the objectors is included below

 Ruin visual amenity, landscape and character of the village  Eyesore, Blot on landscape, Unsightly landmark  First thing you would see as you enter the village  Deter visitors, thus having negative effect on economy,  No consultation with local community  Have detrimental effect on the quality of life on the residents  Destroy the character of the village  Health concerns/ Danger of Electromagnetic Radiation  Impact on wildlife  Better sites available away from village  Visible from the rear of Dyfnant Terrace and other nearby dwellings  Will not provide mobile phone coverage

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 Offers no benefit to the local population and visitors  Trees in front of the proposed to be felled so mast would be visible  Larger than it needs to be.  Mast will be much higher than the highest trees  Too close to homes  Could a site at higher altitude on the same side of the valley provide similar technical solution with less visual impact?  What is long term management of the woodland to ensure mitigation?  Is there a more appropriate design for standard lattice mast and security fencing?  Could a lower height bring forward a better visual solution?

3.4. In support of the application 16 of letters, emails or online comments were received and a petition containing 83 signatories.

 Support if for emergency services  Support on grounds of safety and much needed communication  CPRW do not object to the proposal as there is support from the community council who recognised the importance of improved IT communications  Keep people living in the area safe  Increase in number of visitors to the village, therefore more need for emergency service coverage  Economic and social benefit  Visual impact should come second to emergency service communication

3.5. In addition to comments objecting and supporting the proposal a number of comments supported the application as they believed it would provide commercial mobile phone coverage in the area – rather than the emergency service only coverage that the mast would provide. As the proposal will not provide mobile phone signal these comments have not been included in the total of supporting comments. Other comments were received stating that further information was required on the proposal to enable them to make a judgement.

3.6. Following an assessment of the application and consideration of the comments received additional information was requested from the applicants, which was subject a second consultation period.

3.7. The additional details submitted by the agents included –

 Assessment of Landscape and Visual Impacts (ALVI)  Revised photomontages  Management Plan for the forest Block  Zone of Theoretical Visibility of Communications Mast  Desk Based Ecology Assessment (September 2017)  Panoramic Surveys  Response document to objections to application

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3.8. Ten further representations were received from members of the public in response to the additional information. Two comments were received in support of the mast, 7 submissions objecting further to the proposal and one comment detailing that they would support the proposal if the mast was also to be used for mobile phone communication. These comments can be summarised as follows:

 Questionable conclusions in the ALVI  No reference to tree felling in ALVI  Area is the last remaining wilderness area in England and Wales  No evidence that other sites have been considered  Significant inaccuracies in submitted documents  Why hasn’t the National Park done more to advise applicant to re-site the proposed mast  Insufficient time given to review documents  No information on how mast are linked  Lack of consultation  No reference no National Trust plan for water meadow below site  No bat survey?  Danger of flooding  Zone of theoretical visibility document states height of mast as 10m  Documents difficult to access on planning website.

3.9. Statutory consultation responses –

3.10. Bro Machno Community Council support the proposal, as they believe it is essential that rural areas have these facilities in times of emergency.

3.11. NRW following the receipt of additional information raised significant concerns in relation to the proposal.

3.12. In their response NRW confirm the importance of tall tree cover to the developments landscape and visual integration. They also raise concerns that the ALVI provides an inaccurate description of the landscape character context of the site, and assesses the development’s visual impact within the current pattern of forestry at the site. They also refer to discrepancies between the assessed visual effect and the conclusions in the document.

3.13. Within the ALVI document no assessment has been made on the visual effect in light of the planned felling of trees close to the site. NRW state that this information would be necessary to fully assess the impact of the mast for the lifetime of the development.

3.14. Concerns are also raised in relation to the larch trees to the rear of the site. As larch is susceptible to phytophora, there is a danger that this section of forest could potentially be felled at any time in the next few years.

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3.15. They conclude that the siting of the mast would have a significant effect on local views in the area once the tree cover has been removed and that an alternative site for the mast should be considered. An alternative site for the mast has been suggested by NRW which is included in their response contained in the background papers.

3.16. Cyngor Conwy Highways Department do not object to the proposal. They have however recommend that a traffic management plan be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of the dwelling.

3.17. Comments raising concerns in relation to the proposal were also received by the local AM Janet Finch-Saunders on behalf of her constituents.

4. Policy Considerations

4.1. The main issue for consideration is whether the proposed siting of the mast has an unacceptable impact on the landscape of the area and on the ‘special qualities’ of the National Park.

4.2. Planning Policy Wales in Section 5.3.4 states that “The statutory purposes of National Parks are to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. Where it appears that there is a conflict between those purposes, greater weight shall be given to the first. National Park Authorities have been set up to pursue these purposes, and other public bodies and other relevant authorities have a statutory duty to have regard to these purposes. National Park Authorities also have a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of their local communities..

4.3. The most relevant ELDP polices in relation to landscape includes Strategic Policy A and Development Policies 1, 2 and 26 together with Supplementary Planning Guidance 7 and 13.

4.4. The siting of any telecommunications mast needs to be carefully considered to ensure that is siting, height, form and scale is compatible with the capacity and the character of the site and is not unduly prominent in the landscape.

4.5. Development Policy 26 of the ELDP state that Telecommunications developments will be permitted provided they do not significantly harm the visual appearance and character of the area or adversely affect the ‘Special Qualities’ of the National Park and the amenity of people living close to the site.

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4.6. While officers are generally supportive of applications to improve the communications infrastructure, especially in relation to the emergency service network, care needs to be taken so that the siting of the infrastructure and in particular large masts siting has as little impact on the landscape as possible.

4.7. The site, while located outside Cwm Penmachno, is visible on the approach to the village when you cross the bridge. It will also be prominent from a large number of dwellings, and in particular Tai Newyddion, Dyfnant Terrace, Carrog Terrace, and any individual dwelling between these points.

4.8. A number of documents have been prepared by the applicants in support of this application including a Assessment of Landscape Visual Impact (ALVI) and photomontages.

4.9. The photomontages show that the lower levels of the site will be relatively well screened, with only the higher sections of the mast above the canopy, however no assessment or visualisation of how the site would look in 10-15 years is provided. This is significant because the conifer plantation will have been harvested by this time – leaving the site more exposed than is currently the case.

4.10. The management plan for the forest has also been provided which shows that the trees in front of the site will be removed between 2027 and 2031 and the trees to the rear of the site proposed to be felled between 2037-41.

4.11. No information has been submitted with this application in relation to any program to replant the forest following the felling of the trees.

4.12. Therefore, while at present it is considered that the lower levels of the mast site would be screened by the mature conifer trees, in the near future the mast and its associated base station would become visible on the hillside.

4.13. In a period of less than 10 years the mast would become very visible and prominent in the landscape especially when viewed from the road that approaches Cwm Penmachno. Supplementary Planning Guidance:13 provides a strategic assessment of the relative sensitivity of the landscapes of Snowdonia National Park to a range using defined sets of landscape and visual criteria which include both physical and perceptual aspects as well as a consideration of landscape value.

4.14. The site is located in Local Character area S09 Y Mignient which is identified as one of the focal landscapes within the National Park. This assessment concludes in relation to mobile masts development that the overall sensitivity of the landscape character area the mast is very high, with typically no capacity for mobile masts (with the exception of sensitively sited and well-designed camouflaged mobile masts).

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4.15. NRW provide the Authority with guidance in relation to landscape matters. In their response received 14.11.18 they have raised serious concerns in relation to this proposal. A copy of this repose will be included in the background papers.

4.16. NRW conclude by stating that “Given the nature of change to forest cover that will take place at this site, it is our opinion that local views in the area of Cwm Penmachno will be significantly affected for the period of time after the forest screen is harvested. An amendment to Forest Management Plan to reduce these effects could be progressed, however this would be minimal, and the mast would remain a noticeable component of local views during the lifetime of the development. Given this we advise that an alternative location to mast sighting be considered.”

4.17. Due to the size of the footprint of the site neither NRW or the Authority’s ecologist have any concerns in relation to this proposal subject to conditions which would include the submission of and agreement of an Construction Environmental Management Plan prior to commencement.

4.18. Many people have raised concerns in relation to the health implications of the siting of the mast. The application has been submitted with a declaration of Conformity with international commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection Public Exposure Guidelines. Planning Policy Wales in in section 12.13.9 to states “With regard to the health implications of proposed development, it is the Welsh Government’s view that, if the development meets the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines as expressed in the EU Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (as recommended by the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (the Stewart Report) on a precautionary basis), it should not be necessary for a local planning authority in processing an application for planning permission or prior approval, to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them. All new base stations are expected to meet the ICNIRP guidelines”

5. Conclusion

5.1. Officers fully recognise the importance of providing coverage for the Emergency Service Network where little or no current infrastructure is present, however care needs to be taken when the site is located within a National Park where the highest priority needs to be given to the protection and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.

5.2. The site under consideration is currently relatively well screened by mature trees and no concerns have been received in relation to any ecological or highway matters that cannot be controlled by condition.

16

5.3. Significant concerns have been received from NRW as the management plan for the forest shows the intension to fell the trees in front of the site between 2027 and 2031. The concerns however relate to the period after the felling of the trees in over 9 years time and not the current situation.

5.4. Concerns have also been raised in relation to the potential loss of the larch trees to the rear of the site if they become diseased and need to be removed.

5.5. While officers agree with NRW that the felling the trees would result in the mast becoming fully visible from the village and the roads approaching Cwm, there is a scope to recommend approval for a temporary period up to 2027 when the trees in front of the site would be felled. The existing adopted policy on Telecommunications (Development Policy 26) has a criteria which refers to time limited planning consents, and it is considered this would be a suitable site to apply such a policy. It should be noted, that the time limit criteria on this policy is scheduled to be deleted in the LDP Review – although it is considered to be an appropriate criteria to apply in this particular set of circumstances. It should also be noted that the applicant have confirmed that they would be agreeable to this condition.

5.6. There is a risk that the larch trees could be felled during this period due to disease. As Local Planning Authority we would have no control over this., However the larch trees are to the rear of the site and do not form part of the critical foreground screening.

5.7. It is therefore concluded, taking the above into consideration that the proposed development would not harm the harm the visual appearance and character of the area in the short term while the trees remain to provide screening.

5.8. No evidence has been provided by the applicants however to show that the site would be acceptable following the felling of the trees.

5.9. Officers recommend that permission be therefore granted for the mast, subject to further negotiation on the colour and finish of the mast, compound etc. for a period up to 01.01.2027.

Background Papers in Document Bundle No.1: Yes

RECOMMENDATION: To approve the application subject to the following conditions:

1. The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of five years from the date of this decision. 2. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Drawings 101 Rev A, 102 Rev A, 103 Rev A, 104 Rev A. 3. The mast and all associated equipment hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition on or before 01/01/2027.

17

4. If before 01/07/2026 the telecommunication mast and associated equipment become redundant or obsolete, then the mast and equipment must be removed within six months of the telecommunication facility ceasing to operate. 5. No development shall commence until the applicant/developer has submitted and received approval by means of formal application to the Local Planning Authority details of the finished colour of the lattice mast, antennas and dishes and details of athe means of enclosure of the site. Thereafter the mast, antennas, dishes and enclosure shall be maintained in the agreed colour and type throughout their lifetime. 6. No development shall commence until a Construction Environmental Management Plan has been submitted by means of a formal application to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.

18 19 20 21 ITEM 5.0 Rhif Eitem Cyfeirnod / Disgrifiad / Description. Swyddog Achos / / Item No. Reference No. Case Officer 1 NP5/50/L450B Newidiadau i'r tŷ presennol ac Mrs Iona Roberts estyniadau ar lefel y ddear ac lefel ddaear is, adeiladu ardal partio allanol newydd yn cynnwys newidiadau i’r wal gynnal bresennol, adeiladu garej a gwaith peirianyddol i greu man parcio ychwanegol (Cynllun diwygiedig), Froneithyn, / Alterations to existing dwelling and extensions at ground and lower ground level, construction of new external patio area including alterations to existing retaining wall, construction of garage and engineering works to create additional parking areas (Revised scheme), Froneithyn, Aberdyfi.

22 ITEM 5 (1)

Snowdonia National Park Authority Date: 23/012019 – Planning & Access Committee

Application Number: NP5/50/L450B Date Application Registered: 12/12/18

Community: Aberdyfi Grid Reference: 261624 296214

Case Officer: Mrs. Iona Roberts Location: Froneithyn, Aberdyfi.

Applicant: Description: Mr. Antony Joseph Alterations to existing dwelling and Froneithyn extensions at ground and lower ground Hopeland Road level, construction of new external patio Aberdyfi area including alterations to existing Gwynedd retaining wall, construction of garage and LL35 0NH engineering works to create additional parking areas (Revised scheme).

Site: The existing property is a detached two-storey dwelling finished with pebbledashed render with slate roof standing in fairly extensive sloping grounds and set back from the road by approx. 30m. The site is in an elevated position within the village and is surrounded by properties of a similar size in varying sized grounds.

Proposal: The proposal involves the demolition of three small lean-to extensions to the existing dwelling and the construction of an extension at ground and lower ground level with a flat roofed link between the existing dwelling and the proposed extension. It is also proposed to construct a double garage into the sloping land.

Engineering operations area also proposed to construct a new patio area / terrace which would involve alterations to the existing retaining wall, the creation of new external steps and excavation works to allow for level surfaces for additional parking.

Consultee Responses: Aberdyfi Community Council No response received Gwynedd Council - Building Control No response received Welsh Water Recommend condition with regards to surface water drainage. Built Heritage No response received Ecology No response received

23 Aberdyfi Community Council raised concerns with overdevelopment of the site with the previous application; however, no concerns have been received with the current application at the time of writing.

Responses as a result of site notice and neighbour consultation: Two neighbours raised objections to the previous application on the basis of overdevelopment; however, no concerns have been received with the current application at the time of writing.

Designations: Within housing development boundary Conservation area Traditional building

Publicity Undertaken: Site Notice: Yes Press Notice: N/A Neighbour Letters: Yes

Reason(s) Application Reported to Committee Scheme of Delegation The Director of Planning and Land Management considers that the matter should be referred to the Committee because the previous iteration of this proposal was determined by Committee in September 2018.

Planning History: Application No. Details Decision NP5/50/L450 Alterations to existing dwelling and Refused extensions at ground and lower ground 06/09/18 level, construction of new external patio area including alterations to existing retaining wall, construction of garage with swimming pool above, and engineering works to create additional parking areas NP5/50/LU450A Application for Certificate of Lawful Use Certificate (Proposed Use) for the erection of a single granted storey rear extension 19/07/18

Relevant Planning Policies – Eryri Local Development Plan: Policy No. Policy SP A National Park Purposes and Sustainable Development SP Ff Historic Environment DP 1 General Development Principles DP 6 Sustainable Design and Materials DP 7 Listed and Traditional Buildings DP 15 Extensions

24 1. Background

1.1 Members will recall that a previous application for a similar development was brought before the committee in September 2018. It was officers recommendation that the application was approved as a departure from policy, as the size of the extension would be contrary to Development Policy 15. Whilst the proposed extension was large, officers were of the opinion that the proposal, by virtue of its design and use of materials, would not detract from the character and form of the traditional building.

1.2 Members resolved the refuse the application against officers recommendation for the following reason:

The extension, if permitted, would be considered overdevelopment of the original property and would be contrary to Development Policy 15 of the Eryri Local Development Plan which states that extensions to a dwelling will only be permitted providing that the floor area is less than the original property.

1.3 The current application is a resubmission for a similar development, however there are notably two amendments, i.e. namely the omission of the swimming pool and the reduction in the size of the proposed lower ground floor accommodation from 101m2 to 78m2, reducing the overall floor area of the extension equal to that of the original dwelling.

2. Assessment

Principle of Development

2.1 When determining planning applications regard is to be had to the Eryri Local Development Plan; the determination shall be made in accordance with the plan unless material planning considerations indicate otherwise.

2.2 Development Policy 15 relates to extensions to existing dwellings. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that disproportionally sized extensions do not harm the external appearance of the original dwelling and the character of a settlement. Extensions will be permitted providing that:  The floor area is less and the height is lower than the original property;  It conforms to the Authority’s design guidance on extensions; and  It does not detract from the property or the character of the surroundings in which it is located.

2.3 In addition, Development Policies 1 and 6 are relevant which seek that:  the height form and scale of the development is compatible with the capacity and character of the site and locality;  the development will not detract from the character and form of the existing dwelling or significantly harm the amenity of neighbouring properties;  there will be no significant harm to the character and setting of the traditional building or conservation area; and  the materials are sympathetic to and enhance their surroundings.

25

2.4 The development would also be required to comply with Strategic Policy Ff and Development Policy 7 which seeks to ensure there would be no adverse affect on the setting of the conservation area or the traditional building.

Main Considerations

2.5 The dwelling is located within large grounds and the design of the extension is such that it would be perceived as subservient to the original dwelling, with much of the proposed accommodation located at lower ground floor. The use of materials (slate wall) will also allow the extension to assimilate with the large retaining wall (which is already a feature of the site), reducing its impact further.

2.6 Whilst the proposed extension is still large it now complies with the requirements of Development Policy 15 with regards to size.. By virtue of its design and use of materials the proposal would not detract from the character and form of this traditional building, which would remain clearly defined and distinguishable. There would also be no detrimental harm to the character of the conservation area.

2.7 The proposed garage and other engineering works (to re-shape the existing retaining wall, new access steps and revised parking areas) are also considered to be compatible with the capacity and character of the site. The roof of the garage will incorporate additional planting to help assimilate the building within the mature garden. The use of materials, slate wall to match that of the retaining wall, will also help assimilate the structures. It is the opinion of officers that there would therefore be no conflict with Development Policies 1 and 6.

2.8 The proposal would also comply with the requirements of Strategic Policy Ff and Development Policy 7 whereby it would not adversely affect in any way the setting of the conservation area or the traditional building and would, in the opinion of officers, both preserve and enhance the character of the conservation area.

3 Conclusion

3.1 Following the refusal of the previous application the size of the extension has been reduced to comply with the requirements of Development Policy 15. The overall scale of the proposed extension is not considered to dominate the original dwelling or harm its character or the character of the wider conservation area. It is concluded therefore that there would be no conflict with Development Policies 1, 6, 7 and 15 or Strategic Policy Ff.

3.2 At the time of writing no objections have been received from the Community Council or neighbours to the revised proposals.

3.3 It is officers recommendation that the application is approved.

26 Background Papers in Document Bundle No.1: Yes

RECOMMENDATION: To GRANT permission subject to the following conditions:

1. The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of five years from the date of this decision. 2. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Location and Site Plans - Drawing no. 17897_A20_LSP Proposed Elevations - Drawing no. A(10)E02, Rev. B Proposed Lower Ground Floor and Site Plans - Drawing no. A(10)P02, Rev. A Proposed Ground, First, Second Floors and Roof Plans - Drawing no. A(10)P02, Rev. A Proposed Cross Sections B, C, D and E - Drawing no. A(10)S02, Rev A 3. The roof of the garage shall be covered in natural Welsh mineral slate or slates of the equivalent colour, texture and weathering characteristics as the slates on the main roof of the dwelling house and maintained thereafter. 4. Prior to any stonework commencing on the site, a trial stonework panel including pointing not less than 2.00 m² shall be constructed. No building operations in stone shall be carried out on the site unless and until the trial panel has been inspected and approved by means of a formal application to the Local Planning Authority. The stonework of the extensions shall be built in accordance with the approved sample. 5. No surface water from any increase in the roof area of the building/or impermeable surface within its curtilage shall be allowed to drain directly or indirectly to the public sewerage system. 6. The applicant/developer shall ensure that the mitigation recommended in the Protected Species Survey V2 by Bev Plummer Ecology, dated June 2018 are followed and implemented in full. 7. The extension shall not be occupied other than for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the dwelling outlined in red on the submitted Location and Site Plans (Drawing no. 17897_A20_LSP).

27 28 Cais Rhif / Application No. NP5/50/L450B

PRESENNOL / EXISTING 29 Cais Rhif / Application No. NP5/50/L450B

PRESENNOL / EXISTING

30 Cais Rhif / Application No. NP5/50/L450B

ARFAETHEDIG / PROPOSED

31 Cais Rhif / Application No. NP5/50/L450B

ARFAETHEDIG / PROPOSED 32 Cais Rhif / Application No. NP5/50/L450B

ARFAETHEDIG / PROPOSED

33 ITEM 6 (1)

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE 23 JANUARY 2019

ENFORCEMENT NOTICES, LISTED BUILDING ENFORCEMENT NOTICES SERVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS AND LIST OF COMPLIANCE CASES

34 SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE, 23rd JANUARY 2019

LIST OF COMPLIANCE CASES

New cases

Reference Date of initial Location of Site Details of Planning Current Position complaint or Breach Date observed by Compliance Officers

1 NP2/11/ENF542A November 2018 Ty’n y Coed, Erection of Detached Contact made with the owner of the land. Site Building inspection currently being arranged.

2 NP3/15/ENF180G November 2018 Land Adjacent to 3 Dumping of Building Contact made with the owner of the land. Site Bryniau Gerddi, Waste Material meeting held and currently assessing the information obtained. 3 NP5/51/ENF458B November 2018 Farch Ynys Farm, Untidy Condition of Land & Contact made with the owner of the land. Site Possible Unauthorised meeting scheduled for the week commencing Use of Agricultural 7th January 2019. Building 4 NP5/58/ENF591C November 2018 Tan y Fron, Dyffryn Static Caravan being Let Contact made with the owner of the land. They Ardudwy out as Separate Self- have confirmed the unauthorised use has Contained Holiday Let ceased and the caravan is being used incidental to the main dwelling house. To monitor.

35 5 NP5/60/ENF26E November 2018 Hermon Bach, Capel Extension Letter written to the owner/occupier and their Hermon, agent has made contact. Awaiting additional information in order to assess whether a breach of planning control has taken place.

6 NP5/61/ENF132 December 2018 Pant Mawr, Harlech Engineering Operations & A site visit has been undertaken and the matter Construction of Retaining discussed with the owner of the land. Planning Walls permission will be required for some of the works undertaken. Further site meeting with the owner scheduled in January 2019.

Awaiting Retrospective Application/Listed Building Consent Application/CLEUD Application

7 NP4/12/ENF225A October 2018 Ty Pandy, Rowen Engineering Operations Contact made with the owner and a site meeting has taken place. To submit a retrospective planning application in an attempt to try to regularise the works.

8 NP4/26/ENF332 September 2018 Coedfa, Betws y Coed Property split into Two Contact made with the owner of the properties. Holiday Lets Appears the separation has taken place many years ago. Advised to submit a Certificate of Lawful Use application.

9 NP5/57/ENFL557E September 2018 National Farmers Union, Installation of Air Contact made with the National Farmers Cartref Amaeth, Lion Conditioning Unit Union. To submit a retrospective planning Street, application in an attempt to regularise the installation.

10 NP5/62/ENF57W November 2018 Cae Nest, Erection of agricultural Site visit’s and correspondence with landowner building taken place. Retrospective application to be submitted.

36 11 NP5/70/ENF6F October 2018 Maesafallon, Rhosygwalia Engineering & Excavation Site meeting held with the owner. Advised to Works cease all further works and to submit a retrospective planning application in an attempt to try to retain what development has already taken place.

12 NP5/71/ENF433B December 2017 Land Near Pont Lliw, Footpath Bridge not in Site meeting held with the contractors. Accordance with the Awaiting the submission of a retrospective Approved Plan planning application.

Retrospective Application Received

13 NP3/12/ENF173B August 2018 Cwm Bychan, Betws Unauthorised Building Site meeting held with the owner of the land. A Garmon retrospective planning application has been received.

14 NP5/57/ENFL1C July 2018 Gwyndy, Bridge Street, Extension of Tea Room Site meeting held with the owners of the Dolgellau including use of outdoor premises. A retrospective planning application courtyard has been received.

15 NP5/57/ENF212N June 2018 Gwyndaf Evans Motors, Alterations/Extension of Site meeting held with the owner. Advised Arran Road, Dolgellau Garage Building planning permission is required for the garage building. Retrospective planning application received.

16 NP5/65/ENF274D August 2018 Agricultural Building near Not in Accordance with the Site meeting held and a retrospective planning Maes Mawr, Approved Plans application has been received but currently incomplete.

37

Awaiting further Information or Replies to a Planning Contravention Notice or a Section 330 Notice

17 NP2/16/ENF448 May 2017 Hendre Ddu Quarry, Cwm Unauthorised Quarrying Site meeting held, advised to submit a Pennant planning application to regularise the matter.

18 NP3/21/ENF35C July 2018 Pant Hwfa, Annexe not in Site meeting held with the owner. Planning Accordance with the Contravention Notice served to obtain further Approved Plans & information about the annexe and how it is Conditions being used. Advised to submit an application in an attempt to regularise the breaches found.

19 NP3/21/ENF35D May 2018 Pant Hwfa, Llanllechid Unauthorised Camp Site meeting held with the owner. Currently Site, erection of a BBQ assessing the situation. The owner has hut and creation of Two intimated they will be submitting a Holiday Cottages retrospective planning application.

20 NP4/16/ENF405 March 2018 Land Opposite Tan y Castell, Dumping of Building Owner advised to clear the land of building Dolwyddelan Material and Waste materials and restoring the land back to its original state. Also advised to remove the touring caravan. Deadline given of the 17th December 2018. Further site visit scheduled for January 2019.

21 NP5/55/ENFL142A June 2017 3 Glandwr, Untidy Condition of Section 215 Notice now being drafted. Property

22 NP5/55/ENF196D October 2018 Land adjacent to Bronwylfa, Siting of a Static Site meeting held with the owners. The static Bryncrug Caravan is currently being stored on the land. Advised planning permission is required for the siting of the static caravan. Requisition for Information served under Section 330 of the Town and Country Planning Act and replies received.

38 23 NP5/57/ENF1030D May 2018 Former Workshop Site, Non-compliance of Contact made with the owner of the land and Glyndwr Street, Dolgellau Section 215 Notice advised not all of the requirements of the Section 215 notice have been complied with. Currently in discussion to finalise full compliance with the Section 215 Notice. Apparent works are now taking place to comply with the Notice.

24 NP5/71/ENF473 June 2017 Bronant Stores, 1 Pen y Untidy Condition of the Currently trying to contact the owner of the Banc, Llanuwchllyn Building premises which appears to be derelict and empty.

Cases where formal action is being considered/has been taken.

25 NP5/61/ENF23P June 2013 St. Davids Hotel, Harlech Untidy Condition of The Authority are exploring the possibility of Building initiating ‘direct action’ under Section 219, to attempt to secure the demolition of the hotel.

Construction of a bat barn is due to commence on the 7th January and should be completed in March 2019.

The bat barn is to potentially facilitate the demolition of the hotel (but subject to achieving the necessary funding).

26 NP5/71/ENF474A March 2018 Glofer, Llanuwchllyn Siting of Two Enforcement Notice served 30th October 2018. Containers within Enforcement Notice Appeal submitted and Garden commenced 21st December 2018.

39 27 NP5/77/ENF115G September 2016 Lizzie’s Barn, Llandecwyn, Barn being Used for Site meeting took place on the 4th September Permanent Residential 2018. Currently assessing the information Occupation in breach of obtained at this meeting to progress the matter a CLEUD which only forward. stipulates 4 months’ residential use.

Listed Building Cases

28 NP5/69/ENFLB326A September 2018 Ty Gwyn, Possible Change of Use Contact made with the owners of the property. to Holiday A site meeting has taken place. Advised to Accommodation for submit the relevant applications in an attempt to Large Groups & try to regularise the use and the works that have alterations to a Listed taken place. A retrospective planning Building application has been received in respect to the use.

29 NP5/71/ENFLB372A April 2017 Glan yr Afon, Llanuwchllyn Unauthorised Works to a Site meeting held with the owners of the land. Listed Building. To submit the relevant listed building consent application in respect to works already carried out and for proposed future works.

40 ITEM 6 (2)

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE 23 JANUARY 2019

PLANNING, ENFORCEMENT NOTICE, AND CERTIFICATES OF LAWFUL USE APPEALS SUBMITTED AND AWAITING DECISION

41 SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE, 23rd JANUARY 2019

PLANNING, ENFORCEMENT NOTICE, AND CERTIFICATES OF LAWFUL USE APPEALS SUBMITTED AND AWAITING DECISION

No. Application No. Description & Location Procedure/Status Case Officer

1 NP2/11/191D Conversion of part of workshop to live/work Written representations Sara Roberts unit, Y Wenllys, .

2. NP5/50/133E Change of use from guest house (C1) to Written representations Iona Thomas dwelling (C3), Ty Bodfor, 1 Bodfor Terrace, Aberdyfi.

3. NP5/71/ENF474A Siting of Two Containers within Garden Written representations Jane Jones Glofer, Llanuwchllyn.

Number of appeals on list = 3

Number of appeals on committee list 5th December = 1

Number of appeals Determined Granted Dismissed Withdrawn Number of appeals dismissed as % 01/04/18 – 31/03/18 4 2 2 0 50% 01/04/17 – 31/03/18 7 3 4 0 57% 01/04/16 – 31/03/17 13 4 9 1 69% 01/04/15 – 31/03/16 10 5 5 0 50% 01/04/14 – 31/03/15 13 3 10 0 77%

42 ITEM 6 (3)

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE 23 JANUARY 2019

SECTION 106 AGREEMENTS

43 SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE, 23rd JANUARY 2019 SECTION 106 AGREEMENTS

Application Date Location Development Present Position No. application was received

1 NP5/50/563B 22/08/18 Land at former Demolition of former primary school and Draft agreement sent 08/01/19 Primary School, construction of 11 affordable dwellings Aberdyfi. with new access road and parking areas

2 NP5/61/LB32J 16/01/13 The Plas, High Change of use of part of ground floor Request received from Street, Harlech restaurant to dwelling. applicant’s agent to change to commuted sum – Under Consideration. 3 NP5/78/T296 02/10/18 5 Ty Gwyn, Change of use of shop/café to dwelling Waiting to be sealed Number of applications on committee list 5th December 2018 = 2

APPLICATIONS SUBJECT TO A SECTION 106 AGREEMENT AND WHICH HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SINCE PLANNING & ACCESS COMMITTEE 5th DECEMBER 2018

Application No. Location Development

NP5/64/L126 Rhydygarnedd, Bryncrug Convert part of outbuilding into dwelling

APPLICATIONS SUBJECT TO A SECTION 106 AGREEMENT WHICH HAVE BEEN REFUSED, WITHDRAWN, OR DISPOSED, OR WHERE AN AGREEMENT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY SINCE PLANNING & ACCESS COMMITTEE 5th DECEMBER 2018

Application No. Location Development

44 ITEM 6 (4)

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE 23 JANUARY 2019

OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS WHERE MORE THAN 13 WEEKS HAVE ELAPSED

45

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE 23 JANUARY 2019

OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS WHERE MORE THAN 13 WEEKS HAVE ELAPSED

Awaiting Welsh Government Highways

NP5/54/289E 26/04/2016 The Old Creamery, Rhydymain. Demolish existing redundant structures and erect new kitchen workshop with showroom.

Deferred

NP5/50/415D 21/02/2017 Ty Bach, Aberdyfi Conversion of former public toilets to holiday accommodation including building two storey extension above. NP5/60/26F 09/08/2018 Ty Capel Hermon, Llanfachreth. Formation of parking area and new pedestrian access to graveyard, including pedestrian access bridge and pathway. NP5/69/16C 25/04/2018 Castell Mawr Farm, Llanegryn. Erection of 2,700 square metre 32,000 bird poultry unit.

Awaiting Response from Agent

NP5/55/60G 08/03/2018 Land adjacent to. Clydfan, Ffordd y Felin, Bryncrug. Construction of 4 dwellings (2 affordable and 2 open market) together with the installation of a sewage treatment plant and extension to estate road, NP5/70/9L 26/10/2018 Land adjoining Plas Gywair, Llangywair Erection of detached garage

NP5/56/155 21/09/2018 Cwm Cadian, Pantperthog. Hydro-electric scheme (95Kw).

Waiting response from Natural Resources Wales

NP2/11/52G 05/09/2018 Pen-y-Pass Car Park, Nant Gwynant Telecommunications equipment.

Total applications on list = 8

Total applications on list Committee 5th December 2018 = 6

46 ITEM 6 (5)

47

ITEM NO. 7

MEETING Planning and Access Committee

DATE 23 January 2019

TITLE APPOINTMENT OF 1 CASUAL VACANCY FOR THE NORTHERN LAF

REPORT BY Access Officer and Local Access Forums Secretary

PURPOSE To approve the appointment of 1 casual vacancy for the Northern Local Access Forum.

1.0 BACKGROUND

1.1 In April 2002 the Authority established two Local Access Forums; one for the north and one for the south of the National Park.

1.2 The North Snowdonia Local Access Forum has 18 members (14 “lay” members, one representative each for Gwynedd Council, Conwy County Borough Council and the SNPA, and one representative for people with disabilities). The South Snowdonia Local Access Forum has 20 members (17 “lay” members and one representative each for Gwynedd Council and the SNPA and one representative for people with disabilities).

Membership must be balanced between land management and recreational interests and all members are required to demonstrate a commitment to improving access to the countryside. The LAF Regulations dictate that no interest group (other than interests of disabled people) are to have direct representation on the Forum.

Within recent months, one vacancy has arisen due to the resignation of a member from the recreational sector for unavoidable personal reasons.

A prospective member (who was a very proactive and previous member of the NLAF in the past) has indicated that he is willing to stand. This was discussed and approved unanimously by the LAF members as a suitable replacement.

The LAF chair on behalf of the members therefore has requested formal ratification on the proposed candidate by the Authority

48

1.3 Regulations – The Countryside Access Forums (Wales) published by the Welsh Assembly Government – stipulate that membership of a Forum continues for three years from the date of the first meeting of the Forum. However, the Regulations (Sect 5 (1)) also allow for the appointment of casual vacancies when standing members decide to leave the Forum/s for whatever reason within their formal term of appointment. These casual appointments are to ensure that the LAF membership remains balanced throughout.

1.4 It is suggested that the following procedure is followed.

That the Committee considers the casual appointment as presented:-

Northern Snowdonia Access Forum Mr David Firth – from recreation and access sector.

2. RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

No additional costs

3. RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee approve Mr. David Firth’s appointment to fill the casual vacancy on the Northern Snowdonia Local Access Forum.

BACKGROUND PAPERS National Assembly for Wales - Statutory Instrument 2001 No.4002 extract Sect. 5 (1) if required.

49 ITEM NO. 8

MEETING Planning and Access Committee

DATE 23rd January 2019

TITLE ACCESS FORUMS REPORT

REPORT BY Access Officer

PURPOSE To report for information on discussions and issues raised at meetings in December 2018 Northern and Southern Snowdonia Access Forums

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 There are two Access Forums in the Snowdonia National Park - one for Northern Snowdonia and one for Southern Snowdonia.

1.2 The Access Forums are statutory (with a term of three years) appointed under the CROW Act 2000 (Section 94.4) to advise the Authority on improvements in access in the area in order to facilitate recreation and enjoyment in the outdoors. The meetings are held every quarter - in March, June, September and late November / early December.

1.3 Representatives from the Authority are nominated for both Forums.

2. December 2018 meetings

2.1 Matters discussed in both Forums

2.1.1 Minister’s request for the LAF members’ thoughts on two questions which were circulated in the LAF Chair’s recent meeting. The LAFs were of the opinion (included in this discussion was the Arfon Dwyfor LAF) that they would need more definition on the question “What are your thoughts on how public access could be incorporated into a Public Goods Scheme?” before responding. The other question was relating the issue of access to water. The response to this was the same as in the previous WG Consultations. I.e. that this was achievable based on a CRoW model subject to various criteria.

50 2.1.2 Enabling Natural resources & wellbeing in Wales 2019-2023 – Proposed access route improvements funded by grant monies from this scheme. Two potential candidate routes were discussed under the grant scheme. The SLAF discussed a route in the – Bryncrug area and the NLAF discussed a route in the – Fron area.

2.1.3 Meeting dates for 2019 were confirmed for both forums. 2.2 Matters discussed at the Northern Forum only (3/12/18)

2.2.1 are considering the idea put forward by the NLAF who had suggested that the WHR may wish to consider ‘walkers’ tickets’. The LAF main aim was to alleviate some of the car parking congestion in the west of the NP. 2.2.2 A CROW Act restriction is in force by the Power Company and they are extending the period of exclusion for the right of access. This was due to the inclement weather restricting the work that needs to be completed. This should be completed by the end of February. 2.2.3 Natural Resources Wales’ representative gave a presentation on the proposed Area NRW Statements (as required by the Environment Wales Act 2016). 2.2.4 Update on the latest situation regarding the Snowdon Circular. There are particular issues regarding one section of the circular and the LAF members were in agreement that we should continue to discuss with the landowner for the next two years and then proceed on a more formal basis if required thereafter. 2.2.5 Adam Daniel introduced himself as the new SNPA Head of Warden Section. Members were updated on the latest situation regarding the Warden section. 2.3 Matters discussed at the Southern Forum only (20/11/2018) 2.3.1 Lost Ways – Presentation by Duncan Barrett on disappearance of routes and byways which are not listed on definitive maps. 2.3.2 Members were updated with the latest visitor monitoring data for the footpaths monitored in the area. 2.3.3 Members were updated on the proposed equine access on the Mawddach Trail. Few maters need to be authorized before proceeding but hopefully this may be possible before the Easter. A final paper will be submitted to the Management team. 2.3.4 Bryn Llestair – Update on the current situation regarding the closure of the bridge and the funding that is required to complete this work. GC has now closed this bridge due to its condition.

51 ITEM 9.0

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE 23 JANUARY 2019

DELEGATED DECISIONS

52 SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE, 23 JANUARY 2019

DELEGATED DECISIONS

Applications Approved

Application No. Proposed Location Decision Case Officer Date 1 NP5/57/1065B Construction of new artist’s studio, workshop, Bryn y Gwin, Dolgellau. LL40 23/11/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts office and gallery building (amended 1TF application to that previously approved under application NP5/57/1065A) 2 NP3/12/72J Installation of solar panels on roof of building Cwellyn Water Treatment 23/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas Works, , LL54 7YY 3 NP5/58/24C Installation of ground mounted and roof Eithin Fynydd Water Treatment 23/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas mounted solar panels Works, Talybont. LL43 2BA 4 NP5/57/519C Installation of solar panels on roof of building Pen y Cefn Water Treatment 23/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas Works, Dolgellau. LL40 2ET 5 NP5/72/83D Installation of solar panels on roof of building Bala Water Treatment Works, 23/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas , Bala, LL23 7SG 6 NP5/55/85D Installation of solar panels on roof of building. Penybont Water Treatment 23/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas Works, Bryncrug. 7. NP5/57/524G Installation of mechanical ventilation system George III Hotel, , 26/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas Dolgellau, LL401YD 8. NP5/51/464B Construction of forestry storage building Bodowen Bungalow, , 26/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas LL421TF

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9. NP2/11/T189F Installation of 3 rooflights and 8 slate vents The Sunday School, Beddgelert. 27/11/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas LL55 4UY 10. NP5/74/474 Erection of 25m high lattice Land at Pen-Rhiwgul, adjacent 29/11/18 Mr Aled Lloyd telecommunications mast supporting 3 no. to the A458, . antennas and 2 no. 0.6m dish antennas together with 3 no ground based equipment cabinets, generator, satellite dish and ancillary development enclosed within secure compound 11. NP5/53/4J Non-Material Amendment to Planning Ysgol Y Berwyn, Ffrydan Road, 02/12/18 Mr Aled Lloyd Permission NP5/53/41D dated 06/06/2016 for Bala. LL23 7RU construction of new fire escape stairs and roof enclosure 12. NP5/53/518A Single storey side extension 4 Tryweryn Terrace, Bala. LL23 03/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas 7NN 13. NP4/13/202A Removal of occupancy condition 4 on Lloft OT, Pont Cyfyng, Capel 05/12/18 Mr Geraint Evans planning permission NP4/13/202 dated Curig 20/11/2006 14. NP5/69/LU56L The use of the land as a caravan site and Land edged in red at Sunbeach 05/12/18 Mrs Jane Jones associated construction of hard standings and Holiday Park, Llwyngwril. LL37 internal access roadways for the caravan site, 2QQ as required by Conditions 4 and 5 of Caravan Site Licence number H100346 dated 20th December 2016. 15. NP5/58/182B Retrospective application to demolish existing Dolafon, , LL44 05/12/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts dwelling and construction of new dwelling 2ET 16. NP5/78/22D Construction of side and rear extension Swn y Nant, Bodfyddau, 05/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas Trawsfynydd. LL41 4UW 17. NP4/12/203A Conversion of barn to form holiday letting unit Agricultural building near Rhiw, 05/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas including construction of extension Rowen. LL32 8YW 18. NP3/10/AD110C Proposed erection of Land adjacent to HEP Turbine 06/12/18 Mr Richard interpretation/information board Building, Afon Anafon, Thomas 19. NP5/64/L126 Convert part of outbuilding into dwelling Rhydygarnedd, Bryncrug. LL36 06/12/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts 9LG 20. NP5/56/151B Temporary forestry access track and turning Land at Tan y Coed Woodland, 07/12/18 Mr Aled Lloyd area Ceinws, .

54 21. NP5/57/L1046B Demolition of existing garage, store and Llys Mynach, Dolgellau. LL40 07/12/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts carport and the construction of a replacement 2EW garage and single storey link building with terrace above 22. NP5/56/151A Creation of temporary vehicular access onto land at Goetir Tan y Coed, near 07/12/18 Mr Aled Lloyd the A487(T) together with creation of Ceinws, Corris. temporary forestry access track to access and fell an area of hardwood trees. 23. NP5/75/249 Installation of Hydro-electric Scheme, (34kw) Afon Alice, . 08/12/18 Mr Richard comprising two intake weirs, part buried part Thomas overground penstock, turbine building, outflow and buried grid connection 24. NP5/54/435A Change of use of land to form extension to Tegfryn, Brithdir. LL40 2SF 10/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas residential curtilage, construction of garage/store and formation of associated hardstanding 25. NP5/70/151 Construction of two storey side extension and Madoc, Llanuwchllyn. LL23 7TH 10/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas installation of rooflight 26. NP5/57/L775B Removal of central chimney stack situated on Dylanwad Da Restaurant, 11/12/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts ridge and re-roof with slates and ridge tiles to Smithfield Street, Dolgellau. match existing LL40 1BS 27. NP5/57/77B Construction of two front extensions and Bryn Teigl, Pencefn Road, 11/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas formation of hardstanding area for car parking Dolgellau, LL40 2ER 28. NP5/57/LB339F Listed Building Consent to retain bathroom on Tanrallt, Mount Pleasant Road, 11/12/18 Mr. Arwel Ll top floor and the installation of cast iron soil Dolgellau. LL40 1ST Thomas vent pipe West Elevation 29. NP5/58/300D Part retrospective application for the The Barns, Ffordd Tyddyn Felin, 14/12/18 Mrs Jane Jones construction of an agricultural building Talybont. LL43 2AP 30. NP5/50/L517 Construction of two storey rear extension 2, Bryniau Uchaf, Aberdyfi, LL35 14/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas 0HW 31. NP3/12/72K Installation of solar panels on roof of building Cwellyn Water Treatment 14/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas Works, Betws Garmon. 32. NP5/78/537 Proposed hydroelectric scheme (32kw) Nant Bod y Fuddau, 14/12/18 Mr Richard comprising intake weir, pipeline, turbine Trawsfynydd. LL41 4UW Thomas building, outflow and grid connection

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33. NP5/54/562 Demolition of existing bungalow and Heddwch, Brithdir. LL40 2SF 14/12/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts construction of replacement two storey dwelling, double garage and relocate existing vehicular access 34. NP2/11/715B Discharge Condition 5 of Planning Permission Llyn Gwynant Campsite, 17/12/18 Mr Richard NP2/11/715A dated 21/05/2018 Nantgwynant. LL55 4NW Thomas 35. NP5/64/182A Conversion of two outbuildings into two Bryn Eglwys, Llanegryn. LL36 17/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas holiday letting units, including installation of 9SB septic tank 36. NP4/11/271C Construction of attached carport 6 Gethin Terrace, Betws-y- 17/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas Coed. LL24 0BS 37. NP4/11/207B Proposed conversion and change of use of Former Powerhouse, Ffordd 18/12/18 Mr Richard former Power House to holiday Gethin, Betws y Coed. Thomas accommodation 38. NP5/60/156 Installation of 2 rooflights Tyddyn Bach, , LL40 18/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas 2TW 39. NP5/50/L80A Part-retrospective application for replacement Cartrefle, Terrace Road, 20/12/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts and enlargement of existing decking area and Aberdyfi, LL35 0LT construction of spiral access staircase 40. NP5/75/E237E Consultation under Section 37 of The Land near Cefncynhafal Bach, 21/12/18 Mrs. Iona Roberts Electricity Act 1989 to erect 11kv overhead Pennal. SY20 9LB electricity line 41. NP5/57/515A Proposed erection of ‘Portakabin’ welfare Electricity Sub Station, Ffordd 21/12/18 Mr Richard facility and waste water treatment plant Pont Yr Aran, Dolgellau. LL40 Thomas 2AA 42. NP3/12/164D Discharge of Conditions 3 (Construction Ffridd Uchaf, Rhyd Ddu. LL54 21/12/18 Mr Richard Method Statement), 4 (Restoration Plan) and 6TW Thomas 5 (Ecological Clerk of Works) attached to planning decision notice NP3/12/164B dated 19/10/18 43. NP4/32/88G Replacement lighting to existing car park area Wells Spa, Trefriw. LL27 21/12/18 Mr Richard 0JS Thomas 44. NP5/69/394D Replacement of existing dwelling Wendys, Llwyngwril, LL37 2JQ 21/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas 45. NP5/78/124B Conversion of agricultural building to holiday Penystryd, Trawsfynydd, LL41 22/12/18 Mrs. Sara Thomas let 4UY

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46. NP5/62/35W Use of the existing holiday let lodge as Lodge 12, Maes Artro, Llanbedr. 03/01/19 Mrs Jane Jones permanent residential accommodation for a LL45 2PZ temporary period of 12 months 47. NP5/58/520C Installation of 2 Catslide dormer windows Awelfryn, Dyffryn Ardudwy. 03/01/19 Mrs. Iona Roberts LL44 2DN 48. NP5/69/L160 Conversion of chapel to holiday let Capel Peniel, Llwyngwril. LL37 03/01/19 Mrs. Iona Roberts 2JY 49. NP5/58/199P Non-Material Amendment to Planning Murmur yr Afon, Dyffryn 04/01/19 Mrs. Iona Roberts Permission NP5/58/199N dated 02/10/2018 Ardudwy. LL44 2BE to omit windows on south-west elevation of previously approved extension to toilet block. 50. NP4/13/243 Proposed Hydroelectric scheme (100kw) Ffynnon Llugwy, . 08/01/19 Mr Richard comprising the erection of turbine building Thomas 7.1m x 6.6m x 5.25m over existing water extraction penstock 51. NP5/57/LU1071D The use of the area shown as Area 1 on the The land outlined in red on the 09/01/19 Mr Geraint Evans attached plan for the siting of 5 touring attached plan on land at Bryn y caravans for 12 months of the year for use as Gwin Farm, Cader Road, holiday accommodation. Dolgellau. LL40 1TF The use of the area shown as Area 2 on the attached plan for the siting of up to 10 touring caravans for the period between 1 March and 31 October each year.

Applications Refused

1. NP4/13/182D Proposed two storey front extension. Swn-y-Gog, Betws-y-coed, LL24 03/12/18 Mr Richard 0DH Thomas 2. NP3/15/67M Part retrospective application for the Pen-y-Ceunant Isaf, Llanberis. 19/12/18 Mr Geraint Evans formation of two parking areas for use by staff LL55 4UW of Pen-y-Ceunant Isaf Café and emergency services

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3. NP3/15/228 Proposed seasonal overflow car park (in Land adjoining existing 03/01/19 Mr Richard excess of 250 cars) from 01 May to 30 Snowdonia National Park Thomas September in any one year Authority car park, Nant Peris. 4. NP5/65/335B Proposed Hydro-electric scheme (34kw) Afon Hirgwm, Bontddu. 08/01/19 Mr Richard comprising part buried part overground Thomas pipeline, turbine house, outflow and buried grid connection 5. NP5/59/495A Proposed Hydro Electric Scheme (600KW) Land near Pont yr Afon Gam, 26/11/18 Mr Richard comprising intake weir, predominantly buried Llan . Thomas pipeline (1.2km), erection of 24m gantry bridge, turbine building, outflow, buried grid connection, vehicular access and construction compounds

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