Public Document Pack

To: Members of the Clwydian Date: Friday, 15 June 2018 Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Direct 01824 712589 Joint Committee Dial:

Email: democratic@denbighshire.gov.uk

Dear Councillor

You are invited to attend a meeting of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee, Friday, 22 June 2018 at 10.00 am in Conference Room 1a, County Hall, Ruthin.

Yours sincerely

G Williams Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services

AGENDA

1. INTRODUCTIONS, APOLOGIES AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

2. ELECTION OF CHAIR

3. MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 2ND FEBRUARY 2018 (Pages 5 - 10) To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee held on the 2nd February 2018 (copy attached).

4. DRAFT MINUTES OF AONB PARTNERSHIP HELD 9TH MARCH 2018 (Pages 11 - 18) To consider the draft minutes of the AONB Partnership meeting held on 9 march 2018 (copy attached).

5. JOINT COMMITTEE BUDGET (Pages 19 - 38) To consider a report (copy enclosed) on the Joint Committee Budget.

6. REPORT ON SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE (Pages 39 - 82) To consider a report (copy enclosed) on Supplementary Planning Guidance.

7. AONB HIGHLIGHTS ANNUAL REPORT (Pages 83 - 112) To note the highlights of the AONB annual report (copy attached).

8. HIGHLIGHTS OF WORK OF RANGER TEAM 2017-18 To receive a presentation on the work of the Ranger Team.

9. UPDATE OUR PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPE To receive a verbal update on Our Picturesque Landscape.

10. HIGHLIGHTS AND SUMMARY REPORT 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND (Pages 113 - 120) To consider a presentation on the highlights and summary report on the Sustainable Development Fund.

11. SUMMARY OF AONB PLANNING CONSULTATIONS SEPTEMBER 2017 TO MARCH 2018 (Pages 121 - 126) Summary report on AONB planning consultations for information only.

12. FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME (Pages 127 - 130) To consider the updated AONB Joint Committee work programme.

13. FUTURE MEETING DATES AND 23RD NOVEMBER 2018 To consider possible dates for future meetings of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee.

MEMBERSHIP

Councillors Derek Butler Carolyn Thomas Hugh Jones Tony Thomas David Kelly Julian Thompson-Hill

COPIES TO:

All Councillors for information Press and Libraries Town and Community Councils

Agenda Item 3

CLWYDIAN RANGE AND DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY JOINT COMMITTEE 2 FEBRUARY 2018

Minutes of the meeting of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee held at County Hall, Mold on Friday, 2 February 2018.

PRESENT: Councillor Hugh Jones (Chairman) (WCBC) Councillors: Derek Butler (FCC), David Kelly (WCBC), Carolyn Thomas (FCC), Tony Thomas (DCC)

1 APOLOGIES: Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill (DCC)

ALSO PRESENT: Andrew Farrow (Chief Officer Planning & Environment, FCC), Rob Dingle, (Offa’s Dyke National Trail Officer), Martin Howarth (WCBC), Karen Holthofer (AONB Communications Officer), Councillor Colin Legg (AONB Partnership and FCC), Ceri Lloyd (AONB SDF Officer), Paul Mitchell (Natural Resources Wales), Helen Mrowiec (Senior Recreation Officer), Paula O’Hanlon (Senior Finance and Assurance Officer, DCC), Martyn L Holland (AONB Partnership and DCC), Huw Rees (DCC), John Roberts (AONB Partnership and Friends of AONB), Paul Rowlinson (Cyfieithydd), Howard Sutcliffe (AONB Manager), David Shiel (Assistant AONB Officer), Michael Skuse (AONB Partnership and Friends of AONB), Councillor Owen Thomas (AONB Partnership and FCC), Gary Williams (Head of Legal, HR & Democratic Services, DCC), Gareth O Williams (Finance Manager, DCC), Tom Woodall (Access and Natural Environment Manager, FCC), and Andy Worthington (Chair of AONB Partnership)

IN ATTENDANCE: Committee Services Officer (FCC)

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

3. URGENT MATTERS

There were no urgent matters raised.

4. MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE

The minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee held on 17 November 2017, were submitted.

Accuracy Item 13, page 5, the first sentence should read as ‘mark of respect’.

Page 3 Matters arising Item 18, page 6, the Chair confirmed that he had written to the Minister to outline the concerns raised on behalf of the AONB Joint Committee and was waiting a response.

Howard Sutcliffe advised that Tom Woodall, Access and Natural Environment Manager, FCC) would work with the AONB to submit a presentation of the Friends of the Clwydian Range to a scrutiny meeting in Flintshire.

Howard Sutcliffe reported that a very constructive meeting had been held with Christine Marsden a new Member to the AONB Partnership and the AONB Planning Officer Tony Hughes to improve understanding between Planning and AONB.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as an accurate record and signed by the Chairman.

5. PRESENTATION OF TWO AONB SHORT FILMS

Helen Mroweic, Senior Recreation Officer, provided two presentations:

: In response to comments from Councillor Carolyn Thomas, concerning raising public awareness of Loggerheads Country Park, the Senior Recreation Officer advised that information about Loggerheads and a link was to be made available online. It was suggested that social media could also be used to raise awareness, and Facebook was cited as an example, and this was agreed.

Councillor Tony Thomas said that thanks should be extended to Katrina Day, Walking for Health Officer, and asked for consideration to be given to the continuity of funding for an officer post.

The Chair thanked Helen Mroweic for her presentation and wished her well in her new post with Flintshire County Council.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

6. JOINT COMMITTEE BUDGET AND OUTTURN 2017/18

The Finance Manager, DCC, introduced a report to provide a summary of the AONB’s revenue budget for 2017/18 as detailed in appendix 1 of the report. He advised that the current forecast outturn showed a net overspend of £7200 and explained that if the overspend position remained at the end of the financial year then it would be funded from the AONB revenue reserve.

Page 4 Howard Sutcliffe reported on the expenditure for employees in the core and area revenue income and expenditure account as detailed in the appendices to the report

A query was raised on the cost for printing. David Shiel explained that this was for the reprint of the AONB leaflet.

Councillors Carolyn Thomas and Hugh Jones, advised that there was no change in the budget contributions to AONB from Flintshire County Council or Wrexham County Borough Council for 2018-19.

7. DARK SKY STATUS

David Shiel, Assistant AONB Officer, introduced a report to outline the process and benefits of pursuing a Dark Sky Designation with the International Dark Skies Association. He advised that the preservation of natural darkness had a wide range of benefits for health and well being, biodiversity and the tourism business sector. Mr. Shiel explained that a decision was required on whether to pursue the designation of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley as a Dark Sky Community as defined by the International Dark Sky Association.

During discussion Officers responded to the comments and concerns raised around the issue of streetlighting and David Shiel provided clarification of the streetlighting plan.

Councillor David Kelly commented that Community Councils held responsibility for lighting in many areas and said there was a need to have Community Councils ‘on board’. He also referred to the need to the replacement of ageing stock in certain areas.

Howard Sutcliffe said that the Buffer areas needed to be considered.

In response to the concerns and comments raised David Shiel explained that street lighting had been contacted and some work had taken place. He acknowledged the need to engage with Community Councils and said there had been enthusiasm and a number of the Community Councils were keen to assist with monitoring activities. AONB champions had also been engaged.

Howard Sutcliffe suggested that Councillor Carolyn Thomas from the Joint Committee coordinate a meeting for all three Local Authorities Lead Members for lighting and their officers, as she is the lead member for lighting in Flintshire. The meeting would be supported by David Shiel from the AONB Team. Councillor Carolyn Thomas agreed to chairing a future meeting and advised that Flintshire County Council were bidding to replace street lighting and had asked local Community Councils to replace lighting with ‘soft’ lights.

Councillor Martyn Holland commented on the problems arising due to security lighting. Howard Sutcliffe explained that lighting was considered by

Page 5 the AONB Planning Officer Tony Hughes on relevant new planning applications. In response to a concern raised by Councillor David Kelly around rural crime, Howard Sutcliffe advised the evidence was that crime did not rise if there was no external lighting.

The Chair proposed that a workshop be arranged and Community Councils be invited to attend.

RESOLVED:

That the designation of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley as a Dark Sky Community – as defined by the International Dark Sky Association, be pursued.

8. OFFA’S DYKE PATH NATIONAL TRAIL

Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke National Trail Officer, gave a presentation on the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas asked if there was access to accommodation on the Trail, Mr. Dingle explained that there were a number of bed and breakfast facilities and campsites on route.

During discussion Mr. Dingle responded to the questions raised by Councillor Derek Butler concerning the Wales Link paths.

Mr. Dingle explained that a survey of the Offa’s Dyke had been undertaken and funding from CADW and Historical England for conservation work was being looked into. In addition a submission for lottery funding was being planned for monument restoration.

The Chair thanked Mr. Dingle for a detailed presentation.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

9. GRANTS AND BIDS

Howard Sutcliffe, AONB Manager, gave a verbal report on the following grants from the Welsh Government (WG) and bids to Natural Resources Wales. He advised that £45K had been secured from the WG. Three year programme for the AONB was also being sought from NRW, together with three bids to their latest round of Funding.

AONB Special Projects

WG Funding  £10K Dark Skies is confirmed  £5K strengthening AONB/WHS Management is confirmed

Page 6  £24K AONB threshold signs await Ministerial sign off  £6K clinker path awaits Ministerial sign off

NRW Competitive Funding  OPL Match Bid in  Healthy Walking Bid in  DL National Bid in  Marine bid (for information only)

10. UPDATE ON SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE

Howard Sutcliffe, AONB Manager, gave a verbal report on the AONB Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) and referred to the following main points:

 That FCC is compiling a Report on the consultation on the SPG which would be circulated and discussed by officers

 That each Authority needs to formally adopt the Supplementary Planning Guidance following the current consultation

 That Flintshire County Council will take the Supplementary Planning Guidance back to Cabinet in March 2018 and that Wrexham County Borough Council and Denbighshire County Council do the same.

11. FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME

Mr. Howard Sutcliffe presented the Forward Work Programme and reported on the main items scheduled for consideration as detailed in the Programme appended to the report.

The Chair commented on the issue of discarded litter on roadsides and cited the A483 through Wrexham County Borough Council as an example (although this is outside the AONB). He commented that the trunk road agency had not addressed the issue. Councillor Derek Butler commented that there was no funding available to resolve the issue of litter. Councillor Carolyn Thomas proposed that the Chair writes to the Minister to request the frequency of how often litter is cleared from the three trunk roads (A55, A494 and A5) in the AONB and this was agreed.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Forward Work Programme be noted; and

(b) That the Chair writes to the Minister on behalf of the AONB Joint Committee to raise concerns on the issue of discarded litter on roadsides.

Page 7 12. STAFF UPDATE

Mr. Howard Sutcliffe informed members that Helen Mroweic, Senior Recreation Officer, would be commencing a new position with Flintshire County Council. He expressed thanks on behalf of the Joint Committee for her hard work and commitment. Members also expressed their thanks and best wishes for her future success.

13. FUTURE MEETING DATES

Friday, 22 June 2018, 10.00 am Friday, 23 November 2018, 10.00 am Friday, 8 March 2019, 10.00 a. Friday, 21 June 2019, 10.00 am Friday, 22 November 2019, 10.00 am

(The meeting commenced at 10.00am and ended at 11.58am)

Page 8 Agenda Item 4

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership Minutes of the Meeting held on Friday 9th March 2018 at St Melyd Golf Club at 10:00 am

AONB Partnership Members Representing Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Councillor Hugh Jones (Chair of the Joint Committee) Representing Land Management Councillor Paul Cunningham (Vice Chair) Sandy Archdale Councillor Tony Thomas (AONB Joint Committee) Councillor Huw L Jones (DCC) Representing Access and Recreation Councillor Colin Legg (FCC) Andrew Worthington OBE (Chair) Councillor Owen Thomas (FCC) Individual Interest Councillor Paul D Jones (WCBC) John I Roberts Councillor David Kelly (AONB Joint Committee)

Representing Rural Interest Howard Sutcliffe (AONB Officer) Christine Evans David Shiel (Assistant AONB Officer) Tony Hughes (AONB Planning Officer) Representing Business Interest Karen Weaver (AONB Communications Officer) Dewi Davies Ceri Lloyd (AONB Sustainable Development Officer) Helen Mroweic (Senior Recreation Officer) Representing Landscape Interest Michael Skuse Representing Denbighshire County Council Huw Rees (Head of Countryside & Heritage Services) Representing Historical Interest Fiona Gale (County Archaeologist) Tony King Representing Flintshire County Council Representing the Built Environment Tom Woodall (Head of FCC Countryside Service & ROW) Philip Durrell Representing Wrexham County Borough Council Representing the Natural Environment Allan Forrest Les Starling Anna Irwin

Meeting Observers Alison Powell Julie Masters Neville Howell

Apologies for absence were submitted from: - Councillor Christine Marston, Councillor Carolyn Thomas, Councillor Frank

Hemmings, Councillor Merfyn Parry, Councillor Sonia Benbow-Jones, Del Roberts-Jones, Helen Walker,

Page 9

Gareth Wyn Jones, Phil Durrell, Paul Mitchell

Welcome The Chair opened the Spring meeting and welcomed the Chair of the Joint Committee, Councillor Hugh Jones, and Joint Committee member, Councillor David Kelly, and also new members to the Partnership, Allan Forrest (WCBC),and Councillor Owen Thomas (FCC).

1. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 6th October 2017 1.1 ‘National Eisteddfod’ to be changed to ‘International Eisteddfod’. Subject to this the minutes were agreed as a true record of the meeting.

2. Update from the AONB Officer World Heritage Site (WHS) Board The Chair of the Joint Committee said that he had attended a WHS Board Meeting and that a key element of the Management Plan and the Master Plan was to work closely with the AONB Team.

World Heritage Site (WHS) Conference The conference was held in Shropshire and a site visit was made to Ironbridge. The AONB Officer and Assistant Officer had attended.

Site Visit to Blaenafon WHS Members of the AONB Team had undertaken a site visit along with WCBC Tourism Officer Joe Bickerton, Anna Irwin and Allan Forrest (WCBC) to Blaenafon which had been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. The visit had been very constructive.

Champions for the AONB from Town & Community Councils within the AONB There were now 16 AONB Champions. A meeting would be held with the Champions and Local Members on April 23rd.

Wrexham Town & Community Forum The AONB Team would make a presentation to the forum at their meeting held on 22nd March 2018.

The AONB Officer reported that members of East Cheshire Countryside Service had recently visited Loggerheads and Moel Famau, and that there had been a useful exchange of views regarding issues of mutual interest. Meetings had been held with National Grid and Scottish Power, and the undergrounding scheme had been agreed for Ty Mawr Country Park. He had also attended a meeting with Welsh Government to consider the some possible effects of Brexit on farming. The AONB Officer had met with Councillor Paul Jones and Cllr Sonia Benbow-Jones (WCBC) and completed a site visit to the World Heritage Site.

AONB Budget, Grants & Bids He was disappointed to report that there would be a 5% cut in funding from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Welsh Government (WG) Funding for specific projects including:-

Project Funding Status

Dark Sky Initiative £10K Confirmed

Strengthening the partnership between the AONB/WHS £5K Confirmed

Page 10

AONB threshold signs Awaiting ministerial sign off (Dee Valley) £24K Clinca Path (near to Trevor Community Awaiting ministerial sign off Centre) £6K

Joint Committee The next meeting would be held on June 22nd at 10:00am Denbighshire County Council would host the meeting.

Working Group Membership The AONB officer asked all members to consider joining a working group (if they hadn’t already done so), and explained that there were now five working groups. Membership was open to professionals beyond the Partnership membership. Partnership Working Groups:

AONB Partnership Working Groups

1. Landscape Character & Built Environment

2. Land Management & the Natural Environment

3. Recreation & Access

4. Sustainable Tourism & Business Engagement

5. Heritage, Culture & Communities

Members were asked to contact Karen if they would like to join a group.

Vacancy on the Partnership There was a vacancy on the Partnership to represent Land Management and members were asked to share with any groups or individuals that they thought would be interested.

3. Update from Working Groups Heritage Culture and working Group The Chair Christine Evans reported that the group had met with the new curator for Denbighshire County Council (DCC) Carly Davies. The Clwydian Range Archaeological Group (Crag) had won the AONB Award for this year. The group had also won the Marsh Archaeology Community Award and this had been presented to them in London by Dan Snow.

Gop Cairn, Trelawnyd- The trees had been cut back and the cairn had been fenced off. There was now a clear view of the Cairn from the road.

Our Picturesque Landscape Project (OPL) - the £1,000,000 project had now achieved approval for stage two of the five year project. The Chair thanked the County Archaeologist for all her hard work and professionalism, and wished her well in her retirement. She hoped that the group would continue to thrive, and asked members to consider joining the group.

3.1 Land Management & the Natural Environment Working Group The Assistant AONB Officer reported that though a meeting had been not been held since the last Partnership meeting progress had been made in several areas:-

Page 11

National Grid (NG)- Landscape Enhanced Initiative (LEI) This project considered options in which funding could assist to reduce the impact of the power lines and compensate for their presence, such as hedgerow planting, roadside nature reserves, pond creation, dry stone walling etc. The AONB had one scheme that had been ‘live’ since March 2018, and would run for three years, working with around 12 landowners predominantly in the Morwynion Valley, and a small number in the Tremeirchion area too. Two roadside nature reserves were also included in the scheme. Work was aimed at restoring traditional boundaries, improving biodiversity and increasing moorland management on Llantysilio Mountain in order to enhance the landscape and reduce the visual impact of the electricity infrastructure.

The AONB were now in in the process of preparing a second application, which would be submitted in May. The AONB were continuing to work with several of the landowners from our first application and engaging with several more. The AONB were also working with Llandegla Community Council and hoped to complete some joint working with Buglife Cymru.

Curlew Project The Curlew was one of Britain’s most iconic bird species. Its distinct and evocative song was a familiar sound; a harbinger of spring that is deeply ingrained within our culture. Sadly, the Curlew was currently under severe threat and faces an uncertain future throughout Wales and is fast becoming rare. Evidence suggested that since the 1990’s, Wales has lost over 80% of its breeding Curlew population. Today, there might be as few as 400 breeding pairs left in Wales and was now considered to be the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK. It was ‘Red Listed’ on both the Welsh and UK Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC). The Assistant AONB Officer explained that the Curlew were likely to disappear by 2030 and may become extinct as a breeding species. A number of bodies had come together to look at the problem and a Task Group and a North Wales group would be convened. A key issue was to create a conditions to improve nesting success. Action Task Group and a North Wales group to be convened

Welsh Government Sustainable Management Scheme Grazing Project – the grazing scheme was for forty sites across Wales. However no decision had been received to date on the submitted application.

Historic Hedgerows Cllr David Kelly enquired whether there was any protocol regarding historic hedgerows, and raised concerns that a lot of the hedgerows were being cutback severely. The Assistant AONB Officer responded that the hedgerows and their historic value were not being mapped. However the AONB, in partnership with Farming, Wildlife Advisory Group (Fwag), had been trying to promote hedge laying and a hedge laying competition was held annually.

3.2 Landscape Character & Built Environment Working Group AONB Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) Chair of the group, Cllr Martyn Holland said that a Public Consultation had been held at Loggerheads which was reasonably well attended and with good feedback provided. The SPG was being considered by the three Local Authorities and the document was expected to be adopted around June.

Planning Applications Planning Applications were regularly monitored by the group and concerns continued to be expressed about comments from the AONB that had had not been acted on. The group planned to follow this up

Dark Sky Initiative Welsh Government had provided £10k to proceed with an application to secure the Dark Sky Community Status for the AONB. The skies within the AONB had been measured by consultants via a Sky Quality Meter which recorded and measured the Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude (NELM). The higher the number the NELM was

Page 12

the darker the sky. 6.0 NELM was considered a very dark sky. Loggerheads CP measured 5.75 NELM and the Horseshoe Pass 6 NELM (which was excellent by UK standards). A Lighting Plan would now need to be drafted, and it would be essential to have a close working relationship with the Local Authorities Lighting Teams so that future lighting schemes took account of the initiative.

A site visit to look at Moffatt dark sky project and the north Pennines was also being progressed. The AONB Champions would be involved in the application’s development.

Discussion ensued. It was suggested that lighting on the periphery of the AONB should be examined, and that meetings should also be held with the Community Councils who managed their own lighting. The Assistant AONB Officer said that Joint Committee member, Cllr Carolyn Thomas was trying to coordinate a meeting with Lighting Officers to discuss street lighting and that the Welsh Government were currently considering national guidelines.

3.3 Recreation & Access Working Group The Chair, Dewi Davies said that the group had agreed that there was a need to engage more with the tourism communities which has led to the decision to create a new Sustainable Tourism and Business working group. It was noted that much of the current business of the working group was around tourism and there would remain crossover of information between both groups. Concerns were raised around administrative burdens for staff and how best to link the two groups, shorter meeting notes and back to back meetings were proposed.

Ride North Wales and AONB Responsible Access Campaign This campaign was the beginning of a wider Sustainable Recreation initiative. The first campaign would focus on Ruabon moorland and the access of cyclists and walkers along the moorland. With support from the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) and the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (Rowip) films and leaflets have been produced, and information for social media and infographics.

Visitor Appraisal Study Funding had been secured to take the study forward. The purpose of the study was to assess the economic and social value of the six visitor “honeypot” sites across the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley and to balance this against environmental impacts to ecologically and culturally sensitive areas. The study will inform the AONB’s response to increasing visitor numbers at key sites and would set out a sustainable approach to management, ensuring that the capacity and resilience of these sites were at the heart of that approach. The study would also look at how the economic and social benefits could have more outreach. The work would focus on six key sites:

1. Loggerheads CP 2. Moel Famau CP 3. Panorama 4. Castell Dinas Bran 5. Llantysilio / Horseshoe Falls 6. Trevor Basin

The Chair thanked the Senior Recreation Officer for all of her diligent work for the group. Action Shorter meeting notes and back to back meetings

3.4 Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) The Sustainable Development Officer Ceri Lloyd, reported that a £55k contribution had been obtained from Welsh Government (WG) and that the group had met twice; £31k, had been committed in June and £19k at the last meeting with £5k allocated for administration. Projects included: Stained glass, Corwen Museum, Clwydian Range Food trail, Crag,

Page 13

Whitebeam Project, Alchgwenydai, Brynegwlys Community Centre, Gwaenysgor Conservation Group The community of Cilcain had submitted an application to assist with a community owned shop. The value of smaller projects was raised at the last Joint Committee meeting. Discussion ensued and it was queried how the funding was advertised. The Sustainable Development Officer responded that the funding was advertised in DCC County Voice (e-newsletter), and information was on the AONB Website and via social media. It was proposed that the AONB Champions inform their Community and Town Councils of the funding. Action AONB Champions be asked to inform their Town/Community Council regarding SDF funding

4. Presentation World Heritage Site Management Plan & Trevor Basin Masterplan Alison Powell from Arcadis Design Consultancy provided a concise PowerPoint presentation on the World Heritage Site Management Plan & Trevor Basin Masterplan. Discussion ensued and concerns were raised regarding the brownfield site and the viability of the land if it were contaminated. Alison responded that from a marketing prospective it would depend on what the end product would be. The site would not be used for housing. Linking the Master Plan with other routes e.g. Offa’s Dyke Path was also raised. The importance of the Partnership working between the AONB and WHS was emphasised.

The Chair thanked Alison for her presentation.

5. Loggerheads Country Park Film Project The special heritage of the limestone landscape at Loggerheads Country Park had been captured in a short film created by pupils from Ysgol Tir Morfa Rhyl. The pupils became film writers, producers, presenters, illustrators and camera crew, with fantastic results. A second film showed the children interviewing John Morris, the Park’s Ranger about the park and his work, which had a surprising twist at the end. The Senior Recreation Officer said that the films demonstrated how the AONB delivered to communities outside the AONB. The films were funded by the Limestone Legacy Project and NRW. One of the films had been uploaded onto facebook. The films would also be shown in the cinema room at Loggerheads. Discussion ensued and members agreed that the films should be more broadly promoted and maybe put on to memory sticks. It was proposed that the films could be used as a cinema trailer at Theatre Clwyd. Action  The films to be more broadly promoted  To investigate if the films could be put on memory sticks  Theatre Clwyd to be approached regarding the films being a trailer

6. Our Picturesque landscape (OPL)Project Update The Senior Recreation Officer explained that the project had been successful at the second stage, and a Project Officer would now be appointed. This was a major success and the project would be a key undertaking for the AONB over the next five years. The Senior Recreation Officer thanked all the partners who had assisted with the project and for achieving HLF grant approval. This has been a huge joint effort and required an enormous amount of dedicated work, but the potential benefits were huge.

7. Presentation Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley The Chair of the Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley, Julie Masters briefly provided some background information about the group. Good partnership working with the AONB Team had helped to ‘spread the word further’ about the AONB. Julie introduced the Events Secretary, Neville Howell who gave a presentation about the group’s activities. Established in 2015 it now had over 200 members. The group had a successful events programme and had assisted the AONB with several projects as well as arranging visits, talks, and themed walks. The Chair thanked both Neville and Julie for their presentation.

Page 14

Fond Farewells County Archaeologist – Fiona Gale The Chair referred to Fiona’s imminent retirement and said that she had been involved in the AONB since its inception. Had been a tower of strength to both the Partnership and the Team. Through the Heather & Hillforts Project she had brought archaeology to the people and on behalf of the Partnership he wished her a very long and happy retirement.

Senior Recreation Officer - Helen Mrowiec The Chair said that Helen would be leaving the AONB Team to take up a new role with Flintshire County Council. The Chair thanked Helen for her professionalism and dedication on behalf of the AONB, and he wished her every success in her future role.

8. Future Meeting Dates

Date Time Venue Friday15th June 2018 at 10 am Corwen Sports Pavilion (LL21 0DN)

Friday 5th October 2018 at 10 am To be decided

Friday 22nd March 2019 at 10 am To be decided

Friday 14th June 2019 at 10 am To be decided

Friday 18th October 2019 at 10 am To be decided

Page 15 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 5

JOINT COMMITTEE of the CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Held on: 22nd June 2018

Lead Member / Officer: Gareth Williams

Report Author: Paula O’Hanlon

Title: Joint Committee Outturn and Accounts 2017/18 & Budget 2018/19

1. What is the report about?

The report gives details of the AONB’s revenue budget outturn position as at 31st March 2018 alongside the draft budget figures for 2018/19.

2. What is the reason for making this report?

The purpose of the report is to provide an update on the AONB’s financial position as at 31st March 2018 and to seek approval of the budget for 2018/19.

3. What are the Recommendations?

Members are asked to note the financial outturn for 2017/18 (Appendix 1) and formally approve the 2018/19 budget (appendix 2). Members are also asked to review and sign, the Annual Return for 2017/18 (Appendix 3) and note the Reserve Balances as at 31st March 2018 (Appendix 4).

4. Report details.

The report provides a summary of the AONB’s revenue outturn for 2017/18 detailed in Appendix 1. The final outturn position shows an overall overspend of £6,486 (Core £4,675 and Area £1,811), which has been funded from the revenue reserve. Funds of £23,647 have been drawn down from the project reserve to fund project activity in 2017/18. A further £48,421 has been placed in the project reserve and earmarked for specific projects in 2018/19.

Page 17

The report also provides a copy of the Welsh Audit Office Annual Return for smaller local government bodies in Wales for the year ended 31 March 2018 (Appendix 3) for consideration and approval. The return has been reviewed, audited and signed by DCC’s Internal Audit Section.

5. How does it contribute to the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Management Plans Priorities?

Effective management of the AONB’s revenue budgets will help the delivery of the agreed management plan priorities for the current year and underpins activity in all areas, particularly our relationships with funding partners and our joint priorities.

6. What will it cost and how will it affect other services?

There are no direct costs associated with this report.

7. What are the main conclusions of the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) undertaken on the decision? The completed EqIA template should be attached as an appendix to the report.

N/A

8. What consultations have been carried out with Scrutiny and others?

The financial position is a standing item at each meeting of the Joint Committee.

9. Chief Finance Officer Statement

This report outlines the financial position for the AONB for 2017/18.

The approval and signing of the formal Welsh Audit Office Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2018 (Appendix 3) is a statutory requirement prior to External Audit carrying out an audit of the accounts.

Denbighshire has maintained its level of contribution for the 2018/19 financial year. The draft budget for 18/19 assumes that there will be no change to the contributions from either FCC or WCBC. The level of grant awarded from NRW for 2018/19 has reduced by £6.6k.

As at the 31st March 2018 the balance in the AONB Reserve stood at £119,632 but £88,428 of this figure is earmarked for specific projects which will progress during the 18/19 financial year. The balance of £31,204 is available to help offset any future funding pressures or to be utilised as the Joint Committee recommends.

The agreed budget for 2018/19 will ensure the financial stability for the JC over the next 12 months. However it must still be recognised that the budgets of all public sector bodies are coming under increasing pressure due to the economic climate and

Page 18 the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, which means that future funding levels may not be relied upon.

10. What risks are there and is there anything we can do to reduce them?

The proposed budget is dependent on income from NRW, Welsh Government and the three Local Authorities. Any changes to these income levels will pose a risk to the future delivery of projects and our ability to deliver against the priorities in the AONB Management Plan.

11. Power to make the Decision

Local authorities are required under Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 to make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs.

Page 19 This page is intentionally left blank CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 1 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS)

CORE - REVENUE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2017/18

Budget Outturn 2017/18 2017/18 £ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 212,358 210,935 Training & Conference 2,000 1,231 Subscriptions 3,300 3,140 Insurance 1,399 958 Total Employee costs 219,057 216,264

Vehicle and Travel Vehicle Hire 450 470 Mileage 3,200 5,035 Use of Public Transport 1,000 396 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 4,650 5,902

Other Protective Clothing 1,000 520 Uniforms 500 1,470 General Equipment 429 294 Event / Partnership Expenditure 4,000 1,730 Professional fees 0 2,232 Audit Fees 1,134 1,134 IT costs 1,700 1,768 Telephones 2,400 2,496 Publications 100 286 Total Other Expenses 11,263 11,929

Projects Grants 50,000 50,109 Total Project costs 50,000 50,109

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 284,970 284,203

INCOME

NRW Salary Grant -118,635 -118,635 SDF Grant -55,000 -50,000 LA Funding -111,335 -110,894 TOTAL INCOME -284,970 -279,529

Total Net Expenditure 0 4,675

Page 21 CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 1 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS) AREA - REVENUE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 2017/18

Budget Outturn 2017/18 2017/18 £ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 143,174 147,042 Training 300 565 Insurance 836 667 Total Employee costs 144,310 148,275

Vehicle and Travel Fuel 3,500 4,141 Fleet 16,000 17,599 Travel 1,000 1,671 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 20,500 23,411

Other General Equipment 150 0 Site Management 4,800 200 IT 500 789 Telephones 1,800 2,167 Internet 70 0 Total Other Expenses 7,320 3,155

Projects Management Plan 1,500 1,500 Total Project costs 1,500 1,500

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 173,630 176,341

INCOME NRW Salary Grant -11,500 -11,500 NRW Salary Match -8,000 -8,000 Reserve - NRW funds for Dee Valley Warden -4,000 0 LA Salary funding -150,130 -149,961 Sales - vehicle & plant -4,894 Rent -175 TOTAL INCOME -173,630 -174,530

Total Net Expenditure 0 1,811

Page 22 CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 2 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS) CORE - PROPOSED BUDGET 2018/19

Proposed Budget Outturn budget 2017/18 2017/18 2018/19 £ £ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 212,358 210,935 174,939 Training & Conference 2,000 1,231 2,000 Subscriptions 3,300 3,140 3,300 Insurance 1,399 958 1,210 Total Employee costs 219,057 216,264 181,449

Vehicle and Travel Vehicle Hire 450 470 500 Mileage 3,200 5,035 5,200 Use of Public Transport 1,000 396 500 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 4,650 5,902 6,200

Other Protective Clothing 1,000 520 500 Uniforms 500 1,470 1,500 General Equipment 429 294 300 Event / Partnership Expenditure 4,000 1,730 4,000 Professional fees 0 2,232 0 Audit Fees 1,134 1,134 1,134 IT costs 1,700 1,768 1,800 Telephones 2,400 2,496 2,500 Publications 100 286 300 Total Other Expenses 11,263 11,929 12,034

Projects Grants 50,000 50,109 55,000 Total Project costs 50,000 50,109 55,000

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 284,970 284,203 254,683

INCOME

NRW Salary Grant -118,635 -118,635 -112,000 SDF Grant -55,000 -50,000 -50,000 LA Funding -111,335 -110,894 -92,683 TOTAL INCOME -284,970 -279,529 -254,683

Total Net Expenditure 0 4,675 -0

Page 23 CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AONB JOINT COMMITTEE Appendix 2 (DENBIGHSHIRE, FLINTSHIRE AND WREXHAM COUNCILS) AREA - PROPOSED BUDGET 2018/19

Proposed Budget Outturn budget 2017/18 2017/18 2018/19 £ £ £ EXPENDITURE Employees Salaries 143,174 147,042 152,542 Training & Conference 300 565 600 Insurance 836 667 1,055 Total Employee costs 144,310 148,275 154,197

Vehicle and Travel Fuel 3,500 4,141 4,200 Fleet 16,000 17,599 17,000 Travel 1,000 1,671 2,000 Total Vehicle & Travel Expenses 20,500 23,411 23,200

Other General Equipment 150 0 150 Site Management 4,800 200 3,000 IT 500 789 800 Telephones 1,800 2,167 2,200 Internet 70 0 0 Total Other Expenses 7,320 3,155 6,150

Projects Management Plan 1,500 1,500 2,500 Total Project costs 1,500 1,500 2,500

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 173,630 176,341 186,047

INCOME NRW Salary Grant -11,500 -11,500 -11,500 NRW Salary Match -8,000 -8,000 0 Reserve - NRW funds for Dee Valley Warden -4,000 0 -8,000 LA Salary funding -150,130 -149,961 -166,547 Sales - vehicle & plant -4,894 Rent -175 TOTAL INCOME -173,630 -174,530 -186,047

Total Net Expenditure 0 1,811 -0

Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Appendix 4 AONB Reserve 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 Opening Closing Opening Closing Opening Opening Revenue Project Revenue Project Revenue Revenue balance Balance balance Balance balance Project funding Closing Balance balance Project funding Closing Balance budget funding budget funding budget budget 01.04.14 31.03.15 01.04.15 31.03.16 01.04.16 31.03.17 01.04.17 31.03.18 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Opening balance 0 -16,268 -10,441 -5,827 -67,492 -22,740 -44,752 -77,697 -37,690 -40,006

Underspend / overspend General -10,441 -10,441 -4,299 -14,740 -14,951 -29,690 6,486 -23,205 NRW matchfunding for Dee Valley Warden -8,000 -8,000 -8,000 -8,000

Projects Outreach Walks Funding 16/17 -5,827 -5,827 -5,827 5,000 -827 -827

Corwen projects -1,425 -1,425 0 -1,425 -1,425 Outreach Engagement project (KA) -6,500 -6,500 2,000 -4,500 2,000 -2,500 Nordic Walking Project HWB -2,828 -2,828 2,828 0 0 EBD Asst Outdoor Provides -10,000 -10,000 8,050 -1,950 -1,950 EBD Pop Up Shop food Trail -5,000 -5,000 7,400 2,400 2,400 Scottish Power Overhead lines - Llysfasi -5,500 -5,500 0 -5,500 -5,500 NRW - John Reanney June-Aug -3,000 -3,000 3,000 0 0 Flintshire AONB Badge -2,000 -2,000 848 -1,152 441 -711

Other/Misc income/sales etc -2,672 -2,672 -1,581 -4,253 2,406 -1,847

SPG project -2,500 -2,500 2,500 0 Page 35 Page Visitor Appraisal Study -4,000 -4,000 -4,530 -8,530 SDF AONB Outreach (KA) -10,000 -10,000 10,000 0 SDF Llantysilio Mountain -2,000 -2,000 2,000 0 Market Street Pillars -1,000 -1,000 1,000 0 Access Project AONB (Highways) -3,300 -3,300 3,300 0 WG Grant -6,758 -6,758 Whitebeam project -4,550 -4,550 Tourism Growth Plan (TGP) -11,230 -11,230 SDF Grant -45,000 -45,000

-10,441 -5,827 -12,299 -38,925 -14,951 4,746 6,486 -48,421 Closing balance -10,441 -5,827 -16,268 -22,740 -44,752 -67,492 -37,690 0 -40,006 -77,697 -31,205 0 -88,428 -119,632 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 6

JOINT COMMITTEE Of the CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Held on: 10am 22nd June 2018 County Hall Ruthin

Lead Member / Officer: Howard Sutcliffe

Report Author: Tony Hughes

Title: Item 6. AONB Supplementary Planning Guidance

1. What is the report about?

It has been a long term objective of the AONB to work with the three local planning authorities covering the area to jointly prepare and agree Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for the AONB. Over the last year this objective has been achieved and the three planning authorities have now adopted the SPG.

2. What is the reason for making this report?

To confirm the AONB’s support for the SPG and to approve the document.

3. What are the Recommendations?

That the Joint Committee approves the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Supplementary Planning Guidance Note

4. Report details.

A copy of the finally agreed and adopted SPG note is attached as Appendix 1. The aim of the guidance is to ensure new development conserves and enhances the AONB’s special qualities and to improve the quality of new development and landscape design. Adopted supplementary planning guidance is a ‘material consideration’ in the determination of planning applications and appeals. All three local planning authorities and the AONB have collaborated on the project to ensure a consistent approach across the designated area, and all the planning authorities have now adopted the guidance.

Page 37 The SPG will raise the profile of the AONB in relation to future development proposals, and includes sections which:  Define ‘Natural Beauty’  Describes the AONB’s Special Qualities as defined by the AONB Management Plan.  Identify landscape types across the AONB and associated development considerations.  Highlight key design considerations for development in the AONB, including such topics as scale and siting, design, materials, setting and landscaping.

5. How does it contribute to the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Management Plans Priorities?

The agreement of an SPG note for the AONB contributes to the delivery of a number of Management Plan Policies and Objectives, notably policies SQ1, SQ2 and CP1 and objectives LQCO3, LQCO 4, BE01, BE02 and BEO3. The supporting Action Plan includes a specific task to prepare and adopt SPG for the AONB by Year 4, which has been achieved.

6. What will it cost and how will it affect other services?

Endorsing the SPG is not anticipated to generate any additional costs. The local planning authorities and the AONB will benefit from this initiative through the provision of advice and guidance to developers and decision takers to secure good quality development in and around the AONB.

7. What are the main conclusions of the Well-being Impact Assessment?

The Well-being Assessment undertaken by Denbighshire shows that the SPG will assist in realising a number of the seven well-being goals in a positive way or are neutral. Not all seven topics are applicable because of the nature of the document. A copy of the Denbighshire assessment is attached as Appendix 2.

8. What consultations have been carried out with Scrutiny and others?

The AONB Partnership Landscape Character and Built Environment Working Group have been closely involved in the SPG from the outset. The draft document was approved for consultation last year by the three local planning authorities and the AONB Partnership. Public consultations, including key stakeholders such as NRW, were undertaken over a 10 week period between November 2017 and the end of January 2018. Two drop-in sessions were held at Loggerheads, where members of the public or representatives from interested organisations could meet with officers from the planning authorities and AONB to discuss the draft SPG. A number of comments were received as a result of the consultation. There were no in-principle objections to the document, but a number of amendments were made to the document as a result of representations received.

Page 38 9. Chief Finance Officer Statement

Endorsing the SPG document is not anticipated to create any additional costs. If any arise these will need to be contained within existing service budgets.

10. What risks are there and is there anything we can do to reduce them?

In the absence of up-to-date planning guidance there is a risk that the local planning authorities will be unable to provide comprehensive advice to developers regarding development proposals within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and its setting. Without such guidance the quality of development proposals coming forward are likely to be poorer.

11. Power to make the Decision

Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Local Government Act 2000, where Local authorities can enter arrangements to ’discharge functions jointly with one or more other local authorities by means of a Joint Committee’

Page 39 This page is intentionally left blank Supplementary Planning Guidance Note

Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

June 2018

Page 41 This SPG was adopted by Denbighshire County Council on 18th April 2018, Flintshire County Council on 22nd May 2018 and adopted as interim guidance by Wrexham County Borough Council on 8th May 2018. The AONB Joint Committee approved the document on 22nd June 2018. The draft SPG was the subject of public consultation between November 2017 and January 2018. A report of the comments made during the consultation and the changes made as a result is available on request.

Page 42 Contents

1. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 4

2. Purpose of this Supplementary Planning Guidance 4

3. What is Natural Beauty? 6

4. AONB Special Qualities 7

5. Understanding Landscape Character and the Special Qualities 9

6. Landscape Types and Development Considerations 10

7. Factors for Landscape Change 18

8. Key Design Considerations 20

8.1 . Scale and Siting 21

8.2 . Design 22

8.3 . Materials 24

8.4 . Setting 25

8.5 . Landscaping 27

Appendix 1 Map showing extent of local authority areas within the AONB and contact information

Appendix 2 Main AONB Planning Policies of the Planning Authorities

Appendix 3 Summary of main differences in Permitted Development Rights in the AONB, World Heritage Site and Conservation Areas

Acknowledgements

This document has been prepared on behalf of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham planning authorities and the AONB Joint Committee/Partnership by Iwan Evans Planning, sup-ported by a working group of officers from the three authorities, the AONB and Natural Resources Wales.

This document is also available in Welsh

- - Page 43 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

1. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

1.1 AONBs are designated for their outstanding landscape and the need to conserve and enhance their natural beauty for the enjoyment of existing and future generations. The Clwydian Range was designated as an AONB in 1985 and in 2011 the area was extended to include the Dee Valley. Within the Dee Valley is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site designated in 2009. The AONB is one of five in Wales and in accordance with national planning policy “must be afforded the highest status of protection from inappropriate development” which is identical to the protection afforded to National Parks.

1.2 The statutory designation of the AONB is underpinned by national planning policies in Wales in the document Planning Policy Wales (PPW) (2016). The document states the primary purpose is to con-serve and enhance its natural beauty. Development Plan policies and development management decisions should favour the conservation of natural beauty and have regard to economic issues and social well-being. Development which occurs outside an AONB but could have some impact on its setting also needs to be considered.

2. Purpose of this Supplementary Planning Guidance

2.1 The AONB covers part of the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. This guidance is primarily targeted at individuals proposing new development and for decision makers involved in the management of the AONB. The intention is to heighten awareness of the importance of the AONB, and, in so doing, raise the standard of new development and landscape design. It provides some general design principles which should be followed to assist new development proposals whether planning permission is required or not. No specific guidance is given on what proposals may need planning permission as more specific advice is given elsewhere. Permitted development thresholds are however more restrictive within the AONB and a summary of the main differences are shown in Appendix 3. Before considering any new development, it would be advisable to seek professional assistance from a planning agent or architect, to ascertain whether planning permission is needed or any other consents are required such as works affecting public rights of way or highways. If planning permission is required, prospective applicants may wish to obtain further advice from their local planning authority by submitting a pre-application request for advice before embarking on a formal planning application. Further information can be obtained from individual authorities and contact details for planning departments and the AONB are given in Appendix 1 together with a map showing the respective local authority areas within the AONB.

2.2 Once adopted by the planning authorities this guidance will be a material planning consideration when they are making planning decisions within their

- - Page 44 respective AONB areas or which affect its set-ting. It should be read in conjunction with the relevant policies of individual development plans and other Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents. With more complex or larger planning applications, full details of the proposal will need to be submitted to allow the local planning authority to fully assess the impact on the AONB. The current main planning polices of individual authorities relating to the AONB are included in Appendix 2. Further information on planning policies and procedures of individual authorities are available on their websites.

2.3 The three authorities have entered into a joint agreement to dis-charge their AONB functions by means of a Joint Committee. This committee is supported by an Officers Working Group which is made up of officers from the local authorities, Natural Resources Wales and the AONB Partnership (The AONB partnership represents landowners, local authorities, farmers, conservation and recreation interests) Critically the local authorities and the AONB must produce an AONB Management Plan every five years which provides a framework to inform and guide anyone who undertakes activities within it. This statutory document also identifies the “special qualities” of the AONB and includes an Action Plan to conserve and enhance these qualities. The AONB Management Plan can be viewed at: http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/plans-and-strategies/ The AONB Joint Committee and Partnership approved this planning guidance.

2.4 Designers, developers, landowners and relevant organisations should have regard to this guidance when preparing their plans, proposals or strategies. Local authority planning officers will also assess development proposals against the design principles out-lined in this document together with other material planning considerations.

- Page 45 Map showing AONB shaded in green

3. What is Natural Beauty?

3.1 The concept “natural beauty” is mentioned in the primary legislation responsible for designating AONB's and in PPW but there is no statutory definition of the term. The concept can be interpreted differently by individuals, but generally it is how we each perceive and value the countryside around us. Most people however, can equate their understanding to the following definition which was first put forward by the Countryside Council for Wales in 1995.

3.2 “Natural beauty applies to unspoiled, rural landscapes that are largely free from the effects of disfiguring development or urbanisation, although over the ages they have been shaped and nurtured by human activities. People perceive and appreciate “natural beauty” through all their senses, responding to many different aspects of the landscape, including its distinctive character, its aesthetic qualities, the presence of wildlife, its cultural and historical dimensions and its perceptual qualities such as, for example, tranquillity, remoteness and a sense of freedom. Perceptions of, and preferences for “natural beauty” are informed by people's personal characteristics, cultural backgrounds and individual interests. “Natural beauty” occurs, to varying degrees, in many, though by no means all landscapes. Some places may,

- - Page 46 however, be judged to display “natural beauty” to an outstanding degree and may as a result be recognised as warranting a national level of protection.”

(DERIVED FROM ASTATEMENT ON NATURAL BEAUTY CCW RESEARCH PAPER)

Upland character of the AONB

3.3 The term triggers a complex sequence of emotions which begins to explain how we interact with our past heritage and most distinctive natural landscapes. It also assists in recognising what should be conserved and enhanced when planning new development. New proposals need to be successfully integrated within their rural context, with reference to commonly associated issues of landscape and visual amenity, natural and built heritage.

4. AONB Special Qualities

4.1 Special qualities are those individual features and qualities which define the character of the area and set it apart from surrounding areas. They are a component of the areas “natural beauty” and recognise the human influence in shaping the landscape and establishing cultural identity. The AONB Management Plan identifies these special qualities and goes into detail on policies and objectives to conserve and enhance them. Consideration should be given to how new development proposals impact on these special qualities and whether they are conserved and enhanced during the process. In some cases, it will not be clear if, or to what degree, new development will impact on the special qualities. Developers and decision makers will need to judge the extent of impact and suggest changes to ensure overall conformity, bearing in mind that the AONB Management Plan is one of several material planning considerations. To assist in this process, the Special Qualities, their individual components and the relevant Management Plan policies to conserve and enhance them are identified below.

- - Page 47 Special Components of Quality AONB Management Qualities Plan policies relevant to Planning Landscape Tranquillity – feeling of calm and stillness 1. Conserve and enhance Character with peace and quiet. the Special Qualities and and Quality Remoteness and Wildness, Space and distinctive character of Freedom – feeling of trepidation and the AONB’s landscape sometimes danger and sense of freedom in and associated features a wide-open landscape. Also, a sense of including the historic built belonging and attachment between form. communities and their land-scape. 2. Safeguard the panoramic views, tranquillity and environmental quality of the AONB for the generations of today and the future.

3. Secure the equitable, sustainable use of the area’s natural resources to con-serve and enhance the special qualities of the AONB.

4. Protect and promote traditional cultural distinctiveness within the AONB including the Welsh language. Habitats and Heather Moorland and Rolling Ridges – 5. Secure natural systems Wildlife moor-land ridges of the central Clwydian and networks that provide Range and expansive open moorland found more and better places in Llandegla, Ruabon, Llantysilio and North for nature for the benefit Berwyn. of wildlife and people. Broadleaved woodlands and Veteran trees – various small copses of woodland. 6. Restore, reconnect and River Valleys and the River Dee – the expand key habitats and dramatic and powerful Dee with the smaller species at a landscape rivers Alyn and Wheeler. scale in order to increase Limestone grasslands, cliffs and screes resilience to – car-boniferous outcrops such as Graig environmental change. Fawr in Meliden and the Eglwyseg Escarpment in Llangollen. Historic Historic Settlement and Archaeology – 7. To conserve and Environment historic settlement patterns, conservation enhance features and areas and features left by previous sites of archaeological, generations. cultural or historic Industrial Features and the World importance within the Heritage Site – includes limestone and AONB whilst recognising slate quarrying, lead mining – the that the whole of the area Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World has an historic dimension. Heritage Site.

- - Page 48 Historic Defence Features – chain of Iron 8. Ensure that the World Age Hillforts, castles and other defensive Heritage Site is features. conserved and enhanced Small historic features – mix of small in the context of its setting historic features such as wells, village within the AONB. pumps, boundary stones and way markers. Traditional boundaries – drystone walls and hedges reflecting traditional craftsmanship. Access Iconic Visitor and Cultural Attractions – 9. To promote the Recreation sites identified with the AONB such as Moel sustainable use and and Tourism Famau, Castell Dinas Bran, Valle Crucis enjoyment and Abbey, Horse-shoe Pass and Pontcysyllte understanding of the Aqueduct. landscape of the AONB in The Offa’s Dyke National Trail and a way that contributes to Promoted Routes – the Offa’s Dyke path local prosperity and social stretches from Prestatyn in the north to inclusiveness. Llangollen in the south – other footpath networks and extensive areas of Access 10. Ensure the Land enhances accessibility. attractiveness of the AONB’s landscape and views as a primary basis for the areas tourism are retained. Culture and The Built Environment – villages, towns 11. Ensure that new People and smaller scattered settlements. development adopts the People and Communities – a rich mix of highest standards of culture and sense of community and design and is sympathetic services to sustain rural life. to the character and appearance of the AONB.

5. Understanding Landscape Character and the Special Qualities

5.1 Various elements of the special qualities can be found within different types of landscape which have been geographically defined. These are usually referred to as landscape character areas and are distinctive from each other due to their unique characteristics. It is important to define what makes up landscape character to ensure new development maintains and enhances this character. Other non-development activities such as agriculture will also have an impact on landscape character.

Moel Hiraddug in the north of the AONB

Page 49 5.2 Information on the area’s landscape and qualities can be obtained from LANDMAP, an all Wales assessment, recorded and evaluated in a nationally consistent manner. LANDMAP provides an assessment of five aspects - Geological Landscape, Landscape Habitats, Visual and Sensory, and Historic and Cultural Landscapes. This in-formation can help us to understand how we can best influence development decisions in the following ways.

LANDMAP Use in development management considerations GIS mapping This spatial framework is helpful in compiling baseline information for a site and its visual setting. The study area could be quite extensive for example in the case of assessing telecom masts. Description of Compiling all 5 LANDMAP aspect area information for a given characteristics, site and its visual setting together will help provide baseline in- qualities and formation on the landscape character. components Evaluation of Areas with higher evaluations point to where conservation and importance from enhancement will be important. Lower evaluations point to a national to local areas where landscape enhancement is required. scale Recommends This can point to elements of the landscape that need to be locally con-served or enhanced which planning proposals should appropriate positively address. management guidelines

5.3 LANDMAP can be viewed at https://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/business- sectors/planning-and-development/evidence-to-inform-development- planning/landmap-the-welsh-landscape-baseline/?

5.4 In addition to LANDMAP, site evaluation will help identify key views, visual character, the presence of distinctive characteristics and special qualities. This local character assessment will also identify specific natural and built heritage conservation features that might need to be addressed for a new development project.

6. Landscape Types and Development Considerations

6.1 Seven main landscape types have been identified in the AONB using LANDMAP visual and sensory data (see Landscape Types map), ranging from the built environment to the remoter upland areas. The special qualities and key characteristics of each landscape type are highlighted in the following table together with analysis of relevant development management considerations. Development can impact on AONB character and special qualities in a number of ways as identified in the tables below. By highlighting the characteristics of each landscape type in more detail, it is possible to build a picture of what con-tributes to character and how it may be possible to retain

Page 50 and enhance these features. In the case of “Built Environment”, the term is used more generically to include buildings and infrastructure.

The AONB Landscape Types

Page 51 Built environment

Special Qualities Landscape Character and Quality, Historic Environment, Culture and People.

Key characteristics

The built environment has varying influences on the character of the AONB and its setting, and includes towns, villages, farming and rural enterprise development, residential settlement and transport, energy and communications infrastructure.

The built environment is particularly distinctive where it has derived from a response to place - the way topography, availability of local materials, historical approaches to building, craftsmanship/ vernacular and sometimes incremental evolution has formed places that appear to fit with the landscape. These places often have a sense of rural tradition and his-tory derived from rural farming and mining industry.

Defence, status in the landscape and borderland location of the area’s chain of upland hills, has also given rise to some unique historic hillforts, castles, earthworks and field archaeology.

Building materials vary across the area. Their use and inherent colour contribute to local distinctiveness, rural traditions, and general visibility in the landscape and therefore clearly influence the character of the wider landscape as well as the locality. For example: . The use of stone in buildings, field boundaries and retaining walls is widespread across the area, however the type of stone locally available (limestone, sandy limestone, shales, and slate) and its workability introduces some variation across the AONB. . White washed farms and cottages with slate roofs, with rendered elevations for weather protection are evident across the area, particularly in open and elevated landscapes. . Mellow red and yellow brickwork is found in some older farm buildings and worker cottages and terraces, influenced by local brick works and characteristics of clay, before introduction from further afield as transport networks improved and brought more standardised ranges of colour and use. . Grey ashlar stonework or ashlar-effect render is evident in polite Georgian houses found in some villages and estates. . Rural estates often use a single colour to mark out the buildings, fencing and gates associated with a large house. . Faded red oxide roofs mark out some older farms.

Page 52 . Dark blue metal sheeting is used on some barns, as well as Yorkshire timber boarding. . Natural and darker stained timber cladding is used in some outhouses and log stores.

There is some relationship between settlement/development, where it lies in the landscape and how this influences the AONB’s special qualities: . Scattered rural farms and development more generally is rarely located much above the mid-point of hillslopes, avoiding steep landforms and more remote, exposed places. The uplands and skylines are therefore in the main free of development except for some strategically located transmitter/telecoms and electricity infrastructure. . Major transport routes follow the easiest valley lines through the area. The A55 in major rock cutting at Rhuallt being an exception. . Remote, tranquil, wilder character, natural skylines and freedom are most apparent where development is absent or very low key and well-integrated. Night time tranquillity through the absence of light source is also higher.

Development management considerations

. See the section on Key Design Considerations.

Quarries

Special Qualities Landscape Character and Quality, Historic Environment, Culture and People, Habitats and Wildlife.

Key Characteristics

. There are a number of relic quarries, rock outcrops, spoil mounds and trackbeds within the area which now after many years of weathering, naturalisation and in places resto-ration have become part of the historical and cultural story of the area. . Active quarrying lies outside of the AONB, but close enough to influence views from the area, for example sand and gravel extraction at Aberwheeler.

Development management considerations

. There are a number of active quarries within and adjacent to the area. Long term planning for landscape integration along the boundaries of such

Page 53 developments is necessary, with landscape schemes implemented as part of advance works with ongoing management. . The reuse of sites for waste management and industrial activities need to avoid impacts upon tranquillity. . Recreational use of disused sites should promote the quiet enjoyment of the countryside.

Lowland areas

Special Qualities Landscape Character and Quality (tranquillity), Historic Environment, Culture and People.

Key Characteristics

. The edge of the Vale of Clwyd rises to meet the Clwydian Range. The narrow strip within the AONB shares similar enclosed farmland and historic parkland characteristics with the wider Vale to the west. Rural traditions in field pattern, hedgerows, trees and woodland, narrow lanes, small villages and scattered rural property prevail, with occasional estate influences (estate fencing, gates with modest ornamentation, stone walls and gateways to drives, parkland trees).

Development management considerations

. This area as well as the wider Vale of Clwyd provides an important setting to the hills and ridges of the Clwydian Range that rise above it. The scale, character and integration of development here needs to take account of elevated views from the adjacent hillslopes.

Rolling lowlands

Special Qualities Landscape Character and Quality (tranquillity, space, remote areas) Historic Environment, Culture and People.

Page 54 Key Characteristics

. The rolling lowlands lie to north of the area and include the farmed wooded slopes of Gronant Hillside, the farmed Trelawnyd plateau and wooded valley west of Cefn Du. . These are areas of farmland with mosaic of field patterns and woodland along steeper ground and streams, scattered rural settlement, narrow lanes and one small village. Limestone in building and occasional field boundaries is characteristic of the Trelawnyd plateau. . The Trelawnyd plateau feels relatively remote in spite of the close proximity to the large villages and towns of the coastal plain. . There is a strong visual connection with adjacent areas – Gronant hillside connection with the coastal plain, seascape and Prestatyn Hillside; and Trelawnyd plateau connection with the enclosing limestone escarpment and Gop Hill.

Development management considerations

. Tranquillity is locally affected where the A5151 crosses open sections of the Trelawnyd plateau. Noise from the A55 also extends for some distance into this area. Retrofit options to reduce visual movement and noise levels would benefit the area. . This area contributes to the tranquillity and freedom of views experienced from the adjacent hill slopes and uplands. Consider key views over this area, scale and prominence of development proposals.

River Valleys

Special Qualities Landscape Character and Quality (tranquillity, remote areas) Historic Environment, Culture and People, Access, Recreation and Tourism.

Key Characteristics

. There are several valleys within the AONB, each made distinctive by their topographical form, visual relationship with surrounding hillslopes and uplands, openness or enclosure provided by woodland, trees and hedgerows and localised presence of settlement, development, roads and activity. . As lines of least resistance through an area of elevated hills and ridges the valleys they often include villages and main roads, the latter with local effects on tranquillity.

Page 55 . In the case of the Vale of Llangollen, there are diverse historical influences within a visually scenic valley context - including farming, quarrying, lines of communication (river, road, rail and canal infrastructure) rural villages and town with urban villages to the east. . The engineering solution to the topographical challenges and beauty of the valley have been addressed in the design of the Pontcysyllte and Chirk Aqueducts and Horseshoe falls. This has given rise to the area’s recognition for its landscape and heritage value. . Scenic qualities and visual interest also derive from a valley’s ‘lines of visual force’ i.e. valley shape, skyline edges, descending ridges, crags/ outcrops and screes and sinuous line of river, to which the pattern of fields, woodland and trees complement the overall scene. An example for the hillslopes area would be how Castell Dinas Bran marks the top of its rounded hill with particular aesthetic effect.

Development management considerations

. Topography (enclosing hillslopes, narrow valley sections) and floodplains form natural constraints to development within the valley and place pressure open more open and elevated locations where development could be more intrusive. . Strategic development of a scale to be potentially visible in the landscape should work with ‘visual lines of force’ and areas with a strong integrating pattern of vegetation (i.e. intact tall hedgerows, lines of hedgerow trees, copses and woodland) . New proposals within the Vale of Llangollen need to assimilate and complement land-scape character and heritage values to support both the AONB and World Heritage Site.

Hill slopes

Special Qualities Landscape Character and Quality (tranquillity, wild, remote) Historic Environment.

Key Characteristics

. Hill Slopes include steep rising landform, escarpments below the uplands and lower hills of the AONB. . Land cover and settlement characteristics are strongly rural and where development is minor or absent perceptions of tranquillity, remoteness and wildness can be particularly strong.

Page 56 . These areas all form prominent scenic backdrops to adjacent settled lower areas of the north-east Wales coastal plain, Vale of Clwyd, Deeside, Vale of Llangollen and Welsh Maelor and as such provide a strong sense of place. . Geomorphology and landform has brought about some notable natural and wild areas. For example - outcropping rock, native woodland, and scrub and grassland mosaics of the limestone escarpments above Prestatyn, Dyserth, Bryn Alyn and the Eglwyseg valley. . Irregular field patterns and woodland edges, scattered farms along winding narrow lanes and tracks occupy more gentle hillslopes, shallow cwms and side valleys of the area. Some large areas of forestry lie within this area. . Reservoirs are found in some of the shallower eastern facing valleys. . Scattered farming and worker cottages associated with historical mining and pro-cessing industries lie this area, with occasional villages at lower elevations. Older settlement is distinctive displaying use of stone, vernacular, rural traditions and integration with the landscape.

Development management considerations

. Slope angle has greatly influenced ease of access to this area and much of the pattern of development hasn’t altered or evolved much (with the exception of forestry), which in part gives the landscape a strong rural and traditional character. . The area’s visibility and contribution to scenic quality and sense of place to the more populated adjacent areas, makes the area sensitive to change from development. Available views, development scale, character and integration is therefore important to consider. . Development within or encroaching upon the more natural and wild escarpments can have particular contrast and appear at odds with the AONB special qualities.

Upland areas

Special Qualities Landscape Character and Quality (tranquillity, remote, wild), Habitats and Wildlife, Access, Recreation and Tourism, Historic Environment.

Key Characteristics

. The uplands comprise elevated rolling ridges, hilltops and plateau of pasture fields and open moorland. The highest points include Moel Famau (554m) within the Clwydian Hills, Moel y Gamelin (577m) on the Llantysilio Mountain

Page 57 ridgeline, Ruabon Mountain (502m) on the Esclusham/Ruabon escarpment and Moel Fferna (628m) on the north Berwyn ridge. . Notable scenic qualities of the area include its natural upland skylines – as the chain of hills that define the horizon and backdrop to north-east Wales; there are some particularly distinctive skyline silhouettes - for example Moel Y Parc from the north, Moel Arthur, Moel Famau (its pyramidal form and the highest point marked by the jubilee tower); the bedding plains and outcrops of the limestone escarpments across the area; and the areas of open moorland heather that create strong colour contrasts with the enclosed lower hillslopes such as at Ruabon and Llantysilio Mountain, . Development is absent except for some remotely located transmitter infrastructure, quarrying and occasional crossings by electricity infrastructure, roads, lanes and tracks. . Many areas are open moorland unenclosed by field patterns. Where present post and wire fencing is used, with some dry-stone walling along the Clwydian Hills. Forestry extends into some areas from the adjacent hillslopes. . The northern Berwyn ridgeline differs, in its access by lanes and pattern of improved pasture fields, occasional forestry and pockets of moorland. . Historic, cultural marks in this area are visually iconic - in the case of the Jubilee Tower, Castell Dinas Bran and many of the Iron Age hillforts. Other earthworks, cairns and field systems are more subtle, add to the local character but remain of historical importance. . These areas have wide ranging expansive views of landscape and settled lower areas. The sense of removal from towns and villages below, lack of development and visual foci, openness and exposure contribute to the area’s special qualities of space and freedom, remoteness, tranquillity and wildness.

Development management considerations

. This is a very visible area of the AONB where natural skylines make an important contribution to the area’s special qualities, making it very sensitive to change from development. . Accessibility along roads and lanes brings potential for activity, movement and noise that can erode the tranquillity of this area. The high passes are popular destinations for visitors and recreation with notable destinations at Bwlch Pen Bara and the Horseshoe Pass. The management of people, parking and character of development have evolved and been treated differently in these locations, with varying success. These are sensitive open locations where careful attention to visual integration is important to support the areas’ special qualities. . Vertical structures on skylines have considerable contrast against the sky and horizontal form of the landscape. The eye-catching nature of such development makes it very difficult to successfully integrate in designated landscapes.

7. Factors for Landscape Change

7.1 The landscape we see today has largely been shaped by the influence of man. This process continues, although with the progression of climate

Page 58 variations, the future pace of change will increase. Factors influencing landscape change are discussed below.

7.2 Agriculture and Forestry: The future care and management of the landscape is heavily dependent on agricultural and forestry activity. Around 20% of AONB land is covered by agricultural conservation initiatives and these have had a positive impact on habitat and landscape conservation, particularly the management of common land. Future changes to agri- environmental support schemes may also impact on the landscape. The challenge will be to ensure that the farming community sustains a living whilst ensuring the landscape and habitats benefit. For example, the right amount of grazing will sustain calcareous grassland to a high biological interest and protect it from the encroachment of woodland scrub. Likewise, the dominant heather moorland of the Clwydian Range, Llantysilio and Ruabon Mountain is improved when bracken is brought under control. The removal or re- instatement of hedgerows, stone walls and tree felling can all have a significant visual impact. The felling and re-planting of older coniferous trees with mixture of broadleaf and conifer species will improve the landscape and biodiversity.

7.3 Tourism: Tourism can help diversify the local economy and is expected to grow in the future. Currently around £39 million is spent annually in the AONB. There are honey pots such as Moel Famau, Loggerheads and Llangollen which become very busy at certain periods. Sustainable tourism activities should be spread more widely throughout the area and new facilities such as car parking sensitively located and landscaped to reduce landscape impact. The popularity of walking, cycling and associated health benefits and feeling of well-being will assist in the growth of outdoor activities.

7.4 Development: The future scale and location of new development is determined by local planning authorities in their Local Development Plans. A growing and ageing population will put increased demand on services and housing. The extent of growth in the AONB itself will be limited and of a scale and character which will not undermine the special qualities of the AONB. It will also be important to ensure that urban encroachment or other development outside the AONB does not impact adversely on its landscape character and quality, set-ting or sense of tranquillity. Development begins to impact on tranquillity with the introduction of intrusive movement, sources of artificial light and sound. More specifically, development can bring pressures on special qualities in the following ways: . Major roads crossing the area locally affect tranquillity - the A55 having considerably wider visual impact and audible disturbance. . Settlement and growth outside and adjacent to the AONB can have a bearing on perceptions of tranquillity, remoteness, space and freedom. It will be important to analyse the impact of larger proposals close to the AONB boundary and, if necessary, to seek mitigation measures or even relocate the development. . Active quarries can introduce noise and activity with local disturbance to tranquillity.

Page 59 . The reuse of disused quarries for waste management/ storage/ industrial processes can bring disturbance to sites that have naturalised over time and are tranquil places. . The major town of Llangollen is steadily expanding beyond the valley floor. This could alter the balance of open country-side and rural town within views, to one of a town with greater visual influence and urbanising qualities. There are similar smaller scale examples elsewhere, where villages follow the line of the lower hillslopes - for example the villages to the west of the Clwydian Ridge. . Distinctive rural settlement within the AONB is not limited to conservation areas or listed buildings. Attention to what is locally distinctive and why and how new development might complement this, is important to how the landscape can accommodate change, whilst conserving and enhancing its special qualities. . Livestock numbers and welfare standards can introduce the need for large barns, on farms that have evolved through addition of smaller barns and outhouses. . Excessive lighting of development impacts on the sense of tranquillity, wildlife and quality of life. . The built environment of the AONB, notably the World Heritage Site, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Historic Parks and Gardens all contribute to the special character of the area, and insensitive development and change can impact on the quality of these heritage assets.

7.5 Renewable energy and climate change: The area is not appropriate for any large scale renewable energy projects such as large wind turbines or solar farms. Larger renewable energy proposals outside the AONB can be highly visible and impact on its setting. On and off-shore wind farms are redefining the outlook, sense of space and visual focus of views from the AONB. This can affect perceptions of tranquillity, space and freedom. There may be some pressure in the future for smaller turbines and solar panels. The influence of climate change will not be immediately obvious, but increases in temperature will lead to habitat loss and change. More in-tense rainfall will cause further footpath and soil erosion in up-land areas. The AONB has published a document entitled “Working with a Changing Climate” which gives further information on how the area could adapt to climate change.

8. Key Design Considerations

8.01 Good quality design does not need to be elaborate or expensive, - usually the best design solutions are those simply conceived and executed. They are respectful of their immediate surroundings and the setting in which they are placed, be that in the open countryside or amongst other buildings. Neither does new design always need to adhere strictly to vernacular building character or the use of traditional materials. Simply cladding an inappropriate building or extension with local stone will not necessarily make it acceptable. As a point of principle, new development should firstly seek to avoid any adverse impacts on the AONB before investigating mitigation measures. It is crucial that new development proposals are informed by a

Page 60 thorough assessment of the site surroundings and its setting. Making use of photomontages can be helpful in demonstrating how a development proposal sits within the landscape.

8.02 This guidance adopts a practical and pragmatic approach to design solutions and firstly looks at the proposal and gradually widens the scope of potential impact to the immediate site surroundings and beyond to the wider landscape setting of the AONB. It also gives some practical examples of good design solutions and what should be avoided. It does not however state in detail whether proposals need planning permission (see Appendix 3 for permitted development thresholds). More detailed information on such matters can be obtained elsewhere from the websites of the individual local authorities or from the national planning portal.

8.03 This guidance will be supplemented in the future with more detailed Design Notes on topics specific to the AONB.

8.1 Scale and Siting

8.11 Most new proposals within the AONB will be on a relatively small scale due to its rural location. The scale of new development should be relative to what's already around it. For example, a new extension on a dwelling should be relative to the existing size of the dwelling. If it is too large it could overwhelm the existing property and surrounding buildings. The positioning of a larger dwelling next to smaller cottages is likely to be out of scale and will stand out. The mass is the combined effect of the height, bulk and silhouette of a building or group of buildings. In some cases, the impact of scale can be mitigated by good siting, design and the sensitive use of materials. Some traditional cottage style dwellings have been spoilt by large insensitive extensions.

8.12 Smaller scale housing estates will be appropriate in the larger villages and the same principles of scale and siting will apply. Some new dwellings will be justified as affordable need dwellings. The use of more traditional materials and modest designs should ensure prices are maintained at an affordable value.

8.13 New farm buildings will be on a larger scale and therefore their potential impact could be greater depending on site location, their design and use of materials. It would be preferable to site new buildings close to the original farmstead to create a compact farm complex. Stand-alone buildings and structures may have no specific scale reference points and consequently their mass will be more obvious especially if poorly sited. In such circumstances, it may be possible to re-locate a building amongst some natural screening of trees and woodland or within the natural landform. If possible higher vantage points and more visible sites which break the skyline on upland slopes should be avoided. The above advice will also apply to other buildings in more open countryside. Before embarking on a project, the following questions regarding scale and siting should be considered.

Page 61 8.14 It's a question of scale and siting

. Is the scale of the development commensurate with its functional need? . Is it in scale with the size and mass of surrounding buildings and structures? . Is the scale relative to plot size and close to established development? . Will the development impact on neighbouring properties? . Is the siting appropriate and takes advantage of natural screening and local, topographic features avoiding natural skylines? . Can the development be re-located to a more suitable site?

8.2 Design

8.21 Once matters of scale and siting have been considered, attention can be given to the appearance of the development. The design will need to fit functional needs and the usual approach will be to study the appearance of existing or traditional buildings in the locality. Many new dwellings have introduced more suburban or “executive” style designs which are more common to urban areas rather than the rural character of the AONB. An existing building may be of historic interest or lie within a Conservation Area. If so any alterations or extensions will need to preserve and enhance the original character of the building. Maintaining original rooflines and the spacing between windows and doors make an important contribution to character, and small changes to the design can have a detrimental effect on the overall integrity and appearance of the de-sign. This is commonly referred to as maintaining “local distinctive-ness” by respecting the pattern of the arrangement and size of buildings, their plots, the general range of building styles and integration of harmonious colours and materials.

8.22 Extensions are usually best positioned to the side or to the rear. In terms of scale and design they are usually subservient to the original building by being smaller with a lower roof. If appropriate, a subtle change in the use of complimentary materials can add interest and help date the buildings history.

8.23 For free standing buildings or structures there may be more freedom to express new design ideas which are modern but respectful of traditional design forms. In many cases, modern designs and materials can create interesting and diverse forms of architecture. The contrast can accentuate traditional designs. For example, the careful use of glazing can create interesting new spaces and allow light into older buildings. However, the introduction of more urbanised features such as large windows and elaborate entrance gates and walls should be avoided.

Page 62 Innovative designs with good use of modern materials

8.24 In many cases the conversion of more traditional agricultural buildings to other more economical uses such as holiday accommodation can be challenging. Local authorities will normally only allow the conversion of structurally sound buildings which have some architectural merit worth keeping. It follows that any scheme of con-version should retain this architectural merit without destroying it. This will usually not involve significant alterations to the original structure such as raising the roof or adding a complete new wing. However, the addition of porches and limited new openings may be acceptable provided the character of the original building is retained. As a general rule, it is preferable to re-use existing buildings that are available for conversion before building from new.

Sympathetic conversion retaining historic character

8.25 Another matter to consider is whether the design will stand the test of time i.e. will it age gracefully and be an example of good design for its era. Before embarking on a project, the following questions on design should be considered.

8.26 It's a question of design

. Is the design compatible with existing building character? . If an extension, is it subservient to the original building? . Does a modern design echo or compliment more tradition-al designs in the area and retain or enhance local distinctiveness?

Page 63 . Does the scheme avoid details which “urbanise” the rural scene with inappropriate windows, gates, kerbs or fencing? . Can existing buildings be re-used and converted? . Will it stand the test of time?

8.3 Materials

8.31 The choice of materials and the way they are used can be critical in complimenting the design and adding aesthetic value. The predominant building material in the AONB is stone or plain rendering coloured in white or cream. In areas, closer to the Vale of Clwyd and Llangollen reddish/brown brick has been introduced. Most roofs are covered with blue/black Welsh slates. The colour palette is therefore muted with the predominance of blue, grey/white shades. Colours should seek to harmonise with the surrounding landscape and settlements. To understand how colour can be best integrated see http://www.malvernhillsaonb.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2015/02/guidance_on_colour_use_screen.pdf

8.32 If stone is being used it should preferably be re-cycled local stone or new locally sourced stone. Stone pointing is usually flush with lime added to the mortar to give a white colouring which will fade over time. Older field boundary walls will be constructed of dry stone with no mortar added. Roof material is usually darker than the walls and this helps to sit the building down in the landscape and make it less intrusive. A red tiled roof within an area of darker roofs will obviously stand out and be inappropriate.

Good renovation retaining character

8.33 Coloured render (white/cream/grey) can be applied quickly over large areas. In some cases it can be matched with stone i.e. one elevation in stone and others in render. Render should be applied smoothly and not patterned with odd shapes in relief. On more traditional buildings, there is no or limited use of barge boarding with guttering being fixed directly into stone.

Page 64 Innovative design and traditional stone boundary treatment

8.34 On many new buildings plastic is now being used for doors, windows and boarding. On traditional buildings plastic materials should be avoided, but if this is not possible, at least the existing size of windows and glazing patterns should be retained and appropriate frame colours used. Traditional window openings have a vertical emphasis or occasionally square. These should be retained and similar patterns adopted in extensions and new buildings.

8.35 Wooden doors and windows of traditional patterns should be retained on older buildings. The selective use of naturally finished timber boarding can be appropriate in certain locations and is likely to weather over time. The impact of larger agricultural buildings can be softened by the introduction of wooden materials on extensive elevations. Very often the impact of a larger building can be mitigated with correct colouring matching the background hues in the landscape. For agricultural buildings, the use of dark green, grey or blue will blend in with the surrounding countryside. Darker coloured roofs also produce less glare and are less visible from greater distances or surrounding higher ground. On the other hand, lighter coloured materials are likely to stand out and be easily visible from a wider surrounding area especially from higher ground. Likewise, metal cladding of traditional form, shape and colouring can be applied in a contemporary way. In conclusion, use colour to harmonise with the landscape/settlement setting of the development. Before embarking on a project, the following questions on materials should be considered.

8.36 It's a question of using the right materials

. Are the materials appropriate for the area? . Can material be re-cycled or sourced locally? . Are the materials being applied in the correct manner? . Can modern materials be applied in a sympathetic and innovative way? . Does the colouring of materials harmonise with surrounding landscape and development? . Will materials stand the test of time?

8.4 Setting

8.41 Any new development should be assessed against its immediate environment and within its wider landscape setting. This is especially true in

Page 65 a protected landscape where long distance views are important and need to be protected. Higher ground opens wider vistas over the surrounding countryside allowing the eye to scan greater distances. Very often the visibility of development from greater distances is overlooked and although scale is diminished by distance, from certain viewpoints, development can look out of place and prominent. The same can apply when looking up at higher ground which is visible from valley bottoms. Care should therefore be taken to steer development away from the skyline, open elevated ground or sites overlooked from higher ground. The visible impact of new development will be minimised if sited in more enclosed landscapes, hidden by existing landforms and a screen of hedgerows, trees and woodland. Development should work with the contours/flow of the landform and prevailing patterns of land cover to minimise disturbance. Whilst elements of the landscape may be locally changed to accommodate development, the prevailing character of the landscape should remain intact. Visual prominence is when development forms a new focal point in the landscape which detracts from the general scene, visual focus and sense of place.

8.42 In this context, new development outside the AONB but close to the boundary can impact on the setting of the AONB and its natural beauty. Consideration should therefore also be given, as stated in Planning Policy Wales (2016), to development outside the AONB which can have an impact on the designated area. The extent of the impact is likely to depend on scale and proximity to the boundary. In some instances, the accumulation of development can, over time, begin to have an adverse impact on setting. This is termed “cumulative impact” of smaller developments. Although a proposal by itself might not be significant, in combination with similar proposals in the vicinity, it has passed the threshold of acceptability.

Pontcysyllte aqueduct

8.43 A good example of the concept of setting is in the way the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site has been designated. The actual designation follows the Llangollen canal from Horseshoe Falls near Llangollen via the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct through to Chirk Bank in Shropshire. However, a wider 'buffer zone” following adjoining hillside ridgelines has also been identified acknowledging a wider setting for the canal and aqueduct. One of the overall aims is to “manage the World Heritage Site and Buffer

Page 66 Zone in a sustainable manner to conserve, enhance and present the Outstanding Universal Value of the site locally and internationally” (refer to the SPG on the World Heritage Site which should be read in conjunction with this guidance if the proposal is within the WHS or its buffer zone). Long distance landscape views are important and new development should avoid intruding on the focus and appreciation of these views. For major developments within or adjacent to the AONB a landscape and visual impact assessment in accordance with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (third edition) is recommended, with advice provided by a professional with landscape assessment and design experience.

8.44 There is therefore a recognition that setting goes beyond the immediate vicinity of a building or structure and that a wider perspective needs to be considered. Before embarking on a project, the following questions on setting should be considered.

8.45 It's a question of setting

. Is the site visible from a wider surrounding area and is it visually prominent in the landscape? . Can a building be sited in the fold of the landscape and screened by natural vegetation? . Will the development spoil important views from within or outside the AONB and impact on its wider setting? . Does a proposal outside but close to the boundary of the AONB impact on its setting and special qualities?

8.5 Landscaping

8.51 Buildings can be screened by good planting schemes, earth mounding and various other forms of boundary treatment. Very of-ten older structures in the countryside have mature planting around them acting as functional wind screens and points of interest. Where possible such features which make up the existing land-scape fabric should be retained or enhanced. Trees and plants soften the outline of buildings, add to biodiversity and a modest landscaping scheme can quickly assimilate new development into the countryside. The way a site is enclosed should also be part and parcel of the initial design process and should not be an after-thought. Existing stone walls and hedges should be retained and restored where possible and protected from building activity. However, landscaping will not by itself, make a poor development acceptable.

8.52 Again, as with architectural design, the type of shrubs, trees and permanent materials used for landscaping should reflect what is in the immediate vicinity. Where possible, it is best to choose indigenous species of local provenance and avoid more exotic or alien plants. The planting of leylandii trees or other quick growing conifers should be avoided.

8.53 The means of enclosing a plot can often add to or detract from local distinctiveness. Grand entrances with extensive vehicular access points will

Page 67 reflect a suburban or more “executive” design approach which should be avoided. Wooden close boarded fencing, or extensive brick walling are not appropriate materials for enclosure in more rural areas; - natural hedging or stone is more acceptable. Likewise using hard landscaping materials such as brick or paviours for access roads are not encouraged and will impede natural drainage. If new external lighting is proposed this should be considered as part of an overall landscaping scheme and kept to a minimum to protect the AONB’s dark skies and avoid light pollution. Excessive lighting will produce glare and light trespass outside the site which can impact on tranquillity, wildlife and local quality of life. It is possible to provide shields and baffles and angle lighting downwards to prevent the upward spillage of light, minimise lighting output (maximum 3500 lumens), introduce timers and specify colour temperature (less than 3000 kelvin) to moderate the impact of lighting over a wider area. Development proposals should be accompanied by sufficient technical details of any lighting to enable an assessment to be undertaken.

8.54 Development should generally seek to avoid steeper landforms where more extensive engineering work is required. The extent of landscape disturbance from cut and fill, earthworks and retaining structures increases in extent relative to gradient steepness. The successful restoration of disturbed ground is also more difficult due to thin soils and slope angle. Where engineering works are unavoidable, consideration should be given at the outset to the sensitive disposal of any excess material or re-profiling and restoring the site to create a natural landform.

8.55 Taking account of the predominant colour palette of surrounding vegetation can help to identify the correct choice and colour of new materials. Before embarking on a project, the following questions on landscaping should be considered.

8.56 It’s a question of landscaping

. Has landscaping been considered at the outset? . Can a building be located within existing natural screening? . Are plants and materials compatible to the area proposed with the avoidance of hard landscaping? . Is the means of enclosure appropriate and not introducing urban elements such as grand entrances? . Is the lighting scheme properly designed to avoid excessive light and light trespass outside the site? . Will the landscaping contribute to the natural beauty of the AONB? . Are existing landscape features retained and restored?

Page 68 Appendix 1 Map showing extent of local authority areas within the AONB and contact information

Page 69 Contact details for Local Planning Authorities and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Denbighshire County Council Email – [email protected] Development Management Tel – 01824 706727 P.O. Box 62 Ruthin LL15 9AZ

Website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/planning-and-building- regulations/planning/planning.aspx

Flintshire County Council Email – [email protected] County Hall Tel – 01352 703234 Mold Flintshire CH7 6NF

Website: http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Planning/Home.aspx

Wrexham County Borough Council Email – [email protected] Environment and Planning Tel – 01978 298994 16 Lord Street Wrexham LL11 1LG

Website: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/planning

Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Loggerheads Country Park NR. Mold Denbighshire CH7 5LH

Email – [email protected] Tel – 01824 712757

Website: http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/plans-and- strategies/

Page 70 Appendix 2 Main AONB planning policies of the local planning authorities

Extracts from Denbighshire Local Development Plan 2006 – 2021

Policy VOE 2 - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Area of Outstanding Beauty

In determining development proposals within or affecting the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Area of Outstanding Beauty (AOB), development that would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the landscape and the reasons for designation will not be permitted.

Policy VOE 3 – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site

Development which would harm the attributes which justified the designation of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal as a World Heritage Site and the site’s Outstanding Universal Value will not be permitted. The following are considered to be key material considerations: i. The authenticity and integrity of the attributes that contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site including views, and features of cultural, artistic, historical, social and natural environmental importance. ii. The setting of the World Heritage Site and attributes important to the Outstanding Universal Value of the site present within the Buffer Zone. Where there is a demonstrable need for essential non-residential visitor attraction facilities for the World Heritage Site which cannot be provided within the settlement limit, their location outside settlement limits will be permitted where there is no adverse impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the site present within the Buffer Zone.

Where there is a demonstrable need for essential non-residential visitor attraction facilities for the World Heritage Site which cannot be provided within the settlement limit, their location outside settlement limits will be permitted where there is no adverse impact on the Outstanding Universal Value.

Extract from Flintshire Unitary Development Plan 2000 - 2015

Policy L2 - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Development within or affecting the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be permitted only where: a. it maintains and where appropriate enhances the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and preserves the natural tranquillity of the AONB; and b. it will be designed to a high standard using traditional materials and planting.

Major developments within the AONB will be the subject of rigorous examination and will not be permitted unless there is an overriding need in terms of proven national interest and there are no alternative sites.

Page 71 (Flintshire Council are currently preparing a Local Development Plan which will contain a new policy on the AONB) Extract from Wrexham Unitary Development Plan 1996 - 2011

Policy EC5 - Special Landscape Areas

Within Special Landscape Areas, priority will be given to the conservation and enhancement of the landscape. Development, other than for agriculture, small-scale farm-based and other rural enterprises, and essential operational development by utility service providers, will be strictly controlled. Development will be required to conform to a high standard of design and landscaping, and special attention will be paid to minimising its visual impact both from nearby and distant viewpoints.

(Wrexham County Borough Council are currently preparing a Local Development Plan which will contain a new policy on the AONB)

Page 72 Appendix 3 Summary of main differences in Permitted Development Rights in the AONB, World Heritage Site and Conservation Areas

1. House extensions – permission required if it is more than one storey in height, is to the side of the dwelling and extends more than 3m from the side, or is set back less than 1m from the main elevation of the dwelling. 2. Cladding of external walls of a dwelling requires permission, including external insulation. 3. Enlargement or additions to roofs of dwellings require permission. 4. Other domestic outbuildings or structures within the curtilage of a dwelling re-quire permission if it is located to the side of the dwelling, or the total area of ground covered by buildings or structures (excluding the area of the dwelling) situated more than 20m from the dwelling exceeds 10sq m. 5. Microwave antenna on a dwelling or within its curtilage require permission if it faces and is visible from a highway, or is on a building over 15m in height. 6. Domestic micro generation equipment – solar/thermal PV equipment on domestic buildings or as stand-alone installations, or biomass heating flues require permission in the WHS or in a Conservation Area if visible from a highway (Note: this does not apply elsewhere in the AONB). 7. Non-domestic micro generation equipment - solar/thermal PV installations or biomass/combined heat and power system flues on buildings require permission if fronting a highway. Stand-alone solar/thermal PV equipment require permission if visible from a highway which bounds the curtilage. 8. Industrial or warehouse extensions – permission required if the floor space is increased by more than 10% or 500 sq. m, or constructed of materials which do not have a similar external appearance to the existing. Associated refuse and cycle stores also require permission. 9. Educational or hospital extensions - permission required if constructed of materials which do not have a similar external appearance to the existing. Associated refuse and cycle stores also require permission. 10. Office extensions and associated refuse and cycle stores require permission. 11. Shop or services establishment extensions and associated refuse, cycle or trolley stores require permission. 12. Temporary exploration for minerals requires permission. 13. Electricity undertakings require permission for extensions/alterations to buildings which exceed 10% of the cubic content or 500 sq m in area. Associated telecommunications lines also require permission. 14. Telecommunication masts require permission.

Sources: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 as amended by The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Orders 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2014 (No.2)

Note: This is a summary of the main differences in permitted development rights. Please refer to the source documents to determine if permission is required.

Page 73 This page is intentionally left blank Consultation Document - Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance Note: Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Wellbeing Impact Assessment Report

This report summarises the likely impact of a proposal on the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Denbighshire, Wales and the world.

Assessment Number: 297 This guidance is primarily targeted at individuals proposing new development and for decision makers involved in the management of the AONB. The intention is to heighten awareness of the importance of the AONB, and, in so doing, Brief description: raise the standard of new development and landscape design. It provides some general design principles which should be followed to assist new development proposals whether planning permission is required or not. Date Completed: 23/03/2018 10:44:48 Version: 5 Completed by: Karsten Bruβk Responsible Service: Planning & Public Protection Localities affected by the proposal: Whole County,

Page 75 IMPACT ASSESSMENT SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Before we look in detail at the contribution and impact of the proposal, it is important to consider how the proposal is applying the sustainable development principle. This means that we must act "in a manner which seeks to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Score for the sustainability of the approach

Could some small changes in your thinking produce a better result?

(3 out of 4 stars) Actual score : 21 / 24.

Summary of impact

Wellbeing Goals

A prosperous Denbighshire Neutral A resilient Denbighshire Positive A healthier Denbighshire Positive A more equal Denbighshire Neutral A Denbighshire of cohesive communities Neutral A Denbighshire of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Neutral language A globally responsible Denbighshire Positive

Main conclusions

The Well-being Assessment has shown that the draft SPG will assist in realising the seven well-being goals in a either neutral or positive way. Not all seven topics are applicable because of the very nature of the document, content, and specific limited audience – planning professionals and prospective applicants. It must also be kept in mind that Supplementary Planning Guidance is a material planning consideration but not a local policy. Identified unintended negative consequences should, if they appear depending on implementation, be dealt with through legislation and planning policies. There will be a need to revisit this Well-being Impact Assessment when the public consultation has been closed and amendments were made to the draft document. Note: Public consultation has closed now, and the content of the document was reassessed and accordingly amended.

Page 76 THE LIKELY IMPACT ON DENBIGHSHIRE, WALES AND THE WORLD

A prosperous Denbighshire

Overall Impact Neutral 'A Prosperous Denbighshire' - topic area is not reflected in the Justification for impact content of the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance. It's planning guidance, not local policy.

Positive consequences identified:

Unintended negative consequences identified:

Mitigating actions: n/a

A resilient Denbighshire

Overall Impact Positive The purpose of the draft SPG is to support the conservation and Justification for impact enhancement of the AONB’s natural beauty and local landscape features, including the natural and the built environment.

Positive consequences identified:

The primary objective for designating Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) is the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, which is dependent on the natural environment. Post public consultation: Paragraphs were amended to strengthen a reduction in light pollution to avoid adverse effects on local wildlife and habitat. The draft AONB SPG supports the provisions contained in Planning Policy Wales Edition 9, paragraph 4.11.10 – ‘In areas recognised for their landscape (…) Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (…) and more widely in areas with an established and distinctive design character, it can be appropriate to seek to promote or reinforce traditional and local distinctiveness. In those areas the impact of development on the existing character, the scale and siting of new development, and the use of appropriate building materials (including where possible sustainably produced materials from local sources), will be particularly important. The impact of development on listed buildings should be given particular attention.’ Draft AONB SPG specifically highlights the benefits of(re-) using traditional building materials in the proposed development and, hence, promotes recycling to minimise waste. Prospective applicants are made aware of the environment and biodiversity in being asked to reflect on local landscape features in their planning proposal.

Unintended negative consequences identified:

Mitigating actions:

Whilst the SPG is planning guidance and can be a material consideration, national / local planning policies provide the Council with powers to minimise unintended negatives and to promote positive outcomes. Page 77 A healthier Denbighshire

Overall Impact Positive Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the Clwydian Justification for impact Range and Dee Valley AONB is likely to have a positive effect on the mental well-being of people enjoying the area.

Positive consequences identified:

Natural beauty is generally perceived as having a positive effect on the health and well-being of local people. Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area will also raise the attractiveness of the area for walkers, cyclists, and runners. The purpose of the draft SPG is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area which is perceived as having a positive effect on emotions and mental well-being.

Unintended negative consequences identified:

Pressure on local infrastructure, including the environment, from increasing number of people participating in leisure opportunities.

Mitigating actions:

Minimising potential adverse effects on the local infrastructure caused by increased number of visitors should be addressed in a separate tourism strategy or the adopted AONB management plan.

A more equal Denbighshire

Overall Impact Neutral 'A more equal Denbighshire' - topic area is not reflected in the content of the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance. Justification for impact Nevertheless, the Council may have regard to the provisions of for example the Equality Act 2010, depending on the nature of the proposal.

Positive consequences identified:

Unintended negative consequences identified:

Mitigating actions:

If negative effects should occur as a result of guidance contained in the document, i.e. discrimination, those matters would be addressed with help of the Equality Act 2010 and related Regulations.

A Denbighshire of cohesive communities

Overall Impact Neutral The draft SPG does not deal with safe communities and Justification for impact community participation. There is a specific SPG on this topic - PlanningPage for Co m78munity Safety. Positive consequences identified:

AONBs are designed because of their natural beauty which is also understood as the attractiveness of the area.

Unintended negative consequences identified:

Mitigating actions: n/a

A Denbighshire of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language

Overall Impact Neutral The draft SPG looks at preserving and enhancing the natural and built environment and, consequently, maintaining the Justification for impact heritage of a Welsh area but it does not specifically provides for the Welsh language.

Positive consequences identified:

The 'natural beauty' of the AONB is defined by a mixture of natural and built environment which has been shaped by human activities over the last centuries and, hence, reflects local heritage.

Unintended negative consequences identified:

Mitigating actions: n/a

A globally responsible Denbighshire

Overall Impact Positive The Council, the Welsh Government and the Planning Inspectorate will give substantial weight to approved SPGs Justification for impact which derives from, and is consistent with the LDP, and has been subject of consultation. (Planning Policy Wales, Edition 9, paragraph 2.3.4)

Positive consequences identified:

The adopted SPG will assist Planning Officers in the DCC Development Management section and the AONB Joint Advisory Committee in determining planning applications for the area.

Unintended negative consequences identified:

Mitigating actions:

Page 79 This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 7

JOINT COMMITTEE Of the CLWYDIAN RANGE & DEE VALLEY AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Held on: 10am 22nd June 2018 County Hall Ruthin

Lead Member / Officer: Howard Sutcliffe

Report Author: Howard Sutcliffe

Title: Item 7 AONB Annual Report

1. What is the report about?

The Annual Report highlights some of the activity undertaken by the AONB Team and its Partners. Highlights carried out by the Ranger Team that are best visualised by a Power Point Presentation are to be reported as item 8 on this agenda.

2. What is the reason for making this report?

The annual report is part of the Legal Agreement

3. What are the Recommendations?

That the Joint Committee scrutinise and endorse the Annual Report

4. Report details.

See attached appendix 1 for Annual Report.

5. How does it contribute to the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Management Plans Priorities?

The Annual Report is an example of the major areas of work undertaken by the Joint Committee, AONB Partnership, AONB Team and internal and external Partners. It shows that the AONB is on track in delivering the AONB Management Plan.

Page 81

6. What will it cost and how will it affect other services?

The costs are in time only and have been absorbed

7. What are the main conclusions of the Well-being Impact Assessment?

The report is on work already completed April 2017- March 2018 and does not have an impact going forward therefore it is not necessary to carry out an impact assessment. The Annual Report does note where each work area corresponds to the Well-being Goals.

However it is concluded that the work carried out has had a positive impact in the following areas:

A prosperous AONB Positive bringing monies into the area through NRW, WG and HLF A more resilient AONB Positive via Species Monitoring Whitebeam, Black Grouse, Curlew, Reptiles and butterflies and SP Energy Network undergrounding. A healthier AONB Positive via Volunteering, Young Rangers, Corwen Community A more equal AONB Positive via JC and Partnership, Annual AONB Town, Community and AONB LA Members Meeting and AONB Annual Forum An AONB of cohesive communities Positive via AONB Community Champions An AONB of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language Positive Corwen Project A globally responsible AONB Positive local contribution Corwen hydro

8. What consultations have been carried out with Scrutiny and others?

The AONB Partnership and Natural Resources Wales have receive the report.

9. Chief Finance Officer Statement

As the report is retrospective that are no additional costs directly associated with this report. However I can confirm that the wide ranging activities detailed in the report have been carried out within existing council resources and that there continues to be good financial management in this area

10. What risks are there and is there anything we can do to reduce them?

Reputation- Reporting is a key element in the management of the AONB

11. Power to make the Decision

Page 82 The Legal basis to lies in Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act of 1972 and the Local Government Act 2000, where Local authorities can enter arrangements to ’Discharge functions jointly with one or more other local authorities by means of a Joint Committee’

Page 83 This page is intentionally left blank Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Annual Report 2017-18

Description of Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty forms the dramatic upland frontier in North East Wales. This AONB almost touches the coast at Prestatyn Hillside in the north and stretches south as far Moel Fferna, in the Berwyn Mountains, Moel Fferna is the highest point in the AONB at 630 metres. The AONB covers 390 square kilometres of windswept hilltops, heather moorland, limestone crags and wooded valleys.

The Clwydian Range is an unmistakeable chain of purple heather-clad summits, topped by a cluster of strikingly situated Iron Age hillforts. The Range’s highest hill at 554 metres is Moel Famau, a familiar icon to residents of the North West. The historic Jubilee Tower sits on the summit of this hill with views over 11 counties.

Beyond the windswept Horseshoe Pass, over Llantysilio Mountain, lies the glorious Dee Valley with historic Llangollen, a famous market town rich in cultural Page 85 Page and Industrial heritage. The River Dee flows from the market town of Corwen ,now the terminus for the Llangollen Steam Railway, making its way past the focal point of Wales’s third World Heritage Site, Thomas Telford’s ‘River in the Sky’ the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Who Governs the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB?

Joint Committee

The three Local Authorities of Denbighshire, Wrexham and Flintshire entered into a legal agreement to jointly discharge their AONB functions by means of a Joint Committee for the AONB in the summer of 2014. The Committee is made up of 2 Lead members (members of the Authority’s Executive or Cabinet) of each Local Authority. They have the power to act on behalf of those Local Authorities in delivering the purposes of the AONB. It is supported by an Officer’s Working Group of relevant officers from the constituent local authorities and Natural Resources Wales and the AONB Partnership.

The AONB Partnership

The AONB Partnership reports to and advises the Joint Committee in the development and delivery of the AONB Management Plan. It was established to ensure a wide range of interests are represented in planning and delivering the work of the AONB. There are 25 members representing:

Urban Communities, Rural Communities, x9 Local Authority Members (x3 Denbighshire County Council, x3 Flintshire County Council, x3 Wrexham Borough Council), Landowners, Recreation and Access and other Special Interests

Six Working Groups have been established to help focus the work of the Partnership in steering the delivery of the

AONB Management Plan. These are: • Landscape Character and Built Environment • Land Management and Natural Environment • Historic Environment • Tourism • Recreation and Access • Sustainable Development Fund

Each Working Group is able to expand its membership to beyond the partnership and can co-opt members from relevant bodies, to advise on particular aspects of work. The Land Management and Natural Environment Group for example includes the Biodiversity Officers from each of the Local Authorities and officers from the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Similarly the Historic Environment Group has co-opted representation form Cadw, the Royal Commission and CPAT. Page 86 Page

NRW Priority Themes Describe how the SMNR Principles & Describe AONB Outputs & Outcomes, Natural Resources, Well-being Goals & Five Ways of Working have been supported by evidence and statistics AONB Management Plan Objective applied to achieve integrated delivery

Principles of SMNR: NRW Priority Themes: Governance Building resilience The AONB JC is Biodiversity Joint Committee Meetings x3 including building a strong cohesive group of Physiographical features audited accounts Average of 90% attendance members. WG Wellbeing Goals: Adaptive Management All Working Groups A Wales of cohesive communities Partnership Meetings x3 Average of 77% are designed to have flexible membership A prosperous Wales attendance Collaboration and Engagement The A more equal Wales ability to meet Working Groups: AONB is designed to work in partnership A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Landscape Character & Built Environment x3, with the LAs, WG and NRW language Heritage, Culture& Communities Working Long Term The organisational design is AONB Management Plan Objectives: Group x 3, continuous PC03,PC04,LQC01,LQC07,HSA03,WHS06,DFS01 Land Management and Natural Environment Public Participation All meetings are Working Group x 2, Recreation, Tourism and available to the public together with Annual Business Engagement Working Group x 2 meetings for Community Councils and and Sustainable Development Fund Working County Councillors. An Annual Forum is Group x 2 Average of 77% attendance held. AONB Officers Group Meetings x 2 Average Five Ways of Working: Page 87 Page of 79% attendance Long term Integration Collaboration Involvement The AONB Team bring together the wide engaged membership of bodies and individuals it achieves the above goals though working together on shared objectives and aims to enhance the landscape. The AONB offers expenses to all its members NRW Priority Themes: Public Meetings Public Participation All meetings are Biodiversity Annual Lecture Recreation in Designated available to the public together with Annual Physiographical features Landscapes x 50 attended meetings for Community Councils and WG Wellbeing Goals: AONB Community Champions x10 attended County Councillors. An Annual Forum is A Wales of cohesive communities held. A prosperous Wales Local members and Town and community The AONB team outreach beyond the A more equal Wales ability to meet Councils Annual Meet x 16 attended regular groups to the wider community and A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh engage them to highlight working together language and the opportunities that the AONB affords AONB Management Plan Objectives: PC04, to its wider community BE03,LQC01,LQC07,HSA03,WHS06,DFS01

NRW Priority Themes: Planning Consultations Principles of SMNR: Biodiversity Physiographical features Building resilience The cumulative effect Minerals The overall number of consultations referred to of intervention on Planning applications WG Wellbeing Goals: the AONB in 2017-18 was 286, which shows a should be appreciated A prosperous Wales slight increase in activity since last year (281).The Collaboration and Engagement A A more equal Wales ability to meet Landscape Working Group deals with these majority of consultations (212 in number, 75% of A Wales of cohesive communities applications A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh the total) were planning or related applications for Evidence see adjacent language development referred by the three local planning Long Term continuous since 2011 over 600 Page 88 Page AONB Management Plan Objectives: BE01, authorities (LPA’s). As expected, the majority planning applications have been BE02PC01,PC02,PC03 (73%) were from Denbighshire, followed by commented on. Flintshire (23%) and Wrexham (3%). The AONB Multiple Benefits was also consulted by Powys on one application Public Participation Scale Across the AONB 390 square Kms within the setting of the protected landscape. Preventative actions Attempts to prevent Formal and informal requests for pre and deterioration of the character of the AONB post-application advice continue to account through poor planning applications for a significant proportion of all Five Ways of Working: consultations (46 in number, 16% of the total). Long term Other consultations comprised policy related Integration consultations (14), planning appeals (9) and Collaboration Involvement Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Contributing to the Planning Process is a (NSIP’s) (3). key area of work for the AONB Team, it helps communities appreciate what a The largest category of proposals continues to be fabulous landscape they live in and gives for householder development (36%) followed by them a sense of pride. It can drive residential (18%), including conversions. Tourism opportunities in tourism e.g. the village of related development continued at a strong level Llanarmon-yn-Lal where the community (16%), followed by agriculture/forestry (10%). The own and manage a number of businesses and in particular all applications are treated proportion of energy related applications was equally. 5% in 2017-18, which remains at a lower level than recent years. The remaining consultations comprised utility, industrial, commercial/retail, Listed Building, advertisements, community related and minerals development. The NSIP consultations were for the discharge of detailed conditions relating to the previously approved Clocaenog Forest Windfarm.

The majority of decided planning applications (86%) were granted permission, which is comparable with the approval rate in previous years. Only 12% were refused, and 2% of applications were withdrawn by the applicant prior to determination. Page 89 Page

The AONB raised no objection to the majority of applications, but often suggested design changes, alternative materials or additional landscaping to help conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the AONB. There were only ten in-principle objections lodged to development proposals, and significant concerns were raised in respect of 24 further applications.

Local Planning Authority Response to AONB Comments

Analysis of LPA responses to substantive comments made by the AONB on planning applications shows that most of the comments made by the AONB were accepted in full (42%) or in part (32%), which is a slight improvement on last year’s position. Thus 26% of comments were not accepted or acted upon by the LPA’s, which also represents a small improvement in the 27% of comments not accepted in the previous year. Of the 24 comments not accepted by the LPA’s, 18 applications were determined by Denbighshire, 6 by Flintshire and none in Wrexham. In 2017-18 the AONB’s comments on 25% of applications determined by Denbighshire were not accepted or acted upon by the planning authority, which is a significant improvement over the position last year when 36% were not accepted. However, the position in Flintshire Page 90 Page worsened considerably with 35% of comments not being accepted (6% in 2016- 17), although the sample size is inevitably smaller than for Denbighshire and is therefore more sensitive to change.

For the most part, comments made by the AONB which were not accepted related to design, materials and landscaping, and to suggestions for enhancement as part of a development project.

NRW Priority Themes: Working with Utility Companies Principles of SMNR: Biodiversity SP Energy have continued to work with the Building resilience the overhead network Physiographical features AONB Officer and have carried out the following is better protected WG Wellbeing Goals: in 2017-18 Collaboration and Engagement AONB A Wales of cohesive communities Scheme at Moel y Parc has been completed its Team working in partnership with a major A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh value was £145,000 and 1.1 kms of overhead line utility company language was undergrounded. The Evidence The lines are no longer a scar on AONB Management Plan Objectives: Scheme at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was.275 of a the landscape enhancing views BE03 Km and valued at £37,000. SPEN spent £183,000 on undergrounding in Scale The project is large scale in terms of the AONB kms and value Preventative actions: Five Ways of Working: Long term Integration Collaboration Improving the view making the area more tranquil by removal of these discordant man made features in high value Landscape adjacent to the ODP NT and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct NRW Priority Themes: To Bring the WHS and AONB closer together Principles of SMNR: Physiographical features Working together with the WHS to contribute to Collaboration and Engagement The WG Wellbeing Goals: the Trevor Basin Master Plan x3 Meetings AONB Team working with WHS A prosperous Wales Long Term The AONB Team will commit A Wales of cohesive communities long term to the partnership Page 91 Page AONB Management Plan Objectives: Multiple Benefits Working together creates WHS01, WHS05 understanding and reduces costs. Public Participation Showing willingness of AONB Team to show public support of WHS Five Ways of Working: Long term Integration Collaboration Involvement The two designations AONB are similar in outlook and governance and working together is both logical and sensible. The communities appreciate it e.g. Clinker Path. Work is underway to cross reference where possible e.g. JC and Board and have common goals Attendance at various outside Meetings Principles of SMNR: representing CR and DV AONB Collaboration and Engagement Learning The National Park Conference in Brecon through understanding Following up on the work for FLW Multiple Benefits Five Ways of Working: Attendance at Denbighshire and Conwy, Long term Flintshire and Wrexham PSBs. Integration Wye and Gower Governance Review. Collaboration Hosting visit by East Cheshire Countryside Involvement Service. Engaging new audiences is key as Flint and Denbigh Agricultural Show. opportunities arise, whilst always Llangollen International Eisteddfod maintaining existing audiences. Wrexham CBC Town and Community Council Forum. FLW Meets with NRW, WG and NPs NRW Priority Themes: NG VIP Principles of SMNR: Biodiversity Representing the Family of AONBs through the Collaboration and Engagement The Physiographical features NAAONB on the National Grip Visual National Panel is working together and is WG Wellbeing Goals: Improvement Project chaired by Chris Baines A Wales of cohesive communities Long Term If the first round is successful A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh more will come Page 92 Page language Scale Across the eligible NP and AONBs of AONB Management Plan Objectives: England and Wales BE03 Preventative actions 3 NPs and one AONB will benefit from schemes approx. value £475,000,000 Five Ways of Working: Long term Integration Collaboration Involvement Working on a landscape scale to achieve common goals and through the LEI wider benefits NRW Priorities: Llangollen Whitebeam Project Principles of SMNR: Biodiversity Adaptive Management - During survey, Physiographical features AONB working in partnership with Chester Zoo and dense stands of cotoneaster observed. This Wellbeing Goals: NRW at Creigiau Eglwyseg. Funding secured to invasive can be barrier to natural A Wales of cohesive communities enable leading botanists Dr Tim Rich & Libby regeneration of S Cunefolia and AONB were AONB Management Plan Objectives: Houston to undertake population survey of Llangollen able to fund contractors to undertake LGP03 Whitebeam (Sorbus Cunefolia). coordinated clearance works at relatively Following up from the survey will be an awareness short notice under Limestone Legacy raising exercise/publicity to draw attention to the fact Appropriate Scale - Works focused on both that the global population of this species is centred sites where S Cunefolia known to exist on a here. This will be via press/social media and guided global scale. Investigations may take place walks. this season on potential host sites in locality. Seed collection will also take place in September with Collaboration and Engagement Project a view to grow-on specimens. It is planned for success dependent on effective specimen trees to be planted in key public botanical collaboration between NRW, AONB, Chester sites such as Plas Newydd, Ness Gardens and Zoo, Ness gardens and local landowners and Oxford University, home of UK’s Sorbus Collection. Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Interpretation panels and a flyer will be produced Valley. closer to the time when specimen trees will be ready Public Participation - 2 guided walks to for introduction to such sites. draw people’s attention to importance of area to the global population of S Cunefolia. In addition, public able to take part in an organized event this September to harvest seeds to grow-on specimens. Evidence - 2017’s survey follows on from a previous study undertaken in 1987. The species is listed under IUCN as ‘Endangered’

Page 93 Page and evidence as to where species are is crucial. Multiple benefits – Opportunities to lead walks into this area of the AONB with associated health benefits – cultural benefits for Llangollen area. Preventative Action - Cotoneaster clearance, seed collection will provide a reserve seed bank at Ness Gardens in case of potential disease to threaten existing population. Long Term - Surveys agreed to be repeated every 25 years to monitor change. Specimens to be planted in key sites such as Ness Gardens can lead to greater understanding to importance of area and may lead to an increase of visitors. Building Resilience – Understanding the current population limits, expanding and securing the seed source and planting additional specimens.

Five Ways of Working: Long Term - Enhanced monitoring of populations, greater collaboration between organisations involved, increased awareness of public to importance of Creigiau Eglwyseg for its biodiversity importance. Prevention - Climbing community aware – through BMC – to importance of site and minimize inappropriate activity which could impact upon species ( e.g. ‘gardening’ or attaching ropes to trees) Targeted works to remove presence of cotoneaster to allow further colonization of species through seed dispersal. Page 94 Page Integration - Seeds collected and grown-on will allow for specimen trees to be planted in key sites. Also scope for specimens to be planted in schools and residential gardens (although not in the wider countryside). Residents wishing to plant-on trees in gardens will be asked to register and record where this has taken place through Cofnod. More members using this recording system will have wider benefits. Legacy - Better understanding to extent and spread of species. Better habitat conditions for species to expand. Increased public awareness to Sorbus Cunefolia, improved relationships & collaborations between organisations involved. Addressing spread of INNS on key SAC in NE Wales. Collaboration - Success of project dependent on a variety of organisations, landowners and volunteers.

NRW Priorities: Curlew Recovery Project Principles of SMNR: Biodiversity Adaptive Management - Partner Physiographical features Since 2017, AONB have been working with farmers in organisations managed to meet at extremely Wellbeing Goals: the Morwynion Valley in an attempt to try and improve short-notice to coordinate a realistic plan for A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh breeding opportunities to the declining curlew the current nesting season in an attempt to language population of the area. raise awareness to the current situation and AONB Management Plan Objectives: In January 2018 a workshop was held in Builth Wells also to try and encourage people to submit HMRO1,HMRO2,HMRO3,HMRO6, (attended by 3 staff) to address the chronic decline details of any sightings. the species faces. AONB have coordinated meetings Appropriate Scale - Welsh Curlew Action at a NE Wales scale to try and raise awareness to the group will cover the whole nation, but on a situation and ask for records of any breeding pairs in local basis, partners are focusing on the NE the area. Wales level. Collaboration between RSPB, BASC, WCBC, NRW, Collaboration and Engagement - Project FCC and the AONB has seen posters, press success dependent on effective releases, several illustrated talks and farm visits to try collaboration between NRW, AONB, FCC, and encourage people to send in sightings. Surveys WCBC, NFU, FWAG,NWWT, local have taken place in the Morwynion Valley with staff landowners and the local community.

Page 95 Page from above organisations and volunteers. Public Participation - The project being In June 2018, there will be the inaugural Welsh dependent on people reporting sightings but Curlew Action Group meeting taking place at Bangor, in addition there have been several for which the AONB have been asked to attend. illustrated talks, press releases and a social media campaign. Posters have been circulated in local shops and pubs as well as local agricultural stores and auction markets. Volunteers have been involved with surveys too. Evidence - Welsh curlew have declined by over 80% in 20 years. Cofnod are key partners in the emerging project too. Public are encouraged to enter records here – or officers that they contact will input on their behalf. Long-term trends via Cofnod may help better shape future conservation works via Welsh Curlew Action Group. Multiple benefits-Targeted works for curlew will benefit multiple species (e.g. other ground nesting birds). It is hoped that there is potential for some important breeding sites to be ‘closed down’ during the nesting season and that this would allow better conditions for key pollinators. This year’s works has enabled for greater communication and closer working with the farming community. Preventative Action - AONB in collaboration with RSPB have been able to continue with corvid control in the Morwynion Valley. Control of this species may well allow for an increase in the chick survival rate. Also beneficial to local farming community with fewer lambs lost/attacked by crows last year. Long Term - Without intervention, curlews as a breeding species will be lost from Wales within 15 years. Building Resilience – engaging farmers in Page 96 Page habitat improvements through heathland management programmes to influence long term management – working to move curlew populations to more sustainable levels.

Five Ways of Working: Long Term - To ensure that breeding curlews – and multiple species that would benefit from targeted works – have the required conditions available so that they have a future within the North East Wales landscape. Prevention - AONB in collaboration with RSPB have been able to continue with corvid control in the Morwynion Valley. Control of this species may well allow for an increase in the chick survival rate. Also beneficial to local farming community with fewer lambs lost/attacked by crows last year. Integration - The AONB are currently delivering key works under the LEI (Landscape Enhancement Initiative). Much of this work is focused in the Morwynion Valley and schemes eligible for funding may also assist in curlew recovery, or at the very least, work with farmers with birds present on their land. By working in partnership and forging positive working relationships, any future works may well be more likely to succeed. Legacy - Raising awareness of the chronic decline of curlews and that they can play an important role in ensuring that the species has a future within the Welsh landscape. Collaboration - Success of project dependent on a variety of organisations, landowners and volunteers.

NRW Priorities Working with volunteers and Communities Adaptive Management – Working with a Biodiversity range of community groups and developing Page 97 Page WG Wellbeing Goals: Volunteers have continued to contribute their time to a wide range of opportunities for people to be A Wales of cohesive communities engage with a diverse range of volunteering engaged in their local environments. A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving. opportunities. They have been involved in important Appropriate Scale - Working across the AONB Management Plan Objectives: and essential maintenance at AONB sites, including whole of the AONB and Denbighshire with PCO3, PCO4 the Country Parks, landscape projects, conservation individuals and groups of all ages. and habitat work, access improvements and Collaboration and Engagement - The community projects. Examples include opening up volunteer programme provides opportunities views on Prestatyn Hillside, species surveys, for people and communities to engage in the improving access along Offa’s Dyke Path, work of the service. Volunteers, young establishing a community garden and leading weekly Rangers and student placements are walks. important frameworks for engagement and Biannual volunteer programmes along with collaboration with local colleges. Volunteer additional days providing around 212 public programme is a key mechanism for the participation volunteer events throughout last year, engagement in key initiatives such as resulting in 800 individual volunteer days. Himalayan balsam removal – Big Dee Day , heather management and woodland The AONB continues to support students keen to gain management. an insight into the work of a protected landscape, Public Participation - Volunteer programme hosting two placements over an extended time frame. provided 212 opportunities for people to get One placement joined us from Chester University for involved in the work of the service with 800 a 5 week placement and another placement from volunteer days delivered. Coleg Cambria is with us for one day every week over 9 months. We also hosted week long students from a Evidence – volunteer activity is monitored variety of high schools for their work experience. across the Service in order to assess Two volunteers and their support works volunteer at participation levels according to age, gender, Loggerheads Country Park every week to help ensure geographical location. Programmes are then the around the Centre, cafe and Tea Garden areas are developed to address gaps – for example tidy and maintained for the high use they sustain. Young Rangers programmes. Multiple benefits- Volunteer activity The AONB supported the Big Dee Day Invasion with engages individuals and groups in important around 25 volunteers from Tesco’s in Ruthin and species and habitat conservation. Young Mold contributing to heathland management on Moel Rangers programmes provide opportunities Famau as well as around 20 volunteers from for young people to get active and have Denbighshire County Councils HR department on demonstrated effective pathways into their Away Day. Both groups spent the day clearing employment. Volunteer programme provide conifer trees off the important heathland in an area important opportunities for continued social popular for black grouse. interaction, physical activity for those out of work or post retirement. Page 98 Page 10 Young Ranger events. These included: Long Term - AONB establish long term o Bumblebee surveying and visiting a honey bee relationships with communities and hive at Coed Nercwys volunteers - with many volunteers o A visit to the Little Tern site at Gronant contributing over many years. o Abseiling at Devils Gorge Building Resilience - Long term o Loggerheads maintenance day- fixing the relationships with communities and riverside fence line volunteers provides the AONB with a strong o Woodland skills centre visit in Bodfari footing and essential support in taking works o Heathland Management at Moel Famau forward. o talk about ‘unloved heritage’ with Clwyd and Powys Archaeological Trust Five Ways of Working o Nest boxes building for pied fly catchers and Long Term - AONB establish long term dormice relationships with communities and o Hedge laying in Bishops wood volunteers - with many volunteers o Geophysics survey at Loggerheads with the contributing over many years. Clwyd and Powys Archaeological Trust Integration - The AONB provides opportunities for people to get involved and help shape everything in does. Volunteering is integrated into all aspects of our work. Legacy – Increased awareness of the special qualities of the landscape, increased social interaction, development of key skills, improved health. Collaboration - AONB work in partnership with NRW Forest Partnership, Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Glyndwr University, Chester College and Coleg Cambria in developing opportunities for people to get involved.

Page 99 Page NRW Priority Themes: Dark Skies Principles of SMNR; Biodiversity Adaptive Management – working to WG Wellbeing Goals: Throughout 2017 the AONB was engaged in a understand the quality of the night skies More resilient Wales programme focused on the quality of the night skies. across the AONB levels of artificial light Prosperous Wales Consultants, Dark Skies Wales and Bro were engaged impacting upon it – Lighting Plan and Dark A Wales of cohesive communities to develop 3 strands of work that will eventually lead to Sky designation will help to respond to these A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh an application to the International Dark Sky factors. language Association for a Dark Sky designation. The work Appropriate - Scale Working across the AONB Management Plan Objectives: included: Awareness raising programme; 7 events whole of the AONB and the 3 Authorities and LQC01,LQCO3,LQCO4 were held across the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley exploring a Dark Sky designation that will looking at and understanding the night sky. Walks and work at this scale. Working in collaboration talks were linked to the health benefits, importance to with SNP and others to link across North biodiversity and the economic benefits of dark night Wales. skies. Collaboration and Engagement – Monitoring Programme; The work gathered data on Stakeholder Engagement event to link with

Page 100 Page the quality of the night sky at over 40 locations across planners, street lighting technicians, the AONB. This will provide a baseline for future businesses, politicians community monitoring. representatives and biodiversity specialist Stakeholder engagement; – events and meeting from the outset. Collaboration with SNP and were held with key partners including planners and BBNP in order to share experiences, street lighting technicians form the 3 Local Authorities resources etc. – tourism businesses, biodiversity and conservation Public Participation – 6 events across the specialists. AONB providing opportunities for the public Recommendations and action plan for further to experience the night skies and the development; Recommendation to apply to IDA for biodiversity nightlife. Community Dark Sky community status. Funding applications to participation in Dark Sky monitoring take this forward have been successful. programme – training session held in Llanarmon yn Ial. Evidence – Sky Quality monitoring at over 40 locations across the AONB in order to provide a strong evidence base. Monitoring using IDA methodology. Multiple benefits – Quality Night Skies are shown to be essential for biodiversity – 60% of which depends on darkness for survival – Working with tourism businesses to ensure the potential to include dark skies in the tourism offer are maximised – 2 events – Community engagement events to promote the health and wellbeing benefits for quality night skies. Preventative Action – Working with Planners and street lighting technicians to develop guidance for more sensitive lighting plans – Lighting Management Plan Long Term - Work is aimed at achieving Dark Sky Community status with the IDA which will demonstrate a long term commitment from the 3 Authorities to quality night skies. Joint Committee for the AONB has approved this commitment. Building Resilience – Woking through the AONB Community Champions and 3 Local Authorities in order to foster commitment at community level. Five Ways of Working

Page 101 Page Long Term - Work is aimed at achieving Dark Sky Community status with the IDA which will demonstrate a long term commitment from the 3 Authorities to quality night skies. Joint Committee for the AONB has approved this commitment. Prevention - Working with Planners and street lighting technicians to develop guidance for more sensitive lighting plans – Lighting Management Plan Integration - Lighting consideration included in planning responses, night life and dark sky walks and talks included in Out and About programme for the coming year. Dark Sky opportunities promoted by Clwydian Range Tourism Group and Denbighshire and Flintshire DMPs. Legacy – Project is working towards Dark Sky community status for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley and is exploring the cumulative impact of dark sky status for landscapes across Wales. Collaboration - working with Planners and Street lighting technicians across the 3 Local Authorities, Business and community representatives – DMPs and Clwydian Range Tourism Group. Meetings with Snowdonia National Park in order to share resources and experiences and to maximise benefits across North Wales.

Page 102 Page

NRW Priorities Our Picturesque Landscape Principles of SMNR: Biodiversity Wellbeing Goals The AONB has been successful working with partners Adaptive Management – The project will Prosperous Wales to develop a Landscape Partnership Scheme work to find solutions to recreational Resilient Wales application to Heritage Lottery Fund called Our pressure at key sensitive sites. The project A Wales of cohesive communities Picturesque Landscape. The project is centred on the will work with farmers and landowners to A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Dee Valley and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal develop management regimes for areas of language. World Heritage Site and will direct work over the next ffridd across the De Valley – Mapping work AONB Management Plan Objectives: five years. The partnership is made up on has identified priority areas for intervention WHSO2,WHSO3,WHOS4,WHSO5,WHSO6 Denbighshire County Council, Wrexham county and has developed targets for management. council, Canal and River Trust, Cadw, Friends of the Appropriate – Working at a landscape scale Clwydian Range, Aqueducts and Shropshire Council. across the Dee Valley ensuring that setting The main areas that the project will focus on are: of the World Heritage Site and associated features are included in the project. Collaboration and Engagement – Project Conserving the Picturesque Landscape Steering Group includes, CRT, Wrexham 1) The project will restore and preserve these Council, Cadw, NRW, as well as community

Page 103 Page key views both from and into the World groups represented by Friends of the Heritage Site including views from Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Pontcysyllte, Chirk and Llantysilio. Aqueducks. Close working partnerships 2) The project will work in partnership with have also been developed with Llangollen landowners’ farmers to restore field Museum, National Trust, Llangollen Art boundaries, watercourses and historic Group and Wrexham Heritage Forum. parkland features. Public Participation – The development 3) The project will development a new gateway plan include a thorough programme of and access point on to the canal between community consultation at events in Llangollen and Trevor at Wernffrwd, a former Llangollen, Corwen, Cefn Mawr as well as on landfill site in order to help reduce pressure in site questionnaires at castell Dinas Bran and other areas. Horseshoe Falls. The Action Plan for the 4) The project will seek innovative solutions to project was developed from these reducing congestion. For example a consultation events Picturesque Bus Service will work with local Evidence – The development Plan has a bus and taxi companies to develop transport strong evidence base. Survey work has links to key visitor destinations in order to included – Habitat Connectivity, Community help reduce vehicular congestion and create Consultation, and Historic Environment a sense of place across the whole area. survey. 5) The project will seek to identify solutions to Multiple benefits – The project works access and erosion issues at the Horseshoe across a range of themes delivering benefits Falls, particularly in relation to paddle sports for access recreation and health, tourism and on the canal and River Dee. The project will the local economy, biodiversity and seek to bring users together to seek positive ecological resilience and well as community solutions. wellbeing. Preventative Action - The project will Engaging communities specifically work to address issues of 1) The project will focus on engaging individuals recreational pressure at key sites. It will also and groups from targeted communities within work with partners to invasive species along Denbighshire and Wrexham improving their the river Dee. health and wellbeing through a programme of Long Term - The project is a five year walking-outreach events. programme that will seek to develop 2) The project will engage with communities on sustainable approaches to land the edge of the World Heritage Site in the management. There will be a lasting positive planning and development of a pocket park at shift in perspective and behaviour both local Wernffrwd, former landfill site, between people and visitors. Outcomes will be Llangollen and Trevor. embedded within the community and within

Page 104 Page 3) The project will carry out physical access educational resources. improvements and develop links to local Building Resilience – The project will work communities from the World Heritage Site towards developing a lasting positive shift in through the development of circular, perspective and behaviour both local people waymarked and interpretive trails linking to and visitors. Outcomes will be embedded key gateways sites such as Ty Mawr Country within the community and within educational Park, Pontcysyllte and Llantysilio. resources. 4) The project will develop a series of Five Ways of Working: educational resources that will support Long Term - The project is a five year schools to engage with the landscape in programme that will seek to develop exploring the work of Welsh artists which sustainable approaches to land features at key stages 2 & 3 of the National management. There will be a lasting positive Curriculum. A series of resources for shift in perspective and behaviour both local research and study of the area, for schools, people and visitors. Outcomes will be colleges and special interest groups will also embedded within the community and within be developed which will include educational educational resources. participation events around the theme of Prevention - The project will specifically inspirational journeys through the Dee Valley. work to address issues of recreational pressure at key sites. It will also work with Accessing the Picturesque Landscape partners to invasive species along the river 1) The project will develop new interpretation at Dee. sites that are tied closely to the production of Integration - The Our Pictures Landscape key artworks from Richard Wilson, Turner and Project brings together the objectives and aspirations laid out in the AONB Edward Pugh, providing opportunities to walk Management Plan and the World Heritage in the footsteps of these artists. site Management Plan. These aims and 2) The project will develop a programme of objectives are also reflected in the DMPs for events that celebrate the industrial heritage Wrexham and Denbighshire. and artistic associations of the area and Legacy – The project will work towards encourage people to explore further afield developing a lasting positive shift in along the World Heritage Site and perspective and behaviour both local people surrounding landscape. and visitors. Outcomes will be embedded 3) The project will develop a programme of within the community and within educational events, to include projections within the canal resources. and events that celebrate the industrial Collaboration – A project Steering Group heritage and artistic associations of the area has been established which includes – NRW, and encourage people to explore further Wrexham County Borough Council, Canal afield along the World Heritage Site and and River Trust, Cadw, AONB, Friends of the surrounding landscape Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Aqueducts The Development Plan for the project has been and Shropshire Council. The Project is also produced and submitted to HLF and the application working with landowners and farmers,

Page 105 Page has been approved – securing £1.3million for the Outdoor activity providers and community project. groups.

NRW Priorities Corwen Community Engagement Principles of SMNR: Biodiversity Wellbeing Goals The AONB offered a broad range of activities in the Adaptive Management – A Management More resilient Wales Corwen area in 2017 – 18, encouraging and enabling Plan for Coed Pen y Pigyn has been drafted A Wales of cohesive communities people to learn new skills, be active, and learn about and agreed by NRW and the AONB. This A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh the local environment. Events have included: - has supported and responded to the new language 14 person days over 5 days of dry stone walling challenges and opportunities presented by AONB Management Plan Objectives: courses in Pen y Pigyn in May and June the development of the Community Hydro PC01,PC03,PC04 31 people days over 3 Young Ranger events : - Scheme.  exploring nocturnal Pen y Pigyn in June Appropriate – Events focus on small groups  Balsam bashing and exploring the river by so that a personal approach is possible, and, in the case of dry stone walling training, that coracle in August proper instruction can be safely provided.  Felling western hemlock and cutting back in Events targeted at the community of Corwen. Pen y Pigyn in March Collaboration and Engagement – Events been targeted to engage a wide cross 10 person days over 5 volunteering events: section of people, from toddlers to the  Installing fingerposts in Pen y Pigyn elderly. We have collaborated with a number  Balsam Bashing on Dol Corwenna of local organisations including the South  Repairing stone slab walling at Gro Isa Denbighshire Community Partnership,  Hemlock clearing in Pen y Pigyn Corwen Walking Festival, Llangollen Railway and Mind. Working in partnership with NRW  Installing bird boxes at Corwen Cutting through the Joint Working Partnership. Over 100 people engaged in Out and About events: Public Participation – Engagement in  The Great Dinosaur Hunt in Pen y Pigyn Corwen has focused on encouraging public participation in events and opportunities to  Family river dipping at Gro Isa get involved in the work of the AONB and  Meteorites at Night on Caer Drewyn NRW.  Short walks around Llangar and Caer Drewyn Multiple benefits – The project works across a range of themes delivering benefits Assisting the Corwen Walking Festival with a 5km run for access recreation and health, tourism and up to Caer Drewyn and walking the North Berwyn the local economy, biodiversity and Way. ecological resilience and well as community We have continued to support the Corwen Page 106 Page wellbeing. Community Garden with its weekly volunteer Long Term – By working with the Corwen afternoons. This has amounted to 63 person days Community Partnership, Canolfan Ni and over 44 events and has seen very successful crops other established groups in Corwen the grown, harvested and shared with the Canolfan Ni, project will build the capacity of these groups Cysgod y Gaer care home, and passers- by. A large to invest further into their local environment area has been managed into a wild flower meadow and to and to remain practically engaged. which is now establishing itself. Additional events have Building Resilience – The project is included willow weaving with the Mind Group and a working to build capacity in the community to garden party for McMillan. remain engaged in local environmental projects. The project has worked with local groups such as MIND for whom this type of engagement can bring long term benefits

Five Ways of Working Long Term - By working with the Corwen Community Partnership, Canolfan Ni and other established groups in Corwen the project will build the capacity of these groups to invest further into their local environment and to and to remain practically engaged. Integration – The project is linked to the South Denbighshire Community Partnership and is supporting the work of other groups such as MIND and Canolfan Ni and Corwen Community Hydro. Legacy – The project is working to build capacity in the community to remain engaged in local environmental projects. The project has worked with local groups such as MIND for whom this type of engagement can bring long term benefits Collaboration – The project is operated under a partnership with NRW and is working alongside South Denbighshire Community Partnership and Denbighshire’s Housing section.

NRW Priorities: Species Monitoring Adaptive Management – The AONB is Biodiversity building a programme of key species Page 107 Page Wellbeing Goals Reptile surveys associated with the special habitats of the A more resilient Wales We have been working in collaboration with Amphibian AONB. This will inform and help to fine tune A Wales of cohesive communities and Reptile Conservation to survey Prestatyn Hillside the management of these habitats. A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh and Gwaenysgor, to find out what reptiles are present Appropriate Scale – Species monitoring is language in the area. Before the surveys had taken place there taking place across all key habitats across AONB Management Plan Objectives were no formal records of any reptiles in the area. ARC the ANOB, heathland sites, grassland site HM03 provided us with survey matts that have been put out and woodland sites and are targeting priority in Gwaenysgor and on Prestatyn Hillside. After a short species. training session with the local community volunteers, Collaboration and Engagement – The these mats are now being monitored by local people. AONB has been working with key partners – To date we have found a good population of Common Butterfly conservation, NRW, ARC and lizard. Surveying will continue in the hope of finding RSPB, Cofnod. slow worms, grass snakes or even adders. Knowing Public Participation – A key element of the what species are in the area will allow us to manage approach is to work with communities and the site with them in mind. volunteers. Gwaenysgor Community, Young Rangers and Countryside Service Butterfly surveys volunteers. Butterfly transects have been set up at Loggerheads Evidence – The programme is aimed at Country Park and Prestatyn Hillside using Butterfly establishing a strong evidence base for monitoring scheme methodologies. These surveys will habitat and species conservation work help to show habitat management success of these undertaken. two sites. This data will not only allow us to monitor population on our own sites but will also feed into Multiple benefits – The programme is Butterfly Conservations national survey to help monitor working to engage communities and butterfly population trends throughout the UK. volunteers in their local environments and to be active in its conservation – health The Loggerheads Country Park transect was set up in benefits, education and biodiversity. February 2017 and was surveyed throughout the Preventative Action – Reducing the impact season. 22 different species were recorded in one of road traffic on toad and frog populations – transect with 3 being Species of Principal Importance. raising awareness of the impacts. Targeting A butterfly report has been written and put in the species conservation to where species loss information centre for visitors to read. is a real concern. Long Term – Building on what is already a The Prestatyn hillside transect was set up at the end of long term monitoring programme for some 2017. Training of local people has taken place and that species – black grouse, GCN in order to build transect is now being monitored by volunteers. Data a clear picture of population densities. will be analysed at the end of the 2018 season. It is Building Resilience – Greater

Page 108 Page hoped more transects will be started within the AONB understanding of population densities of key by trained volunteers. Getting volunteers involved has species will help to target habitat works that made surveying more sustainable and also educated a will move towards sustainable populations new audience. Five Ways of Working Newt Surveys Long Term - Building on what is already a Two newt surveys have been carried out at both Moel long term monitoring programme for some Findeg and Coed Nercwys to provide evidence that species – black grouse, GCN in order to build habitat management techniques are working. Results a clear picture of population densities. . include: Prevention - Reducing the impact of road traffic on toad and frog populations – raising Nercwys newt totals from two surveys awareness of the impacts. Targeting species Species Number seen conservation to where species loss is a real Great Crested newt 3 concern. Smooth newt 1 Integration – Integrating monitoring across Palmate newt 34 a range of project throughout the AONB Unidentified small newt 234 including youth projects and community Frog 10 projects. Working with Cofnod and linking to Toad 21 Prestatyn Hillside – national black grouse recovery project. Legacy – A core set of data tracking species decline / recovery which will inform future management of key habitats. Moel Findeg newt totals from two Collaboration – Working with a range of surveys partners, NRW, RSPB, ARC, Butterfly Species Number seen Conservation farmers and landowners. Great Crested newt 65 Smooth newt 27 Palmate newt 99 Unidentified small newt 32 Frog 1 Toad 6

Toads in the Road A toad crossing in Llandegla (Ruthin road) was managed by AONB staff and supported by North East Wales Wildlife. On this particular stretch of road, hundreds of toads get killed by cars each year while making their way to their ancestral breeding ponds. On warm evenings in the spring, volunteers walked up and

Page 109 Page down the road picking up the toads and safely crossed them over at peak traffic times.

Toad crossing data Toads saved 1404 Toads killed 685 Frogs saved 33 Frogs killed 22 Palmate Newts saved 1 Palmate newts killed 3

Pied Fly Catchers The Young Ranger group built 20 new bird boxes to go up at Loggerheads Country Park. These were for a mixture of different bird species but in particular the Pied Fly catchers. After being put up some boxes were blocked so they did not become occupied by other birds before the Pied Fly catchers arrived later in the season. Posters have been put up to educate the public about these birds and to encourage sightings to be reported to the rangers. Monitoring of the boxes will take place over the coming year.

Black grouse Annual monitor took place again this year with the AONB leading on surveys on Clwydian Range and supporting surveys on Llantysilio Mountain, Ruabon and North Berwyn. Numbers for the Clwydian Range continue to grow with 41 males counted – compared to 38 last year and 25 in 2016.

Page 110 Page

Agenda Item 10

Summary of 2017 Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Sustainable Development Fund

Introduction

This document is a short summary of the activities of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund relating to the Management Plan’s Priorities in 2017/18.

Background

Ever year the Welsh Government provide Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty grant funding called the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). It is an opportunity for individuals, groups and communities to apply for grant aid for innovative, sustainable, environment projects, which involve local communities with the aim of achieving a more sustainable way of living in a countryside of great natural beauty and diversity. For financial year 2017/18 WG gave an allocation of £55,000 towards activities in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.

Funding breakdown

Total Value of the Sustainable Development Fund in 2017/18

£50,001.04

£272,447.55

SDF Grant Contribution from WG Match Funding Contribution

Page 111 Two claims were submitted during the year;  Claim 1 – 20.12.2017 £17,800.00  Claim 2 (Final) 22.03.2018 £37,201.04

Match Funding

As per previous year the majority of cash match funding is secured by other public sources. A breakdown can be seen below.

Breakdown of Match Funding Contribution

£24,640.00

£26,214.00

£221,593.55

Public Cash Match Funding Private Cash Match Funding Time in-kind Match Funding

Performance Indicators

A condition of the funding received is to achieve set targets. These are outlined below;

Description of target Target for CRDV Achieved to date AONB Creation of job or jobs supported 1 3 Volunteering opportunities 5 9 – 3000+ volunteer hours have been recorded Deliver training or awareness 3 6 raising sessions on sustainability Maintain high level funding levered in from public, private and voluntary sector

Page 112 How has the Sustainable Development Fund contributed towards the Management Plan’s priorities?

In this section we demonstrate how SDF projects are contributing towards the AONB’s Management Plan priorities and is broken down per Special Quality. (Page 97 of Management Plan).

Objective Policy Actions SDF Reference Description ref. LQCO1 Ensure that the PolSq1 Support Cadwyn Clwyd CRDV_15 The project employed a coordinator and funded natural resources and Renewable Energy Pilot Ynni Lleol general set up costs of an Energy Local Club trial. special qualities of the projects and other AONB are recognised appropriate community £3,666 The trial matches energy generated by local and valued based projects which renewables with local demand. This provides two seek to mitigate the benefits: Page 113 Page impact of climate change  Increased revenue for local renewable energy and reduce the carbon generators footprint of the AONB  Decreased energy bills for local householders without harming the special qualities and features of the area or its character and appearance BO1 Using SDF and other PolHE1 Continue to support CRDV_17 The AONB have been working with landowners in the funds develop a through SDF a grant Lost Morwynion Valley, between Corwen and Llandegla, to Countryside Grant scheme to facilitate Landscapes develop a landscape enhancement scheme. The Schemes to support boundary improvement. schemes includes: projects which will £74,524  hedgerow restoration maintain and enhance  drystone walling the most important  pond creation boundaries in the  moorland management  Parkland and veteran tree management AONB as well as other  Wildflower meadow creation features  Roadside Nature Reserve management.  Small woodland planting HMRO Associate food PolHW4 Engage producers and CRDV_09 SDF supported two local food consortiums the 4 production with retailers with the Light Up Clwydian Range Food Trail and the Llangollen and Dee ecosystem Clwydian Range Food Local Valley Good Grub club to work with a number of management Trail project to promote already established events to introduce a quality local local produce and give £5,500 food element. added value to produce associated with positive The project also demonstrated that local food can conservation works sustainably be part of already established events and established a framework for the relationship between Page 114 Page event organisers and local producers and retailers to continue beyond the life of the project. IVCO5 Target information PolART Collect and disseminate CRDV_05 Working in partnership with Denbighshire CC, relating to the 1 data on actual and Wrexham CBC and Canal and River Trust we are Countryside Code, potential users Visitor currently undertaking a feasibility study to critically behaviour and the recreational needs and Appraisal assess/address issues of pressure and congestion in impact of visitors on aspirations Study the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB whilst at conservation status of the same time identify maximising benefits to key sites £30,000 surrounding areas of North East Wales. The study will develop a greater understanding of the impacts of high visitor numbers: 1. Impact and value to the local economy 2. Impact and value to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding communities. 3. Impacts on the landscape and sensitive ecological / historical value. 4. Gather available evidence on visitor behaviour and motivations 5. Gather further evidence in the form of visitor surveys to fill data gaps.

ODPPR Raise awareness of PolART Continue to develop CRDV_11 The main aim of the Actif Woods project is to improve 04 the acknowledged 3 through partners health and wellbeing by getting people active in health and well-being volunteer and events Actif Woods woodlands. With support from SDF people have benefits provided by programme activities improved physical, mental and social well-being. Local the AONB and that encourage the use £4,000 organisations and activity leaders have increased skills develop initiatives of the countryside. and capacity to run woodland activities for people. promoting physical Develop and promote Organisations will be aware of the benefits of and activity particularly Health Walks and Green opportunities for health and wellbeing activities in walking and cycling Gyms close to AONB woodlands. Local woodland will be better accessed settlements. and improved

Page 115 Page

How has the Sustainable Development Fund contributed towards the Well-Being goals?

Another condition of the Welsh Government grant includes the demonstration of how projects contribute to the Well-Being goals. We have supported local food groups to embrace the opportunities and responsibilities AONB Campaigns and our partnership of producing food and drink in a protected project with the Wales Outdoor Partnership area. called “Enjoy the Great Welsh Outdoors safely” was a strategic response to the impacts of land use and environmental change on the AONB

Page 116 Page A partnership project set out to Allwedd Enwau a new Welsh Language determine the population size and App has stimulated awareness of and status, identify threats, and produce a interest in cultural diversity within the conservation plan to safeguard the AONB. Dating Old Welsh Houses and Llangollen whitebeam. the Clwydian Range Archaeology Group have conserved, enhanced and raised awareness of character and local distinctiveness of historic features.

The Actif Woods programme and Wrexham and Prestatyn Walking A telephone kiosk regeneration project Festivals have raised awareness of has assisted the community of Carrog to the acknowledged health and well- enhance the local characteristics of our being benefits provided by the community and inform local people and AONB Community Transport Scheme and Llangollen WILD AONB and developed initiatives visitors about the wildlife, landscape and project (seeking to establish indoor/outdoor learning promoting physical activity. land use of the area. space) has/will remove physical and psychological barriers to access enabling all sectors of society to participate in and benefit from recreational opportunities. Project highlights in pictures Page 117 Page

This page is intentionally left blank Agenda Item 11

SUMMARY OF AONB PLANNING CONSULTATIONS

OCTOBER 2017 – MARCH 2018

Code No. (1) Site Address Brief Description of Summary of AONB Comments LPA Response to Development Decision AONB Comments (2) 21/2017/0928 16 Rectory Lane Demolition of porch and erection No objection Refused N/A Llanferres, CH7 5 SR of attached garage 17/11/17 03/2017/0898 18 Bishops Walk Erection of extension to front of No objection Granted N/A Llangollen, LL20 8RZ dwelling 16/11/17 20/2017/0771 The Barn Pentre Coch Change of use of store to annex No objection Granted N/A LL15 2YF accommodation 06/11/17 05/2017/0860 Station Camp Site Details of landscaping scheme Additional landscaping required Granted Carrog, LL21 9LB 25/10/17 057427 Ty Hir, Nercwys, CH7 Change of use of land to a site for Object 4AU 23 no. tourist lodges 057419 Kelston Farm, Gwespyr, Demolition of existing dwelling No objection, subject to Granted CH8 9LU and erection of replacement Conservation Officer views and re- 16/1017 dwelling use of existing stone 47/2017/0903 Ffynnon Beuno Siting of shepherds hut for sale of No objection, subject to colour Granted Tremeirchion, hot and cold food and reinstatement conditions 06/11/17 LL17 0UE 057610 The Chalet, Gwaenysgor, Erection of single storey extension No objection, subject to Granted N/A LL18 6EP to existing dwelling Conservation Officer views 27/11/17 20/2017/0955 Bryn Creigiog Erection of replacement and new No objection Granted N/A Graigfechan, dormers to dwelling 03/01/18 Ll15 2EY 27/2017/0945 Land opposite Abbey Erection of 11kv overhead lines No observations, subject to Granted N/A Dingle, Llantysilio LL20 supported by wood poles Conservation Officer views 16/11/17 8DD 47/2017/0865 Henllys Tremeirchion Variation of condition to allow a No observations Granted N/A LL17 0UR further 3 years to commence 05/12/17 development 27/2017/0938 Ty Isa, Llandynan Erection of an agricultural No objection, subject to additional Granted Llangollen, building for livestock tree planting 16/11/17 LL20 7YU 27/2017/0873 Canalside Bungalow Erection of a replacement No objection, suggest alternative Granted Llantysilio LL20 8EE detached garage materials 04/12/17 21/2017/0957 4 Bryn Artro Avenue Erection of replacement dwelling No objection, suggest alternative Granted Llanferres CH7 5SG materials and landscaping 13/12/17 057642 Bryngwyn Farm, Conversion of redundant rural No objection, suggest design Granted Gwernymynydd, CH7 4DY building to holiday changes 08/02/18 accommodation 15/2017/0172 Engine House At Former Restoration and conversion of Concerns over impact on sensitive Nant Lead Mine, Eryrys engine house to dwelling and site but accept need to restore CH7 4TD associated works; including new Listed Building. Further details access track (amended plans) required 15/2017/0173 Engine House At Former Listed Building application for Concerns over impact on sensitive Nant Lead Mine, Eryrys restoration and conversion of site but accept need to restore CH7 4TD engine house to dwelling Listed Building. Further details (amended plans) required 057687 Herons Retreat, Afonwen, Variation of condition on No observations Granted N/A CH7 5AD permission 054249 for more time 22/12/17 to submit details 057623 Maes Mynan Quarry, Change of use of land to mixed- Object Granted Afonwen, CH7 5UB use holiday and leisure park subject to S106 15/2017/0969 Land at Capel Bethel Change of use of grazing land to No objection, suggest hedge Withdrawn N/A Llanarmon Yn Ial CH7 extend existing burial ground planting 13/12/17 4QE 15/2017/0998 Bryn Defaid, Mynydd Du Construction of a manege for Concerns over siting and scale, Refused CH7 4BR personal use suggest alternative scheme. 11/12/17

Page 119 Code No. (1) Site Address Brief Description of Summary of AONB Comments LPA Response to Development Decision AONB Comments (2) 15/2017/0893 Parc Farm Holiday Park, Erection of boundary wall with Support deletion of freestanding Granted N/A Llanarmon Yn Ial, CH7 inset sign and display area sign 13/12/17 4QW (Amended plans) 05/2017/0589 Foel Bach, Corwen, LL21 Retrospective change of use of Support additional landscaping, Granted 9BY agricultural land to vehicle suggest wildflower seed mix 29/11/17 hire/maintenance (Amended plans) 17/2016/0658 Llandegla Trout & Coarse Extensions to existing shop/café Part no objection, part object; Fishery, Llandegla, LL11 and garage building to provide suggest design, landscaping and 3AA managers accommodation; siting lighting conditions. of containers and shepherd hut toilet units 01/2017/0844 Tennis Courts, Lower Installation of floodlights to tennis No objection, suggest measures to Granted Park, Denbigh, LL16 3EL courts mitigate light pollution 11/12/17 15/2017/1078 Vine Cottage Llanarmon Variation of condition of to allow No observations Granted N/A Yn Ial CH7 4QX an additional 5 years to commence 02/01/18 works 16/2017/0986 Pen Y Waen Llanbedr Extension to garden store to form No objection Granted N/A Dyffryn Clwyd LL15 1SU a therapy pool and changing area 10/01/18 03/2017/1050 The Mount, Berwyn Removal of sun room and erection No objection Granted N/A Llangollen, LL20 8AL of extensions 02/01/18 P/2017/0923 The Old Shop, Bettisfield Demolition of dwellings and No observations Granted N/A SY13 2LN erection of 2 detached dwellings. 01/05/18 03/2017/0725 Former HSBC Llangollen Change of use to outdoor pursuit's Welcome amendments. No Granted N/A LL20 8PF headquarters, including café and objection 27/12/17 bunk house (Amended plans) 15/2017/1104 Preswylfa, Eryrys CH7 Erection of extensions and Concerns over scale, additional Refused 4BR alterations to dwelling information required 10/01/18 15/2017/1063 Pen Y Coed, Eryrys CH7 Alterations and extension to No objection Granted N/A 4DD conservatory 10/01/18 17/2017/1031 The Willows Llandegla Change of use of restaurant to No objection Granted N/A LL11 3AG holiday accommodation 27/12/17 057592 The Old Coach House, Conversion of existing detached No objection, subject to Withdrawn N/A Llanasa, garage into holiday annex Conservation Officer views, 08/01/18 CH8 9NF suggest design changes 21/2017/0878 Tyn Yr Ynn Farm Prior Notifcation for No objection Granted N/A Maeshafn agricultural/forestry building 18/12/17 CH7 5LU 17/2017/1145 Ty Newydd Llandegla Erection of extensions and No objection, suggest design Granted LL11 3AU alterations to dwelling changes 18/01/18

03/2017/1134 4 Fairway View Llangollen Erection of extension to dwelling No objection, subject to Granted N/A LL20 7PS Conservation Officer views 18/01/18 03/2017/1135 4 Fairway View Llangollen Erection of extension to dwelling No objection, subject to Granted N/A LL20 7PS (Listed Building) Conservation Officer views 13/01/18 05/2017/1097 Cae Einion Corwen, Change of use of land to camping No objection, suggest landscaping Granted LL21 9BY site including the erection of 7 and materials conditions 25/01/18 bell tents 057822 Stanton, Gwernymynydd, Erection of extension to existing No objection, suggest natural slate Granted CH7 5LQ house and garage roof 25/01/18 10/2017/1159 Bodanwydog Llandegla Erection of extension to cattle No objection Granted N/A LL11 3BB store 22/01/18 16/2017/1074 Land at Cae Glas Llanbedr Development of land by the No objection subject to retention Granted DC erection of dwelling (outline of trees and landscaping 28/03/18 LL15 1US application) 41/2017/1154 Ty Nant Helygen Bodfari Erection of extension and No objection subject to materials Granted LL16 4DP alterations to dwelling 25/01/18 10/2017/1146 Land adj Paradwys Change of use of land and the Object to siting and scale, suggest Granted Bryneglwys formation of a menage alternative site and design 27/03/18 LL21 9LL 03/2017/1099 Land adj Tregwern Erection of dwelling, garage and No objection subject to views of Granted Llangollen, construction of a new vehicular Conservation Officer and materials 22/01/18 LL20 8RH access 03/2017/1185 Abercregan House Erection of extension to dwelling No objection Granted N/A Llangollen, LL20 7PS 02/02/18 15/2017/1151 Brenhinlle Fawr Alterations to garage to provide Additional justification required; Granted Llandegla, LL11 3AT residential annex accommodation suggest additional conditions. 18/01/18 057834 Smithy House, Nannerch, Erection of extension to rear of Concerns with design; suggest Granted CH7 5RD dwelling Conservation Officer involvement 22/02/18 03/2017/1228 The Pines, Llangollen Erection of extension and No objection Granted N/A

Page 120 Code No. (1) Site Address Brief Description of Summary of AONB Comments LPA Response to Development Decision AONB Comments (2) LL20 8SW alterations to dwelling 09/02/18 03/2017/1157 The Llangollen Goods Variation of condition to allow an No objection Granted N/A Yard, Llangollen LL20 extension of time to commence 27/02/18 8SN development 20/2017/1219 Genus Breeding Ltd Demolition of building and No objection, suggest materials, Granted Llanrhydd LL15 2UP erection of a two-storey laboratory landscaping and lighting 20/03/18 building conditions 09/2018/0019 Ysgubor Isaf, Bodfari Erection of extension to dwelling Concerns with scale, suggest Granted LL16 4DD landscaping 14/03/18 18/2017/1144 Coed Coppi Fancer Insertion of gate to field for No objection Granted N/A Llandyrnog maintenance 06/03/18 LL16 4LY 057975 Nannerch Hall Farm, Conversion of coach house to No objection subject to materials Granted Nannerch, CH7 5RD commercial office and new side 20/04/18 extension 057949 Tan Y Fron, Gronant, Erection of one new dwelling No objection, suggest materials Granted LL19 9TL and landscaping 01/03/18

057882 Plas Hafod Hotel, Demolition of existing Support improvement of hotel in Gwernymynydd, CH7 5JS conservatory, extensions for new principle but serious concerns bedrooms, dining room and about impact on Listed Building entrance 47/2017/0839 Bryntirion Farm Rhuallt Erection of an agricultural No objection subject to Granted LL17 0TG building for lambing (Amended agricultural need and landscaping 14/03/18 plans) 16/2018/0107 3 Bathafarn Cottages Installation of replacement Concerns over retrospection; no Refused N/A Llanrhydd LL15 2YA windows (retrospective Listed observations subject to 04/04/18 Building application) Conservation Officer views. 03/2018/0057 Bron Heulog, Llangollen Alterations and extension to No observations Granted N/A LL20 7UH dwelling 15/03/18 15/2018/0106 Bryn Defaid, Mynydd Du Construction of a manege for No objection subject to Granted CH7 4BR personal use (Amended scheme) landscaping and lighting 15/03/18 16/2018/0027 Ty Capel Llanbedr Erection of dwelling No objection in principle but Dyffryn Clwyd concerns over scale and materials LL15 1UT 03/2018/0070 Rowlands Pharmacy Installation of fascia, totem and No observations Granted N/A Llangollen, LL20 8RY wall mounted signs 15/03/18 057207 Field Cottage, Demolition of the existing house Concerns over scale of Gwaenysgor of a new 6 bedroom family development, suggest landscaping, LL18 6EW dwelling (Amended plans). materials and removal of PD rights 058031 The Croft, Erection of first floor extension No objection Granted N/A Gwernymynydd, CH7 5JW 16/03/18 27/2018/0125 Ty Craig, Berwyn Erection of extension to dwelling No objection subject to Granted N/A Llangollen, LL20 8BS and reinstatement of dry stone Conservation Officer views 25/04/18 wall 23/2018/0046 Clocaenog Forest Saron Variation of condition on code no. No observations Granted N/A Denbigh 23/2016/0875 to amend Ecological 18/04/18 Management Scheme 21/2018/0166 12 Bryn Artro Avenue, Erection of single storey rear No objection subject to matching Llanferres CH7 5SG extension materials 23/2017/1218 Bryn Morfydd Hotel Demolition of existing hotel and No observations on principle but Llanrhaeadr Denbigh, construction of new hotel, holiday concerns over loss of trees, light LL16 4NP lodge park and associated works. pollution and landscaping 09/2017/1125 Candy Mill Bridge Infill of void under bridge No objection, suggest provision for Bodfari including flood culverts future recreational access LL16 4DR 09/2018/0111 Castell Bach, Bodfari Alterations and restoration of No objection subject to Granted N/A LL16 4HT building as extension to existing Conservation Officer views 27/03/18 dwelling 41/2018/0199 1 Derwen Terrace Bodfari Erection of first floor rear No observations N/A LL16 4DH extension to dwelling 41/2018/0009 Chapel Cottage Bodfari Erection of extensions to dwelling Serious concerns with design. LL16 4DW 20/2018/0043 Land at Ty Coch Farm, Details of 2 dwellings (outline Concerns with design, Graigfechan LL15 2HB permission 20/2016/0164 ) landscaping and materials 27/2018/0035 Gyfelia Farm Rhewl Erection of agricultural building No objection Granted N/A Llangollen, LL20 7YT for the storage of hay 27/03/18 27/2018/0036 Gyfelia Farm Rhewl Erection of agricultural building No objection subject to materials Granted

Page 121 Code No. (1) Site Address Brief Description of Summary of AONB Comments LPA Response to Development Decision AONB Comments (2) Llangollen LL20 7YT for the storage of cattle and and landscaping 26/03/18 machinery 27/2018/0160 Ty Newydd Eglwyseg Erection of extension to dwelling No objection Granted N/A LL20 8EH 27/03/18 03/2018/0204 Maytree Fron Bache Erection of extensions and No objection subject to materials Granted Llangollen, alterations to dwelling 26/04/18 LL20 7BW 15/2018/0203 Pen Y Ffrith Llanarmon Alterations and extensions to No observations Granted N/A Yn Ial CH7 4QX dwelling 01/05/18 47/2018/0100 Tyddyn Y Graig Change of use of land from No objection to personal use, Granted Tremeirchion agricultural to equestrian and suggest lighting controls and 27/03/18 Ll17 0UR erection of stable block landscaping 22/2018/0129 Cyffion, Llangynhafal Erection of extension and No objection Granted N/A LL16 4LN alterations to dwelling 04/04/18 20/2017/1219 Genus Breeding Ltd Demolition of building and Materials acceptable, concerns Granted Llanrhydd LL15 2UP erection of a two-storey laboratory relating to landscaping and 20/03/18 building (Amended plans) lighting 16/2018/0027 Ty Capel Llanbedr Erection of dwelling (Amended No observations N/A Dyffryn Clwyd plans) LL15 1UT 05/2017/0085 National Westminster Conversion of former bank into Support, subject to Conservation Bank Corwen, LL21 0DE holiday accommodation Officers views 03/2018/0181 Y Golfa, Llangollen, Ll20 Change of use from care home to No objection N/A 8HN holiday let

Total Number of Applications: 84

Policy and Strategic Consultation Responses: October 2017 – March 2018

Denbighshire LDP Review Report and Replacement LDP Draft Delivery Agreement

‘Hedgehog Street’ Campaign

Flintshire LDP Preferred Strategy Consultation

Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance Note – Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB

Planning Appeal Decision: Pant y Maen Windfarm, Land adj to Llyn Bran (25/2015/0321)

Notes:

(1.) Denbighshire planning application code numbers are shown as 12/3456/7891, Flintshire as 12345 and Wrexham as P/1234/5678. Details of applications can be viewed on the Planning Portal for the relevant authority. See links below:

http://planning.denbighshire.gov.uk/Planning/lg/GFPlanningWelcome.page

http://planning.wrexham.gov.uk/Planning/lg/plansearch.page?org.apache.shale.dialog.DIALOG_NAME=gfplanningsearch&Param =lg.Planning

http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Planning/Databases/Planning-Applications.aspx

(2.) LPA response to AONB comments colour coded as follows: green for fully accepted, orange for part accepted and red for not accepted.

(3.) Local Planning Authority (LPA) position updated 10/05/18.

(4.) Copies of full AONB comments on specific applications available on request.

Page 122 Agenda Item 12

Forward Work Programme June 2018 Update

Project Detail/Action Timescale Timescale Cost –ve or +ve Not Started (£ Cost) or Management Plan or Problem Reference =Red neutral (Through New Updated for June New Dates In Progress existing and on track 2017-New Action external =Amber budgets) Complete =Green Finance

Finance and Audited Accounts for 2017-18 Neutral Funding signing off NRW Core Future Core Funding 2018-21 +ve AONB Funding New three year funding package approved Strategic Plans 2017-20 AONB Review Actions 2018-19 Neutral Management Plan Outreach and 2x Volunteer 2018-19 Neutral Volunteers strategy Programme Published per annum AONB Tourism Review Actions 2018-19 Neutral Plan

AONB Joint Committee

Joint Committee Three JC Meetings 2018-19 Neutral Meetings

AONB Forum Theme(s) in principle Scheduled Neutral proposed by Partnership November 8th

AONB Meet Local Annual Meet Complete Meeting Neutral Members/Town and held 23.4.18 Community Councillors

AONB Town and To contact all Councils All invited to above Neutral Community and request a Champion meet 23.4.18 Champions for the AONB LA Meets with Town To write to LAs to get an AONB Presented to Neutral and Community AONB Presentation on Wrexham Councils their collective meetings Association of with their Town and Community councils Community Councils 22.3.18

Page 125 Forward Work Programme June 2018 Update Continued

Project Detail/Action Timescale Timescale Cost –ve or +ve Not Started or neutral Management Plan or problem Reference =Red In Progress New Updated for June New Dates on track 2017-New Action =Amber Complete =Green

AONB Partnership

Full AONB Three AONB 2018-19 Neutral Partnership Partnership Meetings Meetings AONB Award Presentation Partnership Agenda Neutral June 2018

Partnership Working Groups:

Landscape £1,000 for SPG 2018-19 +ve Character and development Working on Dark Skies, Built New Planning Environment Applications and supporting SPG Land £1,000 for project 2018-19 +ve Management and development Curlew Project the Natural SMS Scheme-Grazing Environment Animals Heritage, Culture £1,000 for project 2018-19 +ve and development for Heritage Project Communities developed from Management Plan Tourism AONB Badge 2018-19 +ve £1,000 for project development Tourism project developed from either Tourism Plan or Management Plan Understanding AONB Leaflet 2018-19 +ve and Enjoyment Key View Points Recreation Study £1,000 for project development of Access Project developed from Management Plan Engaging with Investigate working in Presentation Neutral businesses(Non partnership with 11.6.18 at WG to Tourism) businesses NE Wales Powerhouse

Page 126 Forward Work Programme June 2018 Update Continued

Project Detail/Action Timescale Timescale Cost –ve or +ve Not Started or or neutral Management Plan problem Reference =Red In Progress New Updated for June New Dates on track 2017-New Action =Amber Complete =Green

AONB Special Projects

Welsh WG Approved 2018-19 +ve Government Projects: £10k Dark Skies Funding £5k strengthening AONB/WHS £24k AONB Threshold Signs £6k Clinker Path NRW OPL Match Bid 2018-20 +ve Competitive Healthy Walking Proceeding to Funding round 2

Our Picturesque HLF approve 2018-23 +ve Landscape £1.2million for OPL Project! Climate Change To train and deliver Winter 2017-18 3rd Neutral Education the programme education round commissioned 5x new Project schools.

Section 85 Organisations

SP Network Moel y Parc. Complete March 2018 Neutral Lines Scheme value £145K Aqueduct value £37k length undergrounded: 1.3 kms Landscape Phase 1 approved Neutral Enhancement and underway . EOI Initiative (National submitted for new Grid) round WG Future New Minister The Deputy Minister Neutral Landscapes Wales appointed- Hannah has asked the 5 AONBs Blyddyn to jointly write a paper for the Autumn

Page 127 This page is intentionally left blank