Snowdonia National Park Authority the Minutes Book Volume (22) 2017-2018

Snowdonia National Park Authority The Minutes Book Volume (22) 2017-2018

The Authority sustains the environment,culture PARC CENEDLAETHOL ERYRI and community and promotes understanding and lle i enaid gael llonydd SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK enjoyment of the Snowdonia National Park one of Britain’s breathing spaces The Minutes Volume This volume contains the minutes of meetings of the Snowdonia National Park Authority 2017-2018.

Page Nos. 1. AUTHORITY MEETINGS 26 April 2017 1 – 5 28 June 2017 (AGM) 6 – 14 27 September 2017 15 – 21 13 December 2017 22 - 29 7 February 2018 30 – 38

2. PLANNING & ACCESS COMMITTEE 5 April 2017 39 – 43 24 May 2017 44 – 49 5 July 2017 50 – 53 13 September 2017 54 – 60 18 October 2017 61 – 64 6 December 2017 65 – 68 17 January 2018 69 – 72 7 March 2018 73 – 77

3. STANDARDS COMMITTEE 7 July 2017 78 – 80

4. PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE 12 July 2017 81 – 84 15 November 2017 85 – 89 21 March 2018 90 – 94

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY WEDNESDAY 26th APRIL 2017

Councillor E. Caerwyn Roberts (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Elwyn Edwards, Thomas G. Ellis, Alwyn Gruffydd, Craig ab Iago, John Pughe Roberts, Dyfrig Siencyn;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mrs. Marian W. Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. Emyr Williams, Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Dafydd Edwards, Mrs. Sian Griffiths, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey.

Apologies Councillors Aeron M. Jones, Sion W. Jones, Ifor Glyn Lloyd, John MacLennan, Elizabeth Roberts.

1. Chairman’s Announcements (1) the Chairman referred to the recent death of Mrs. Mary Taylor, former Chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. He advised that a Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Abergavenny on Friday 26th May 2017 at 2.00 p.m. (2) the Chairman confirmed that the Review of Designated Landscapes in Wales report was still awaited. (3) the Chairman advised upon a meeting between officers from the Authority and officers from the National Grid, who had confirmed their commitment to undergrounding along the Dwyryd Estuary and surrounding areas. (4) the Chairman advised that revised guidelines for the appointment of Members had been adopted. (5) Bethan Wyn Jones, the Ecosystem and Climate Change Officer would be presenting Awards for the winners of the “Seeing Stars Snowdonia” photography competition on the rising of the Authority meeting. (6) the Chairman advised that one candidate had been unable to attend the first round of interviews for the Welsh Government vacancy left by Mr. David Roberts. This interview was being held this afternoon and the appointment would be made shortly. (7) the Chairman conveyed best wishes to all the Local Authority Members with contested seats at the upcoming Local Government election.

2. Public Question Time Members were informed that no public questions had been received.

3. Declaration of Interests Councillor A. Gruffydd declared both a personal and prejudicial interest in item 11 on the Agenda, under paragraphs 10 (2) (c) (i) and 12 (1) of the Code of Conduct for Members, and left the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed.

Councillor E. Edwards declared both a personal and prejudicial interest in item 11 on the Agenda, under paragraphs 10 (2) (c) (i) and 12 (1) of the Code of Conduct for Members, and left the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed.

Mr. Owain Wyn declared both a personal and prejudicial interest in item 11 on the Agenda, under paragraphs 10 (2) (c) (i) and 12 (1) of the Code of Conduct for Members, and left the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed.

4. Minutes The minutes of the Authority meeting held on 8th February 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

5. Matters for Information arising from the minutes There were no matters arising.

6. 2017 Audit Plan Submitted – The Wales Audit Office 2017 Audit Plan.

Reported - The Director of Corporate Services presented the Audit Plan 2017 on behalf of the Wales Audit Office. He advised that any questions raised by Members would be forwarded to the Wales Audit Office for their response.

Arising thereon, Members discussed:- - the recent Governance and Improvement Workshop hosted by Wales Audit Office, which some members thought should have been provided through the medium of Welsh. - the Chief Executive confirmed that the Wales Audit were aware of comparative costs in England and Scotland.

RESOLVED to note the contents of the 2017 Audit Plan.

7. Corporate Plan 2017/18 Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services together with a copy of the Corporate Plan 2017/18, for adoption.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and Corporate Plan 2017/18. He outlined the amendments as recommended at the Performance and Resources Committee on the 15th March 2017.

The Director of Corporate Services confirmed that:- - Communication Hubs were being established at Pen y Pass and Yr Ysgwrn, as were additional activities.

- Members will receive training to become ambassadors in the current year.

RESOLVED to adopt the Corporate Plan 2017/18 and approve its publication in accordance with the guidelines.

8. Corporate Work Programme 2017-18 Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services together with the Authority’s Corporate Work Programme for 2017-18.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and Corporate Work Programme outlining the projects, initiatives and specific actions proposed in order to fulfil the Authority’s Improvement Objectives.

Members considered the report and discussed the following in detail:- Health and Wellbeing - Members discussed the Well Being Assessments, currently being undertaken by the Local Service Boards, which will provide valuable data and opportunities to work in partnership to develop projects and access funding. - the Chief Executive advised that the Gwynedd & Mon Service Board has elected to work in partnership. Their well-being assessment has identified the environment as being significant, with an obvious role for the National Park and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Authority has only been asked to comment on the Conwy and Denbigh Assessment. - the Director of Planning and Land Management advised that while the County Council has the statutory responsibility for footpaths, the Authority was prepared to work in partnership on footpaths which are important to the National Park, to avoid duplication. A report will be submitted to Members in due course.

RESOLVED to note the report and formally adopt the Corporate Work Programme as a working document for 2017-18 as submitted.

9. Members’ Working Group Reports Submitted – Reports of the Members’ Working Group meetings held on 18th January and 1st March 2017.

RESOLVED to note the reports.

10. Yr Ysgwrn Fundraising Trust Submitted – A report by the Ysgwrn Project Manager for Members to consider establishing a trust to raise funds for Yr Ysgwrn.

Reported – The Ysgwrn Project Manager gave a short presentation on the work at Yr Ysgwrn to date and Members were advised of the proposed timetable for completion of the work and the re-opening of Yr Ysgwrn.

Members welcomed the report and made the following observations:-  the Authority should take up the Funding Group’s offer of assistance to develop a Fundraising Plan.

 would the Fundraising Trust meet future staff costs currently met by the Heritage Lottery? Officers advised that this was not the intention and would depend on the success of the trust in future.  the Chief Executive confirmed there were two more years of lottery funding until completion of the present Business Plan.  the advantages/disadvantages of the four models allowed by the Charity Commission were discussed in detail, and Members agreed that the Authority should aim for the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) – Foundation model, which would focus on Yr Ysgwrn.  officers were still working on the costs associated with establishing a Trust and assumptions about the minimum amount the Trust hopes to raise per annum.  officers anticipated that a significant source of income would be gifts in wills.  the next step was to develop a business plan to enable Yr Ysgwrn to run independently of HLF money. Members felt that if this can’t be achieved, the project will have failed. Money raised by the Charity would be over and above what was needed to run Yr Ysgwrn and for specific conservation work on projects.  the relationship between the Trust and the Authority was important and principles should be set within sound guidelines.

RESOLVED to note the report and accept the recommendations as set out in the ‘Funding Centre’ report to:- (1) agree to establish a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) – Foundation model on the grounds that its main purpose would be to raise funds for supporting and developing Yr Ysgwrn as a long- term museum; (2) authorise the Project Manager, with the support of The Ysgwrn Project Group, to proceed to establish the charity, agree the final governance document, identify and ensure an independent chairman for the trust, and to complete the application to the Charity Commission in order to register the charity; (3) nominate either the Chief Executive or the Corporate Director, the decision to be made by officers, together with Mr. Owain Wyn as the Authority Member to act as basic trustees for the charity when it is created.

11. Annual Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to discuss the Annual Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented his report and Members discussed the options available to them.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to adopt a senior salary of £6,025.00 for the Vice Chairman and the Chairs of Committees.

12. Review of Standing Orders Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services for Members to consider a revision to Standing Orders. 4

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and advised that the Authority was required to change its Standing Orders to comply with amended regulations, which require that the quorum for a Planning Committee meets a national standard of 50% of its membership, instead of the current requirement for at least one third of its membership to be present.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to propose and second an amendment to Standing Orders to be considered by the Authority at its next meeting.

13. Calendar of Meetings Submitted – A timetable of meetings for the period 2017/2018.

RESOLVED to approve the timetable for 2017/18, as submitted.

14. Meetings of other Organisations Submitted - Oral reports on recent meetings of organisations that Members had attended as representatives of the Authority.

Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd – Energy Island Programme Strategic Forum Developing Wylfa was subject to securing the funds, and to date there had been no assurance from Hitachi. In addition, of the 10 apprenticeships currently being developed, eight were from Wales and none of the programme was being presented through the medium of Welsh.

Mr. Owain Wyn The Vice Chairman had represented the Authority at the recent opening of the café at Pen y Pass. Councillor John MacLennan and Councillor Ifor Glyn Lloyd were also present. The support provided by the Authority for young people with disabilities in the workplace was welcomed and the café currently employed 8 full time staff and provided some seasonal work.

Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd and Mr. Owain Wyn – Legislative Training Both Members had attended the recent training session, arranged jointly by National Parks Wales and Natural Resources Wales, which had been valuable and interesting.

RESOLVED to thank Members and note the reports.

15. Minutes The minutes of the Performance and Resources Committee held on 15th March 2017 were submitted, for information.

RESOLVED to note the minutes.

The meeting ended at 11.30

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY 28th JUNE 2017

PRESENT:

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

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Wyn Ellis Jones, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. E. Williams, Mr. G.I. Jones, Mr. J. Cawley, Mr. D. Edwards, Mr. E. Roberts, Mrs. A. Gaffey, Mrs. Sarah Roberts, Ms. Llinos Angharad.

1. Chairman The Director of Corporate Services advised Members that in accordance with Standing Orders 5.2 and 5.3, he had received nominations proposing Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd and Mr. Owain Wyn as Chairman of the Authority. Both nominees took up the invitation to address the meeting, introduce themselves to new Members and provide a summary of their background and experience.

Mr. Owain Wyn was elected Chairman of the Authority. The Chairman thanked Members for their support. As a Member of the Authority for the past 4 years and Vice Chairman for the past year he was now looking forward to carrying out the duties of Chairman to the best of his abilities.

2. Vice-Chairman The Director of Corporate Services advised Members that in accordance with Standing Orders 5.2 and 5.3, he had received nominations proposing Councillor John Pughe Roberts and Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones as Vice Chairman.

Councillor John Pughe Roberts took the opportunity to address the meeting and provided details of his background and experience. Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones was unable to attend the meeting and had tendered apologies.

Councillor John Pughe Roberts was elected Vice-Chairman of the Authority. The Vice-Chairman thanked Members for their support.

3. 1) Apologies for absence Councillors Catrin Wager, Pauline Heap-Williams; Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones.

2) Chairman’s Announcements (i) the Chairman took the opportunity to thank the former Chairman, Mr. Caerwyn Roberts, for his dedication and valuable work on behalf of Snowdonia, its landscape and its people, for over eighteen years as Chair and 30 years as a Member. (ii) Members were asked to make every effort to attend the Planning Training session at Plas Tan y Bwlch on Friday, 30th June 2017. (iii) the Chairman referred to the Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales consultation report which had recently been published. The Chief Executive will provide Members with links to the consultation and associated documents, and a report will be presented to a special meeting of the Members Working Group on the 12th July 2017. (iv) all Members were invited to attend the official opening of Yr Ysgwrn on Wednesday, 6th September 2017 in the company of the Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales and Mr. Gerald Williams. (v) the Chairman advised that the Chair and the Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, Cllr. Lesley Roberts and Ms. Sarah Fowler, were visiting Eryri and would be attending the Authority meeting as observers.

4. Public Question Time Members were informed that no public questions had been received.

5. Declarations of Interest No declarations of personal interest were made in respect of any item.

6. Membership of the Authority Submitted - The Chief Executive’s report on current membership of the Authority.

Arising thereon, some amendments to contact details were outlined and Members noted that a corporate email address would be set up for the Chairman in due course.

RESOLVED subject to noting the amendments, to accept the report.

7. Minutes The minutes of the Authority meeting held on 26th April 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

8. Appointment of Members to serve on Committees, Panels, Working Groups and External Representation Submitted - A report by the Chief Executive to appoint Members to serve on the following Committees, Panels, Working Groups and External Representation.

RESOLVED 1. to appoint Members as follows:-

(1) COMMITTEES i) Planning and Access Committee - All Authority Members ii) Performance and Resources Committee - All Authority Members iii) Standards Committee (Term of Office established by the Standards Committee (Wales) Regulations 2001) Councillors Alwyn Gruffydd, Wyn Ellis Jones; Mr. Ceri Stradling + 3 Independent Members

(2) PANELS i) Single Status Grading Appeals Panel 3 Members + 2 substitute Members to be drawn from the Standards Committee membership by the Standards Committee

(3) WORKING GROUPS i) Members’ Working Group - All Authority Members ii) Local Joint Working Group Councillors Freya Hannah Bentham, Elwyn Edwards, Edgar Wyn Owen; Mr. Owain Wyn. iii) Yr Ysgwrn Management Group Councillors Alwyn Gruffydd, Elwyn Edwards, Annwen Hughes, Elfed Powell Roberts; Mrs. June Jones, Mr. Owain Wyn. iv) Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board Mrs. Marian W. Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn. v) Future Landscapes Group Mr. Owain Wyn

(4) AUTHORITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES i) Celyn, Tegid and Tryweryn Advisory Conference Councillors Elwyn Edwards, Ifor Glyn Lloyd, Gethin Glyn Williams; Mrs. June Jones. ii) Eryri Forum Mr. Owain Wyn (Chairman) Councillor John Pughe Roberts (Vice Chairman) Councillors Alwyn Gruffydd, Wyn Ellis Jones; Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones. iii) Local Access Forums South: Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams North: Ms. Tracey Evans iv) Eryri Equality Forum Councillor Ifor Glyn Lloyd 8

(5) TASK AND FINISH GROUPS i) Compliance Councillors Elwyn Edwards, Edgar Wyn Owen, Ifor Glyn Lloyd; Mr. Ceri Stradling. ii) Centres Councillors Alwyn Gruffydd, John Pughe Roberts, Pauline Heap-Williams; Mrs. M. June Jones. One vacancy remains for the new Welsh Assembly Member. iii) Assets Sub-Group Councillors Catrin Wager, Pauline Heap-Williams, Gethin Glyn Williams; Mrs. M. June Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling. One vacancy remains for the new Welsh Assembly Member. (Reserve Member: Mr. Owain Wyn)

(6) MEMBER CHAMPIONS i) Biodiversity Champion Councillor John Pughe Roberts ii) Cultural Heritage Champion Councillor Elwyn Edwards iii) Member Development Champion Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones iv) Health and Wellbeing Champion Ms. Tracey Evans

(7) OTHER BODIES i) Cywaith (Buildings Preservations Trust) Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd Arising thereon, Members were advised that the Trust was being discontinued on the 1st August 2017. ii) Trawsfynydd Stakeholder Group Councillor Elfed Powell Roberts iii) Joint Council for Wales Mr. Ceri Stradling iv) National Trust, Beddgelert Local Liaison Committee Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd v) Campaign for National Parks (The 3 Welsh National Park Authorities are to be represented by a Member of the Authority which holds the National Parks Wales Secretariat).

vi) Alliance for National Parks Cymru Councillor John Pughe Roberts vii) Welsh Local Government Association Council Councillor Annwen Hughes viii) Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau (SAC) Councillor Freya Hannah Bentham ix) Snowdonia Green Key Initiative Executive Group Mrs. M. June Jones x) Aggregates Regional Technical Statement Members’ Group Mr. Owain Wyn (Reserve Member: Ms Tracey Evans) xii) Energy Island Programme Strategic Forum Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd xiii) Dyfi Biosphere Partnership Mr. Owain Wyn xiv) Cambrian Coast Railway Liaison Conference Councillor Freya Hannah Bentham

9. National Park Authorities’ Priorities 2017/18 Submitted – A remit letter from Lesley Griffiths AM, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, for information.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the letter and outlined the main points. Members expressed their concerns at the late receipt of the letter and asked the Chief Executive to request that it be submitted on time in future.

RESOLVED 1. to note the letter, for information. 2. to ask the Chief Executive to forward the Authority’s concerns, as outlined.

10. Annual Governance Statement 2016/17 Submitted – A report by the Head of Administration and Customer Care to approve the Annual Governance Statement and allow it to be signed by the Chairman and the Chief Executive.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report in the absence of the Head of Administration and Customer Care.

RESOLVED to note the report and approve the Annual Governance Statement incorporating the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Statement on Internal Control for the 2016/17 financial year.

11. Revenue and Capital Outturn Report 2016/17 Submitted – A report by the Chief Finance Officer comparing, at service area level, the Authority’s budgeted revenue and capital spending plans for 2016/2017 and the actual outturn expenditure for the year.

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer presented the report which provides details of virements, transfers and carry-forwards of revenue and capital budgets for formal approval. The Chief Finance Officer advised that the Specific Risks Reserve (para. 4.3) should read “underspend for the year of £88,227 ….” which results in a “balance of £451,699 at 31/3/2017”.

Members discussed the deficit at Plas Tan y Bwlch and their concerns that it had become apparent so late in the year. The Director of Corporate Services assured Members that reports, including monthly figures, were now being prepared to ensure that the circumstances in which the Authority found itself had been rectified. Arising thereon, Members welcomed Awel Griffiths to the post of part time Commercial Manager at Plas for a period of 12 months.

The Chairman thanked the Chief Finance Officer, the Head of Finance and his staff for their work.

RESOLVED 1. subject to the above amendments, to note the contents of the outturn report and approve the virements in the revenue and capital budgets as outlined in the report (section 3 and appendix 1). 2. to approve the transfers to and from earmarked reserves (£540,435 net movement) as outlined in the report (table in para 3.3). 3. to note the final position of directorates and services with regard to budgetary control (para 3.4 to 3.6 and appendix 2). 4. to approve the allocation of slippage and commitments (£589,387) (appendix 3). 5 to approve setting aside the balance of additional income and underspend from the 2016/17 financial year (£138,672) in the specific risks reserve (para 4.1). 6 to approve the transfer of the excess on the Car Parks reserve (£8,463) to the Specific Risks Reserve (para. 4.12). 7. to approve the transfer of the balance on the Green Key reserve (£36,000) to the Match Funding (Snowdon Circular Route) reserve (para. 4.13). 8. to approve the Capital Financing Statement (part 5).

12. Annual Report - Treasury Management 2016/17 Submitted – A report by the Chief Finance Officer detailing the Authority’s Treasury Management activity during 2016/2017, for information.

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer presented the report, which outlined the Authority’s Treasury Management activity during 2016/17.

RESOLVED to note the report.

13. LIFE + Celtic Rainforest Project Submitted – A joint report by the Director of Planning and Land Management and the Head of Conservation, Woodlands and Agriculture seeking approval for the submission of a bid for LIFE+ funding.

Reported – The Head of Conservation, Woodlands and Agriculture presented the report background and project proposal, and Members were asked to agree, in principle, that the Authority submits the application. Members will have further opportunity to consider the detailed proposal if the Authority gets through the screening assessment. The Head of Conservation, Woodlands and Agriculture advised that it was difficult to advise upon the extent of the project at this stage, as it changes daily.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and authorise officers to submit the proposal/application for LIFE+ funding on behalf of its partners to control Rhododendron Ponticum and manage Atlantic Oak Woodlands. 2. that a further report be submitted, prior to accepting any offer of LIFE+ funding.

14. Annual Report of the Monitoring Officer Submitted - A report by the Director of Corporate Services to advise Members on complaints referred to the Ombudsman during the period 2016/17 and the work of the Authority’s Standards Committee.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and advised that the next meeting of the Standards Committee will be held on 7th July 2017.

RESOLVED to note the report.

15. Review of Standing Orders Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services for Members to adopt revisions to Standing Orders.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and background and advised upon the revised Standing Orders as proposed and seconded by the Authority at its meeting on 26th April 2017.

RESOLVED to note the report and approve the variation to the Authority’s Standing Orders as set out therein.

16. Members’ Attendance Submitted – An information report by the Director of Corporate Services detailing Member attendance at Authority and Committee meetings from 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2017.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

17. Welsh Language Standards Submitted – A report by the Head of Administration and Customer Care together with the Authority’s Welsh Language Standards 2016/17 Monitoring Report.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report in the absence of the Head of Administration and Customer Care.

RESOLVED to approve the report and authorise the Head of Administration and Customer Care to publish the 2016/17 Monitoring Report on the Authority’s website.

18. Members’ Working Group Report Submitted – Report of the Members’ Working Group held on 5th April 2017.

Arising thereon, the Director of Planning and Land Management advised that training on the Revised Eryri Local Development Plan would be offered to Community Councils in the autumn.

RESOLVED to note the report.

19. Conferences (i) National Parks Conference 2017 Goodwood Estate, South Downs 25th to 27th October 2017. Submitted – An oral report by the Chief Executive together with the Conference Invitation.

Reported – The Chief Executive advised Members that it was customary to send four delegates, including the Chairman, to the Conference. On this occasion, as the current lead officer of National Parks UK, the Chief Executive also needs to attend.

RESOLVED to send four delegates to the Conference, including the Chief Executive. The following members were nominated to attend:- Mr. Owain Wyn (Chairman), Councillor John Pughe Roberts, Councillor Ifor Glyn Lloyd. (Reserve Member) Mr. Ceri Stradling.

(ii) Europarc Conference 2017 Majic Mountains Territory, Portugal Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive to inform Members of the EUROPARC Conference 2017 and discuss representation from SNPA at the event.

Reported - The Chief Executive advised that the next Europarc Conference would be held in the Majic Mountains territory of Portugal from the 6th to 10th September 2017.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and authorise representation from Snowdonia at the Europarc Conference 2017. 2. to delegate the decision on the actual representation to the Chairman and Chief Executive.

20. Meetings of other Organisations Members had not attended any recent meetings as representatives of the Authority.

21. Minutes The following minutes were submitted for information:- (1) Minutes of National Parks UK AGM and Executive Meeting held on 9th June 2016. (2) Minutes of the National Parks Wales Executive Meeting held on 2nd November 2016.

The meeting ended at 16.10

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY WEDNESDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2017

Mr. Owain Wyn (Chairman) (Welsh Government)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Elwyn Edwards, Alwyn Gruffydd, Annwen Hughes, Edgar Wyn Owen, John Pughe Roberts, Catrin Wager, Gethin Glyn Williams;

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Christopher Hughes, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling;

Officers Emyr Williams, G. Iwan Jones, Jonathan Cawley, Dafydd Edwards, Emyr Roberts, Naomi Jones, Anwen Gaffey.

In attendance Michelle Phoenix, Wales Audit Office Alan Hughes, Wales Audit Office

Apologies Councillors Freya Hannah Bentham, Elfed Powell Roberts; Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones.

1. Chairman’s Announcements (1) The Chairman welcomed Councillor Philip Capper, Councillor Christopher Hughes and Mr. Brian Angell to their first Authority meeting. (2) The Chairman confirmed that he had been re-appointed to the Authority until 31st May 2021. The Chairman explained that the Welsh Government had revised their re-appointment process and in future would require formal evaluations of Member performance to measure their contribution to the work of the Authority. In order to maintain good governance the Authority will also need to review its current arrangements and a report will be presented to a future meeting of the Members’ Working Group. (3) The Chairman reported that the three National Parks in Wales were today presenting their joint response to the Welsh Government White Paper – Taking Forward Wales’ Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. A copy of the response will be circulated to Members, for information. (4) The Chairman thanked the Authority’s staff for the success of the formal opening of Yr Ysgwrn on the 6th September, with special thanks to Naomi Jones, Head of Communication and Education and Sian Griffiths, Project Officer. (5) The Chairman advised upon the Authority’s recent success in securing grant aid for two projects; a joint scheme for the sustainable management of Wales’ peatlands, and the National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision project, which aims to replace a section of overhead lines across the Dwyryd Estuary with an underground cable, and also includes additional funds for other minor improvement projects in Eryri.

(6) The Vice-Chairman took the opportunity to thank the Authority for supporting the recent ‘Discover Dyfi’ event. (7) The Chairman asked the Members who were attending the Welsh Members’ Seminar in Brecon to liaise with the Members Services Officer regarding travel arrangements. (8) The Chairman conveyed best wishes to Councillor Edgar Wyn Owen on his retirement from R. & I. Jones after 52 years. The Chairman, on behalf of Members and Officers, wished him a long and happy retirement. (9) The Chairman expressed best wishes, on behalf of Members, to Mr. Andrew Weir, former Senior Lecturer at Plas Tan y Bwlch, who was currently receiving hospital treatment.

2. Public Question Time Members were informed that no public questions had been received.

3. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

4. Minutes The minutes of the Authority meeting held on the 28th June 2017 were accepted, and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

5. Matters for Information arising from the minutes Item 13 – LIFE + Celtic Rainforest Project The Chief Executive confirmed that the grant application had been submitted.

Item 19 (ii) – Europarc Conference 2017 Majic Mountains Territory, Portugal The Chairman advised that the Head of Warden and Access Service and the 2016 Geraint George Scholarship winner, Steffan Gwyn, had accompanied him to the Conference in Portugal. Members will receive a short presentation on the Conference at the Authority meeting on 13th December 2017.

6. Committee Membership and Vacancies Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive to appoint Members to further vacancies on the Authority’s Committees, Panels, Working Groups and to represent the Authority at meetings of other organisations for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED 1. to appoint Members as follows:- i) Standards Committee – Cllr. Chris Hughes ii) Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board– Cllr. Freya Bentham iii) Eryri Forum – Cllr. Ifor Glyn Lloyd iv) Centres’ Task and Finish Group – Cllr. Gethin Glyn Williams v) Assets Sub-Group – Mr. Brian Angell vi) Member Development Champion – Cllr. Catrin Wager vii) Northern Area Inspection Panel – Cllr. Chris Hughes and Ms. Tracey Evans (who elected to change from the Southern Inspection Panel). viii) Southern Area Inspection Panel – Mr. Brian Angell

2. to ask officers to provide Members with membership details and role descriptions.

7. Annual Improvement Report 2016/17 Submitted – The Annual Improvement Report 2016-17 by the Auditor General for Wales, together with a Summary Report.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the Annual Improvement Report on behalf of the Wales Audit Office.

RESOLVED to note the report and accept the recommendations.

8. Adopting Improvement Objectives and Well-Being Objectives for 2018-19 Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive to approve a timetable for adopting improvement objectives and wellbeing objectives for 2018-19.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the report and timeline for adopting the improvement and wellbeing objectives, and sought Members’ support to engage an independent facilitator to assist the Authority in setting its objectives. If Members were in agreement, the facilitator would be invited to the next meeting of the Members’ Working Group in October.

Arising thereon, a member recommended that the Authority should replace the word “Partnership” with “Community and Volunteer Engagement” for the 2018- 19 objectives. Members also discussed the need to include areas which border the National Park boundary and also to future proof any objectives in preparation for place plans.

RESOLVED to agree to engage the services of an independent facilitator to assist the Authority in setting its improvement and well-being objectives for 2018-19, and to approve the timeline for their adoption, as submitted.

9. Governance Letter and Terms of Reference on the proposed pilot work on the Wellbeing of Future Generations Submitted – The Governance Letter and Terms of Reference report from the Wales Audit Office. A revised Governance Letter was circulated to Members as the copy within the Agenda was not the final version.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the Governance Letter and the terms of reference report and Members noted that the pilot work on the Wellbeing of Future Generations will assist the Authority in setting its objectives and improve the way sustainable development principles are applied.

RESOLVED to accept the letter and report as submitted and to await a further report, for information.

10 (a) Statement of Accounts 2016/17 Submitted – A report by the Chief Finance Officer to approve the Statement of Accounts and the Final Letter of Representation

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer presented the report, Statement of Accounts and the Final Letter of Representation for approval.

10 (b) ISA 260 Audit of the Financial Statements – Snowdonia National Park Authority Submitted – The Audit of Financial Statements report.

Reported – Ms. Michelle Phoenix and Mr. Alan Hughes, Wales Audit Office, presented the report and advised upon the key issues. Ms. Phoenix confirmed that she would be presenting the Authority with an unqualified audit report and thanked the Authority’s finance team for their assistance and co-operation.

Arising thereon, the Chief Finance Officer advised that next year’s accounts will also be presented earlier in preparation for the revised timetable for SNPA which comes into force for the 2018/19 accounts. The tighter timescale will present a challenge but the Head of Finance and his team have been preparing for this over the past 2 years and, all other things being equal, are capable of meeting the deadline in future.

Members discussed the problems encountered with the Authority’s Fixed Asset Register and noted that the IT Section were working on making the register more fit for purpose. Arising thereon, Members asked officers to discuss the Fixed Asset Register with the other National Parks to assess how the Authority can learn from best practice in similar organisations. Michelle Phoenix noted that she would be meeting with the Auditors of the other Welsh National Parks to discuss best practice in such issues.

The Chairman thanked Michelle Phoenix and Alan Hughes for attending to present the report.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to approve the Statement of Accounts and the Letter of Representation. 3. to authorise the Chairman and the Chief Finance Officer to sign the Letter of Representation on behalf of the Authority following approval of the Authority’s financial statements. (Appendix 2 of the Financial Statements and Appendix 1 of the ISA 260 Report).

11. Budget Update Submitted – A report by the Chief Finance Officer to inform members of the addition of the 2015/16 slippage into the 2016/17 baseline budget, and to advise upon significant virements. The report also provided Members with an update on progress against the revenue and capital budgets and projected final position for the financial year.

Reported - The Head of Finance presented the report and provided members with further information on the detailed figures. Members were asked to note a correction in para. 3.3 of the report, that the net increase in the base budget should be £1,084,523 giving a revised total of £6,167,582 as shown in the table (para. 3.1).

The Chief Finance Officer thanked the Head of Finance and his team for their work.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and confirm the proposed actions, namely the allocation of slippage from 2016/17 (table in para. 3.1). 2. to approve the use of the specific risks reserve, as required, to finance the deficit of £9,700 currently foreseen (para. 5.8).

12. Annual Report and Improvement Plan for 2016-2017 Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to adopt the Annual Report and Improvement Plan and approve its publication by 31st October 2017.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and the Annual Report and Improvement Plan.

Members and officers discussed whether it would be beneficial to provide an Executive Summary in future, as the Chairman’s report was quite lengthy.

RESOLVED to adopt the Annual Report and Improvement Plan for 2016- 17 and approve its publication by the 31st October 2017.

13. The Learning Strategy Annual Report Submitted – A report by the Head of Education and Communication to update Members on progress.

Reported – The Head of Education and Communication presented the Annual Report and Strategy and advised that, in future, the Strategy would be more concise.

Members considered the Annual Report and Strategy and made the following observations:- - the next review should include lifelong learning so that the Strategy addresses all audiences. - Para 2 - the generic description of Snowdonia National Park’s location should be amended. - Members noted that officers intend to discuss options for Plas Tan y Bwlch to offer school courses through the Field Studies Council.

RESOLVED to note the Annual Report and Learning Strategy and approve the programme for 2017-18.

14. Communication Strategy Annual Report Submitted – A report by the Head of Education and Communication to update Members. 19

Reported – The Head of Education and Communication presented the Annual Report and Strategy.

Members considered the Annual Report and Strategy and made the following observations:- - Members were disappointed at the poor response to the Authority’s website and noted that as Snowdonia was the second most popular National Park in the U.K. this was unacceptable. The website needs to be further developed and has to improve its position within search engines. Officers explained that some National Parks were more commercially inclined; they provide a ticket selling service for events on their websites, which raises the number of visits. - as a result of excellent publicity this year visitor numbers had increased and the type of visitors were also different. - Members noted that while the Authority continued to release press statements, the Strategy did not include how the Authority intends to manage the press e.g. by releasing bad news prior to any anticipated adverse publicity etc. - Members agreed that the Authority should use social media and the website to provide more information on issues such as land use heritage and the culture of the National Park, implications of climate change and the impact of Brexit. It was crucial for the Authority to respond to, and provide information on, such major issues and advise upon how they impact on the National Park. - the Communication Strategy review will start early in 2018 with discussions involving staff and Members. The aim was to adopt the amended Communication Strategy in September 2018.

RESOLVED to note the Annual Report and Communication Strategy and approve the programme for 2017-18.

15. Working Group Reports Submitted – Reports of the Members’ Working Group meetings held on the 24th May, 5th July and 12th July 2017.

RESOLVED to note the reports.

16. Welsh Members’ Seminar: 3rd - 4th October 2017 Brecon Beacons National Park Submitted – The Chief Executive provided Members with an oral update on arrangements for the forthcoming Welsh Members’ Seminar.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

17. Meetings of other Organisations Submitted – Oral reports on recent meetings of organisations that Members had attended as representatives of the Authority.

Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd, Energy Island Programme Strategic Forum - there was still no certainty that funding would be available for Wylfa Newydd. Plans were currently being amended and excavations were ongoing.

RESOLVED to thank the Member and note the report.

18. Minutes (1) The minutes of the Standards Committee held on 7th July 2017 were submitted, for information. RESOLVED to note the minutes.

(2) The minutes of the Performance and Resources Committee held on 12th July 2017 were submitted, for information. RESOLVED to note the minutes.

The meeting ended at 12.15

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY WEDNESDAY 13th DECEMBER 2017

Mr. Owain Wyn (Chairman) (Welsh Government)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Freya Bentham, Elwyn Edwards, Alwyn Gruffydd, Annwen Hughes, Edgar Owen, Elfed Roberts, John Pughe Roberts, Catrin Wager, Gethin Williams;

Member appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillor Philip Capper;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling;

Officers Mr. Emyr Williams, Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Dafydd Edwards, Mr. Emyr Roberts, Ms. Naomi Jones, Mrs. Helen Pye, Mrs. Rebeca Jones, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey.

Apologies Councillors Christopher Hughes, Ifor Glyn Lloyd.

1. Chairman’s Announcements The Chairman advised that:- (i) Yr Ysgwrn had recently won the “Go North Wales” Best Newcomer Tourism Award. (ii) the Snowdon Partnership Plan (Cynllun Partneriaeth yr Wyddfa) had been shortlisted for a “Sustain Wales Award” in the “Sustainable Innovation in Public Services” category. (iii) the YFC Wales Eisteddfod Crown, sponsored by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, was awarded to the winner of the prose competition, Naomi Nicholas, of Llysyfran YFC, Pembrokeshire. (iv) Hywel Williams MP and Sian Gwenllian AM will be visiting Yr Ysgwrn on the 19th December 2017. (v) the Authority has been successful in securing a Sustainable Management Scheme grant for the Afon Eden Project, Trawsfynydd. (vi) Snowdonia will hold the National Parks Wales Secretariat from February 2018 for the forthcoming two years. (vii) the Chief Executive had completed his term as lead officer of National Parks UK. The Chairman also noted that he had been appointed to serve as the Vice-Chairman of National Parks UK for the forthcoming year. (viii) at a recent meeting with Hannah Blythyn, Minister for Environment, the Chairman had extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Snowdonia, possibly in Spring 2018. (ix) the Chairman had written to the Welsh Government to seek an explanation as to why the Cabinet Secretary, in her statement to the Environment Scrutiny Committee, had stated that “in her discussions with the National Parks” and that “Snowdonia was well resourced”.

No discussions had been held and recent data confirmed that the Authority’s budget would be significantly less in 2020 than it was in 2001. (x) he had attended an event at Plas Tan y Bwlch to celebrate the contribution made by volunteers to the work of the Authority. This will be an annual event in future. (xi) a delegation from Jutunheimen National Park, Norway, met with the Chairman and officers during their visit to the Snowdonia National Park at the end of October. (xii) the Snowdonia Society recently held their 50th Anniversary Conference at Plas Tan y Bwlch which was attended by over 70 delegates. One of the speakers was Dame Fiona Reynolds, author of the book “The Fight for Beauty” which the Chairman recommended to Members. (xiii) Aitchinson Associates Limited, the owners of the St. David’s Hotel, Harlech had paid the fine and associated costs for failing to comply with the Section 215 Notice to demolish the building. (xiv) at the end of the meeting, a short presentation would be held to congratulate Mr. Myfyr Tomos on winning a National Park Hero award at the UK National Parks Conference 2017.

2. Public Question Time Members were informed that no public questions had been received.

3. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

4. Minutes The minutes of the Authority meeting held on 27th September 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

5. Matters for Information arising from the minutes There were no matters arising.

6. Audit of Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Assessment of 2016-17 Performance Submitted – The Audit of Snowdonia National Park Authority’s assessment of 2016-17 performance, for information.

RESOLVED to note the report.

7. Treasury Management – Interim Report 2017/18 Submitted – An oral report by the Chief Finance Officer, for information.

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer advised that the Treasury Management report was presented 3 times a year. Since the last update, there were no major changes to report, and the Authority’s funds and investments continued to be secure.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

8. Base Revenue Budget 2018/19 Submitted – The Chief Finance Officer’s report for Members to note the Base Budget as outlined, the savings target for 2018/19, and to review the level of the Authority’s general balances and specific reserves.

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer presented the report and advised that a paper, circulated to Members at the Working Group meeting earlier in the day, had outlined revisions to the Base Revenue Budget 2018/19 report, following the increased pay offer to local government employees in each of the next two years. The Chief Finance Officer confirmed that if the offer was accepted, the combined savings target for 2018/19 and 2019/20 would stand at £781,387.

Members considered the report in detail and made the following observations:- - Para. 2.6 - the Chief Executive confirmed that National Parks UK had established a “National Parks Partnerships” company over 18 months ago. A review of the Partnership was due early in the New Year. - Para 3.7 - A report on the “Creation of a National Charitable Entity to support National Parks UK” was included on the Agenda as Item 17. - in response to a request from a Member, it was agreed that further finance training would be arranged, possibly prior to a future meeting of the Authority or Performance and Resources Committee.

RESOLVED 1. to note the revised baseline budget and funding gap for 2018/19, as outlined. 2. to approve the permanent virement of £17,940 (para. 2.5). 3. to approve the levels of the Authority’s main reserves. 4. to arrange Finance Training for Members.

9. Budget Update Submitted – A report by the Chief Finance Officer to inform members of the revised budgets for 2017/18 and report on significant virements. The report also provides Members with an update on progress against revenue and capital budgets and the projected final position for the financial year.

Reported - The Head of Finance presented the report, which provides a summary of the revised revenue and capital budgets for the first eight months of the financial year, and also gave further information on the detailed figures.

RESOLVED 1. to note the contents of the report and confirm the proposed actions. 2. to approve the virement (retrospectively) as outlined in para. 5.2 of the report.

10. Medium Term Financial Plan Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive together with the Medium Term Financial Plan, for discussion and adoption.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), a working document that will be updated to reflect the changes outlined in the paper circulated to Members at the Working Group meeting earlier in the day.

Members discussed the Medium Term Financial Plan. Arising thereon, a Member asked whether there was scope to bring these documents together to provide a simpler framework? The Director of Corporate Services advised that the Corporate Plan brings some Authority documents together, but there was no option to do this with the Medium Term Financial Plan. He confirmed that once work to improve the Authority’s website was complete, a library of strategic documents would be established, with an outline of how they relate to the work of the Authority.

RESOLVED 1. subject to amending the document to reflect the changes as outlined, to accept the Medium Term Financial Plan as a Working Document. 2. to review the Medium Term Financial Plan as further details are made available.

11. Improvement and Well-Being Objectives Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive for Members to agree draft wellbeing objectives, service priorities and vision, for formal consultation with partners and stakeholders.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the report and advised that the new Improvement and Wellbeing Objectives would go out for public consultation in the New Year. A report would then be submitted to the Performance and Resources Committee on the 21st March 2018, prior to adoption by the Authority at its meeting on the 25th April 2018.

Members considered the report and made the following observations and amendments:- Appendix A - Members agreed that the Authority should improve the way it promotes the benefits of having a National Park designation to manage such a special area. - 2. (Draft) Revised Improvement and Well Being Objectives Our Communities - amend the improvement objective to read “Working with our communities to develop the economic, cultural and social well-being of Snowdonia”. Health and Wellbeing – we will achieve this by: amend to include “working with key partners” and, remove the word “their” from the final box. People, Places and Partners - amend the improvement objective by removing the word “our” before people. In terms of consultation, to keep things simple, give no definition for “Place Plans” so that the communities themselves can advise what they would like to see. Balancing our Resources and Efforts - to insert an additional box “to provide support and development for Members”

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and confirm the vision as outlined. 25

2. to adopt the revised service priorities for the Authority. 3. subject to including the above amendments, to adopt the draft improvement and well-being objectives for the Authority, for consultation with key stakeholders.

12. Amendments to the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to amend the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and the amended Scheme of Delegation.

RESOLVED to approve the revised Scheme of Delegation as set out in the Appendix.

13. Eryri Local Development Plan Revision – Representation Summaries and Draft Officer Responses Submitted – A report by the Head of Planning Policy to seek approval of the draft officer response to representations received on the deposit Eryri LDP, and for Members to approve the submission of the LDP and associated documents to the Welsh Government for Public Examination.

Reported – The Head of Planning Policy presented the report and Appendix and outlined that a small change was required relating to comments received on Development Policy 19 which would be presented to Members at the January Working Group. Members considered the report in detail and arising thereon, a Member reiterated her concerns with regard to amending para 6.6 pages 95-96. Officers advised that the Planning system could not control use that had previously been approved, but assured Members that the Authority’s Planning and Access Committee would be responsible for all planning matters at both the Enterprise Zone sites and that the Welsh Government would not be able to call such matters in for determination.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and agree all the proposed officer recommendations as outlined in Appendix 1, and as discussed and agreed at the Member Working Group meeting on 6th December 2017. 2. to agree to the submission of the Local Development Plan and associated documentation to the Welsh Government for Examination in Public. 3. to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Land Management to make any other necessary changes to the Plan that may be required.

14. Snowdon Partnership Plan – Final Version Submitted – A report by the National Park Partnerships Manager to review and approve the final version of the Snowdon Partnership Plan.

Reported – The National Park Partnerships Manager presented the report, together with the Plan and a copy of the Equalities Impact Assessment - Screening 2017.

Members were informed that the Snowdon Partnership Plan (Cynllun Partneriaeth yr Wyddfa) received a “highly commended” award at the Sustain Wales Awards for Sustainable Innovation in Public Services. The National Park Partnerships Manager advised that the Chairman had invited Hannah Blythyn, Minister for Environment, to Snowdonia, and it was hoped that she would take the opportunity to launch the Snowdon Partnership Plan when visiting Pen y Pass, possibly in the Spring of 2018.

Members thanked the National Park Partnerships Manager for the work involved in preparing the Snowdon Partnership Plan, a highly praised and useful document.

RESOLVED 1. to approve the final version of the Snowdon Partnership Plan, as submitted. 2. to await periodical updates on its implementation.

15. Tourist Information Centres Annual Report Submitted – A report by the Head of Education and Communication to update members on the progress of the Centres against the financial target.

Reported – The Head of Education and Communication presented the report, which Members considered in detail. Members further discussed the creation of a booklet with tick boxes, highlighting the top ten places to see in Eryri. This would direct tourists away from Snowdon and encourage them to visit places like Yr Ysgwrn.

RESOLVED to note the report and approve the actions for 2018, as outlined.

16. Yr Ysgwrn: Annual Report Submitted – A report by the Head of Education and Communication to update members on the progress of Yr Ysgwrn project.

Reported – The Head of Education and Communication presented the report and took the opportunity to thank Mr. Hugh Haley for his conservation work, and also thanked the local community for volunteering their time at Yr Ysgwrn. Members welcomed the report and the excellent feedback and discussed whether there were opportunities for guests to stay at Plas Tan y Bwlch and then visit Yr Ysgwrn. The Head of Education and Communication confirmed that expenditure per head at Yr Ysgwrn was £6-93.

RESOLVED to note the Annual Report and approve the actions for 2018, as outlined.

17. Creation of a National Charitable Entity to support National Parks UK Submitted - A report by the Chief Executive to seek the views of Members on the creation of a charitable entity to support the work of NPUK.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the report and advised that the Authority’s comments would be fed back to the February 2018 meeting of NPUK Executive Board to inform the decision as to whether to proceed, or not, with the creation of such an entity.

RESOLVED 1. to support the creation of a charitable entity to support the work of UK National Parks. 2. that the Authority Chairman reports the Authority’s decision to the next NPUK Executive Board meeting in February 2018.

18. Working Group Report Submitted – Report of the Members’ Working Group meeting held on 18th October 2017.

RESOLVED to note the report.

19. Meetings of other Organisations Submitted – Oral reports on recent meetings of organisations, which Members had attended as representatives of the Authority.

Cllr. Elfed Powell Roberts - Trawsfynydd Site Stakeholder Group Recent meeting discussed:- (i) Developing Trawsfynydd Site – Snowdonia Enterprise Zone Rolls Royce are developing SMR’s (Small Modular Reactors) but have promised nothing for the Trawsfynydd site yet. Safety issues were also being considered and a further report will be provided in due course. (ii) the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority were responsible for establishing the modular/armadillo design of the building and its funding.

RESOLVED to thank the Member and note the report.

20. Minutes The following minutes were submitted for information:- (1) Minutes of National Parks UK NPUK Executive Meeting held on 8th February, 2017. (2) Minutes of National Parks Wales Executive Meeting held on 27th March 2017.

21. Europarc Conference 2017 Submitted – An information report and a slide presentation, jointly prepared by the Chairman, the Head of Wardening and Access Service and Mr. Steffan Gwynn. Mr. Gwynn had successfully attained the Geraint George Scholarship and had accompanied the Chairman and the Head of Wardening and Access Service to the Europarc Conference 2017 in the Montanhas Magicias in northern Portugal.

RESOLVED to welcome the report and presentations, for information.

National Park Hero Award The Chairman welcomed Mr. Myfyr Thomas, Assistant Warden with the Snowdonia National Park, to the meeting. The Chairman presented Mr. Thomas with the National Park Hero Award, as announced at the UK National Parks Conference 2017, together with a voucher for £100 from Columbia Outdoor Clothing. Mr. Thomas continues to work as a Assistant Warden for the Authority, a role which he has undertaken for the past 23 years.

Mr. Thomas thanked the Chairman and Members for the Award.

The meeting ended at 13.15

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY WEDNESDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2018

Mr. Owain Wyn (Chairman) (Welsh Government)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Elwyn Edwards, Alwyn Gruffydd, Edgar Wyn Owen, Elfed Powell Roberts, John Pughe Roberts, Catrin Wager;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mrs. Marian W. Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Brian Angell;

Officers Mr. Emyr Williams, Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Dafydd Edwards, Mr. Emyr Roberts, Mrs. Jo Worrall, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey.

Apologies Councillors Freya Bentham, Annwen Hughes, Gethin Glyn Williams, Philip Capper, Chris Hughes, Ifor Glyn Lloyd.

1. Chairman’s Announcements (1) Eryri Local Development Plan – Mr. Richard Duggan has been appointed as the Eryri Local Development Plan Inspector and the examination process will last for approximately three months. (2) Mr. Ceri Stradling was congratulated on his re-appointment to the Authority for a further term of 4 years, up to 31st May 2022. (3) Future Landscapes: Delivering for Wales Following the recent appointment of Hannah Blythyn AM as the Minister for Environment with responsibilities for the National Parks, and the appointment of Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas AM as Heritage Minister, there has been a period of reflection on the direction of the Future Landscapes review with a statement now awaited on 13th March 2018. (4) the Chairman and Members conveyed best wishes to Mr. John Cook, Chief Executive of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, who retired at the beginning of the month. Mr. Julian Atkins, former Director of Countryside and Land Management at Brecon, has been appointed to the Chief Executive post and the Chairman and Members wished him every success in his new role. (5) Farmers Union of Wales – the Chairman recently attended the Meirionnydd Branch Annual General Meeting on 26th January 2018 and was one of a panel of three debating “how to achieve a balance between farming and conservation in the future” in the context of the effect of Brexit on farming and conservation. The Chairman welcomed the good relationship between the agricultural community and the Authority which continued to grow. (6) Financial Challenge – this matter had received considerable coverage in the press and media, which was likely to continue following the decisions taken today. The Chairman thanked the Chief Executive and his staff for their work and support.

(7) The Authority welcomed a bequest of £90k gifted to the Snowdonia National Park Authority by the late Mrs. Jane Butler of Ceredigion. The Management Team will discuss how best to invest the money in due course.

2. Public Question Time Members were informed that no public questions had been received.

3. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

4. Minutes The minutes of the Authority meeting held on 13th December 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

5. Matters for Information arising from the minutes Item 1 – Chairman’s Announcements (iv) - the Chief Executive reported that Hywel Williams MP and Sian Gwenllian AM had been unable to visit Yr Ysgwrn as planned in December and the visit was being rearranged for March 2018. (vii) – officers were asked to consider the translation of “United Kingdom” in the Welsh to “Y Deyrnas Gyfunol (DG)” rather than “Y Deyrnas Unedig (DU)” (viii) – the Chief Executive confirmed that Hannah Blythyn, Minister for Environment, had accepted the Chairman’s invitation to Snowdonia on the 19th March 2018 for the official launch of the Snowdon Partnership Plan. All Members were welcome to attend the launch, and were asked to confirm with the Authority’s staff beforehand, if they were going to be present. (ix) – the Chairman advised that the Minister had replied to his letter and had welcomed the opportunity to start a new working relationship with the Authority. (xii) – the Chairman, on behalf of Members and officers, thanked the Snowdonia Society for their generous gift, a picture of Snowdonia, which was displayed at the meeting. Anya Barker commissioned the picture and the artist was Iolo Edwards.

6. Wales Audit Office - Annual Audit Letter 2016/17 Submitted – The Annual Audit Letter 2016/17, for information.

Reported – The Chairman presented the Annual Audit Letter on behalf of the Wales Audit Office.

RESOLVED to note the contents of the Annual Audit Letter 2016/17.

7. Authority Budget and Levy on Constituent Authorities 2018/2019 Submitted – A report by the Chief Finance Officer requesting approval of the 2018/19 revenue and capital budgets and authority to raise levies on constituent authorities based on the Welsh Government’s indicative grant.

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer presented his report and the Welsh Government letter notifying the Authority of its indicative revenue grant for 2018/19 (Appendix 1).

The Chief Finance Officer explained that the Authority had no discretion over its budget, which was based on the Welsh Government’s indicative figures together with a levy apportioned between the two constituent authorities, as a specified percentage of the revenue grant.

The budget, as presented, was the unavoidable expenditure required by the Authority to maintain the level of service in 2018/19, which includes the savings target for the year.

RESOLVED 1. to note the contents of the report and letter. 2. to approve the 2018/19 revenue and capital budgets, subject to the amendments required in addressing the savings target. 3. to authorise levies to be raised on the two constituent councils to a total amount of £1,183,156 in accordance with paragraph 6.3 of the Chief Finance Officer’s report.

8. Treasury Management Strategy 2018/19 Submitted – The Chief Finance Officer’s report to approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2018/19 and the recommendations relating to the Prudential Code.

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer presented the report and provided further details on the Borrowing and Investment Strategies.

RESOLVED 1. to note that there is no intention to borrow monies for capital purposes, but the limitations below were recommended on a prudent level as a precautionary measure in case of an emergency or need for expenditure at short notice. 2. to approve an Authorised Borrowing Limit of £500,000 for 2018/19, and an Operational Boundary of £100,000. 3. that no limit be placed on the proportion of interest payable at a variable rate. 4. to adopt the Capital Borrowing Strategy for 2018/19 as outlined in part 3 of the report, and note the content relating to the Prudential Code as outlined in part 6 of the report. 5. to adopt the Investment Strategy for 2018/19 as outlined in part 4 of the report, and note the institutions listed in para 4.2.

9. The Authority’s Risk Profile Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to update Members on the Authority’s Risk Profile.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and register and Members were asked to note the following:- Para 1.8 - High Risks - Lack of Adequate Funding – the savings target will be amended to £788k. - Implications of “Landscapes for the Future” – the outcome is expected on 13th March 2018.

Members considered the register in detail and discussed the following:- - Members agreed that the Income Generation Target (Plas Tan y Bwlch) should remain as a separate risk on the register. - the Director of Corporate Services advised that he was in discussions with the Head of Information Technology to provide staff training for “General Data Protection Regulation 2018”. - Risk Ref 3 – Planning Bill 2015 the Local Government Reform White Paper was currently seeking views on proposals for regional collaboration for the delivery of a range of services. The creation of a regional planning service was a possibility, although its impact on the Authority was not yet known. The Director of Planning and Land Management advised that the Planning Officers’ Society Wales were involved in discussions and officers were monitoring developments. - Members recommended that the Medium Term Financial Plan should include further income raising avenues. The Performance and Resources Committee could monitor progress against income targets each quarter, and the information would then be included on the Authority’s Risk Profile.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and approve the removal of the three risks in the “Completed Risks (Low)” category, as outlined. 2. in future, the Medium Term Financial Plan should include further income raising opportunities.

10. Code of Corporate Governance Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to approve the draft Code of Corporate Governance as appended.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and draft Code of Corporate Governance, and provided Members with the background to the document.

Members considered the report and draft Code of Corporate Governance and recommended that:- “Principle 6 – Monitoring and Review The Authority will ensure that these arrangements are kept under continual review by:-“ - to include an extra bullet point to ensure effective procedures are in place for monitoring partnership arrangements including working with Stakeholders, Fforwm Eryri, the Local Development Plan, Yr Ysgwrn, Plas Tan y Bwlch etc.

RESOLVED subject to including the additional bullet point, the exact wording to be agreed in consultation with the Authority Chairman, to approve the draft Code of Corporate Governance, as submitted.

11. Working Group Reports Submitted – Reports from the Working Group meetings.

(1) Members’ Working Group Submitted – Reports of the Members’ Working Group meetings held on the 6th and 13th December 2017.

Minutes of the 6th December 2017 Arising thereon, the Director of Planning and Land Management confirmed that a link to the State of the Park Report will be forwarded to Members, once the data had been transformed into infographics.

RESOLVED to note the reports.

(2) Local Joint Working Group Submitted – Report of the Local Joint Working Group meeting held on the 24th November 2017.

RESOLVED to note the report.

12. Meetings of other Organisations Submitted - Oral reports on recent meetings of organisations that Members had attended as representatives of the Authority.

Mr. Owain Wyn – Dyfi Biosphere Partnership Discussions had focussed on:- - resource uncertainties, and - the Partnership’s support for plastic free community initiatives.

Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd – Cywaith The Trust had now been discontinued.

RESOLVED to thank Members and note the reports.

13. Minutes Submitted - The minutes of the Performance and Resources Committee held on 15th November 2017, for information.

RESOLVED to note the minutes.

14. The Financial Challenge 2018/19 – 2019/20 Submitted – The Chief Executive’s report for Members to consider and approve potential measures to address the financial challenge 2018/19 – 2019/20.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the report and provided Members with background and context to the report. He advised upon the progress to date and that further information was set out in Item No. 16 (Part II report) – Staffing Implications.

Members considered the report and welcomed the very interesting and helpful observations from staff, heads of service and stakeholders. The Chief Executive advised upon three further observations received from:- - Councillor Wyn Jones, Conwy County Borough Council - Deputy Chief Constable, North Wales Police - Arfon & Dwyfor Local Access Forum 34

Members noted that as the Welsh Government could continue with austerity measures until 2020-2025 there was potential for further cuts in the future. The Chief Executive advised that one-off capital and revenue sums may be forthcoming from the Welsh Government, but as yet, this was unconfirmed.

Members considered the report in detail and further discussed the following matters:-

5. Income Generation 5.3 Members were concerned that Plas Tan y Bwlch was not generating sufficient income for the Authority but felt that the income target of £92,419 for 2019/20 was very challenging. The report proposes that Plas Tan y Bwlch, which was a high-risk area for the Authority, should raise the greatest income in 2019/20. Members noted that both the BMC and the Snowdonia Society had voiced similar concerns, as well as the Authority’s staff, who were also unconvinced that Plas Tan y Bwlch could ever be profitable.

The Director of Corporate Services outlined the steps taken to date, and advised that the cost of running Plas Tan y Bwlch in 2014/15 was £422k. This had now been reduced to circa. £100k in 2017/18 and that the anticipated net cost for Plas Tan y Bwlch in 2019/20 stood at £15k. A 10% increase in prices in 2018/19 and 5% in 2019/20 would, together with other initiatives, give Plas every chance to achieve this target.

The Director of Corporate Services stated that if the centre was to close immediately, the Authority would only make a saving of £100k and, as an asset, it would still be an ongoing cost. Members were advised of other options being considered, such as selling one of the chalets to release capital.

Members discussed the possibilities of creating new income streams, and whilst this would require capital investment by the Authority, discussions with officers from Visit Wales had been positive. Officers were currently looking to create a bunkhouse facility, upgrading bedrooms and other minor improvement works, all of which would attract grant funding. Members felt this was a relatively high risk and could be supported over the next two years, subject to officers considering other options in parallel, such as leasing the Centre to other commercial partners. Whilst some Members were reluctant to offer Plas to other organisations, all were agreed upon the need to raise income.

The Chief Executive advised that he had also made a request to the Welsh Government to fund this work.

Members were further advised that 7 companies had been invited to submit a proposal to prepare a Marketing Strategy for Plas Tan y Bwlch and officers and Members were agreed that a long-term marketing plan was essential.

6. Reducing Costs / Efficiencies 6.1 - Members agreed to forego paper copies of agendas and papers and work with electronic copies only, subject to training and support being provided. - Members agreed that the toilets at Morfa Dyffryn car park should be closed and that the car park should then become non-paying. Officers advised that there were other nearby facilities, which were also publicly funded. - Members noted that use of Authority vehicles for home to work travel by some staff had amounted to 51,000 miles in 2017. Recovering part of the cost would cover the fuel bill as well as being fairer to those staff who have to fund their own travel costs.

7. Restructuring and Repurposing The Chief Executive advised members that further work was required and it was agreed to defer implementation of the restructuring and repurposing proposals until autumn 2018.

8. Reducing Level of Service  the Chief Executive advised that responsibility for Public Rights of Way lies ultimately with the Unitary Authorities and that landowners also have a degree of responsibility for footpath maintenance. Funding could be sought for an economic development role in the future, and the Authority would be re-examining the way it currently undertakes this work. As a service, the Warden and Access Service has never faced cuts, and the Chief Executive was certain that stakeholder and landowner concerns could be overcome through use of the voluntary sector.  Members discussed stakeholder comments, which were generally in support of maintaining the Warden Service. It was felt that the service had a crucial role in local engagement, improving access, providing economic benefits and helping to meet the challenges of the Future Generations and Well-being Act.  Members agreed that the decision on the review of Cronfa Eryri should be deferred to 2019/20.

Members also discussed further general points as follows:- - it was noted that procurement efficiencies and centralisation was part of the restructuring proposals, as was the need to centralise monitoring of the Authority’s grants in order to keep to the necessary conditions. - the Chief Executive will present a report to a future meeting of the Members’ Working Group to consider the financial challenge beyond the current two years. Arising thereon, a Member felt that if the Authority faces further cuts over the next 7 years, decisions should be more radical as there remained a sense of ‘salami slicing’. - Members were keen to establish further income streams, such as providing a donation option for people making contactless parking payments, which would require the individual to specify if they did not wish to donate an additional £1-00 towards maintenance costs etc.

- Members were in favour of increasing parking charges and charging for using the toilets at Pen y Pass. Members felt officers should be more ambitious and aim to raise extra income from small-scale retail opportunities at Pen y Pass, providing this does not have a detrimental effect on the tenant’s business.

RESOLVED 1. to approve proposed increased income generation as identified in Para. 5 of the report. 2. to approve the strategy for increasing car parking income as identified in Appendix B. 3. to approve the proposed actions to reduce costs/efficiencies as identified in Para. 6.1 of the report and Para. 3 of Appendix A, subject to consideration of staffing matters in Item 16 (Part II report). 4. to defer implementation of the proposed restructuring of the Authority until autumn 2018. 5. to approve the proposed actions to reduce the level of service by the Authority as identified in Para. 8 of the report, subject to consideration of staffing matters in Item 16 (Part II report). 6. that the Performance and Resources Committee should monitor the two-year financial plan. 7. to authorise the use of reserves to fund both the severance packages and capital investment costs as outlined. 8. to await a further report to the Performance and Resources Committee meeting on the 21st March 2018.

15. The Financial Challenge 2018/19 – 2019/20: Staffing Implications Schedule 12A Local Government Act 1972 : Exemption from disclosure of documents Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services requesting Authority approval for the exemption of the subsequent report.

RESOLVED that “The Financial Challenge 2018/19 – 2019/20: Staffing Implications” report be exempt from disclosure for the reasons outlined.

16. The Financial Challenge 2018/19 – 2019/20: Staffing Implications Submitted - A report by the Chief Executive for Members to consider the possible cost savings resulting from an assessment of vacant posts, voluntary redundancies, flexible retirement and compulsory redundancies.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the report, which provided Members with details of vacant posts, voluntary redundancy requests, the proposed reduction in costs through efficiencies and the proposed reduction in the level of service. Members were also provided with associated costs for severance packages and the resource implications of their decisions.

Members considered the report in detail and further discussed the following:-

5. Reducing Costs / Efficiencies 5.1.5 Information Systems: Vacant post, Corporate Technical Assistant. Members noted that the vacancy was on a contract basis and was not a permanent position.

7. Reducing Level of Service The Chief Executive confirmed that reduction to the service areas, as approved by Members, would be completed before the restructuring and repurposing of the Authority in Autumn 2018.

Arising thereon, Members asked whether reducing service levels now, before restructuring and repurposing in the Autumn, was premature as the new structure could provide opportunities for those staff who may currently be under threat of redundancy.

The Chief Executive advised that discussions with the Trade Unions were on-going and that the Welsh Government was considering making a one off payment to the Authority. To date, there was no formal confirmation from the Welsh Government.

Arising thereon, Members agreed to amend the recommendation, to record that approval of voluntary requests will become compulsory after today’s decisions.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and recommended actions. 2. to note the position in relation to vacant posts within the Authority. 3. to note the position in relation to the voluntary requests. 4. not to support at this time, the requests for voluntary redundancy as identified in paras. 3.1.4 and 3.1.8 of the report (Voluntary Requests). 5. to approve the requests for voluntary redundancies and flexible retirement as identified in Para. 5 of the report (Reducing Costs / Efficiencies) 6. to note the position in relation to restructuring and repurposing of the Authority and to await a further report. 7. to approve the requests for voluntary redundancies, flexible retirement and compulsory redundancies as identified in Para. 7 of the report (Reducing Level of Service). 8. the approved voluntary requests would now become compulsory. 9. to approve use of Reserves to finance the severance packages identified in Sections 5 and 7 of the report. 10. to await further reports on staffing matters in relation to the Financial Challenge.

The meeting ended at 13.40

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 5th APRIL 2017

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Chairman)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Alwyn Gruffydd, E. Caerwyn Roberts, Dyfrig Siencyn;

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Ifor G. Lloyd, John MacLennan, Elizabeth Roberts;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G.I. Jones, Mr. J. Cawley, Mr. A. Lloyd, Ms. I. Thomas, Mrs. J. Jones, Mrs. M. Hughes, Mrs. A. Gaffey, Ms. Ll. Angharad.

Apologies Councillors Thomas G. Ellis, Craig ab Iago, Aeron M. Jones, Sion W. Jones, John Pughe Roberts; Mrs. Marian W. Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling.

1. Chairman’s Announcements Best Wishes The Chairman conveyed best wishes to all the Local Authority Members with contested seats at the upcoming Local Government election.

2. Declaration of Interest No declaration of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on the 1st March 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

4. Membership of Local Access Forums Submitted – A report by the Head of Warden and Access Service outlining the recommended membership of the forums by the Selection Panel.

Reported – The Head of Warden and Access Service presented the report and advised upon the process and the Selection Panel’s recommendations.

RESOLVED 1. to approve the applications for membership of the Northern Area Local Access Forum as outlined:-

Mr. Richard Williams Mr. Edgar Williams Mr. Edwin Noble Mr. Dafydd Gwyndaf Mr. Arthur Davies 39

Mr. Robin Parry Mr. Eryl Pierce Roberts

Ms. Katy Haines Ms. Margaret Thomas Mr. Tom Hutton Mrs. Hilary Davies Mr. Robert James Collister Mr. Denis McAteer Mr. Ray Wood

Mr. John Russell Gladston

2. to approve the application for membership of the Southern Area Local Access Forum as outlined:-

Mr. Alun Edwards Mrs. Swancott Pugh Mr. Hedd Pugh Mr. Edmund Bailey Mr. Huw Roberts Mr. Alun Wyn Evans Mr. Geraint Prys Rowlands Mr. David Roberts

Mr. Eifion Lewis Mr. Aled Thomas Mr. Andrew Hall Mr. Gareth Roberts Mrs. Lesley Amison Mr. Alan Francis Norton Mr. Delwyn Evans Ms. Cherry Diane Ekins

Mr. Eryl Jones Williams Mr. David Coleman

5. Access Forums Report Submitted – A joint report by the Head of Warden and Access Service and the Access Officer to provide a summary of the discussions and issues raised at the Northern and Southern Snowdonia Access Forum meetings during March 2017.

Reported – The Head of Warden and Access Service presented the report.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

6. Reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management Submitted – Reports by the Director of Planning and Land Management on planning applications.

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report.

9. Planning Appeal Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decision:- Appeal by Mr. Richard Williams against the Authority’s refusal to grant planning permission for the ‘conversion of existing outbuilding into holiday accommodation unit and installation of package treatment plant’, property on land at Hafod Rhisgl, Nant Gwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 4NW (Appeal dismissed).

The meeting ended at 10.30 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 5th APRIL 2017

Item No.

2. NP5/50/415D – Conversion of former public toilets to holiday accommodation including construction of two storey extension above, Ty Bach, Aberdyfi. RESOLVED to defer consideration for further discussions.

3. NP5/57/487H – Conversion of first floor of golf club clubhouse including external alterations to form 3 holiday accommodation units, Golf Club House, Dolgellau Golf Club, Pen y Cefn Road, Dolgellau. Public Speaking Mr. Richard Stockdale, the Applicant, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:-  the applicant thanked the Committee for the opportunity to address the meeting.  Mr. Stockdale purchased the Golf Club in 2004 at which time he invested in the bar and function room. Since then, there had been a general decline in the industry and membership numbers at Dolgellau Golf Club meant it was no longer financially viable.  the club was put for sale in 2015 and although the original asking price was reduced, it failed to attract a buyer.  after considering every possible alternative, the applicant had now decided to sell some of the land for pasture and was applying for change of use to turn the clubhouse into 3 holiday units. This use will bring in tourists, create employment and support the economy of Dolgellau as well as reducing traffic in the vicinity. RESOLVED to grant permission in accordance with recommendation.

4. NP5/67/323 – Siting of 9 units between 11 August 2017 and 11 September 2017 as part of Croeso Cymru ‘Year of Legends’ project, Top y Rofft and Llechwedd Fields, Caerberllan, Llanfihangel y Pennant. Reported – The Head of Development Management and Compliance presented the report and background. He confirmed the units would now be located on higher ground. No objections or adverse comments had been received. RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Development and Land Management to grant permission, subject to appropriate conditions to limit the use to between 11th August and 11th September and to restore the land to its original condition.

5. Assessment of Overturns Submitted – An information report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance to discuss overturns during 2015/16. RESOLVED to note the report.

Update Reports

(1) Enforcement Notices and Listed Building Enforcement Notices served under delegated powers together with a List of Compliance Cases – For Information Arising thereon, NP5/61/ENF23P – Untidy Condition of Building, St. David’s Hotel Harlech. Members were advised of the current position. RESOLVED to note the report.

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

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

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

(5) Policy Section Report on Consultations Received – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 24th MAY 2017

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Chairman)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Alwyn Gruffydd, Craig ab Iago, Sion W. Jones, E. Caerwyn Roberts, John Pughe Roberts, Dyfrig Siencyn;

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Ifor G. Lloyd, Elizabeth Roberts;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mrs. Marian W. Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G.I. Jones, Mr. J. Cawley, Mr. A. Lloyd, Mr. R. Thomas, Mrs. R. Jones, Mrs. A. Gaffey, Mrs. S. Roberts, Ms. Ll. Angharad.

Apologies Councillors Thomas G. Ellis, Aeron M. Jones, John MacLennan;

1. Chairman’s Announcements Sympathy The Chairman, on behalf of Members, expressed the Committee’s deepest sympathy to Cllr. Alwyn Gruffydd on the death of his father and to Mrs. Anwen Gaffey on the death of her father. The Head of Development Management advised that Mrs. Jane Jones had also suffered a very recent bereavement in the death of her father. Members and officers stood as a mark of respect.

Best Wishes The Chairman conveyed best wishes and thanks to the Members who were attending their final meeting of the Planning and Access Committee.

2. Declaration of Interest No declaration of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on the 5th April 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

4. Inspection Panel Report Submitted – The report of the Northern Area Inspection Panel held on 21st April 2017.

NP2/11/31G Re-development of existing touring and camping site (195 pitches) to provide 16 single storey cabins and up to 59 touring pitches and 26 camping pitches. Erection of staff accommodation, ancillary works, together with improved internal landscaping (amended submission), Eryri Forest Park (former Forestry Commission Site), Beddgelert.

RESOLVED to note the report.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report.

8. Eryri Local Development Plan – Deposit Draft Submitted – A report by the Acting Head of Planning Policy to approve the deposit draft Local Development Plan and associated documents for public consultation.

Reported – The Acting Head of Planning Policy presented the report and accompanying documents and asked Members to consider the revisions and proposed changes to the proposals and inset maps.

Members were advised of two further minor amendments to the Draft Deposit LDP:- - inclusion of specific reference to the Dyfi Biosphere, currently excluded from the policy document, and - Development Policy 27 Snowdonia Enterprise Zone - Llanbedr and Trawsfynydd: amended to ensure the policy corresponds with HRA regulations.

Members considered the ELDP Deposit Draft and made the following observations:-

- Strategic Policy Ff: Historic Environment Members questioned what the implications would be in relation to this policy should the Candidate World Heritage Site application (slate industries of North Wales) be unsuccessful. Officers advised that the policy was not specific and would allow flexibility should another Candidate World Heritage Site come forward in the future.

The Director of Planning and Land Management thanked the planning policy team for their work.

RESOLVED 1. to approve the draft deposit Local Development Plan and associated documentation for consultation purposes, subject to modifications as outlined. 2. to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to make any minor non-material changes prior to public consultation, if required.

9. Planning Appeal Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decision:- Appeal by Gareth, Ian and Pauline Roberts against the Authority’s refusal to approve matters reserved under outline planning permission ref. NP5/78/86D, Tyn-y-Ffridd, Gwyndy, Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd. LL41 4SP (Appeal dismissed).

The meeting ended at 11.25 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 24th MAY 2017

Item No.

1. NP2/11/31G – Re-development of existing touring and camping site (195 pitches) to provide 16 single storey cabins and up to 59 touring pitches and 26 camping pitches. Erection of staff accommodation, ancillary works, together with improved internal landscaping (amended submission), Eryri Forestry Park (Former Forestry Commission Site) Beddgelert. Reported – A further report from the applicant was circulated at the meeting. The Case Officer advised that an updated report was included in document bundle 2 and Members were instructed to consider the amended report. The Case Officer confirmed the number of letters of support and objection received and how many were from local people and visitors to the area. Public Speaking Gwyn Owen addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following objections:-  the application contravenes Development Policies 22 and 23, extracts of which were read out to Members.  over 4000 people disagree with the planning officer’s opinion that the site has the feel and characteristics of a ‘chalet site’. An unsupported feeling was not enough to recommend approving the application.  this site has no chalets and is in fact a proposal for a new site.  the development does not accord with para 2.5 of the Demand and Economic Benefit Assessment report. A decrease in visitor numbers will result in reduced economic stability.  Beddgelert Community Council object to the proposal.  the Eryri Local Development Plan states that shops and cafes can be lost quickly and a new enhanced shop on the site will have a negative effect on the village.  the number of visitors to the village is estimated to decrease  Supplementary Planning Guidance 8 does not support this application and it could be refused for this reason alone.

Michelle Richards addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:-  Ms. Richards thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak.  as a Welsh learner she was keen to support an opportunity to keep the Welsh language alive.  the chalets looked amazing and would provide accommodation for families to stay and travel around Eryri in its entirety.  the proposal would provide year round employment and counter the effects of unemployment in the area.  people want to live in a locality that creates a better future.  the proposal was an opportunity to protect the Welsh language and provide employment for local people.  there would be no adverse effects on Beddgelert.  quality chalets were better than tents.  the proposal would provide new work for people who need it and improve the local economy. 47

Robin Williams, the Agent, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:-  in April 2015, at a pre-application meeting, Planning Officers confirmed that an application for chalets on the site would comply with planning policies 22 and 23.  the application accords with Local Development Plan policies, recognises the uniqueness of the Park and enhances the environment and local habitat.  the applicants have received a letter of support from a local business owner and member of Beddgelert Community Council, noting that the number of visitors to Beddgelert had fallen and emphasised the need for more investment in the area to attract more people.  the proposal will create 11 full-time equivalent posts throughout the year.  there were no objections from statutory consultees.  although five of the nine Community Councillors continued to oppose the proposal, the Agent was confident that providing superior accommodation on the existing site would help maintain and attract year-round activities in the area.  the letters of support from Zip World, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and North Wales Tourism emphasised the importance of the development to the wider area.  Forest Holidays have secured planning permission for five similar developments in other National Parks in Britain.  the Authority’s professional planners were in support of the application.

RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions, to include:  time commencement  to accord with submitted drawings and reports  restricting the use to holiday let (28 days)  maintaining a register of persons occupying the cabins  restricting the use of the staff accommodation  landscaping scheme  external finishes  approval of a construction method statement  ecology

2. NP4/16/402 – Change of use of part of forestry plantation to an arboriculture contractors business yard including the erection of main storage building; two cone and sign storage buildings; plank/slab drying building; woodchip, saw dust and log storage buildings and associated landscaping, Ty Cwm Woodland Plot, adjacent Glan Gors, Dolwyddelan. Reported – The Head of Development Management and Compliance presented the report and background. Public Speaking Gwyn Roberts, addressed the Planning and Access Committee on behalf of the applicant, and asked Members to consider the following:-  Mr. Roberts was grateful for the opportunity to support the applicant.  the applicant had created employment in Dolwyddelan, not only for himself, but for local people, and currently had 6-7 people working for the business. 48

 this business addressed employment problems in rural areas and enabled staff to raise families which in turn support local schools and the Welsh language.  the current site was no longer suitable.  the applicant wants to reinvest in his business to ensure he has room to keep the latest machinery and to provide the highest possible standards for his customers.  the applicant has tried to find other suitable sites with no success.  the applicant has lost property to theft some time ago and needs secure buildings to keep his machinery. RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions.

Update Reports

(1) List of Compliance Cases – For Information Arising thereon, NP5/61/ENF23P – Untidy Condition of Building, St. David’s Hotel Harlech. Members were advised of the current position. RESOLVED to note the report.

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

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

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

(5) Policy Section Report on Consultations Received – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 5th JULY 2017

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Elwyn Edwards, Alwyn Gruffydd, Annwen Hughes, Edgar Wyn Owen, Elfed Powell Roberts, John Pughe Roberts, Catrin Wager, Gethin Glyn Williams;

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Wyn Ellis Jones, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mrs. M. June Jones, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G.I. Jones, Mr. J. Cawley, Mr. A. Lloyd, Ms. I. Thomas, Mrs. A. Gaffey.

Apologies Councillor Freya Hannah Bentham; Ms. Tracey Evans.

1. Chairman Councillor Elwyn Edwards was elected Chairman of the Planning and Access Committee. The Chairman thanked Members for their support.

2. Vice-Chair Ms. Tracey Evans was elected Vice-Chairman of the Planning and Access Committee.

3. Chairman’s Announcements (1) Members were advised that the Eryri Local Development Plan Deposit Draft consultation had started today for a period of 8 weeks. The current Development Plan remains in force until the new plan is adopted in spring 2018. The Director of Planning and Land Management confirmed that the Authority had written to each Community Council in April to advise them of the timetable.

(2) An annual planning training programme for Members will be prepared by the Director of Planning and Land Management.

4. Declaration of Interest No declarations of personal interest were made in respect of any item.

5. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on the 24th May 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

6. Appointment of Members to serve on the Planning and Access Committee Inspection Panels Submitted – A report by the Director of Planning and Land Management to appoint Members onto the Authority’s Inspection Panels.

RESOLVED to appoint Members as follows:-

Northern Area Inspection Panel Southern Area Inspection Panel (9 Members) (9 Members)

1) Cllr. Philip Capper 1) Cllr. Freya Bentham 2) Cllr. Alwyn Gruffydd 2) Cllr. Elwyn Edwards 3) Cllr. Wyn Ellis Jones 3) Cllr. Annwen Hughes 4) Cllr. Ifor Glyn Lloyd 4) Cllr. Elfed Powell Roberts 5) Cllr. Edgar Wyn Owen 5) Cllr. John Pughe Roberts 6) Cllr. Catrin Wager 6) Cllr. Gethin Glyn Williams 7) Mrs. M. June Jones 7) Ms. Tracey Evans 8) Mr. Owain Wyn 8) Mrs. Marian W. Jones 9) Vacancy (new Welsh Government Member) 9) Mr. Ceri Stradling

7. Access Forums Report Submitted – A joint report by the Head of Warden and Access Service and the Access Officer, to provide a summary of the discussions and issues raised at the Northern and Southern Snowdonia Access Forum meetings during June 2017.

Reported – The Director of Planning and Land Management presented the report and confirmed that the Authority’s representatives on the Local Access Forums were Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams, Southern Access Forum and Ms. Tracey Evans, Northern Access Forum.

Arising thereon, Members were advised that a report on the Welsh Office Consultation Document: Taking forward Wales’ Sustainable Management of Natural Resources would be considered at a special meeting of the Members’ Working Group on the 12th July 2017. Issues such as extending rights for cyclists, horses, and access to water would be considered at that time. Officers were also looking at how the Peak District National Park have dealt with similar issues.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report.

11. Planning Appeal Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decision:- Appeal by Raymond Wilde, against the Authority’s refusal to discharge a planning obligation for the use of Abendruhe as a separate dwelling, Abendruhe, The Garden Flat, Pensarn Hall, Llanbedr. LL45 2SH (Appeal dismissed).

The meeting ended at 10.55 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 5th JULY 2017

Item No.

1. NP5/53/164D – Two phase development consisting: Phase 1 – construction of 24 hour modular filling station including fuel oil interceptor, associated drainage works and installation of porta cabin, and, Phase 2 – Development of fuel oil depot including installation of 4 double skinned fuel tanks, establishment of loading and unloading area, LGV/car parking area, installation of fuel oil interceptor and associated drainage works, Former System Scaffolding Site, Unit 5, Bala Enterprise Park, Bala. RESOLVED – Site Inspection.

2. NP5/69/355 – Conversion of barn into dwelling, construction of garage and installation of septic tank, Barn near Brynllwyn Farm, Rhoslefain. Reported – Members noted that the report should read, “The last communication from the applicant’s solicitor is dated 26th April 2017” and not 2016 as stated in the report. RESOLVED to refuse permission in accordance with recommendation.

3. NP5/74/468 – Conversion of part of barn to holiday let accommodation and installation of septic tank, Camlan Uchaf, Mallwyd. RESOLVED to grant permission in accordance with recommendation together with the two additional conditions recommended by the Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service.

4. NP5/78/520A – Erection of 15m high telegraph pole style mast incorporating 2 no. antennas, 1 no. transmission dish, 1 no. satellite dish, 1 permanent generator, 3 equipment cabinets and 1 meter cabinet within enclosed compound (revised proposal), land near Y Gors, Trawsfynydd. RESOLVED – Site Inspection. Officer from Natural Resources Wales to be invited to attend.

Update Reports

(1) List of Compliance Cases – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

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

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

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

(5) Policy Section Report on Consultations Received – For Information RESOLVED to note the report. 53

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2017

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

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

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Chris Hughes, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Aled Lloyd, Mr. Richard Thomas, Mrs. Sara Roberts, Mr. Geraint Evans, Ms. Elen Hughes, Mrs. Siwan Lyall, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey, Mrs. Sarah Roberts.

Apology Mrs. M. June Jones.

1. Chairman’s Announcements (1) The Chairman referred with sadness to the recent death of Councillor Gwilym Williams, Waunfawr and Councillor Trevor Edwards, Llanberis, both former Members of the Snowdonia National Park Authority. RESOLVED to note that officers had written to both families on behalf of Members, to convey the Authority’s deepest sympathy.

(2) Welcome The Chairman welcomed new Members to the meeting and also welcomed Ms. Elen Hughes, Planning & Research Assistant, to her first meeting of the Planning and Access Committee.

2. Declaration of Interest Mr. Owain Wyn declared both a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 5 on the Agenda, under paragraphs 10 (2) (a) (i) and 12 (1) of the Code of Conduct for Members, and left the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on the 5th July 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

4. Management Plan and Action Plan for the King Edward Castles and Town Walls World Heritage Site in Gwynedd 2017-2022 Submitted – A report by the Head of Cultural Heritage for the Authority, as one of the main partners, to agree in principle to be a joint signatory of the Management Plan and Action Plan. Reported – The Director of Planning and Land Management presented the report and welcomed Mr. Laurence Smith from Cadw to the meeting. Mr. Smith thanked Members for the opportunity to discuss the new framework for working in partnership in preparing the Management Plan and Action Plan. This was an opportunity to make a positive economic impact and the Snowdonia National Park’s willingness to be joint signatories would be welcomed.

The Director of Planning and Land Management confirmed that the Planning and Access Committee would still consider planning matters and any financial implications would be considered by the Authority. The management plan would be supported by Supplementary Planning Guidance, prepared and agreed with Members before being presented for pubic consultation.

Members considered the report in detail and made the following observations:- - as native Welsh castles like Castell y Bere, Castell Dolwyddelan and Castell Dolbadarn were not able to gain UNESCO status, due to their scale and the quality of records kept over the centuries, they should still be referred to as part of the heritage of Welsh castles and included as part of the history. - Members were reassured that Cadw already works with the Authority’s Head of Education and Communication on interpretation projects which promote local communities. - it was noted that Article 4 Directions limit potentially damaging classes of permitted development to preserve the value of World Heritage Sites. The surrounding areas present the greatest management difficulties for UNESCO sites. Any need for Article 4 Directions within Snowdonia would be brought before the committee first. - Members were advised that UNESCO status was permanent. - balancing regeneration and protection of the heritage site status creates benefits of which Harlech Castle was a good example. - Members welcomed the opportunity for a local voice to interpret, extend and influence UNESCO. - Members were advised that the figure of £8 million in additional income for the local economy was provided from data collected by Cardiff University in 2013. Some argue that this figure could be closer to £35 million in reality.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to agree in principle to be co-signatories of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site Draft Management Plan and Action Plan.

5. Inspection Panel Reports

(1) Inspection Panels Submitted – A report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance for Members to note the procedure for Inspection Panels.

Reported - The Head of Development Management and Compliance presented the report, for information.

Arising thereon, Members considered the report and made the following observations:- - every site inspection should have a valid planning reason for the visit and the purpose clearly stated in the minutes. - Members noted that following a recent national review, the Authority should take the opportunity to assess its procedures, prior to adoption of the next calendar of meetings for 2018/19. - Members also noted the reduction in the number of planning applications presented to the Planning and Access Committee. However, the Director of Planning and Land Management highlighted that the Scheme of Delegation has not changed for many years.

RESOLVED to review the current site inspection procedure and present a report to a future meeting of the Planning and Access Committee.

(2) Submitted – The reports of the Southern Area Inspection Panel held on 19th July 2017.

(1) NP5/53/164D Construction of 24hr modular filling station including fuel oil interceptor, associated drainage works and installation of porta cabin and development of fuel oil depot including installation of double-skinned fuel tanks, establishment of loading and unloading area, installation of fuel oil interceptor and associated drainage works, former system scaffolding site, Unit 5 Bala Enterprise Park, Y Bala.

RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions, including a condition to limit hours of operation from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., and a landscaping condition for screening along the north boundary up to the access, and the west boundary bordering the B4391.

(2) NP5/78/520A Erection of 15m high telegraph pole style mast, incorporate 2 No. antennas, 1 No. transmission dish, 1 no satellite dish, 1 permanent generator, 3 equipment cabinets and 1 meter within enclosed compound (revised proposal), land near Y Gors, Trawsfynydd.

Public Speaking Mr. Norman Gillan, representing the applicants, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - the mast was critical for use by the emergency services. - there was a coverage deficit in the area. - the applicant had sought to avoid conservation areas, SSSI’s and the topography of the area meant it was difficult to find alternative sites. - the site identified was next to high level trees and away from residential properties. - the mast was at the minimum height allowed. It had been reduced by 5m into telegraph pole form, in a light grey colour to merge with the skyline. - the life of the trees were a concern and additional landscaping had been agreed.

Arising thereon, Members noted that Natural Resources Wales had failed to send a representative to the site inspection.

RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions and a landscaping scheme.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report.

9. Planning Appeals Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decisions- (1) Appeal by Mr & Mrs Ian Morris, against the Authority’s refusal to discharge a planning obligation for the conversion of a dwellinghouse into two dwellings, 2 Tan y Coed, Llanbedr, Gwynedd. LL45 2LE (Appeal allowed). RESOLVED to ask the Director of Planning and Land Management to discuss the appeal decision with The Planning Inspectorate and report the outcome to Members in due course.

(2) Appeal by Mr. Mark Sanders, against the Authority’s refusal to grant planning permission for the change of use from vacant council building to sui generis (holiday accommodation for large groups of people) former Council Offices, Lombard Street, Dolgellau, Gwynedd. LL40 1PU (Appeal allowed).

(3) Appeal by Ms Joe Davies, against the Authority’s refusal to grant outline planning permission for a new dwelling, Fflur, Cwm Maethlon from access track to Caeceinach, Cwrt. SY20 9JZ (Appeal dismissed).

The meeting ended at 11.25 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 13th SEPTEMBER 2017

Item No.

1. NP2/11/23E – Extension to agricultural building, Bryn y Bont (Gelli’r Ynn), Nantmor, Caernarfon. RESOLVED to grant permission in accordance with recommendation.

2. NP4/26/289C – Retrospective application for the change of use of two barns from Class D1 to Class D2 use for conducting weddings and wedding receptions, site two marquees in connection with same, and use of land as ancillary parking for a maximum of 25 cars, between 1st March and 1st November each year, Hafod Farm, Betws Road, Llanrwst. Public Speaking Mrs. Joanne Day, the applicant, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - Hafod Farm was the third most popular wedding venue in the area according to the local registrar’s office. - the application aimed to improve visitor experience for wedding guests of which there were about 4,000 per year. - Hafod Farm uses local caterers and local staff and contributes around £950k to the local economy with visitor stays at local hotels and use of shops etc. - five staff were Welsh speaking and use the Welsh language wherever possible. Welsh learners were also encouraged. - Hafod Farm employs its staff from within a 7-mile radius, five employees were from Llanrwst and the business provides income for local families. - this was a sustainable business with local, national and international clientele with two weddings booked from the USA next year. - there are a number of local caterers, cake makers, photographers etc. who make an income from this business. RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission subject to appropriate conditions.

3. NP5/50/532E – Alterations to previously approved application (NP5/50/532C dated 11/03/2016) to include installation of new door, window and disabled ramp on the north-west elevation, replace bi-fold door with window on the southeast elevation and installation of a door on the northeast elevations, Tourist Information Centre, The Wharf, Aberdyfi. RESOLVED to grant permission in accordance with recommendation.

4. NP5/62/399 – Construction of new road in cuttings and on embankments approximately 1.5km in length bridging the Afon Artro and Mochras Road, land west of Llanbedr. Reported – Case Officer presented the report and background. RESOLVED to await a further report to arrange a site visit to view the proposed route of the new road in advance of a more comprehensive report and recommendation to the Planning and Access Committee. All members of the Planning and Access Committee to be invited to attend.

5. NP5/71/39Y – Installation of pontoon, Gwersyll Yr Urdd, Glanllyn, Llanuwchllyn. RESOLVED to grant permission in accordance with recommended conditions.

6. Report on Appeal Decision – Former Council Office, Lombard Street, Dolgellau Submitted – An information report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance. He confirmed that the Authority would not be liable for any costs. RESOLVED to note the report.

Update Reports

(1) List of Compliance Cases – For Information Arising thereon, St. Davids Hotel, Harlech – Untidy Condition of Building Members were advised upon imminent prosecution proceedings and future options. RESOLVED to note the report.

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

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

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

(5) Policy Section Report on Consultations Received – For Information Arising thereon, Members requested that future consultations on access matters be presented to the Planning and Access Committee, for information. RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. that future consultations on access matters be presented to the Planning and Access Committee, for information.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 18th OCTOBER 2017

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

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

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Aled Lloyd, Mrs. Sara Roberts, Ms. Elen Hughes, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey.

Apologies Councillor Chris Hughes; Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones.

1. Chairman’s Announcements The Director of Planning and Land Management advised that he had briefly read the newly published Technical Advice Note (TAN) 20 – Planning and the Welsh Language (2017), and considered it to be very similar to the previous TAN 20. RESOLVED to ask the Director of Planning and Land Management to submit a report on the contents of the new TAN 20 to the next meeting of the Members’ Working Group in December 2017, for information.

2. Declaration of Interest Mr. G. Iwan Jones declared a personal interest in Item 6 on the Agenda.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on the 13th September 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

4. Pre-Application Advice, Site Meetings and Preparing Legal Agreements Submitted – A report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance to review charges for pre-planning application advice, site visits and legal agreements.

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

Members were in favour of increasing the pre-application fee introduced by the Authority for site visits, subject to allowing flexibility for groups such as Grwp Cynefin etc.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to increase the charge for pre-application site visits to £100.00 (incl. VAT), effective from the 1st January 2018, and to maintain a fee of £300 for Legal Agreements and Deeds of Release.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

6. National Grid Visual Impact Provision in Snowdonia – Update Submitted – An information report by the Director of Planning and Land Management.

Reported – The Director of Planning and Land Management presented the report and background and advised that the National Grid intend to submit the planning application at the end of 2018. A further report will be presented to Members in due course to advise on how the planning application for a cross boundary proposal will be administered.

Members considered the report and made the following observations:- - the possible impact of the design of the proposed Wylfa Newydd project on the National Grid VIP was discussed. - the availability of up to £600k of Landscape Enhancement Initiative monies per annum for small local improvement projects in Eryri was welcomed. - a member felt this was a missed opportunity for vehicles to also travel through the tunnels alongside the cables.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report.

9 (1) Eryri Local Development Plan – Annual Monitoring Report for 2016-17 Submitted – A report by the Head of Planning Policy to approve the Annual Monitoring Report for submission to the Welsh Government.

Reported – The Director of Planning and Land Management presented the monitoring report and provided Members with further details on the main findings.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and approve the Annual Monitoring Report for formal submission to the Welsh Government. 2. to promote and publicise the effectiveness of the Eryri LDP in line with the role of the Authority’s Communication Strategy.

9 (2) Eryri Local Development Plan 2016-2031 – Update Submitted – A report by the Head of Planning Policy to provide a progress update on the Eryri Local Development Plan 2016-2031 Revision.

Reported – The Director of Planning and Land Management presented the update report and outlined the next steps in the process.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

10. Access Forums Report Submitted – A joint report by the Head of Warden and Access Service and the Access Officer, to provide a summary of the discussions and issues raised at the Northern and Southern Snowdonia Access Forum meetings during September 2017.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

11. Planning Appeals Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decision:- Appeal by The Gwydyr Estate against the Authority’s decision to grant planning permission subject to conditions, with conditions no. 3 and 4 being in dispute. The Inspector varied condition 3 but condition 4 remained unchanged, former Tollgate, Pont yr Afanc, Betws y Coed. (Appeal allowed).

The meeting ended at 11.05 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 18th OCTOBER 2017

Item No.

1. NP5/53/T154G – Change of use of ground floor from bank (Use Class A2) to restaurant (Use Class A3) including new frontage and single storey extension, conversion of existing flat on 1st and 2nd floors to 4 flats, and construction of one pair of semi-detached dwellings at rear of site, National Westminster Bank Buildings and land to rear, 44-46 High Street, Bala. Reported – Case Officer to ask the applicant to consider giving the development a Welsh name. RESOLVED to grant permission in accordance with recommendation.

2. NP5/55/110C – Erection of 17.5m high monopole mast incorporating 3 No. antennas, 2 No. 0.6m diameter dishes, 3 No. equipment cabinets, associated ancillary works within compound, Bryncrug Works, Pen y Bont, Bryncrug. Public Speaking Mr. Chris Taylor, the Agent, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - potential flood risks have been addressed to the satisfaction of Natural Resources Wales. - there was general support, with some visual amenity objections. - the mast would be located near the B4405, at the edge of the village, and set to the rear of an industrial unit which was well screened with 13m high trees. Tan 19 advocates such a location. - alternative sites were discounted for various reasons. - the height of the mast was 17.5m to top of antenna, which is the minimum height to clear obstructions and project towards the village. - mast sharing will provide social and economic benefits of improved connectivity. RESOLVED to grant permission in accordance with recommendation.

Update Reports

(1) List of Compliance Cases – For Information Arising thereon, Hendre Ddu Quarry, Cwm Pennant – Unauthorised quarrying Members were advised that the unauthorised quarrying had now ceased and that a planning application was awaited. RESOLVED to note the report.

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

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

(4) Outstanding Applications where more than 13 weeks have elapsed – For Information RESOLVED to note the report. 64

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 6th DECEMBER 2017

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Freya Bentham, Alwyn Gruffydd, Annwen Hughes, Edgar Wyn Owen, Elfed Powell Roberts, John Pughe Roberts, Catrin Wager;

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Chris Hughes;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Aled Lloyd, Mr. Richard Thomas, Ms. Iona Thomas, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey.

1. Apologies Councillors Ifor Glyn Lloyd, Gethin Glyn Williams.

2. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on the 18th October 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report. 65

7. Planning Appeal Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decision:- Appeal by Mr. Stephen Jones against the Authority’s decision to refuse planning permission for a new steel portal framed agricultural building to house livestock (sheep) hay, bedding feed and fodder with a central concrete thoroughfare for tractor access within the building, land at Old Pumping Station, Cil Twllan, Gerlan, Bethesda. (Appeal dismissed).

The meeting ended at 10.50 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 6th DECEMBER 2017

Item No.

1. NP5/77/2E – Erection of 446 square metre forestry workshop and 107 square metre office building, new vehicular access, landscaping and hardstanding, Gwrach Ynys, Talsarnau. Public Speaking Cllr. Eifion Williams, Talsarnau Community Council, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - Members were asked to note the number of people at the meeting who were attending to show unanimous support for the applicant, Mr. Geraint Williams. - local people support the creation of new, permanent jobs, in an area with few employment opportunities. - Members should support a young man who wants to make his living locally. - Cllr. Williams referred to a pulveriser, which was located down the road from the application. - neighbouring Tanforhesgan have no objections to the proposal. - Cllr. Williams could not understand the problem, stating that communities need permanent jobs to keep young people in the area, to sustain local schools and keep the language alive. - the local community strongly support the application and Members were asked to approve the proposal.

Mr. Ed Bailey, the Agent, addressed the Planning and Access Committee and asked Members to consider the following:- - the application was simple and uncontentious and would create 5 local jobs. - the applicant had consulted with officers over a period in excess of 3 years. - the site was ideal and not contrary to the policies listed in the Agenda. - surveys have been conducted and have shown no ecological reasons to refuse. The noise survey shows low impact and the visual impact survey states that it would not be seen from places such as Harlech Castle. - there is a gap in the policy between agricultural use and forestry use and the agent read out the case officer’s assessment of the application that “the application proposes a steel portal shed of ‘agricultural’ scale and design that would not necessarily look out of place in the rural environment, if it were for agricultural purposes. A very similar agricultural building of similar scale and design was granted planning approval in 2006 and has now been erected around 1 mile to the south of this site”. RESOLVED – Site Inspection. Case Officer to provide all consultee correspondence relevant to this application including pre-application advice.

2. NP5/59/511F – Revised layout for residential development for 16 dwellings (12 open market and 4 affordable) inclusive of existing bungalow approved under Planning Consent NP5/59/511A dated 4th February 2005, land at Penrhiw, Llan Ffestiniog. RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission for the revised layout of 11 open market and 5 affordable dwellings, subject to appropriate conditions and a Section 106 affordable local occupancy agreement. 67

3. NP5/74/6A – Alterations and extensions to dwelling, Cae Glas Aberangell. Arising thereon, a Member raised concerns that the property had been included on the Authority’s list of traditional buildings. The applicants were not aware of this and officers were asked to provide details of when exactly the house was entered onto the traditional building list. The Director of Planning and Land Management agreed to review the Authority’s processes and procedures with regard to traditional buildings. RESOLVED – Site Inspection. Members asked officers to provide accurate dimensions at the site inspection.

Update Reports

(1) List of Compliance Cases – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

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

(3) Section 106 Agreements – For Information Arising thereon, the Director of Planning and Land Management outlined the formula for affordable housing sale prices, based on 3½ times the median household income in each community area. Grwp Cynefin/Tai Teg assess who meets this criteria. RESOLVED to note the report.

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

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 17th JANUARY 2018

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

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

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Chris Hughes, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Aled Lloyd, Mr. Richard Thomas, Mrs. Rebeca Jones, Ms. Iona Thomas, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey, Mrs. Sarah Roberts, Ms. Llinos Angharad.

1. Apology Mrs. M. June Jones.

2. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on 6th December 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

4. Planning Annual Performance Report (APR) 2016-17: Assessment Submitted – A report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance to highlight the content of the 2016-17 Annual Performance Report.

Reported – The Director of Planning and Land Management presented Members with background to the APR 2016-17, and the Head of Development Management presented the report. Members considered the overall performance and key actions in detail and thanked officers for the improvements, which were ongoing.

Officers confirmed that consultee response time was improving and advised that work to assess appeal decisions was currently underway.

RESOLVED to note the report and await a further report on appeal decisions to the next meeting of the Planning and Access Committee on 7th March 2018.

5. Inspection Panel Submitted – The reports of the Southern Area Inspection Panel held on 20th December 2017.

(1) NP5/74/6A Alterations and extensions to dwelling, Cae Glas, Aberangell.

Reported – Application withdrawn.

(2) NP5/77/2E Erection of 446 square metre forestry workshop and 107 square metre office building, new vehicular access, landscaping and hard-standings, land at Gwrach Ynys, Ynys, Talsarnau

Reported - Case officer presented the report, which Members considered in detail. He advised that following discussions with the applicant, a landscaping scheme had now been agreed. In addition, Gwynedd Council response to sequential approach had confirmed there was no land available of the type required.

Members were in support of the application on the grounds that the locational requirements of Planning Policy Wales had been met insofar as any localised visual harm could be mitigated against through appropriate landscaping and that the proposed development was of appropriate scale and design.

Furthermore, Members were convinced that the applicant had now satisfied the ‘tests’ as set out in TAN 23 para. 2.1.5 insofar as there were no suitable alternatives, based on evidence by Gwynedd Council Economic Development and the agent. A number of new jobs would be created and the development could be regarded as special merit insofar as it would create permanent jobs, provide a source for training and be seen as vital economic development in an area that requires this type of opportunity. Given the above, Members were convinced that the policies of the Eryri Local Development Plan had been satisfied insofar as there were no suitable alternatives on established employment estates or within/adjacent to settlements, the scale and design was appropriate for a rural setting and any localised visual intrusion could be mitigated against through landscaping and appropriate conditions.

RESOLVED contrary to Officer recommendation for the reasons set out above, to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission, subject to appropriate conditions, which include conditions to control operating hours, the colour of the building and height of the fence, ensure no external storage of machinery after hours, rebuilding of a stone wall on the highway verge, and to agree a lighting scheme to avoid pollution.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached. 70

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report.

9. 2017 Joint Housing Land Availability Study Submitted – A report by the Head of Planning Policy to inform Members of the findings of the 2017 Joint Housing Land Availability Study for the period 2016 – 2017.

Reported – The Head of Planning Policy presented an overview of the study which, for the first time since the adoption of the Eryri Local Development Plan in 2011, had dropped below 5 years. Members were advised that for the period 2016-2017, 23 out of the 25 local planning authorities in Wales had less than the required 5 year land supply. The Director of Planning and Land Management stated that the matter was high on the Planning Officers Society Wales’ Agenda and discussions with the Welsh Government were underway.

RESOLVED to note the results of the study.

10. Planning Appeal Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decision:- Appeal by Mr. Tim Bush against the Authority’s decision to refuse planning permission for a rear extension to the existing cottage together with associated alterations, Hen Bandy, Llanbedr. LL45 2NN (Appeal dismissed).

The meeting ended at 11.30 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 17th JANUARY 2018

Item No.

1. NP5/57/1100A – Erection of stable and alterations to existing access (resubmission), Ffridd Graig Wen, Ffordd y Gader, Dolgellau. Reported – NRW no observations to amended siting. Main planning considerations, neighbour objections and conclusion reported. RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to grant permission in accordance with the revised layout, subject to appropriate conditions.

2. NP5/62/399 – Construction of new road in cuttings and on embankments approximately 1.5km in length bridging the Afon Artro and Mochras Road, land west of Llanbedr. Reported – Case Officer advised that further information and consultee responses were still awaited. RESOLVED – Site Inspection. All members of the Planning and Access Committee to be invited to attend.

Update Reports

(1) List of Compliance Cases – For Information Arising therein, NP5/61/ENF23P – Untidy condition of building, St. David’s Hotel Harlech. Officers confirmed the owners had paid the fine and associated costs for failing to comply with the Section 215 Notice and that discussions were ongoing. RESOLVED to note the report.

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

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

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

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK PLANNING AND ACCESS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 7th MARCH 2018

Councillor Elwyn Edwards (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

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

Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillors Philip Capper, Ifor Glyn Lloyd;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Aled Lloyd, Mr. Richard Thomas, Mr. Gwilym H. Jones, Mrs. Rebeca Jones, Ms. Iona Thomas, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey, Ms. Llinos Angharad.

1. Apologies Councillor Chris Hughes; Ms. Tracey Evans. Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Director of Planning and Land Management.

2. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Planning and Access Committee meeting held on 17th January 2018 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

4. Planning Scheme of Delegation Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to update the Planning Scheme of Delegation.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and background and asked Members to note the following amendment:- - Para 3 (in the Welsh) the Scheme of Delegation should be amended to reflect the English and include “received within the consultation period, unless an extension has been agreed with the planning service”.

Members considered the report and the revised Scheme of Delegation and made the following observations:- - Para. 2 should also include “unless an extension has been agreed with the planning service”. - officers to advise the Community Councils and Stakeholders that the Planning Scheme of Delegation has been updated.

RESOLVED subject to the above amendments, to approve the updated Planning Scheme of Delegation as submitted.

5. Inspection Panel Submitted – The report of the Full Planning & Access Committee Inspection held on 24th January 2018.

(1) NP5/62/399 Construction of new road in cuttings and on embankments approximately 1.5 km in length bridging the Afon Artro and Mochras Road, land to the west of Llanbedr.

Reported – Case Officer presented the report and advised that further information was awaited. Members noted that Gwynedd Council had presented their timetable, which corresponds with the Authority’s Planning and Access Committee in May 2018.

RESOLVED to note the report.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

Please see the Schedule of Planning Decisions attached.

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

RESOLVED to note the report.

9. Access Forums Report Submitted – A report by the Access Officer to provide a summary of discussions and issues raised at the Northern and Southern Snowdonia Access Forum meetings during November/December 2017.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

10. Eryri Local Development Plan Revision – Draft Focussed Changes Document Submitted – A report by the Head of Planning Policy to approve the Focussed Changes document and associated documentation for public consultation.

Reported – The Head of Planning Policy presented the report and background. Members considered the draft Focussed Changes document and noted their dismay that guidance from the Welsh Government had resulted in a delay to the process. 74

RESOLVED 1. to note the report and approve the Focussed Changes document and associated documentation for consultation purposes. 2. to authorise the Director of Planning and Land Management to make any minor non-material changes prior to public consultation, if required. 3. to ask the Director of Planning and Land Management to write to the Welsh Government to express Members’ dismay that their guidance had delayed the process.

11. Planning Appeal Submitted and Received – copy of the following appeal decision:- Appeal by Mr. Mark Jones, G.D. Jones & Son against the Authority’s decision to grant planning permission subject to conditions for a two phased development consisting:- - Phase 1 – construction of 24 hour modular filling station including fuel oil interceptor, associated drainage works and installation of porta cabin, and - Phase 2 – development of fuel oil depot including installation of four double-skinned fuel tanks, establishment of loading and unloading area, LVG/car parking area, installation of fuel oil interceptor and associated drainage works. The conditions in dispute are nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 and the Inspector intends to vary the planning permission. Unit 5, Bala Enterprise Park, Bala, Gwynedd. (Appeal allowed and planning permission varied).

12. Planning Law in Wales Consultation Submitted – An oral report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance, in the absence of the Director of Planning and Land Management.

Reported – The Head of Development Management and Compliance advised that comments have now been forwarded on behalf of the three National Parks in Wales.

RESOLVED to note the report.

The meeting ended at 11.25 a.m.

SCHEDULE OF PLANNING DECISIONS – 7th MARCH 2018 Item No.

1. NP5/74/471 – Erection of dwelling with detached garage and new vehicular access, land adjacent to Tan y Llan, Llanymawddwy. RESOLVED to refuse permission in accordance with recommendation.

2. Planning Appeal Analysis – November 2016 to December 2017 Submitted – A report by the Head of Development Management and Compliance to provide a detailed analysis of all planning appeal decisions from November 2016 to the end of December 2017. Reported – The Head of Development Management and Compliance presented the report, which Members considered in detail. RESOLVED to note the report and the actions taken.

3. Traditional Buildings Register Submitted – A report by the Head of Cultural Heritage to explain the purpose and use of the Traditional Buildings Register. Reported – The Head of Development Management and Compliance advised upon the relevant policies and the Head of Cultural Heritage provided the background and a slide presentation for Members.

Members welcomed the presentation and made the following observations:- - the register should be made available to the public, either in the form of a leaflet or on the Authority’s website. - officers confirmed that the aim of the register was to safeguard external architectural features only. - Members felt the photographs shown in the presentation provided an excellent historical record and officers were asked to consider placing them on the “People’s Collection Wales” website. The photographs could be grouped into Community Council areas and this work could be eligible for grant funding. - Members felt that the National Park Authorities, as an organisation, should campaign and lobby the government to reduce the VAT element for building conversions.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

Update Reports

(1) Enforcement Notices, Listed Building Enforcement Notices and Breach of Condition Notices served under delegated powers and a List of Compliance Cases – For Information RESOLVED to note the report.

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

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

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

STANDARDS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 7th JULY 2017

PRESENT:

Member appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd;

Member appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Ceri Stradling;

Independent Members Mr. Martin J. Hughes, Mrs. Sharon Warnes (Chair);

Officers Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey.

Apologies Councillor Wyn Ellis Jones; Mrs Rachael L.J. Davies.

1. Chairman’s Announcements Members and Officers introduced themselves to the meeting and the Director of Corporate Services advised that Councillor Wyn Ellis Jones had agreed not to attend in order to balance the membership and ensure a quorum.

2. Declaration of Interest No declarations of personal interest were made in respect of any item.

3. Minutes The minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on the 16th September 2016 were accepted and the Chair signed them as a true record.

4. Nomination of members for the Single Status Grading Appeals Panel Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to appoint three Members and two substitute members to the Single Status Grading Appeals Panel.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and background.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to appoint Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mrs. Rachael L.J. Davies and Mr. Martin J. Hughes as Members of the Single Status Grading Appeals Panel with Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd and Mrs. Sharon Warnes appointed as substitute members.

5. Public Services Ombudsman for Wales Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to advise the Committee on the developments applicable to this Authority.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and provided Members with an update.

Members noted that the Ombudsman’s Annual Report 2016/17 was not available at this time, and it was agreed that the annual meeting of the Standards Committee should be held in September hereafter, to ensure the availability of the Ombudsman’s Report.

Arising thereon, it was agreed that the Head of Administration and Customer Care should, in future, submit the Annual Complaints Monitoring Report to the Standards Committee, for information.

Members congratulated the Authority on its excellent record and the positive report.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to hold the annual meeting of the Standards Committee in September each year. 3. to submit the Annual Complaints Monitoring Report to the Standards Committee, for information.

6. Update on the Authority’s Whistle Blowing Policy Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to update the committee on the adoption of the revised policy and the method used to advise staff of its availability. The Director of Corporate Services asked Members to note two amendments to the report and policy:- - the second paragraph in the English report refers to the Welsh translation, this should be amended to the Welsh wording, and - the second line in the English policy should read, “A full copy of the policy can be found on the Authority’s website”.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented his report and advised that staff were notified about the availability of the Policy by means of a business card, circulated with their payslips. Business cards were circulated to Members at the meeting, for information.

Arising thereon, Members recommended that new staff and volunteers should be advised about the availability of the Whistle Blowing Policy by means of both a business card and a letter as part of their induction / welcome pack.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to advise new staff and volunteers about the availability of the Whistle Blowing Policy by means of both a business card and a letter as part of their induction / welcome pack.

7. Grant of Dispensation Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services recommending that the Standards Committee grant a general dispensation to the Members of Gwynedd Council and Conwy County Borough Council.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and confirmed that dispensations previously granted by the Standards Committee had worked well.

Members considered the report in detail and agreed to approve a general dispensation, in accordance with the terms outlined in the report, to ensure that the Authority can conduct its business effectively.

RESOLVED 1. to grant a dispensation for Members appointed by Gwynedd Council to enable them to take a full part in the determination of issues relating to Gwynedd Council up to 31st December, 2018 unless further extended by resolution of this Committee prior to the 31st December, 2018. 2. to grant a dispensation for Members appointed by Conwy County Borough Council to enable them to take a full part in the determination of issues relating to Conwy County Borough Council up to 31st December, 2018 unless further extended by resolution of this Committee prior to the 31st December, 2018.

Date of next meeting – end September 2018.

The meeting ended at 15.05

PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 12th JULY 2017

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Freya Bentham, Elwyn Edwards, Alwyn Gruffydd, Annwen Hughes, Edgar Owen, Elfed Roberts, Catrin Wager, Gethin Williams;

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

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Ms Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. E. Williams, Mr. G.I. Jones, Mr. J. Cawley, Mr. D. Edwards, Mr. E. Roberts, Mrs. J. Worrall, Mrs. A. Gaffey;

In attendance Luned Fon Jones – Internal Audit Service

1. Election of Chairman RESOLVED to elect Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd as Chairman of the Performance and Resources Committee. The Chairman thanked Members for their support.

2. Election of Vice-Chairman RESOLVED to elect Councillor Wyn Ellis Jones as Vice-Chair of the Performance and Resources Committee.

3. Apologies Councillors John Pughe Roberts, Ifor Glyn Lloyd.

4. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

5. Minutes The minutes of the Performance and Resources Committee held on 15th March 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

6. Head of Internal Audit Annual Report 2016/17 Submitted – The Head of Internal Audit’s Annual Report outlining the Internal Audit Services’ opinion on internal controls within the Authority.

Reported – The Head of Internal Audit presented the report and confirmed that she was satisfied with the good overall standard of the Authority’s internal controls in the areas investigated in the 2016/17 Audit Plan.

With regard to the Audit Plan 2017/18, and in response to a question from a Member, the Head of Internal Audit advised that allowing 8 days to review ‘Income – Plas Tan y Bwlch’ and 8 days for ‘Rhododendron Management’ was sufficient. Should Internal Audit complete the work in less time than was scheduled, there was flexibility to transfer to other projects. The Head of Internal Audit also confirmed that an area given a “C” opinion would be reported to Members in accordance with Internal Audit Standards.

Arising thereon, it was agreed that prior to the conclusion report at the end of the year, Internal Audit would provide Plas Tan y Bwlch Board Members with a copy of the Plas Tan y Bwlch income report.

The Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked the Head of Internal Audit for attending the meeting to present the Annual Report.

RESOLVED 1. to accept the report as the “Head of Internal Audit’s Annual Report” in accordance with the requirements of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards for the financial year 2016/17. 2. to accept the Operational Audit Plan for the 2017/18 accounting period, subject to amendment in consultation with the Head of Internal Audit, the Chief Executive, the Chief Finance Officer, the Corporate Director and/or Head of Finance. 3. Internal Audit to assist with a review of income at Plas Tan y Bwlch, and to submit the “Income – Plas Tan y Bwlch” audit report to the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board prior to the year-end report to the Performance and Resources Committee.

7. Statement of Accounts 2016/17 Submitted – The Chief Finance Officer’s report for Members to note the contents of the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2017, and the arrangements for the period of inspection by members of the public.

Reported – The Chief Finance Officer presented the report and advised that the audited (and adjusted) Statement of Accounts would be presented to the Authority meeting on the 27th September 2017, for approval.

Arising thereon, Members and officers discussed how the asset value of Yr Ysgwrn was reflected in the Statement of Accounts.

The Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked the Chief Finance Officer, the Head of Finance and his staff for their work.

RESOLVED to note the contents of the Statement of Accounts (subject to audit) for 2016/17 and approve the period for public inspection.

8. The Authority’s Risk Profile Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to update Members on the Authority’s Risk Profile.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the quarterly monitoring report and risk profile in detail for the benefit of new Members.

It was agreed that under risk ref. 2 (Implications of Future Landscapes), the remaining likely risk should be ‘4’ and not ‘5’ as recorded.

RESOLVED to note the report and amend the Risk Register as outlined.

9. Corporate Work Programme 2016/17 Submitted – The fourth and final quarter Progress Report for 2016/17.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report detailing the Authority’s progress against objectives for the period up to 31st March 2017.

In answer to a question from a Member, the Director of Corporate Services confirmed that the Authority has a charging policy for schools. He also advised that the report was retrospective and that Members would be asked to consider new improvement objectives in September/October 2017.

RESOLVED to accept the Corporate Work Programme 2016/17 final report, as submitted.

10. Performance Indicators 2016/17: Fourth Quarter and Annual Results Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to discuss the results of the 2016/17 Performance Indicators.

Reported - The Director of Corporate Services presented the report, which Members considered in detail.

Planning and Land Management Directorate PLA/04 - Total number of decisions made contrary to officer recommendation - 2016/17 Results should read ‘17%’ of all APPS and not ‘1.5%’ as stated.

RESOLVED to note the report.

11. HR Strategy 2014 – 2017: Update Report Submitted – An information report by the Head of Personnel together with a copy of the HR Strategy for 2014 – 2017.

Reported - The Head of Personnel advised that the HR Strategy would be revised over the coming months and a report presented to the next meeting of the Performance and Resources Committee in November 2017.

RESOLVED to note the update report, for information.

12. Staff Absences 2016/17 Submitted – An information report by the Head of Personnel summarising staff absences for 2016/17.

Reported – The Head of Personnel presented the report and discussed procedures in place to support and manage staff absences. The Chief Executive advised that the Authority promotes a positive and preventative approach. He stated that the recent austerity measures had resulted in increased workloads with fewer resources, and the Authority’s staff were encouraged to take their full leave entitlement etc.

Arising thereon, the Head of Personnel agreed that in future, a record of the types of sickness absences and trends would be kept.

RESOLVED to note the report.

13. Health and Safety Annual Monitoring Report 2015/16 Submitted – An information report by the Head of Personnel to advise Members on Health and Safety issues within the Authority.

Reported – The Head of Personnel advised that the Health and Safety Group were about to undertake an accident benchmarking exercise with other National Parks. Members requested that in future, the monitoring report should also include details of compulsory training and desirable training.

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to include within the Health and Safety Annual Monitoring Report details of compulsory training and desirable training.

14. Welsh Members’ Seminar: Brecon Beacons National Park Authority 3rd / 4th October 2017 Submitted – An oral report by the Chief Executive.

Reported – The Chief Executive advised that all Members were invited to attend the Welsh Members’ Seminar in Brecon in October 2017. He encouraged all members to attend the Seminar, which was always topical, and would especially benefit new Members on this occasion.

RESOLVED to note the report and await further details in due course.

15. Minutes of the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board Submitted - Minutes of the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board meeting held on the 26th April 2017, for information.

Arising thereon, the Director of Corporate Services advised that Ms. Awel Gruffydd had accepted the post of part-time Centres’ Commercial Manager at Plas Tan y Bwlch for an initial period of 12 months.

RESOLVED to note the minutes.

The meeting ended at 11.30

PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 15th NOVEMBER, 2017

Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Freya Bentham, Elwyn Edwards, Annwen Hughes, Edgar Wyn Owen, Elfed Powell Roberts, John Pughe Roberts;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. M. June Jones, Marian W. Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. Emyr Williams, Mr. Dafydd Edwards, Mr. G. Iwan Jones, Mr. Jonathan Cawley, Mr. Emyr Roberts, Mrs. Jo Worrall, Ms. Bethan Hughes, Mrs. Mair Huws, Mrs. Anwen Gaffey;

1. Election of Vice-Chairman RESOLVED to elect Councillor Elfed Powell Roberts as Vice-Chairman of the Performance and Resources Committee.

2. Apologies Councillors Philip Capper, Chris Hughes, Ifor Glyn Lloyd, Catrin Wager, Gethin Glyn Williams.

3. Declaration of Interest No declarations of Personal Interests were made in respect of any item.

4. Minutes The minutes of the Performance and Resources Committee held on 12th July 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

5. Minutes of the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board Submitted - The minutes of the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board meeting held on the 12th July 2017.

RESOLVED to note the minutes.

6. Wales Audit Office – Certificate of Compliance Submitted – The Wales Audit Office report on the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s 2017-18 Improvement Plan, for information.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report on behalf of the Wales Audit Office.

RESOLVED to note the report.

7. Corporate Work Programme 2017-18 Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services on progress on the Corporate Work Programme for the first and second quarters of the financial year.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report, and in response to a question, confirmed that the acronym SOPR stood for “State of the Park Report”.

RESOLVED to note the report.

8. Performance Indicators 2017/18: Half Year Results Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to present the results for the first 6 months of the year.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report. Members considered the trends shown in red and amber in more detail and officers advised as follows:-

National Core Indicators Planning Service PLA/08 – The Director of Planning and Land Management advised that the pre- application workload had increased, and that work was continuing on improving the APAS planning database, previously known as “Swift”, to reduce the number of instances when the 21 day target is not met.

RESOLVED to note the report.

9. The Authority’s Risk Profile Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to update Members on the Authority’s Risk Profile.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and risk register. He recommended the inclusion of an additional risk to the Authority of failing to comply with General Data Protection Regulations, resulting in a lack of data control and the possible publishing of restricted documents. The Director of Corporate Services recommended a “medium” risk, with an impact of 4, and a probability of 3, making the risk 12. He advised, that in order to manage the risk, the Head of Information Systems and the Computer Support Officer had received training on the regulations. This will then be conveyed to the Authority’s staff and be used to undertake an audit of the data being held by the Authority.

Arising thereon, Members advised that the risk register had been omitted from the Agenda in its electronic form.

RESOLVED 1. to include the additional medium grade risk to comply with General Data Protection Regulations, as outlined. 2. to approve the deletion of the two risks as outlined in the report. 3. to await an electronic copy of the risk register. 86

10. Amendments to the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation Submitted – A copy of the Authority’s revised Scheme of Delegation for consideration by Members, prior to its presentation to the Authority for formal adoption.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services advised that the revised Scheme of Delegation now reflected the current position and that the revisions were highlighted in yellow.

Members considered the report and revised Scheme of Delegation and recommended that para 2. ii, Terms of Reference of Plas Tan y Bwlch Board, should read “Migrating over to a sustainable business model”.

Arising thereon, the Chairman requested that the Authority’s Code of Practice for the Receipt of Gifts and Hospitality should also be updated.

RESOLVED subject to the above amendment, to recommend that the Authority formally adopts the revised Scheme of Delegation, as set out in appendix 2 of the report, at its meeting on the 13th December 2017.

11. Draft Annual Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to discuss the Independent Remuneration Panel’s draft Annual Report and to determine whether or not a response is required. Members were asked to note the following corrections in the Welsh report, para. 2.1.1 should read “£3,675” and para. 2.1.2. should read “£12,375”. The figures were correct in the English report.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented his report and the accompanying letter from the Independent Remuneration Panel.

RESOLVED to accept the draft report and recommendations, as submitted.

12. Draft Volunteering Strategy Submitted – A joint report by the Head of Wardens and Access Service and the Community Officer, for Members to approve a Volunteering Strategy for the Authority.

Reported – The Head of Wardens and Access Service presented the report and Strategy and advised that officers were confident they could implement the Strategy.

Members considered the Strategy in detail and made the following observations:- - the Authority’s Chairman advised that he was present at the event to celebrate the contribution made by volunteers to the work of the Authority and welcomed the fact that it was to be held annually in future.

- Members enquired about the audit of the Authority’s services. The Head of Wardens and Access Service advised that various options for increasing volunteering opportunities were being introduced, such as additional volunteering opportunities on Snowdon, securing grant funding for an interpretation van to be partially staffed by volunteers, working in partnership to repair and maintain footpaths etc. - a Member suggested the Authority should register an interest with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) which provides up to £20k in grant funds, specifically for volunteering projects, on a competitive basis. Officers agreed to look into the matter.

RESOLVED to note the report and approve the Volunteering Strategy, as submitted.

13. H.R. Strategy 2017 – 2020 Submitted – A report by the Head of Personnel for Members to approve the HR Strategy.

Reported – The Head of Personnel presented the report and Strategy and advised that the gender pay gap data had now been included, as recommended by the Members’ Working Group. Members were advised that new Improvement Objectives would be incorporated into the Strategy once formally adopted.

RESOLVED to note the report and approve the H.R. Strategy for 2017- 2020, as submitted.

14. Strategic Equality Plan Submitted – A joint report by the Head of Personnel and the Head of Administration and Customer Care to present the Annual Report for 2016/17.

Reported – The Head of Administration and Customer Care presented the report.

RESOLVED to note the report and approve the Strategic Equality Plan Annual Report for 2016-17 for publication on the Authority’s website.

15. Financial Update Submitted – An oral report by the Chief Executive. A copy of the proposed timeline for addressing the financial challenge 2018/19 – 2019/20 was circulated to Members.

Reported – The Chief Executive advised that arising from the Welsh Government’s draft budget, published on the 4th October 2017, the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee have advised the National Parks to expect cuts of -5% in 2018/19 and a further -5% in 2019/20, plus inflation. The draft budget was due to be scrutinised by the Assembly on the 8th November, but circumstances did not allow this to happen. The Chief Executive reported that he had been assured by the Minister that the National Parks would be protected, but until such time as the budget was scrutinised, the Authority must prepare for the cuts.

The Chief Executive told Members that the Welsh National Parks were regularly informed that they were better funded than their English counterparts, who in the past had been subject to cuts of 8% each year for 3 years. In reality, when comparing the Snowdonia National Park’s finances with those of the Lake District National Park, there will be a difference of £1.3 million between the SNP and the LDNP by 2020, with Snowdonia’s grant £250k less than it was in 2001.

The Chief Executive confirmed that staff had been advised of the position and that a window for registering any voluntary interests in redundancy, retirement, reducing working hours and flexible retirement had been made available. To date, 8 staff had expressed an interest in the various options, which will now be evaluated alongside a sound business case. The Heads of Service had also been asked to scope the effects of a 20% cut to their budget, and a paper will be submitted, initially to Senior Members, on the 6th December to develop options, prior to submitting a report to a special meeting of the Members’ Working Group at 9.30 a.m. on the 13th December 2017 ahead of the Authority meeting which will start at 11.00 a.m. The Chief Executive and the Chairman were meeting the new Minister on the 16th November but, by now, they were not anticipating any changes to the financial position.

The Chief Finance Officer welcomed the timeline prepared by the Chief Executive as Members would soon be required to identify efficiencies of approximately £650k, which could rise further, should there be a new public sector pay deal.

RESOLVED to accept the oral report and note Members’ concerns that the Authority will be unable to fulfil its role and the effects on the Authority’s staff.

The meeting ended at 11.00 a.m.

PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 21st MARCH 2018

Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd (Gwynedd) (Chairman)

PRESENT:

Members appointed by Gwynedd Council Councillors Freya Bentham, Elwyn Edwards, Annwen Hughes, Edgar Wyn Owen, Elfed Powell Roberts, John Pughe Roberts;

Member appointed by Conwy County Borough Council Councillor Phil Capper;

Members appointed by the Welsh Government Mr. Brian Angell, Ms. Tracey Evans, Mrs. Marian Wyn Jones, Mr. Ceri Stradling, Mr. Owain Wyn;

Officers Mr. E. Williams, Mr. G.I. Jones, Mr. J. Cawley, Mr. D. Edwards, Mr. E. Roberts, Ms. B. Hughes, Mrs. J. Worrall, Mrs. A. Gaffey;

1. Apologies Councillors Chris Hughes, Ifor Glyn Lloyd, Catrin Wager, Gethin Glyn Williams.

2. Declaration of Interest Mr. Emyr Williams, Mr. G. Iwan Jones and Mr. Jonathan Cawley declared an interest in item 13 on the Agenda and left the meeting while the matter was being discussed.

3. Minutes The minutes of the Performance and Resources Committee held on 15th November 2017 were accepted and the Chairman signed them as a true record.

4. Minutes of the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board Submitted – The minutes of the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board meetings held on 13th September and 15th November 2017, for information.

Arising from the minutes:- The Chairman of the Plas Tan y Bwlch Management Board presented the minutes and provided a summary of the current financial position together with an outline of the proposed new initiatives being considered.

RESOLVED to note the minutes.

5. Improvement and Well-being Objectives Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive for Members to formally approve the draft improvement and well-being objectives and stakeholder comments, and recommend their adoption by the Authority.

Reported - The Chief Executive presented the report and confirmed that previous comments/observations had been incorporated into the document. Members agreed it was a challenge to adopt service priorities and well-being objectives when key legislation and policies were still undergoing a period of change.

Arising thereon, the Director of Corporate Services advised that the improvement and well-being objectives would now form part of the Corporate Plan, and if Members wanted to make changes, this was the time to do so. Members also noted that they would be able to update and amend the Authority’s service priorities and objectives annually from now on.

Members considered the report and made the following observations/amendments:- Appendix 2 - Draft Improvement and Well Being Objectives 2018 - 2023 Plans and Policies – we know we are succeeding in delivering the wellbeing objective when: o although Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government need to agree the Authority’s role, Members asked to amend the 2nd bullet point to read “Look to further our contribution to both the Prosperity for All Strategy and Natural Resource Policy”. o to include the need to monitor any joint programmes and policies developed with the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales. o where necessary, to make minor amendments to refer to children, young people and the elderly.

RESOLVED 1. to note the draft improvement and well-being objectives and the stakeholder comments. 2. to approve the activities identified to demonstrate how the Authority will deliver its objectives. 3. subject to including the above amendments, to formally recommend that the Authority adopts the draft improvement and well-being objectives, as outlined.

6. 2017/18 Budget Update Submitted – A report by the Chief Finance Officer to inform members of significant virements within the current financial year’s budget and provide Members with updates on progress against the revenue and capital budgets.

Reported – The Head of Finance presented the report, which summarised the revised revenue and capital budgets for the first eleven months of 2017/18 and provided a projection of the Authority’s position at the financial year-end.

The Chief Executive advised that he was still awaiting a formal letter to confirm the one-off capital and revenue monies expected from the Welsh Government and that the amounts identified in para. 1.4 of the report need to be amended to £305k revenue and £665k capital.

The Chief Finance Officer stated that the additional Welsh Government monies was once again a one-off amount for specific projects, which means the Authority still needs to continue to reduce its baseline. 91

RESOLVED 1. to note the report. 2. to confirm the proposed actions (carrying over of monies and transferring to reserves) as outlined in paragraphs 4.3 and 4.4 of the report. 3. to retrospectively approve the budget virements as outlined in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the report.

7. Performance Indicators 2017-18: 3rd Quarter Results Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to present the results for the third quarter of the year.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and Members considered the trends shown in red in more detail.

Local Indicators: Partnership and Volunteer Engagement The Director of Planning and Land Management agreed that in future, the quarterly updates currently provided for staff and members, will be forwarded to the Community Councils, for information.

RESOLVED to note the report.

8. Corporate Work Programme 2017/18 Submitted – A progress report by the Director of Corporate Services for the third quarter of the financial year.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and third quarter updates. Members and officers discussed the report and the following amendment was agreed:-

“Plans and Policies: Launch the updated State of the Park Report as website - Due for completion and promotion in March 2018”.

The Director of Corporate Services agreed to amend the Welsh translation.

RESOLVED to note the report.

9. The Authority’s Risk Profile Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services to update Members on the Authority’s Risk Profile.

Reported – The Director of Corporate Services presented the report and risk profile. Arising thereon, Risk Ref. 2 (Implications of Future Landscapes) After the recent statement by the Environment Minister, Members agreed that the remaining risk should now be ‘2’, and the overall risk downgraded to “10” (amber).

RESOLVED to note the report and amend the Risk Register as outlined. 92

10. National Parks UK Ltd Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive to update Members.

Reported – The Chief Executive presented the report and provided updates on the charitable body set up to support UK National Parks, the proposed changes to the funding model of the National Parks Partnership, and a further update on NPUK Ltd.

RESOLVED to note the report, for information.

11. Redundancy Policy – Appeals Process Submitted – A report by the Head of Personnel seeking authority to establish a sub-committee of the Performance and Resources Committee to hear appeals against compulsory redundancy dismissals.

Reported – The Head of Personnel advised that once established, the Sub-Committee would hear all future appeals against compulsory redundancy dismissals and/or the calculation of any payments associated with redundancy on behalf of the Authority.

RESOLVED 1. to establish a Sub-Committee to consider appeals against decisions to dismiss employees on the grounds of redundancy and/or the calculation of any payments associated with redundancy. 2. the Sub-Committee to be made up of 4 Members (3 Local Authority Members and 1 Member appointed by the Welsh Government). Members were appointed as follows:- Councillors Alwyn Gruffydd, Edgar Wyn Owen, Ifor Glyn Lloyd; Mr. Owain Wyn. In Reserve: Ms. Tracey Evans. 3. to note that an Appeal meeting will be held on 11 April 2018 at 2.00 p.m. at Plas Tan y Bwlch.

12. Living Wage and Apprenticeships, Sandwich Work Placements and similar roles Submitted – A report by the Head of Personnel seeking authority for apprenticeships, sandwich work placements and similar posts to receive the appropriate rate of pay, rather than the Authority’s pay scales.

RESOLVED 1. that apprenticeships, sandwich placements and similar roles are exempt from the Authority’s pay scales. 2. the rate of pay to be set by the Chief Executive on a case-by-case basis.

13. Pay Policy Statement 2018/19 and Pay Policy Annual Report for 2017/18 Submitted – A report by the Head of Personnel for Members to approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2018/19 and receive the Pay Policy Report for 2017/18.

Reported – The Head of Personnel presented the report and background.

RESOLVED 1. to approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2018/19. 2. to approve the Pay Policy Annual Report for 2017/18.

14. Freedom of Information Submitted – A report by the Head of Administration and Customer Care on information requests received by the Authority under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Reported – The Head of Administration and Customer Care presented the report, for information.

RESOLVED to note the report.

15. Financial Strategy One-Off Capital Consideration Schedule 12A Local Government Act 1972: Exemption from disclosure of documents Submitted – A report by the Director of Corporate Services requesting Authority approval for the exemption of the subsequent report.

RESOLVED that the “Financial Strategy One-Off Capital Consideration” report be exempt from disclosure for the reasons outlined in the report.

16. Financial Strategy One-Off Capital Consideration Submitted – A report by the Chief Executive for Members to discuss options and make a recommendation to the Authority in April.

Reported – The Chief Executive advised that circumstances had changed since the Authority’s meeting on the 7th February 2018, when a decision relating to the Authority’s levels of service was taken. He reported that, to date, the decision had not been acted upon and since this meeting, a bid for additional Welsh Government funding had been successful and resulted in a one-off capital payment for a “rights of way / access / wellbeing” project over a two year period. In accordance with Standing Orders, the Chief Executive asked Members to recommend that the Authority approves option 2 (para. 3.1) to retain one warden for a two year period and allow time for the service to explore new income streams for access projects.

RESOLVED to recommend that the Authority, at its meeting on the 25th April 2018, should support option 2 for the allocation of the one-off capital proposal.

The meeting ended at 11.30