DOCSLIB.ORG

Transport Topic Paper August 2013

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Transport Topic Paper August 2013 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Local Development Plan 2011 –2026 Transport Topic Paper August 2013 www.npt.gov.uk/ldp Contents 1 Introduction 1 2013) 2 Background 3 3 Policy Context: National, Regional & Local 5 (August 3.1 National Policy Context 5 Paper 3.2 Regional Policy Context 11 opic T 3.3 Local Policy Context 15 ransport 4 Current Situation and Trends 19 T - 5 Summary of Consultation Responses 39 LDP 6 Issues to be Addressed 43 Deposit 7 Objectives 45 8 Strategy Development 47 9 Strategic and Detailed Policy Development 53 Contents Deposit LDP - Transport Topic Paper (August 2013) 1 . Introduction 1 Introduction 2013) 1.0.1 This topic paper is one of a range of papers prepared to offer more detailed information and to provide an explanation of the approach taken in the Local Development (August Plan (LDP) in relation to different topics and issues affecting the County Borough. Paper 1.0.2 This paper specifically considers Transport. opic T 1.0.3 The Deposit Plan consultation is the second statutory stage of the Plan and allows a further period of formal public consultation. Comments received at this stage will ransport T be considered by an Independent Planning Inspector who will hold an Examination in - Public into the Plan. If the Inspector considers the Plan to be 'sound' it will be recommended for adoption and once adopted it will supersede the current Neath Port Talbot Unitary LDP Development Plan (UDP) and be the primary document for use in the determination of planning applications. Deposit 1.0.4 The Topic Paper can be read in isolation or in conjunction with the other Topic Papers and Background Studies that have been prepared to provide a full picture of Neath Port Talbot. (1) 1 1 The information contained within this Topic Paper is correct as of the date sent to print. Introduction . 1 - Transport Topic Paper (August 2013) LDP Deposit 2 2 . Background 2 Background 2013) 2.0.1 Transport and accessibility have a key role in providing economic and social opportunities and providing a good quality of life. Accessibility provides residents with (August access to everyday goods and services, whether it be for education, employment, health or social opportunities. Good accessibility can therefore help to increase social inclusion, Paper provide healthier and more active communities and can improve economic activity. opic T 2.0.2 In the Pre-Deposit Plan, the objectives, strategy and strategic policies were grouped under the 5 Wales Spatial Plan (WSP) themes: ransport T - Building Healthy, Sustainable Communities; Promoting a Sustainable Economy; LDP Valuing our Environment; Achieving Sustainable Accessibility; Deposit Respecting Distinctiveness. 2.0.3 Transport is a fundamental consideration for future development and for delivering the objectives set out within these themes. Addressing travel patterns and movement is a key factor in ensuring the above are met and that Neath Port Talbot has sustainable, prosperous communities, where opportunities are available to all. Transport underpins many elements of the Plan, from strategic policies and objectives to influencing key decisions on the selection of sites and the level of development a given area is able to accommodate. 2.0.4 To achieve future growth, the LDP needs to develop a sufficient and sustainable transport system that supports the economy of Neath Port Talbot, fosters economic growth, encourages more sustainable travel patterns and promotes healthier lifestyles. 2.0.5 Within this document, the relationship between land use planning and travel is examined and ways in which a more effective and efficient transport system can be provided is addressed. Careful consideration has been given to the interaction between land use and travel to ensure allocations and policies contained within the Plan help to achieve more sustainable communities. 3 Background . 2 - Transport Topic Paper (August 2013) LDP Deposit 4 3 . Policy Context: National, Regional & Local 3 Policy Context: National, Regional & Local 2013) 3.1 National Policy Context (August Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Edition 5 (2012) Paper 3.1.1 Aims to extend choice in transport and secure accessibility which supports opic sustainable development and helps to tackle the causes of climate change by: encouraging T a more effective and efficient transport system with greater use of the more sustainable and healthy forms of travel, and minimising the need to travel. This will be achieved through ransport T integration: - Within and between different types of transport; LDP Between transport measures and land use planning; Deposit Between transport measures and policies to protect and improve the environment; and Between transport measures and policies for education, health, social inclusion and wealth creation. 3.1.2 Development plans need to provide a framework to stimulate, guide and manage change towards sustainability. They should secure a sustainable settlement pattern which meets the needs of the economy, the environment and health, while respecting local diversity and protecting the character and cultural identity of communities. In their land allocation policies and proposals, local planning authorities should: promote sustainable patterns of development, identifying previously developed land and buildings, and indicating locations for higher density development at hubs and interchanges and close to route corridors where accessibility on foot and by bicycle and public transport is good; 3.1.3 Plans need to be consistent with minimising the need to travel and increasing accessibility by modes other than the private car. Major generators of travel demand should be located in areas which are, or can be, well served by public transport, or can be reached by walking or cycling. 3.1.4 Support is given to the development of a transport hierarchy for new development whereby they are accessible in the first instance by walking/ cycling, public transport and then the private car. 5 3.1.5 Land use plans can help achieve the Welsh Government's (WG) objectives for transport by: reducing the need to travel; 3 . Policy Context: National, Regional & Local Deposit locating development near other related uses to encourage multi-purpose trips and reduce the length of journeys; LDP improving accessibility by walking, cycling and public transport; - T ransport ensuring that transport is accessible to all; T opic promoting walking and cycling; Paper supporting the provision of high quality public transport; (August supporting traffic management measures; 2013) promoting sustainable transport options for freight and commerce; supporting sustainable travel options in rural areas; supporting necessary infrastructure improvements; and ensuring that, as far as possible, transport infrastructure does not contribute to land take, urban sprawl or neighbourhood severance. 3.1.6 Walking will be promoted for shorter trips and cycling for short trips and as a substitute for shorter car journeys or, as part of a longer journey when combined with public transport. 3.1.7 Public transport should be supported as a means to achieve environmental objectives, to assist in relieving congestion and to encourage social inclusion. The ease of interchange between transport modes and personal safety are important determinants of public transport use. 3.1.8 Local Authorities should adopt an integrated approach to traffic management, and consider how different measures can complement one another and contribute to the achievement of wider planning and transport objectives. 3.1.9 The strategic significance of freight access to industry and commerce should be taken into consideration by planning authorities. Wherever possible they should promote the carriage of freight by rail, water or pipeline rather than by road and promote the use of ports and inland waterways. 3.1.10 Development Plans should provide the means for: 6 examining the relationship between transport and land use planning; promoting the integration and co-ordination of transport and land use planning; and promoting strategies to reduce the need to travel. 3 . Policy Context: National, Regional & Local 3.1.11 The Development Plan should: 2013) set out the land use / transportation strategy, addressing accessibility and the provision of strategic and integrated transport facilities, including roads, railways and interchanges; (August Paper ensure that new housing, jobs, shopping, leisure and services are highly accessible opic by public transport, walking and cycling; T locate major generators of travel demand within existing urban areas, or in other ransport locations that can be well served by public transport, walking or cycling; T - encourage higher density and mixed-use development near public transport nodes, LDP or near corridors well served by public transport; Deposit ensure that development sites which are highly accessible to non-car modes are used for travel intensive uses, reallocating their use if necessary; in rural areas, designate local service centres, or clusters of settlements where a sustainable functional linkage can be demonstrated, as the preferred locations for new development; include specific measures to promote walking and cycling; set out policies to promote the use of public transport including new and improved interchange facilities and, where appropriate, park and ride schemes; include appropriate traffic management policies; identify the primary road network, including trunk roads, and separately identify the core network; identify proposals for
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Neath Valley Key Data Neath Valley
    Key data Neath Valley Neath Valley 1 Introduction 2 2 Population and Social Profile 3 2.1 Population 3 2.2 Ethnicity 3 2.3 Welsh Language 3 2.4 Health 3 2.5 Housing 3 2.6 Economy and Employment 4 2.7 Communities First Areas 4 2.8 Index of multiple deprivation 4 3 Access to facilities 5 3.1 Services and facilities 5 3.2 Highways and Access to a private car 6 3.3 Travel to work 7 3.4 Public transport 7 4 Minerals, Renewables and Waste 8 4.1 Mineral and aggregate resources 8 4.2 Renewable Energy 8 4.3 Waste 8 5 Quality of life 9 5.1 Air quality and noise pollution 9 5.2 SSSIs and areas of nature conservation 9 5.3 Built Heritage 9 Key data Neath Valley 1 Introduction This is one of a series of overview papers that are being prepared to inform discussion on the preparation of the plan. These overview papers outline the main issues that have been identified through work on the background papers. They will be amended and expanded as the discussion and work develops and any comments on omissions or corrections will be gratefully received. Background papers are being prepared on the 8 community areas that make up Neath Port Talbot and on specific themes such as housing. They will be available from the LDP website www.npt.gov.uk/ldp. How to contact the LDP team 1. Via the website; www.npt.gov.uk/ldp 2. Via email; [email protected] 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Course R10/22
    A reminder – Hard-shell Snell/ANSI helmets are compulsory for this event. Promoted for and on behalf of Cycling Time Trials under their Rules and Regulations R10/23 ‘BACK ROAD’ COURSE DESCRIPTION (SAME AS 2014) R10/23 START on the B4242 Old Vale of Neath Road at the entrance to F.E. Chick just north-east of Rheola Pond. Proceed south-west on the B4242 to Resolven junction. Continue south-west on the B4242 passing through Abergarwed village and Ynysarwed village to the ‘Rock and Fountain’ hill, climb and continue to TURN with care at the break in the dual-carriageway opposite the Groundhog factory at Ynysgerwen, SA10 8HH (5.0 miles). Descend hill and retrace route north-eastwards along the B4242 through Ynysarwed village and Abergarwed village. Continue north-eastwards through Resolven junction and past Rheola Pond to FINISH directly opposite the start. There is no car parking near the start and to do so will endanger competitors. SOUTH WALES DISTRICT NOTES TO ALL COMPETITORS PRESENT Please remember to sign on and look out for any updated safety information. All competitors must, at all times, obey the rules of the road and the rules of our sport. THE 2015 SOUTH WALES DISTRICT Please don’t take any unnecessary risks and make getting back home to your families your first priority and a fast time your second priority. Keep your head up and have a safe and GHS 10-MILE TIME-TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP speedy ride. This event is immediately followed by the Port Talbot Wheelers Open 10 and the plan is to have both award presentations after the end of the Open 10.
    [Show full text]
  • Cymmer & Croeserw
    Community Profile – Cymmer & Croeserw Version 5 – will be updated and reviewed next on 29.05.20 The Villages of Cymmer, Croeserw, Abercregan, Dyffryn Rhondda and Cynonville make up the rural ward of Cymmer. They are situated in the east of the Afan Valley, the villages lying approximately 9 miles from the Towns of Port Talbot and Neath. The area is closer to Maesteg and people often travel there for shopping and services as it is easier to get to than Neath or Port Talbot. The villages are located very close to each other – about three quarters of a mile. The local landscape is wooded hills and some farmland. The area is world Entrance to Croeserw renowned for the excellent mountain bike trails. Aerial view of Cymmer looking up the valley The population is, according to the 2011 Census, 2765. This breaks down as 0 – 17 20.8%, 18 - 64 59.5%, 65 and above 19.7%. 988 working age people are economically inactive, this figure, 47.8% been higher than both the NPT average, (29.4%) and Wales (23.0%). 9.7% of the population holds qualifications of Level 4 and above, with the NPT average been 20.8% and Wales as a whole 29.7%. 36.2% of housing is socially rented which is significantly higher than the welsh average of 16.5%. The majority of NPTCBC run facilities are now run and managed by the community. The local comprehensive school closed in July 2019 this has had a devastating impact on the whole valley. Natural Resources Wales manages the forestry in areas of the ward that houses lots of walking and cycling trails.
    [Show full text]
  • BD22 Neath Port Talbot Unitary Development Plan
    G White, Head of Planning, The Quays, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, Neath, SA11 2GG. Foreword The Unitary Development Plan has been adopted following a lengthy and com- plex preparation. Its primary aims are delivering Sustainable Development and a better quality of life. Through its strategy and policies it will guide planning decisions across the County Borough area. Councillor David Lewis Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Unitary Development Plan. CONTENTS Page 1 PART 1 INTRODUCTION Introduction 1 Supporting Information 2 Supplementary Planning Guidance 2 Format of the Plan 3 The Community Plan and related Plans and Strategies 3 Description of the County Borough Area 5 Sustainability 6 The Regional and National Planning Context 8 2 THE VISION The Vision for Neath Port Talbot 11 The Vision for Individual Localities and Communities within 12 Neath Port Talbot Cwmgors 12 Ystalyfera 13 Pontardawe 13 Dulais Valley 14 Neath Valley 14 Neath 15 Upper Afan Valley 15 Lower Afan Valley 16 Port Talbot 16 3 THE STRATEGY Introduction 18 Settlement Strategy 18 Transport Strategy 19 Coastal Strategy 21 Rural Development Strategy 21 Welsh Language Strategy 21 Environment Strategy 21 4 OBJECTIVES The Objectives in terms of the individual Topic Chapters 23 Environment 23 Housing 24 Employment 25 Community and Social Impacts 26 Town Centres, Retail and Leisure 27 Transport 28 Recreation and Open Space 29 Infrastructure and Energy 29 Minerals 30 Waste 30 Resources 31 5 PART 1 POLICIES NUMBERS 1-29 32 6 SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL Sustainability
    [Show full text]
  • Joint Transport Plan for South West Wales Appendices
    Appendix 2 Joint Transport Plan for South West Wales Appendices January 2015 Index Appendix Content Page no. A Executive Summary of the Regional Transport Plan 3-15 B Regional Travel Pattern Survey 16-26 C Equality Impact Assessment Screening 27-36 D The Link Between the LTP vision and WG priorities 37-39 E LTP Table Two reference numbers 40-41 F LTP project assessment/prioritisation 42- 44 G Strategic Environmental Assessment 45 - 57 H Health Impact Assessment screening 58- 60 I Rural proofing – Strategy Screening 61-62 J LTP consultation process 63-76* K Monitoring the LTP 77-78 * All page numbers after the missing appendix will change 2 Appendix A Executive Summary of the Regional Transport Plan 2010 - 2015 1.0 Introduction, Vision and Objectives 1.1 Good access is an essential element for a good quality of life. Good access can be provided when services and facilities (such as health care, employment, education, and leisure) are brought directly to users, or when reliable, integrated and accessible transport is available to take users to those services and facilities. Good access helps to achieve strategic aims of Government at all levels, including: • Improving economic activity • Raising skill levels • Healthier and more active individuals and communities • Increasing social inclusion 1.2 The Welsh Government (WG) has set out high level aspirations for Wales in the One Wales Agenda and in the Wales Spatial Plan. WAG has also adopted a Wales Transport Strategy which seeks to provide the national framework for improved access to help deliver One Wales. 1.3 The South West Wales Integrated Transport Consortium (SWWITCH) is one of the four transport consortia in Wales, all of which are required to produce a Regional Transport Plan (RTP) which will help to deliver, in their regions, the outcomes and strategic priorities set out in the Wales Transport Strategy.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter - No
    Neath and Tennant Canals Trust Quarterly Newsletter - No. 125 September 2008 'Thomas Dadford' on a quiet September morning. NEATH & TENNANT CANALS TRUST LTD. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2007 - 2008. Again this year I can report that with the continuing close working relationship between the Trust and the Neath Canal Navigation Co. much has been achieved in continuing the progress ofrestoration ofthe Neath Canal. Current Activity. Following a meeting ofthe stakeholders seeking the Restoration ofAberdulais Aqueduct, of which the Trust is a member, a brief was developed by Opus International Consultants (UK) Ltd, for the Assessment of the Feasibility of Rehabilitation of Aberdulais Aqueduct. Funding to carry out lhe study is being sought by the Tennant Canal Co. along with CADW, and funding for the study should be in place during 2008 -2009. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council along with the City and County of Swansea and the Welsh Assembly have appointed Hyder and Bridge Economics to undertake a socio economic benefit analysis of restoring the eath and Tennant Canals to navigation. A draft report has already been submitted to the Local Authorities and Welsh Assembly and agreed in principle, the final report is now awaited. Groundwork Trust has secured funding to design and install features promoting the canal corridor between Tonna and Aberdulais. The N&TC Trust was approached to help with the content of scenes depicting local history to be carved on slate panels for inclusion into a new wall being built overlooking the canal at St Annes Terrace, Tonna. The new wall is the initial projectto improve and promote the canal in the Aberdulais area.
    [Show full text]
  • Wern Works Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot SA11 2JX Hrt.Uk.Com for SALE
    Commercial Wern Works Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot SA11 2JX hrt.uk.com FOR SALE Offers in excess of £300,000 Wern Works, Briton Ferry, Location Tenure Viewing strictly by appointment For Sat Nav users: Postcode SA11 2JX Freehold with vacant possession. through Herbert R Thomas Neath Port Talbot, SA11 2JX The property is located adjacent to the River Neath, close to the wharf at Briton Ferry, in Neath Port Talbot. VAT Offers in excess of £300,000 All figures are quoted exclusive of VAT. hrt.uk.com The property lies approximately 6 miles east of Swansea city centre and is accessed via the A48 to the Rateable Value M4 Motorway at junction 42. The property is also The property does not have a listed Rateable Value. conveniently located to junction 41 of the M4, via the Interested parties are advised to make their own A48 providing access to Cardiff and Bridgend situated enquiries with Neath Port Talbot County Council. Commercial 40 miles and 15 miles to the east respectively. EPC Briton Ferry Industrial Estate includes several light EPC Rating - F (Available on request) industrial occupiers as well as a recycling centre and is situated opposite Briton Ferry Marina. Port Talbot Steelworks is situated within a five-mile radius of the subject property. Description Wern Works comprises a complex of inter-linked dilapidated industrial units with a separate office unit. 11-12 Jellicoe Court, Atlantic Wharf, The property occupies a site area of approximately 6.43 Cardiff CF10 4AJ acres (2.61 hectares). 02920 671555 [email protected] Constructed in the 1920s.
    [Show full text]
  • Extended Relevant Representations. Neath Port Talbot Country Borough
    Extended Relevant Representations. Neath Port Talbot Country Borough Council considers that the project has the potential to have significant effects both positively and negatively upon this complex and highly dynamic coastal environment, as well as the associated communities, biodiversity and economic interests associated with it. As such, the Authority would wish to see the following relevant issues appraised through the examination process: 1) Coastal Processes and Biodiversity: These are extremely complex issues, with the project having the potential to impact directly and indirectly upon both the terrestrial and marine environments, as well as commercial and tourism economies of the area. Concerns remain about the potential uncertainties within the applicant’s submitted assessments, proposed monitoring and potential mitigation measures. Adverse impacts due to coastal processes could affect the navigable status of the River Neath through the potential requirement for addition dredging, erosion of sands from Aberavon, Port Talbot and Margam beaches, as well as the potential impacts upon the protected habitat areas of Crymlyn Burrows (SSSI) and Kenfig (SSSI, SAC and NNR). 2) Sewerage Outfall: We are concerned about the potential associated risks with the developer’s apparent preferred option to retain the sewerage outfall within the confines of the lagoon. Any failure of the proposed system would adversely impact upon water quality, but could also irreparably damage the reputation of Swansea Bay as a tourism destination. In addition such potential events would jeopardise the lagoons chances of becoming a regional resource for water sports, tourism and leisure activities as well as the proposed use of the area for shellfish farming.
    [Show full text]
  • Key Data Neath Valley Key Data Neath Valley Contents
    Key data Neath Valley Key data Neath Valley Contents Neath Valley 1 Introduction 3 2 Population and Social Profile 4 2.1 Population 4 2.2 Ethnicity 4 2.3 Welsh Language 4 2.4 Health 4 2.5 Housing 4 2.6 Economy and Employment 5 2.7 Communities First Areas 5 2.8 Index of multiple deprivation 5 3 Access to facilities 6 3.1 Services and facilities 6 3.2 Highways and Access to a private car 7 3.3 Travel to work 8 3.4 Public transport 8 4 Minerals, Renewables and Waste 9 4.1 Mineral and aggregate resources 9 4.2 Renewable Energy 9 4.3 Waste 9 5 Quality of life 10 5.1 Air quality and noise pollution 10 5.2 SSSIs and areas of nature conservation 10 5.3 Built Heritage 10 Key data Neath Valley This is one of a series of overview papers that are being prepared to inform discussion on the preparation of the plan. These overview papers outline the main issues that have been identified through work on the background papers. They will be amended and expanded as the discussion and work develops and any comments on omissions or corrections will be gratefully received. Background papers are being prepared on the 8 community areas that make up Neath Port Talbot and on specific themes such as housing. They will be available from the LDP website www.npt.gov.uk/ldp. How to contact the LDP team 1. Via the website; www.npt.gov.uk/ldp 2. Via email; [email protected] 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Tai Tarian – Playing Their Part in a Sustainable Future in 2018, Tai Tarian Joined Wales’ Bee Friendly They Helped Them to Design and Create Bug Initiative
    Case Studies Tai Tarian – playing their part in a sustainable future In 2018, Tai Tarian joined Wales’ Bee Friendly They helped them to design and create bug initiative. Tai Tarian is one of the largest hotels, which are located at Baglan. social housing providers in Wales, owning over 9000 properties and managing over Tai Tarian has worked with Buglife Cymru to 450 acres in the Neath Port Talbot County. create wildflower and community woodlands In 2016, with a member of staff fully trained habitats for pollinators along identified to become their resident beekeeper, they ‘B-lines’ (www.buglife.org.uk). They feel installed bee hives at their head office in that the key to success in their projects is Baglan. Following this, they made links with the connections they have made with local local school children and educated them on schools and communities. the importance of bees. Partnership working has given pride and Apprentices employed on their Copper value to the projects, which have enhanced Foundation programme worked with the green spaces and improved biodiversity in children. the Borough. Enhancing our Haven Housing Schemes (independent living for the over 55’s) Initially, Haven Housing tenants were invited to coffee mornings. During these, Clare Dinham (Buglife Cymru) explained the B-Line project and the work required for wildflower planting. The Tai Tarian team encouraged tenants to get involved in whatever way they felt comfortable. This could be helping to prepare ground or sowing seeds. If mobility were an issue, tenants could promote the B-Line projects to friends and families. At several housing schemes, tenants have seen and enjoyed the benefits of wildflower meadows in full bloom.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridgend Local Development Plan
    Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol r gw O r a t n o b - y Bridgend Local Development Plan - n e P BRIDGEND 2006-2021 County Borough Council Background Paper 1: The National, Regional & Local Context March 2011 NB. Print using Docucolor 250PCL Draft Candidate Site Bridgend Local Development Plan 2006 – 2021 Background Paper One The National, Regional and Local Context March 2011 Development Planning Regeneration and Development Communities Directorate Bridgend County Borough Council Angel Street, Bridgend CF31 4WB 1. Introduction 1.1 This Background Paper is the first in a series of documents which has been prepared by Bridgend County Borough Council to provide information and justification to the contents of the deposit Bridgend Local Development Plan (LDP). 1.2 The Pre-Deposit Proposals document, issued for public consultation between February and March 2009 contained information on the national, regional and local context with a review of the existing situation, policies and practice from various public and private organisations which have an impact or implication for the strategic land-use planning system. This review then continued by highlighting the national, regional and local issues which had been identified in that review which would need to be addressed or acknowledged in the deposit LDP. 1.3 This document represents an updated version of chapters 3-5 of the Pre Deposit Proposals. Updates to the document have occurred for the following reasons: Factual updates resulting from changes to policies since the publication of the Pre Deposit Proposals Changes which were recommended or suggested as a result of representations received during the public consultation on the Pre Deposit Proposals As a result of the above, new or revised issues may have arisen which will be required to be addressed 1.4 The Background Paper does not attempt to précis every piece of national, regional and local policy, relevant to Bridgend County Borough.
    [Show full text]
  • Report on the Welsh Beaches in Need of A
    Surfers Against Sewage Are Calling For A Review of the UK’s Bathing Water Sample Sites. Welsh Report Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) believe the weekly bathing water samples required by the EU Bathing Water Directive should be taken from the area of the bathing water that presents bathers and water users with the greatest source of pollution, if a significant amount of bathers and recreational water users can be expected to regularly use that area of beach. Surfers Against Sewage are concerned that 45 designated bathing water sample spots around the UK do not provide a true guide to the water quality that a bather or water user might experience at our bathing waters, including 11 in Wales. The implications are incredible concerning, as our widely promoted water quality results could be misleading the public about the potential health risk at a number of the UK’s bathing water. The Bathing Water Directive states (Art3.3) the monitoring point should be where most bathers are expected or the greatest risk of pollution is expected, according to the bathing water profile. In the UK Regulations (Schedule 4.1) Defra have transposed the obligation to locate the monitoring point where the most bathers are expected. This was part of the original transposition The European Commission’s Reference Document for the monitoring and assessment requirements of the revised Bathing Water Directive published August 2014 states: • A bathing water is not defined by its physical size. The length of its corresponding beach can vary between bathing waters and the distribution of bathers within a bathing water can be uneven.
    [Show full text]