Eryri Local Development Plan Background Paper 14 Spatial Development Strategy May 2017 Background Paper 14: The Spatial Development Strategy: Updated Feb2017 Introduction The Eryri Local Development Plan (ELDP) and subsequent reviews must be founded on a thorough understanding of the needs of the area and its opportunities and constraints. It is important that the local community and organisations are involved in the plan preparation process and are able to have an influence on the formulation of plan policies. Since starting work on the ELDP the Authority has been involving local communities and other organisations interested in the National Park on a wide range of issues and options for the future. This revised and updated study is one of a number of papers providing an evidence base for the Eryri Local Development Plan Short Form Revision and its Key Strategy. It has been updated in response changes in the legislative framework which underpins the planning system in Wales which have occurred since the Plan was adopted in 20111 Purpose of research This updated study aims to provide a robust evidence base to support the spatial development strategy for the National Park and to continue to provide the overarching strategic direction to guide the scale and location of development. It helps to define the issues, characteristics and linkages which inform the spatial development strategy element of the Eryri Local Development Plan Short Form Revision. The study has investigated the environmental, social and economic characteristics of communities and how settlements work together. The relationship of the National Park and individual settlements with the wider area is explained and the Authority has considered inter-community linkages for services, facilities and movement patterns. The context for the study has been drawn from the wide range of existing policy documents and strategies. Requirements of the research Snowdonia’s population is comparatively small (25,702) and geographically dispersed. Each of the 74 settlements has a different social and economic profile and provides different services. Settlements have also got different capacities, the need for and ability to accommodate development and change. The distinct nature and characteristics of the Snowdonia National Park mean that a different approach is needed towards development. The spatial development strategy should enable the Authority to maintain the viability and vibrancy of local communities in a sustainable way appropriate to the National Park. It should also ensure that the heritage of the National Park is conserved, whilst also fostering the social and economic well being of local communities. The underlying aim of this development strategy therefore is to seek to accommodate locally generated needs. Evidence to support the Development Strategy This paper sets out the methodology used and the outcomes of the research to identify the issues, characteristics and linkages which inform the spatial development strategy element of the Local Development Plan Short Form Revision. Contextual Information In developing a suitable development strategy for Snowdonia National Park it has been necessary to undertake an analysis of policy context operating at national, regional and local levels. Background Paper 14: The Spatial Development Strategy: Updated Feb2017 Wales Spatial Plan It is important to understand how the approach being promoted by the Welsh Government has been progressed and to ensure that the Eryri Local Development Plan takes account of the Wales Spatial Plan and any related studies. The diagram below shows the Wales Spatial Plan Areas. The National Park falls into two plan areas i.e. Central Wales area and North West Wales area; these are highlighted in the diagram below. The Spatial Plan was updated in 2008 and accounts of any changes have been included in this paper. The above diagram identifies the key features of the Wales Spatial Plan vision. Dolgellau has been identified as a cross-boundary settlement which is of particular importance for the development of the Central Wales and the North West Wales spatial plan areas. Its overall vision is to sustain communities by tackling the challenges presented by population and economic change. The Plan seeks to assist the less well-off areas to catch up on prosperity levels but at the same time to reduce environmental impacts. Natural and built environments, together with distinctive community identity, should be sustained. In particular the National Park Authority considers that the five Wales Spatial Plan themes are relevant to the area and have taken them into account in preparing the Eryri Local Development Plan. These themes are:- • Building sustainable communities • Promoting a sustainable economy • Valuing our environment • Achieving sustainable accessibility • Respecting distinctiveness Background Paper 14: The Spatial Development Strategy: Updated Feb2017 Wales Spatial Plan- North West Wales Area - Eryri and Mon In North West Wales the plan area identifies the Menai Hub as a strong focal point for economic activity and growth. Llandudno and Conwy have also been identified as a primary hub, recognised as a key economic driver connecting North West Wales and North East Wales. Both Llandudno and Conwy provide important retail, administrative and service functions for the Conwy valley rural hinterland. A secondary hub (Porthmadog – Pwllheli - Penrhyndeudraeth) to the west of the National Park, recognises these key growth settlements with the focus of providing services and employment and building on established strengths to support and spread prosperity to the wider rural hinterland. Outside the hubs, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llanrwst are identified as important centres which are relevant to both Central Wales and the North West Wales areas. The Spatial Plan recognises that they perform a variety of functions relating to tourism, employment, outdoor activities, retail and services, providing important local employment opportunities. The plan also recognises their supporting role to the wider rural hinterland. Y Bala, Betws y Coed and Trawsfynydd (settlements wholly within the National Park) have been identified as cross boundary settlements, while Llanberis (which is partly within the Park) has been identified as a key settlement. The Wales Spatial Plan recognises that links with other spatial plan areas will overlap in some parts of the region which reflects the reality of how different communities look at variety of places to access employment, services and leisure activities. It also recognises the exceptional natural environment, heritage and strong cultural identity. Of particular relevance to the National Park is the need to capitalise on the outstanding environment and the ecological and historic heritage. At the same time, the strong cultural identity should be maintained and safeguarded by developing healthier communities primarily based on higher-value sustainable tourism. As the Spatial Plan identifies, realising the potential of marine leisure and outdoor activities will be important. Background Paper 14: The Spatial Development Strategy: Updated Feb2017 As the National Park is surrounded by larger towns which provide key services, larger employment and housing sites there is a reliance on these centres from residents living in the Park. In particular the Bangor and Menai hub has a regional influence which extends into the northern part of the Park. The spatial influence and role of these centres have been considered in developing the spatial strategy for the Eryri LDP. Wales Spatial Plan - Central Wales Area A priority for the Central Wales spatial plan area is to build on the important key centres, whilst improving linkages and spreading benefit and growth to the wider hinterland and rural communities. Dolgellau has been identified as being strategically placed as a ‘primary key settlement”, strategically placed for appropriate development1’ serving the surrounding communities and providing a link between the Central Wales area and the North West Wales area. Rural Meirionnydd and Conwy has been identified as a primary settlement cluster. The plan also recognised Y Bala, Betws y Coed and Trawsfynydd (settlements wholly within the National Park) as cross boundary settlements, while Harlech and Aberdyfi have been identified as key settlements. National Development Framework The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 sets out a legal requirement for the Welsh Ministers to produce, and keep up-to-date, a National Development Framework (NDF), which will supersede the current Wales Spatial Plan. The National Development Framework will fulfil a number of functions, including setting out the Welsh Government’s land use priorities and providing a national land-use framework for Strategic and Local Development Plans. The NDF will mainly concentrate on development and land-use issues of national significance which the planning system is able to influence and deliver 1 Recognising the potential for developing the economy and service provision within the existing footprint Background Paper 14: The Spatial Development Strategy: Updated Feb2017 The NDF will set out a 20 year land- use framework for Wales and will: • set out where nationally important growth and infrastructure is needed and how the planning system - nationally, regionally and locally - can deliver it • provide direction for Strategic and Local Development Plans and support the determination of Developments of National Significance • sit alongside Planning