MS clashes in Senedd over new National Park

Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George, has again voiced his opposition to the potential expansion of a proposed new National Park into North Powys, in an exchange in the Senedd this week.

The Welsh Government outlined plans in its 2021-2026 Programme for Government to designate a new National Park in northeast Wales, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape.

If established, it would be Wales’s fourth National Park and the first since 1957. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is leading the evaluation process.

An initial Area of Search was shared in late 2023. Public feedback was sought, and adjustments were made. The current consultation on the refined Candidate Area map is running until December 16 and includes the park extending into areas of Powys.

A packed public meeting in Llanrhaeadr Village Hall attended by over 250 people took place earlier this month when chair, Alun Elidyr, farmer and S4C presenter, highlighted significant local opposition to the proposals.

Mr George posed the question to the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, during weekly questions when he highlighted the overwhelming opposition expressed at the Llanrhaeadr meeting.

He raised his concerns about the detrimental effects on farm diversification and the strain on local infrastructure, particularly the inadequate parking, and facilities that an increase in day visitors would bring.

But Labour Member, Carolyn Thomas, said the First Minister must ensure that this commitment is not lost due to ‘loud voices’ sharing ‘misinformation’.

During the exchange, Mrs Thomas said that concerns regarding planning restrictions, inflated house prices, and mass tourism have been exaggerated.

But Mr George said after the exchange: “I again raised concerns about the proposed new National Park with the First Minister. There are concerns around the ability for farm businesses to diversify. I also raised concerns around day visitors attending areas, particularly where there’s not sufficient parking and infrastructure is poor.

“A New National Park is a commitment in the Welsh Labour parties Manifest; and in the Programme for Government, it states that the new national park will be based in north-east Wales, in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley national landscape. The pledge does not extend to north Powys. I asked the First Minister to confirm that the proposals into Powys would be dropped if there was not local support.  

“I was disappointed in Labour Member of the Senedd for North Wales, Carolyn Thomas’s comments, when she questioned the First Minister in support of the proposals and seemed to suggest that some parts of the community are sharing misinformation. I do not think that people in North Powys are spreading misinformation about the proposals. They are raising valid concerns.”