MP blasts new National Park plan
Steve Witherden MP has submitted a collective response on behalf of constituents to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) following the proposal to create the first National Park in Wales since 1957.
The proposed boundaries would cover Dyffryn Ceiriog in the north, Llyn Efyrnwy and Y Berwyn in the west, Llanfyllin and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant in the east, and down to Coedwig Dyfnant and Meifod at the southern edge.
A public NRW consultation closed on December 16, and the authority will now make a decision on boundaries before making a recommendation to the Welsh Government. The final decision on whether to designate a national park will be the responsibility of the Minister for Rural Affairs.
Mr Witherden MP said: “It appears to be the view of the vast majority of constituents that the new National Park should be confined to its original boundaries in Denbighshire and not include parts of north-west Powys. This is a view that I share.
“The way that National Parks operate means that around a quarter of the cost is paid by the Local Authority. From speaking with contacts at Powys County Council, it is clear they would struggle to meet this additional cost, taking funding away from vital services.
“Increased restrictions on planning would also create adverse effects. These would apply to areas outside of the boundaries of the proposed park too, if in sight of areas within. The implication is that a much larger area would be subject to these planning changes.
“Considering the cost of living and housing crises bestowed on us by the Conservatives, and that I was elected on a Labour manifesto which promised to address these problems, I share constituents’ concerns that a National Park would make it harder to build new homes.
“It would also make it harder to attract renewable energy investments, another campaign pledge, and inhibit the capacity for the farming sector to expand – with all the implications for food security that comes with it.
“I understand the argument for boosting local tourism, but a certain level of developed infrastructure is needed for such increases to be managed – passing places, bins, car parks, public toilets and so on.
“It is my belief that while the Clwydian Range has sufficient infrastructure, Powys does not. That constituents share this view was made clear during a visit to Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant last month, as anyone who has visited Pistyll Rhaeadr on a busy day would attest.
“The democratic case for a new National Park covering the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is strong. I support its establishment along the boundaries set out in the 2021 Welsh Labour manifesto, which was endorsed by the electorate.
“I am, however, firmly opposed to extending it into north-west Powys, a proposal that crept in after the 2021 Senedd election.”
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