Officials from Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) Montgomeryshire recently met with Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr’s Member of Parliament, Steve Witherden MP to discuss concerns over a proposed National Park for north-east Wales, which could include a vast proportion of north Powys.
Meeting at Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, FUW County Executive Officer, Emyr Wyn Davies and FUW County Chair, Wyn Williams, outlined and array of concerns to Mr Witherden regarding the proposed National Park development. These objections included additional bureaucracy and planning regulations, and crucially the growing concerns voiced locally over pressures the designation could have on local infrastructure and local communities.
The move to create the National Park follows a previous Welsh Government commitment to designate a new National Park in Wales based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If established, it would be the fourth National Park in Wales, and the first since 1957.
The proposals are currently undergoing their second round of consultation under Natural Resources Wales (NRW), with the proposed boundaries incorporating Lake Vyrnwy and the Tanat Valley, as well as towns and villages like Llanfyllin and Meifod, stretching as far north as Trelawnyd in Flintshire.
Whilst at Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, concerns over the existing over-tourism at the site were cited - with the summer months’ surge in visitor numbers often leading to significant traffic delays and blockages locally - having a detrimental impact on local residents and farmers. Fears were voiced that National Park Designation would likely cause a further influx of visitors, exacerbating the problem.
Speaking following the visit, Wyn Williams, FUW Montgomeryshire County Chair said:
“We were very grateful for the opportunity to meet Steve Witherden MP and relay the many concerns that have arisen locally regarding the proposed north-east Wales National Park designation - which could incorporate a huge proportion of Montgomeryshire.
Whilst we welcome visitors and recognise tourism’s key contribution to the local economy, it’s clear there’s very little appetite locally for this designation.
In areas of Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog we’ve already seen the detriment over-tourism can have on local communities – from additional bureaucracy and planning restrictions, increased strains on diminishing amenities and infrastructure, to surging house prices. Furthermore, such a huge expense at a time when so many other public services are threatened with cuts or closure is bewildering.”
Following the visit to the waterfall, a meeting was held between the FUW and Steve Witherden MP at the Wynnstay Arms, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. This provided local farmers and organisations - including the Young Farmers’ Clubs - an opportunity to further discuss the National Park proposals, as well as wider concerns - including the proposed changes to inheritance tax outlined in the UK Government’s recent Budget.
Steve Witherden, Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire & Glyndŵr added:
“I welcomed the opportunity to meet with FUW Montgomeryshire and hear first hand about the concerns and scepticism surrounding a National Park designation that would include north Montgomeryshire.
From planning, to parking to the wider context of pressures on public finances, the concerns are understandable, and I would encourage the public to both get in touch with me and voice any concerns or comments in Natural Resources Wales’ ongoing consultation, which closes on 16 December 2024.”
A further meeting was held at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant on the same evening, which saw over 200 members of the local community, local authority and businesses attend - with a vast majority opposed to the proposals for National Park designation.