Farming unions voice string of objections to new National Park

PROPOSALS 'ADDING TO ANXIETY FOR THOSE WHO ACTUALLY MANAGE THE LANDSCAPE'

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

FARMERS have highlighted “numerous concerns” about the proposed National Park in northeast Wales. The park, the fourth in Wales, is due to be designated in 2026.

After consultations with members, the country’s two main farming unions have both registered strong objections.

Concerns range from impacts on businesses and housing to long-term funding and governance.

Others focus on parking, road safety, emergency services and rural crime if visitor numbers increase.

A study by global consultancy ARUP says that up to a million extra people could be attracted to the area each year - the rise in traffic congestion offset by potential health and wildlife benefits.

Both the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) are alarmed by potential changes to the planning system.

Welsh farmers already face transitioning to lower payments under the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), underscoring the need to diversify and modernise. Restrictions to renewable energy schemes could hamper wider environmental objectives, it has argued.

"Our consultation response reflects a consistent message,” said David Williams, NFU Cymru's chairman. “The proposed national park does not provide the clarity or benefits required to justify its introduction, and our members cannot support the proposal.”

If approved by the Welsh Government next year, the new Glyndŵr National Park will include the existing Dee Valley AONB along with large tracts of undesignated land.

ARUP estimates up to £105m spending could be generated from more tourism over the next 30 years. However it suspects the five councils affected might be put under further strain unless they adopt the forthcoming Visitor Levy to underpin finances. These authorities have also signalled strong reservations, some calling for the idea to be dropped.