Appendix A - TraCC · 2015-01-30 · Access to Justice in Environmental Matters), 1998 EU Seventh...

Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A

Appendix A

Baseline Data and Review of Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives


A INTRODUCTION TO MID WALES

Characterising the environmental and sustainability baseline, issues and context is an essential

part of developing the SEA and the basis for assessment. It comprises the following key

elements:

Characterising the current state of the environment within Mid Wales including some

social aspects; and

Using this information to identify existing problems and opportunities that could be

considered in the Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP).

A review of other plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives that may affect the preparation of the Mid Wales JLTP has been undertaken in order to contribute to the development of both the SEA and the Plan. This includes:

Identification of any external environmental objectives, indicators or targets that should be

reflected in the SEA process;

Identification of any baseline environmental data relevant to the SEA;

Identification of any external factors that might influence the preparation of the plan, for

example sustainability issues;

Identification of any external objectives or aims that would contribute positively to the

development of the Mid Wales JLTP; and

Determining whether there are clear potential conflicts or challenges between other

identified plans, programmes or sustainability objectives and the emerging Mid Wales

JLTP.

The review includes documents prepared at international, national, regional and county scale

where relevant.

This Appendix details the findings of the above characterisation of the environmental and

sustainability baseline and the review of other plans, programme and environmental protection

objectives. These details are arranged into the following sections:

B – Population and Human Health

C – Material Assets

D – Soil and Contaminated Land

E – Air Quality and Climatic Factors

F – Water Features, Quality and Flood Risk

G – Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

H – Cultural Heritage

I – Landscape and Townscape

Data have been collated for the whole Mid Wales JLTP area and in many cases have been

arranged into each of the constituent authorities, namely: Gwynedd (although only the southern

part is included in the plan), Powys and Ceredigion.


B POPULATION AND HUMAN HEALTH

B1 Introduction

This section presents an overview of the key population and human health issues across

Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd. It presents the key plans, initiatives and environmental

protection objectives that should be considered during the SEA, a summary of baseline

environmental conditions and an overview of key issues and opportunities that the Mid Wales

JLTP and SEA should consider.

Sustainable transport can present a number of health benefits such as improvement to local air

quality, reducing energy consumption, increasing levels of health and fitness, reducing stress

and social exclusion. This topic is therefore focussed on the following areas:

Demographics;

Economic activity; and

Deprivation and human health.

Where data are available, this is related to transport.

B2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table B1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of population and human health in Mid Wales.

Table B1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International

Aarhus Convention (Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and

Access to Justice in Environmental Matters), 1998

EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013

European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review

Europe 2020: Action on health inequalities in the European Union, Third Health Programme 2014-20

UK / Wales

The Equality Act 2010

HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing

Climate, July 2013

UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for

Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)

Welsh Government, Our Healthy Future 2010-2020, 2009

Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012

Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011

Welsh Assembly Government, Sustainable Tourism Framework, 2007

Welsh Government, Coastal Tourism Strategy, January 2012

Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014

Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009


Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, 2010

Technical Advice Note 11: Noise, 1997

Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004

Technical Advice Note 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space, 2009

Technical Advice Note 23: Economic Development, 2014

Welsh Government, One Wales: Connecting the Nation - The Wales Transport Strategy, 2008

Welsh Government, Road Safety Framework for Wales, July 2013

Welsh Assembly Government, A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales, December 2008

Welsh Assembly Government, The Physical Activity Action Plan: Creating an Active Wales, December 2009

Welsh Government, Statutory Guidance for the Delivery of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, May 2014

Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan, October

2010

Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places - New Regeneration Framework, March 2013

Welsh Government, The Strategy for Older People in Wales 2013 – 2023, 2013

Welsh Government, Community First Programme Guidance 2013

WAG Policy, ‘ Economic Renewal: a new direction’, July 2010

Mid Wales/Local

TraCC, Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan, September 2009

Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013

Ceredigion Local Service Board, Ceredigion Single Integrated Plan 2013-2017

Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014

Powys Local Service Board, One Powys Plan 2014- 2017

Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred

Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)

Gwynedd Council, Improving Gwynedd Together- Gwynedd Community Strategy, 2011

Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011

Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan

2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013

Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance

Transport can have a significant effect on physical and mental health. The majority of the plans and

programmes above seek to promote sustainable development. The aim of sustainable development is to

enable people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without

compromising the quality of life of future generations. One of the guiding principles of the UK Sustainable

Development Strategy is: “Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society”.

The Equality Act 2010 covers nine protected characteristics – age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership which cannot be used, either directly or indirectly, as a basis for unequal treatment.

Plans and programmes relating to human health aim to provide a strategic framework to address health issues and tackle health inequalities. The European Health Programme seeks to help EU countries respond to economic and demographic challenges facing their health systems and enable citizens to stay healthy for longer.

The Wales Transport Strategy seeks to achieve “greater use of the more sustainable and healthy forms of travel” through outcomes including direct outcomes directed specifically towards health including encouraging improved access to healthcare and health lifestyles. The Road Safety Framework for Wales (2013) sets out the Welsh Government’s approach to road safety until 2020 and their commitment to improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on Welsh roads.


The Welsh Government’s Creating an Active Wales (2011) strategy aims to improve health through activity and the vision is for “an active, healthy and inclusive Wales, where sport, physical activity and active recreation provide a common platform for participation, fun and achievement, which binds communities and the nation and where the outstanding environment of Wales is used sustainably to enhance confidence in ourselves.”

The Welsh Government’s strategic outcomes outlined in the Programme for Government are:

Growth and Sustainable Jobs – To strengthen the conditions that will enable business to create jobs and

sustainable economic growth;

Tackling Poverty – Reducing poverty, especially persistent poverty amongst some of our poorest people

and communities, and reducing the likelihood that people become poor;

Rural Communities – Ensure that rural communities remain vibrant and able to offer people an excellent

quality of life with access to high quality employment, affordable housing and public services and

sustained by reliable and effective infrastructure in terms of broadband, public transport and utilities;

Environment and Sustainability – To become a “one planet nation”, putting sustainable development at

the heart of government; and

Safer Communities for All – Make communities safer through reductions in anti-social behaviour, crime

(including the fear of crime), substance misuse and the incidence and impact of fires as well as effective

co-ordination of emergencies.

The Welsh Government published its Vibrant and Viable Places – New Regeneration Framework in 2013. National outcomes have been aligned with the Communities First programme and Welsh Government’s Programme for Government objectives. These are framed around the key headings of ‘prosperous communities’; ‘learning communities’; and ‘healthier communities’.

Throughout all of the documents there is recognition of the importance of raising levels of physical activity of the UK population to try and reduce mortality and morbidity that are typically linked to lifestyle factors. Sustainable communities are sought, and reflect the strategic outcomes as included in the Programme for Government. Accessibility for all is a key theme running throughout. In particular, the community strategies seek to encourage sustainable and prosperous communities throughout Mid Wales.

Actions for the SEA and JLTP

The JLTP should consider health outcomes and determinants. HIA guidance1 links national transport and

national health issues. The links between transport and health are summarised below:

Health

outcomes and

determinants

Explanation

General Physical

Health

Accessible and affordable transport enabling good access to education, employment, fresh

food, friends and family, leisure and health services, can enhance health

Access to a car is linked to improved physical health through such factors as improved

access to essential services and health promoting amenities, reflection of socio-economic

status and raised self-esteem. A proportion of those who are at most risk of social

exclusion have to access to cars.

Physical activity Walking and cycling are physically active forms of transport – ‘active travel’

Physically active transport may lead to increases in overall levels of physical activity.

Injuries and

deaths

Road trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across all age groups. Reducing

the impact of road trauma has been a great public health success in the past 20 years,

however vehicle crashes and collision still produce a great deal of avoidable death and

disability.

1 Mainly based on Health Impact Assessment of Transport Initiatives A Guide, Health Scotland, MRC Social and Public

Health Sciences Unit and Institute of Occupational Medicine 2007


The road users are highest risk of being killed or seriously injured are cyclists and

pedestrians.

The most commonly cited cause of a road crash is speed.

Air pollution The pollutants most associated with traffic are small particles (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2),

carbon monoxide (CO) and toxicants such as benzene.

Increased outdoor air pollution is associated with increased cardio-respiratory mortality and

morbidity. Some effects are more or less immediate and affect vulnerable groups (eg

children, people whose health is already impaired) in particular, whereas the effects of log-

term exposure are more widespread.

PM is the constituent most closely associated with adverse health incomes. Some evidence

shows that PM from traffic is more toxic (per unit mass) than PM from other sources.

Noise Pollution Motorised forms of transport are a common source of noise pollution, with road traffic being

the most common.

Noise pollution at the levels generated by traffic can lead to serious annoyance,

interference with speech and sleep disturbance.

Stress has been suggested as a possible mechanism though which noise may affect

mental and physical health.

Evidence suggests noise pollution may limit children’s learning.

Land blight Land blight caused by roads and other transport infrastructure reduces enjoyment and

discourages active recreation.

Stress/mental

health and

quality of life

Noise pollution generated by transport can lead to stress.

Where public transport passengers feel ‘overcrowded’ this may lead to stress but the

perceptions of overcrowding and related stress may be mediated by feelings of safety and

control.

Traffic jams can be a source of stress for transport users.

For low income families dependency on walking as a primary form of transport can impact

on their time for other recreational activity and may add to psycho-social stress within the

family.

Access to a car has been linked to improved mental health.

Increased levels of physical activity may have a protective effect on mental health.

Personal safety

and perceptions

of safety

Streets dominated by motorised vehicles with reduced numbers of people on the streets

may create a social environment that is conducive to increased crime, which then

discourages more people from walking, in particular women and children.

Fear of crime is an important factor influencing travel choices. Women’s fear is greater than

men’s, and women are more likely to avoid using public transport as a result.

Personal safety may also affect decisions to walk or cycle.

Social capital

and inclusion

and community

severance

There is an observed relationship between positive social capital and health. Good

transport planning, promoting less-car dominated environments, can enhance social capital

by increasing the number of people walking or cycling on the streets and making the streets

a place of social interaction.

Community severance results from the divisive effects of the provision and use of transport

infrastructure: major roads and railways running through an existing community.

Climate change Greenhouse gases from transport contribute to climate change, which in addition to their

global effects will affect the health of the population locally– particularly with an increase in

flooding, summer temperature, levels of solar radiation and frequency of extreme weather

events leading to increased levels of fatalities, injury, infectious diseases, heat related

deaths, skin cancer cases and cataracts.


The JLTP should provide opportunities to achieve modal shift to more sustainable transport options,

minimise the need to travel and enable the provision of effective cycling and walking connections. The

JLTP should seek to promote road safety and safe and sustainable communities through the design of

transport infrastructure. It is important to recognise the wider indicators of health and wellbeing by giving

consideration to the needs of different community groups, e.g. different age groups, minority groups and

people with existing health issues when developing the approaches and actions within the JLTP. These

characteristics and factors should also be covered within the SEA process in order to inform the

development of an assessment approach and hence reinforce the messages through recommendations for

mitigation and enhancement.

B3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

B3.1 Powys

Demographics

The 2011 mid- year population estimate for Powys County Council was 133,100 (ONS, 2011)

covering around a quarter of Wales. It is the most sparsely populated county in England and

Wales, with just 26 persons per square kilometre in 2012 (the population density for Wales was

148 persons per square kilometre) (ONS, 2014). This represents an increase of 5.2% from mid-

2001 (with the increase across Wales being 5.3%).

It is estimated that 4,980 people moved into Powys from the rest of the UK and 4,820 moved

out of Powys to elsewhere in the UK between mid-2009 and mid-2010, a small net gain due to

internal migration of 160 people. However it is also estimated that 540 people moved out of

Powys to destinations outside the UK, whereas only 180 moved into Powys from abroad, giving

a net loss due to international migration of 360. Overall there was a net outward migration of

200 people between mid-2009 and mid-2010. This reversed the inward migration trend of the

previous decade, and contradicted the assumption of continued inward migration in the current

2008-based population projections from the Welsh Government.

The proportion of people aged 75 and over in Powys increased from 9.7% in mid- 2001, (Wales

8.3%), to 10.5% in the 2011 Census, (Wales 8.6%), due to the national increase in life

expectancy and the net out-migration of the student age group from Powys. It is anticipated

that the local population is expected to continue to age.

In the 2011 Census, Powys had an estimated 100 non-UK short-term residents, (Wales 7,200),

that is residents born outside the UK and staying in the UK for between three and 12 months.

In 2009, 97.2% of the Powys population identified themselves as white (Wales 95.9%) followed

by 1.06% Asian/Asian British (Wales 1.76%) (Table B2).

Table B2 Percentage Ethnic Groups in Powys and Wales

White Mixed Asian/Asian

British

Black/Black British Other

Powys 97.2% 0.70% 1.06% 0.70% 0.46%

Wales 95.9% 0.99% 1.76% 0.62% 0.75%

Source: Welsh Assembly Government StatsWales www.wales.gov.uk


The main centres of population are the county towns of Welshpool, Newtown, and Llandrindod

Wells. Figure B1 illustrates the population distribution in Powys.

Figure B1 Population Distribution (Source: LDP)

Economic Activity


The percentage of people who are economically active in Powys is higher than that of Wales

and Great Britain by 5.1% and 1.7% respectively (Table B3). The percentage of males in

employment is higher than the percentage of females in employment by 7.6%.

Table B3 Employment and unemployment in Powys Jul 2011- Jun 2012

Powys Wales Great Britain

Economically Active 78.3% 73.2% 76.6%

In Employment 74.0% 67.0% 70.3%

Unemployed (model-based) 5.1% 8.3% 8.1%

Source: ONS

The highest employment sector in Powys in 2008 (80.6%) was services, including; distribution,

hotels and restaurants, transport and communications, public admin education and health. Of

these, 33.1% were in public admin, education and health (Table B4).

Table B4 Employment sectors by industry in Powys (2008)

Powys Wales Great Britain

Manufacturing 13.1% 13.7% 10.2%

Construction 4.6% 5.2% 4.8%

Services 80.6% 79.1% 83.5%

Distribution, hotels and restaurants 25.1% 23.0% 23.4%

Transport and communications 4.3% 4.3% 5.8%

Finance, IT, other business activities 11.4% 14.1% 22.0%

Public admin, education and

health

33.1% 32.9% 27.0%

Other services 6.8% 4.8% 5.3%

Tourism 12.0% 8.6% 8.2%

Source: ONS

Deprivation and Human Health

The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation is the official measure of deprivation in small areas in

Wales. It is a relative measure of concentrations of deprivation at the small area level. It is

constructed from eight different types of deprivation. These are:

Income;

Housing;

Employment;

Access to services;

Education;

Health;

Community safety; and

Physical environment.


The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2011 show that out of 80 Lower Super Output Areas

(LSOAs) in Powys, only 1% were in the bottom 10% and bottom 20% most deprived areas in

Wales meaning deprivation levels in Powys are low. Similarly income deprivation for Powys is

also low with only 1% in the bottom 10% and 4% in the bottom 20%.

The most deprived areas correspond with the largest towns of Welshpool, Newtown and

Llandrindod Wells (Figure B2).

Figure B2 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for Powys

Source: Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation www.wales.gov.uk

The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation also includes a specific domain for health deprivation.

This is illustrated in Figure B3 and it demonstrates that the areas of worst health are in

Welshpool, Newtown and Ystradgynlais.


Figure B3 Welsh Index of Health Deprivation for Powys

Overall health levels in Powys are good, with male and female life expectancy being above the

Wales average at 79.8 years and 83.3 years respectively compared with 77.6 and 81.8

nationally (ONS 2010).

The Welsh Health Survey 2012-2013 showed that 34% of Powys’ population undertook

exercise or physical activity on 5 or more days of the week and 28% undertook no physical

activity during the week compared to 29% and 34% respectively for Wales.

56% of the population were considered to be overweight or obese compared with 57% for

Wales. 22% of the population were being treated for high blood pressure compared with 20%

for Wales and 8% compared with 11% for Wales were being treated for a mental illness.


B3.2 Ceredigion

The latest Census states that the population of Ceredigion was 75,922 in 2011 making it the

fourth most sparsely populated county in Wales, with 43 persons per square kilometre.

Migration flows and rates for Welsh local authorities for the period mid 2005-06 to mid-2009-10

shows that Ceredigion had the highest volume of migration per thousand population (171), with

Cardiff being the next highest with 139 migrant movements per thousand inhabitants (Migration

Statistics Wales, 2010 – Revised November 2011, Welsh Government).

England accounts for the majority of cross border migration movements to / from Wales. On

average 47 people per thousand residents moved into Ceredigion and 47 people per thousand

residents moved out. These are the highest rates for any authority in Wales. However, the

relatively high proportion of students within the Ceredigion population who move in and out

each year is the reason for this.

The majority of the county’s population is located along the coast, with many fewer people living

in the upland areas inland. As previously stated the population was 75,922 in 2011 and

assuming that the long-term trend of in-migration continues, this figure is projected to increase

to around 86,007 by 20222, despite the higher number of deaths than births in the county. Life

expectancy at birth was the highest in Wales in 2006-8 (80.7 years for males and 84.2 years for

females) and is expected to continue to increase. Coupled with the bulge in the population

profile caused by the ageing post-war baby-boomer generation, the proportion of the elderly will

increase markedly (Ceredigion Local Development Plan, Deposit Version 2007 – 2022).

In 2011 96.6% of the Ceredigion population identified themselves as white (Wales 95.9%)

followed by 1% Asian/Asian British (Wales 1.76%) (Table B5).

2 Based on projections produced by Ceredigion County Council in 2010


Table B5 Percentage Ethnic Groups in Ceredigion and Wales

White Mixed Asian/Asian British Black/Black British Other

Ceredigion 96.7% 1% 1.4% 0.3% 0.5%

Wales 95.6% 1% 2.2% 0.6% 0.5%

Source: 2011 Census

The population of Ceredigion is largely centred within six main towns including Aberaeron,

Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Lampeter, LLandysul and Tregaron.

Economic Activity

The percentage of people who are economically active in Ceredigion is lower than that of Wales

and Great Britain by 7.4% and 10.8% respectively (Table B6). The percentage of males in


Table B6 Employment and unemployment in Ceredigion Jul 2011- Jun 2012

Ceredigion Wales Great Britain


In Employment 62.2% 67.0% 70.3%


Source: NOMIS

The highest employment sector in Ceredigion in 2008 was services (87.3%), including:

distribution; hotels and restaurants; transport and communications; public admin education; and

health. Of these, 41.5% were in public admin, education and health (Table B7).


Table B7 Employment sectors by industry in Ceredigion (2008)

Ceredigion Wales Great Britain



Services 87.3% 79.1% 83.5%

Distribution, hotels and restaurants 28.0% 23.0% 23.4%

Transport and communications 3.3% 4.3% 5.8%

Finance, IT, other business activities 8.8% 14.1% 22.0%

Public admin, education and health 41.5% 32.9% 27.0%


Tourism 13.2% 8.6% 8.2%

Source: NOMIS


The Welsh IMD for 2011 shows that out of 47 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in

Ceredigion, 0% were in the bottom 10% and 4% were in the bottom 20% most deprived areas in

Wales meaning deprivation levels in Ceredigion are low (see Figure B4). Similarly income

deprivation for Ceredigion is also low with only 1% in the bottom 10% and 4% in the bottom

20%.

Figure B4 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for Ceredigion

Source: Welsh Indices of Deprivation 2011

The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation also includes a specific domain for health deprivation.

This is illustrated in Figure B5 and demonstrates that the areas of worst health are in

Aberystwyth and Cardigan – although no areas are significantly deprived with regards to health.


Figure B5 Welsh Index of Health Deprivation for Ceredigion


Overall health levels in Ceredigion are good, with male and female life expectancy (from birth)

being well above the Wales average at 80.4 years and 84.1 years respectively compared with

77.2 and 81.6 nationally (ONS 2009).

There are better than average levels of physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake in Ceredigion.

Nevertheless, over half of Ceredigion residents are either overweight or obese. Figure B6

shows that only 32% of the adult population of Ceredigion meet the physical activity guidelines

(Health, Social Care and Well Being Strategy for Ceredigion 2011 – 2014).

The Welsh Health Survey 2012-2013 showed that 36% of Ceredigion’s population undertook




Figure B6 Percentage of the population of Ceredigion achieving Physical Activity

Guidelines

Source: Health, Social Care and Well Being Strategy for Ceredigion 2011 – 2014

B3.3 Gwynedd

Demographics

Latest figures show that the population of Gwynedd was 121,900 in 2013 (NOMIS), ranking it

the 14th most populated county in Wales. In terms of population density, Gwynedd had 48

persons per square kilometre in 2012 (ONS, 2014).

Table B8 below provides a breakdown of the Gwynedd population by age group compared to

the rest of Wales.

Table B8 Percentage age groups in Gwynedd and Wales

Percentage 0-15 (%) Percentage 16-64 (%) Percentage 65 plus (%)

Gwynedd 17.2 62.3 20.7

Wales 18.1 62.5 18.3

Migration flow for Gwynedd for the period mid-2007 to mid-2011 between England had a net

migration total of 380 entering the area. This figure represents 10.3% of the 3,690 net migration

into Wales over the same period (Migration Statistics: Wales 2011).

Life expectancy at birth statistics for the period January ’07 – December ’09 show that, on

average, males are anticipated to live 0.1 years longer than the national average of 77.2 at

77.3. Conversely women’s life expectancy at birth over the same period was slightly higher (0.4)

compared to the Welsh average of 81.6 at 82. Figures also indicate that the County’s population

profile is somewhat ‘top-heavy’ as the proportion of Gwynedd’s population >65 is 2.4% higher

than the Welsh national average but has 0.9% fewer 0-15 year olds. Table B9 below provides a

breakdown of how the Gwynedd population identified their ethnicity.

Table B9 Percentage Ethnic Groups in Gwynedd and Wales


White (%) Asian/Asian British

Mixed (%)

Black/Black British

Mixed (%)

Other

Gwynedd 96.5 1.7 0.3 1.5

Wales 95.6 2.2 0.6 1.6

Source: 2011 Census – Neighbourhood Statistics

Economic Activity

The percentage of people who are economically active in Gwynedd is lower than that of Wales

and Great Britain by 1% and 3.1% respectively (Table B10). The percentage of males in


Table B10 Employment and unemployment in Gwynedd Apr 2013-2014

Gwynedd Wales Great Britain


In Employment 70.1% 69.5% 71.7%


Source: NOMIS

The highest employment sector in Gwynedd in 2012 was services (86.4%). Of these services,

38.8% were in public admin, education and health (Table B11).

Table B11 Employment sectors by industry in Gwynedd (2012)

Gwynedd Wales Great Britain



Services 86.4% 82.4% 85.5%

Wholesale and retail 16.5% 16.4% 16.1%

Transport storage 2.1% 3.3% 4.6%

Accommodation and food services 14.2% 7.6% 6.9%

Information and communication 1.8% 1.9% 3.9%

Financial and business services 7.7% 13.5% 21.5%

Public admin, education and health 38.8% 35.1% 28.1%


Source: NOMIS


The overall 2011 Welsh IMD shows that out of the 75 LSOAs in Gwynedd, three were in the

bottom 10% and three were in the bottom 20% most deprived areas in Wales (see Figure B7).


With three LSOAs in the most deprived 10%, ranked 8th best out of 22 LAs, Gwynedd’s

deprivation is classed overall as low.

Housing and access to services are the two areas where Gwynedd is classed as most deprived,

ranking worst for housing deprivation and 4th worst for access to services, having 31 and 18 of

LSOAs in the most deprived 10% for each respective indicator.

Figure B7 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for Gwynedd


One of Gwynedd’s LSOAs in the 10% for health deprivation therefore it is considered that the

county is not significantly health deprived (Welsh Indices of Deprivation 2011).

The Welsh Health Survey 2012-2013 showed that 32% of Gwynedd’s population undertook



B3.4 General

Access to NHS Hospitals for the Mid Wales Area have been mapped and this information

shows that whilst access by car is reasonable (generally less than 30 minutes), from most of the

core settlements, access by public transport between the hours of 10:00-12:00 is particularly


limited. Indeed, it is only Aberystwyth that has pockets of service with a journey time of less

than an hour. Moreover it should be noted that this is access to any hospital rather than those

with a full range of services.

Access to key employment centres in Mid Wales (defined as Aberystwyth, Brecon, Cardigan,

Lampeter, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown) is again variable. Access by car to key employment

sites in the South West is generally within 30 minutes, from all areas in the south west, whereas

journey times by public transport from areas away from the immediate catchment (such as New

Quay) is generally greater than an hour. Elsewhere, most of the core catchments fall within 45

minute journey time by car, with the exception of communities along the eastern borders and

communities within the central belt of Snowdonia National Park, including Bala, where journey

times to key centres by car is greater than 45 minutes.

Many communities do not have quality access to key employment centres or places of

education by public transport within the core AM peak hours of 07:00-09:00. Where services

are provided journey times of 45 minutes or more are commonplace. For example, access from

Welshpool to Newtown, a distance of 13 miles is greater than 45 minutes and 60-90 minutes

from communities further north such as Llangedwyn.

B3.5 Evolution of the Baseline

In 2010 the Welsh Assembly Government published population projections for the 22 local

authority areas in Wales. They are based on the mid-2008 estimates of population from the

Office for National Statistics and give projections of the population by single year of age and

gender, for a span of 25 years to 2033.

The population in Powys is projected to rise by 11.1% from 131,700 in 2008 to 146,300 in 2033.

This is the eighth highest projected growth rate among the 22 local authority areas.

The population of Ceredigion is projected to rise by 13.01% from 76,812 in 2008 to 86,800 in

2031. In addition, it is anticipated that the local population is expected to continue to age.

The population of Gwynedd is projected to rise by 5.0% from 121,500 in 2011 to 127,600 in

2026.

The ageing population is causing an increase in pressure on health care as well as a lack of

mobility. There are issues related to poorer health and age which may increase rural isolation

over the long term.

The national economy is reporting slow growth at present following a period of nationwide

recession. Government predictions are for slow growth to continue in addition to on-going

austerity measures.

B4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

B4.1 Issues

Population growth is creating a significant need for additional homes and employment

opportunities across Wales.

Poor levels of access to jobs and services.

Access to community services may become an issue for rural communities.

Dispersed settlement patterns has implications for accessibility and access to key

services, consequently there is a greater dependence on the private car.


Moves to consolidate some NHS services likely to increase car travel and may isolate

some communities.

Lack of available affordable transport for some communities. Need to tackle the problems

many people encounter in accessing work, education and healthcare.

Mid Wales has a growing elderly population and there is a need for appropriate transport

provision. The elderly and infirm are more vulnerable to the effects of isolation.

Mid Wales is largely a sparsely populated rural county (outside of the main settlements)

which means more isolated communities can become more vulnerable.

Growth areas in Mid Wales are only likely to exacerbate current problems with transport.

B4.2 Opportunities

The protection and enhancement of human health and wellbeing should be considered

throughout the JLTP where appropriate.

The protection of the most vulnerable sectors of society should be prioritised.

Walking and cycling opportunities should be promoted through the JLTP to help deliver

public health benefits. These cycle opportunities should target all sectors of the

population including the elderly. The need to encourage greater levels of physical activity

is particularly important in view of the ageing population and the need to maintain healthy

lifestyles.

To reduce the poor access to services suffered by large swathes of Mid Wales by

improving and connecting transport infrastructure in the region.

The JLTP presents an opportunity to promote awareness of the benefits of walking and

cycling and to promote new opportunities for these activities across Mid Wales.

B5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

Deprivation maps for all domains for all authorities could not be readily obtained at the time of

preparing this baseline.


C MATERIAL ASSETS

C1 Introduction

Infrastructure forms the physical basis for sustainable communities. Modifications to transport

provision should consider Material Assets as the two are inextricably connected, with changes

to one directly affecting the other. The following section provides a summary of the key Material

Assets within Mid Wales. These include:

The condition and extent of existing transport infrastructure and optimising its use; and

The use of natural resources for the construction and maintenance of transport

infrastructure.

C2 Review of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table C1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of material assets in Mid Wales.

Table C1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International

EU Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC)

EU Biomass Action Plan 3 (2005)

EU Waste Framework Directive (91/156/EEC)

EU Waste to Landfill Directive (99/31/EC)



UK / Wales




Climate, July 2013








Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, 2010

Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 8: Renewable Energy, 2005

Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004

Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space, 2009

Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 21: Waste, 2014

Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 23: Economic Development, 2014


Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 1: Aggregates, 2004

Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 2: Coal, 2009


Welsh Government, Road Safety Framework for Wales, July 2013




2010


WAG Policy, ‘ Economic Renewal: a new direction’, July 2010

Mid Wales/Local




Ceredigion County Council, Ceredigion for All: Our Livelihoods, Our Economic Regeneration Strategy,

Consultation January 2014



Powys County Council, A Regeneration Strategy for Powys: A new approach, May 2011






Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15



Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Powys County Council, Brecon Beacons and Powys Visitor

Transport Plan, June 2012


The UK Sustainable Development Strategy aims to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their

basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations.

As a result of the 2004 consultation to develop new UK sustainable development strategy the following issues have been highlighted as the main priority areas for immediate action:

Sustainable consumption and production - working towards achieving more with less

Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement - protecting the natural resources on which we depend

From local to global: building sustainable communities creating places where people want to live and work, now and

in the future

Climate change and energy - confronting the greatest threat

The UK climate change adaptation programme has a vision for infrastructure, which states: “An infrastructure network that is resilient to today’s natural hazards and prepared for the future changing climate”. Within this, the following objective is included:

Objective 7: To ensure infrastructure is located, planned, designed and maintained to be resilient to climate change,

including increasingly extreme weather events.

The Wales Freight Strategy launched in 2008 and sets out high-level aims and policies for freight transport, and identifies a series of steps towards their delivery. The three principles of the strategy are to:


Minimise the demands on the transport system;

Promote more sustainable and healthy modes of travel; and

Make maximum use of existing infrastructure.

The purpose of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 is to require local authorities to continuously improve

facilities and routes for pedestrians and cyclists and to prepare maps identifying current and potential future

routes for their use. The Bill will also require new road schemes (including road improvement schemes) to

consider the needs of pedestrians and cyclists at design stage.

In relation to transport investment, the aim is to ensure that the existing road network is well maintained and

operates more efficiently by:

Prioritising investments which contribute to economic growth – addressing urban congestion and improving access

to key areas, and by improving the capacity and reliability of our key east-west routes; and

Being more agile in its approach to developing solutions to underlying problems.


The JLTP should seek to ensure that the material assets of Mid Wales are protected and/or enhanced

through its outcomes. This will also include the need to ensure that the transport infrastructure within Mid

Wales is protected from the potential impacts of climate change and climate change is protected from

transport infrastructure through adaptation. Where possible, the JLTP should seek to promote energy

efficiency and optimise the use of renewable energy in order to minimise waste and carbon footprints. The

JLTP should also seek to promote the minimisation of waste, including that sent to landfill. This will include

ensuring that the use of existing infrastructure is optimised through improvement and maintenance schemes

as well as seeking to ensure that recycled aggregates are used wherever possible in the construction on

new infrastructure. Many of these issues are covered throughout the SEA under a number of interrelated

topics, such as the need to protect soil and contaminated land.

C3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

Material assets relevant to the Mid Wales JLTP include infrastructure within Mid Wales that that

could be potentially affected by the plan.

Infrastructure forms the physical basis for sustainable communities and one of the objectives of

Planning Policy Wales (2011) is to ensure that the vulnerability of infrastructure to severe

weather events is minimised and that infrastructure is designed to cope with higher average

temperatures and increasing risk of storm.

B3.1 Powys

Community Interests

Powys is a largely rural county with service provision focussed upon the historic market towns

such as Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells, Machynlleth, Newtown and Welshpool. All of which

provide a wide range of shops and services to residents, the wider community and visitors to

the area - Newtown is the largest retail centre in Powys.

In addition, given the rural nature of the County, local village shops, sub-post offices, pubs and

farm shops have an important role in supporting the vitality and viability of rural villages.

Providing easy access to basic provisions (especially for those with limited mobility) and provide

an important focal point for rural village life. Other important assets in Powys include:

Reservoirs / water infrastructure. Elan Valley serves Birmingham. Lake Vyrnwy – serves

Liverpool.


Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground in Llanelwedd, where the Royal Welsh Show takes

place and encompasses the wider spectrum of farming and rural life and successfully

bridges the gap between town and country.

Gas pipeline – Milford Haven to Tirley.

Transport

Powys County Council is the highways and public transport authority for the administrative

county of Powys. Powys covers by far the largest land area of the Welsh unitary authorities. It

accounts for the highest proportion of all A Trunk roads (27%), B and C roads (21%) and minor

surfaced roads (12%), resulting in an overall 16% of the total road length of Wales (Powys

County Council www.powys.gov.uk).

Powys covers an area of around 5187 km² and has a total road length of 5,500 km. As a

predominately rural county there is a high percentage of car ownership. Due to Powys’ location

set in the heart of Wales, most traffic travelling to or from the coast generally has to drive

through it. Some of these roads run through main settlements like Newtown, Welshpool,

Rhayader and Builth Wells, causing traffic disruption, particularly during holiday periods. Of

particular strategic importance is the A470 (T) Cardiff to Glan Conwy trunk road. The busiest

roads in Powys such as the A470, A489, A483, A40 and a section of the A44 are Trunk Roads

managed and maintained by the Welsh Assembly Government. A partnership between Powys

and Ceredigion county councils has been appointed as the Trunk Road Agency for Mid Wales.

The highest levels of car commuting are found in the rural areas of Powys surrounding

Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes, where levels of car commuting exceed 90%. This is likely

to be a reflection of the relative lack of local work opportunities, as well as the lack of transport

alternatives that is a function of population density.

The Cambrian rail main line and the Heart of Wales rail line run through Powys, travelling

between Aberystwyth and Birmingham International (Cambrian Mainline) and Shrewsbury to

Swansea (Heart of Wales). These rail lines provide connections to not only the coast but also to

the east of the county, allowing for connections to the major cities.

The County also has a large number of public rights of way, open access land and national

trails. The highways and public transport duties include the following of relevance:

Managing and maintaining the county highways network (including roads, footways, signs,

bridges, culverts and streetlights).

Winter maintenance (gritting) and street cleansing.

Effective management of traffic – from HGVs and pedestrian crossings through to traffic

calming and other road safety design measures.

The provision of road safety education, training and awareness.

Highways development control – including securing developer contributions for new

infrastructure and services.

The County Council works closely with a number of key partners to secure improvements on

Trunk Roads running through Powys, improve rail services and facilities and provide community

transport.

http://www.powys.gov.uk/

http://www.midwales-tra.gov.uk/


Natural Assets

The county has a wealth of natural assets including designated sites, the Brecon Beacons

National Park and the wider landscape and cultural heritage. Many of these are discussed in the

landscape, cultural heritage and biodiversity sections of this appendix.

C3.2 Ceredigion

Community Interests

Ceredigion is a largely rural county with Aberystwyth as the largest and most varied shopping

area - acting as a regional centre for the Mid Wales area. Cardigan and Lampeter also serve a

wide area, with Tregaron, Llandysul and Aberaeron also serving relatively large areas. Outside

the main centres shopping services are provided through a range of local and village shops,

plus mobile services. Nonetheless the majority (62%) of households are located more than

500m away from their nearest store selling food.

Retaining existing local facilities and encouraging the provision of new ones plays a key role in

sustaining the community. The rural nature of the County has a significant effect on the

provision and delivery of emergency services, health, social care and wellbeing, as the cost,

both in time and finances, of providing support/services in rural areas, is much greater and is

often dependent on private transport.

Other important assets in Ceredigion include:

Reservoirs / water infrastructure;

Various ports /marinas including those at Aberaeron and Aberystwyth;

Aberystwyth University; and

Transport

At present, there is a high level of reliance on the road network which services a high proportion

of both private and commercial motor vehicle journeys. Ceredigion has 114 km of trunk roads,

the A487 (T) Fishguard to Bangor coast road and the A44 (T) road from Aberystwyth to

Shrewsbury. The remainder of the county is served by a network of 158 km of principal county

roads, of which the A486 Llandysul-Synod Inn Ceredigion Link Road route is to become part of

the Trunk Road Network.

Rail-based public transport within the county is limited to the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury and

Birmingham Cambrian line and the Aberystwyth to Pwllheli Cambrian Coast line (with stations at

Aberystwyth and Borth only). In addition, there are two tourist railways operating, the Rheidol

Railway between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge, and the other at Henllan in the south east of

the county.

Public transport bus services link main towns to each other and to main towns outside the

county (Traws Cambria service) and more isolated areas and sectors of society are served by a

range of linked or coordinated public and community transport services to local service centres.

Walking and cycling are important travel modes not just for journeys of local residents to school

and work and local facilities, but leisure walking and cycling are important activities for the

county’s residents and are components of the tourism economy. There are some 2,500kms of

public rights of way in Ceredigion.

Ceredigion’s nearest ferry port is at Fishguard, approximately 60 km (40 miles) from Cardigan.

There is a small civilian airport, West Wales Airport, at Blaenannerch, Aberporth, approximately


6.4 km (4 miles) from Cardigan (Ceredigion Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Transport –

Submission Version, December 2011).

The highways and public transport duties include the following of relevance:

Managing and maintaining the county highways network (including roads, footways,

signs, bridges, culverts and streetlights);

Winter maintenance (gritting) and street cleansing;

Effective management of traffic – from HGVs and pedestrian crossings through to traffic

calming and other road safety design measures;

The provision of road safety education, training and awareness; and

Highways development control – including securing developer contributions for new

infrastructure and services.

The county Council works closely with a number of key partners to secure improvements on

Trunk Roads running through Ceredigion, improve rail services and facilities and provide

community transport.

C3.3 Gwynedd

Community Interests

Gwynedd’s main retail area and centre for community facilities is in Bangor. It serves the

majority of the main retail service requirements for Gwynedd as well as providing the nearest

major hospital and University. Bangor also benefits from good public transport links as it is

located along train routes that serve Wales and the remainder of Britain along with a good bus

system which links Bangor to the remainder of Gwynedd and further afield. Bangor is also has

good links with the A55 corridor to the east of Wales and to North-west England. There are four

smaller urban areas which provide local community assets such as local shopping, they are:

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Pwllheli (Source: Anglesey and Gwynedd

Joint LDP, 2013). Pwllheli on the south coast of the Llyn Peninsula is both a market town and

an important centre for sailing and hosted the One Ton Cup in 2001.

Transport

Gwynedd is served by the North Wales Coast Railway Line (22% of journeys on this line start or

finish at Bangor) and the Cambrian Coast Railway line which runs from Dyfi Junction along the

Meirionnydd Coast and terminates at Pwllheli. The Conwy Valley line provides rail passenger

services from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the North Wales Coastline at Llandudno Junction.

The A55 North Wales Coast Road passes through Gwynedd before crossing the Britannia

Bridge to Anglesey. Gwynedd Council administers the DBFO road scheme from Llandygai to

Holyhead on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government and is also the Trunk Road Agent for

North West Wales. The trunk roads in Gwynedd (particularly the A55, A470, A487 as the

Assembly core network) form both the main strategic road network within the County and its

principal links to the rest of Wales and the UK.

Gwynedd was the first rural authority to establish voluntary Quality Bus Partnerships with local

operators, and by means of those partnerships has greatly improved the provision of low floor

buses and dependable timetabling within the County. This initiative has been widely recognised

by the Government and the Assembly and is referred to in "New Deal for Transport: Better for

Everyone" and "Transporting Wales into the Future".


The County also has a large number of public rights of way, open access land and recreational

routes.

C3.3 General

The TraCC Mid Wales Regional Highways Strategy considered the nature of the road network in

Mid Wales and highlighted alternative routes can often be significantly longer and gave the

example of ‘a collision on the A487 south of Aberystwyth meaning traffic has to re-route via the

B-roads around Cross Inn.’ Therefore, if there is a particularly severe event this can isolate

residents, for example ‘the closure of the Dyfi Bridge due to flooding meaning the residents of

Meirionnydd are cut off from essential hospital services in Aberystwyth.’

Planned events, such as the Hay Festival and Royal Welsh Show, test the capacity and

resilience of the transport network due to the extra demand. The 2012 Mid Wales Regional

Highways Strategy highlighted planned events can cause significant congestion and bottlenecks

which require lengthy diversions. The Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan also noted that

congestion could become an issue at tourism ‘hot spots’ and larger towns such as Aberystwyth

and Newtown, which highlights the seasonality of traffic demand on the network.

C3.4 Evolution of the Baseline

Figure C1 shows proposed housing growth within Gwynedd, it indicates a large amount of

development in and around Bangor, with additional development on the Gwynedd Peninsula,

particularly at Pwllheli, but very little development in land, due to the development restrictions

applicable in Snowdonia National Park. Figure C2 shows the current proposed housing

allocations in Ceredigion. The Local Development Plan focuses growth on the six Urban Service

Centres of Ceredigion, which are Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Lampeter, Tregaron, Llandysul and

Aberaeron. There are then 22 Rural Service Centres, including New Quay; however these are

in total only to receive 24% of the housing allocation (6,000 units) over the plan period. Figure

C3 shows the proposed housing developments in Powys. This shows a large number of

proposed development sites located around the county, with the A473 corridor and towns such

as Newtown, Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells, a particular focus for development.

An increase in online shopping will be influential, especially in areas within delivery catchments

of larger superstores. Access to food stores is just one component in creating strong, vibrant

and sustainable futures notably for Ceredigion’s rural communities, as advocated by the

Ceredigion 2020 Community Strategy.

Potential climate change impacts on rail infrastructure at the coast north of Aberystwyth are

likely to be the subject of study at the request of the Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales)

to determine the most feasible infrastructure management measures for the future.

Figure C1 Housing growth within Gwynedd


Figure C2 Housing growth within Ceredigion


Figure C3 Housing Growth within Powys

C4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

C4.1 Issues

Transport provision, for all modes, is significantly better from east to west rather than north

to south.

There are high levels of car ownership across Mid Wales and high levels of car commuting

in rural Powys in particular.


Whilst towns have bus provisions to neighbouring towns, journeys made to other locations

generally require interchange. In addition, bus services are concentrated on towns rather

than key employment areas which explains the very low level of public transport usage for

the journey to work.

Access to employment areas, health centres and education sites was considerably better by

car and sometimes the car was the only mode available.

Lack of evening and weekend bus provision.

C4.2 Opportunities

The JLTP should seek to develop the National and Regional Cycle Network to promote a

modal shift.

The JLTP should focus on providing better facilities to enable increased sustainable

personal travel use.

The JLTP should coordinate public transport options and extend their coverage to make

them both accessible and viable as a car alternative.

The JLTP should seek to optimise the use of existing infrastructure from both a safety and

modal perspective, to minimise the use of natural resources in the construction of new

transport infrastructure.

C5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

No significant data gaps identified.


D SOIL AND CONTAMINATED LAND

D1 Introduction

Soils are irreplaceable natural resources that are a fundamental to many aspects of

environmental quality and human quality of life. They provide a wide range of essential

functions, including food production, storage of carbon, protection of biodiversity and they are

an intrinsic component of natural ecosystems. The construction and operation of the road

networks can also have an impact on the function of soil and geological properties of an area.

These impacts may arise through the physical removal or importation of soils and rocks or the

compaction and sealing of the ground during construction. Impacts may also arise during the

operation of the road by the effects of airborne pollution and spray.

Although roads can impact on soils, it can also impose limitations on road development. This is

typically the case where soils and geology in an area are designated a Site of Special Scientific

Interest (SSSI) or where previous industrial activities give rise to geotechnical or geo-

environmental constraints. However, many of the impacts of transport projects can be

minimised and sometimes avoided by appropriate design and careful operational planning. The

following topics have been included in this SEA:

Soil types and agricultural land;

Contaminated land; and

Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGs).

D2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table D1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of soil and contaminated land in Mid Wales.

Table D1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International

Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection (COM(2006)231), 2006



UK / Wales

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation)

Regulations 2009: Guidance for England and Wales, April 2013




Climate, July 2013





Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009


Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 21: Waste, 2014

Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 1: Aggregates, 2004

Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 2: Coal, 2009


2010


Mid Wales/Local















The Seventh Environment Action Programme, which entered into force on 17 January 2014, recognises that

soil degradation is a serious challenge. It provides that by 2020 land is managed sustainably in the Union,

soil is adequately protected and the remediation of contaminated sites is well underway and commits the EU

and its Member States to increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter and to

remediate contaminated sites.

The key messages that can be taken from the plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives

are:

Soils are a key natural resource responsible for supporting and sustaining life; and

Maintaining the quality and diversity of geology and soils is vital, particularly concerning protection from

insensitive development.


The JLTP should seek to ensure that soils will be protected and managed to optimise the varied functions

that soils perform for society (e.g. supporting agriculture and forestry, protecting cultural heritage, supporting

biodiversity, as a platform for construction), in keeping with the principles of sustainable development.


D3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

D3.1 Powys

Soil and Agricultural Land

The area of Powys is 5181 sq.kms and 17.2% of this is within the Brecon Beacons National

Park. 3950 km2 (76.2%) of land in Powys was farmed in 2010. 69.4% of Powys was grassland,

2.8% was used for crops and horticulture, 3.3% was used for farm woodland and 0.7% for other

agricultural purposes.

In 2009, land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) in Powys was responsible for the

local emission of 329 kilo-tonnes of CO2 and the removal of 468 kilo-tonnes, equivalent to a net

removal of 139 kilo-tonnes..

The type of soil that can be found within Powys has been identified and is described in Figure

D1.

Figure D1 Powys Soilscape

Source: Cranfield Soilscape viewer www.cranfield.ac.uk

Map Key Soil Description

http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/


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Contaminated Land

The County has approximately 10,000 potentially contaminated land sites, ranging from low risk

areas of unknown fill to former gas works. Contamination of land can occur as a result of

previous industrial use; although this is not exclusive as it can also arise from natural sources

as well as from human activity. The presence of contamination can represent risks to human

health, property and the environment, including long-term limitations on the use of soils.

Powys has a great diversity of potentially contaminated land sites. There are many former gas

works but they generally affect only a few houses. A number of previous industrial sites in the

local towns have been redeveloped; most notably Newtown and Builth Wells gas works.

Powys has around 110 private and Council owned closed landfill sites in both rural and

relatively urban areas with the Council responsible for around 80 of these. There are many

other unregistered landfills that effectively were not formally controlled meaning unknown

materials may be present. The only landfill site currently taking waste is Bryn Posteg near

Llanidloes operated by Potters Waste Management and monitored by the Environment Agency.

The Waste Management Section has produced a register of historical waste landfill sites in

Powys. Traditionally communities have been served by small tips located near to the

communities they serve. This being primarily because Powys is mainly a rural authority with

mostly minor road networks. The registers contain information on the type of material deposited

(where known) and a risk assessment score based on perceived risk with regard to leachate

and landfill gas. Where necessary remediation actions have been carried out or are being

undertaken.

To ensure the safe redevelopment of Brownfield land it is important that there is a close working

relationship between Planning and Environmental Health.

Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils

Slowly permeable seasonally wet acid loamy clay soils

Freely draining acid loamy soils over rock

Slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils

Very acid loamy upland soils with a wet peaty surface

Blanket bog peat soils

Loamy and clayey flood plain soils with naturally high groundwater

Slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage

Slowly permeable wet very acid upland soils with a peaty surface

Naturally wet very acid sandy and loamy soils

Sand dune soils

Freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soils

Shallow very acid peaty soils over rock


Table D2 A summary of the main types of contaminated land and their associated issues in Powys

Contamination

Source

Typical Issues

Gas works Ground contamination is likely to be associated with by-products and waste

products e.g. ammonical liquor. Landfills and lagoons may have adversely affected

watercourses, as a result of direct surface water run-off and migration of

contamination in groundwater. High risk for identified site and land adjoining or

adjacent depending on geology/hydrogeology.

Petrol filling

stations and

garages

Petrol, diesel, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and solvents are highly mobile

and may migrate over great distances. Free product may vaporise and diffuse

through the soil or accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces causing a health hazard.

Landfills Landfill gas may be present throughout a landfill and may vent to the atmosphere or

migrate into the ground around a landfill. Migration of landfill gas through waste is

determined by several factors, including the gas pressure within the landfill, changes

in atmospheric pressure, gas permeability of the surrounding strata and any

displacement of gas by changes in water levels.

Landfill leachates are generated in all sites and may continue to be produced long

after a site has been closed. The characteristics of leachate produced at a landfill

site and its impact on surface and groundwater is dependent on the permeability of

the wastes, the degree of infiltration of surface water, the depth of the water table,

movement of groundwater through the site and the permeability of the surrounding

geology.

Clay pits and tiles Typical contaminants include: Metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, lead,

mercury, nickel, zinc. Refractory bricks, inorganic compounds, Air entraining agents,

cement dusts, organic compounds, acids, oils and asbestos.

Unknown filled

ground i.e. ponds

Various potential contaminants associated with fill activities i.e. domestic,

commercial waste. Putrescible materials can cause landfill gas.

Made ground Can be found on any ground that has been previously used. It is possible to

encounter any contaminant listed above. A commonly occurring contaminant is

Benzo a pyrene – a known carcinogen.

Agricultural land i.e.

barn conversions

Various contaminants associated with agriculture could include hydrocarbons

(fuels), solvents / disinfectants etc.

Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites

Much of central Wales is made up of Ordovician and Silurian marine sedimentary rocks,

deposited in the Lower Palaeozoic Welsh Basin when Wales, as part of Avalonia, lay beneath a

shallow sea on the south eastern side of the great ocean of Iapetus. On its far side lay Scotland

and Northern Ireland, both part of the continent of Laurentia.

The rocks laid down in the Welsh Basin are dominated by sequences of sandstone, siltstone

and mudstone. Many of these sequences are referred to as turbidites, because they were

deposited from turbulent, sediment-laden submarine currents, which flowed off the shallower

shelf areas onto the deep floor of the basin.

Volcanic activity took place locally, notably in the Welshpool and Builth Wells areas. This activity

produced basaltic lava flows and dolerite intrusions, some of which have been quarried for

building stones and aggregates.

Powys has a wealth of interesting and important geological/geomorphological sites. There are

approximately 80 RIGS in the county.


D3.2 Ceredigion


Agriculture has had a fundamental role in shaping the Ceredigion landscape. The pattern of

small fields, hedgerows, woodlands and upland pastures in the County has been moulded by

generations of farmers. Technical advances in agricultural practices, coupled with agricultural

support, have expanded agricultural production over the last 50 years (Local Biodiversity Action

Plan, Ceredigion Biodiversity Partnership 2002).

In addition, it should be noted that Ceredigion is home to Cors Fochno one of the finest raised

peat bogs in Britain.

The type of soil that can be found within Ceredigion is identified in Figure D2.


Figure D2 Ceredigion Soilscape

Source: Cranfield Soilscape viewer www.cranfield.ac.uk













C

o

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tamiContaminated Land

Industrial activity within Ceredigion has historically been limited to either remote areas

containing metal mines or to the larger towns, namely; Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Lampeter.

Figure D3 shows the land use types associated with potentially contaminated sites within

Ceredigion. Sites are classified as ‘potentially’ contaminated as the definition for contaminated

land relies on a pathway existing between the source of contamination and the receptor (for

example a human being). Consequently a detailed site investigation is required to identify if a

site is considered contaminated or not. The presence of contamination may not automatically

lead the site to be classified as contaminated. The Council compiled a comprehensive list in

2005 of potentially contaminated sites within the County - of which there are approximately

1,200 (Ceredigion County Council, 2005). To date there is no update to this figure (Ceredigion

Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Environmental Protection – Submission Version,

December 2011).

Sand dune soils




Figure D3 Land uses as a percentage of the total number of potentially contaminated

sites within Ceredigion

Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Environmental Protection – Submission Version, December

2011

Within Ceredigion metal mining has occurred in the north of the county from the 13th century

with the peak of activity during the second part of the 19th century. Of the top fifty former metal

mine sites across Wales in relation to their potential to contaminate water, 76 % occur within

Ceredigion (Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales), 2005).

There are no operational landfill sites within Ceredigion. All municipal solid waste collected in

Ceredigion is delivered to Private Waste Contractors for on forwarding. All residual waste from

Ceredigion is currently taken to the Bryn Posteg landfill site in Llanidloes, operated by Potters

Waste Management, where it undergoes further treatment before disposal to landfill (Ceredigion

Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Waste – Submission Version, December 2011).


Ceredigion is home to 50 RIGS (Geology Wales).

D3.3 Gwynedd


In Gwynedd 20% of agricultural land is considered to be Grades 1, 2, or 3 whilst 80% of

agricultural land is considered to be Grades 4 and 5 (The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local

Development Plan SA Scoping Report 2011).

The type of soil that can be found within Gwynedd is identified in Figure D3.


Figure D3 Gwynedd Soilscape

C

o

n

t

a

m

i

n

a

t

e

d

L

a

n

d

H

i

s

t

o

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cally Gwynedd comprised a mixture of rural and quarrying communities. The main industrial

history of Gwynedd lies in the mountainous areas where slate and stone quarries were












Sand dune soils




prevalent. Non-ferrous metal mining has taken place for gold, arsenic, copper, lead, zinc,

cadmium and manganese has also taken place since the Bronze Age (Contaminated Land

Inspection Strategy, Gwynedd Council 2002).

Large areas in the county have been used historically for storage of slate and quarrying waste

and land used in this way can no longer be used due to the waste rendering the land unsuitable

for use.

Some former quarries within the county have been used for landfill and which presents risks to

controlled waters from landfill gas and leachate. There are several historic landfill sites around

Anglesey including Penhesgyn Gors Landfill near Penmyndd in the south east of Anglesey.


At the time of compiling this report the number and location of RIGS in Gwynedd could not be

sourced.

D3.1 Evolution of the Baseline

In the absence of the Mid Wales JLTP, the county’s soil resource is unlikely to change greatly.

The LDP and associated development are likely to be the biggest factor in the change in soil

condition in the future.

D4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

D4.1 Issues

Mid Wales is largely rural in nature and dominated by agricultural land.

There are a wide variety of soil types across Mid Wales.

There is a history activity largely related to mining which has resulted in present day

contamination.

The level of risk associated with each contaminated land site will vary.

Land stability issues may arise due to changing weather patterns.

Historic rail infrastructure has resulted in land contamination.

D4.2 Opportunities

Where transport development takes place, the planning process should deal effectively

with any land contamination so that the land is suitable for its intended use.

New transport infrastructure should seek to avoid development on best and most

versatile Agricultural Land (where possible).

Good quality agricultural land is important to the economy within each of the authorities

and there is a need to protect and enhance geological diversity where possible to ensure

the protection of the best quality soil and natural mineral resources.

D5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

There may be further contaminated land sites other than those identified by each local

authority.


The level of contamination for land that is not formally controlled is unclear.

Grades of Agricultural Land


E AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATIC FACTORS

E1 Introduction

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identified that it is now beyond

all reasonable scientific doubt that the Earth’s climate is warming, and that human activities are

very likely3 to be the cause (IPCC, 2007). The principal activity driving anthropogenic climate

change is the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs), which increase the effectiveness of the

Earth’s natural ‘greenhouse effect’. The major GHGs (CO2, CH4 and N2O) are emitted from the

combustion of fossil fuels, cement manufacture, agriculture and deforestation.

The EU Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe sets limit values for certain

pollutants which must not be exceeded. The aim of the Directive is the protection of human

health and the environment ‘as a whole’ and its purpose is to deliver good air quality across

Europe. Clean air is important for both human health and the health of the environment. Poor air

quality is still of concern for the UK and across much of Europe, despite air being cleaner now

than at any time since the industrial revolution. Vehicles using our road network are a source of

air pollution which can have an effect on human health and the environment. In addition,

construction activities on road networks can also lead to short term air quality effects which

need to be manages.

The following topics have been included in this SEA:

Climate change; and

Air quality.

E2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table E1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of climatic factors in Mid Wales.

Table E1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International

UNECE Gothenburg Protocol (Amended May 2012)

Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) and Directive 2004/107/EC

EU National Emissions Ceilings Directive (2001/81/EC)

European Commission Floods Directive (2007/60/EC)



UK / Wales


Climate, July 2013



3 According to the IPCC’s terminology, ‘very likely’ indicates a >90% probability of occurring


Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in partnership with the Scottish Executive, Welsh

Assembly Government and Department of the Environment Northern Ireland, The Air Quality Strategy for

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, July 2007











Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan,

October 2010


Mid Wales/Local

















Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Powys County Council, Brecon Beacons and Powys Visitor

Transport Plan, June 2012


The plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives focus on a need for the mitigation and

adaptation to climate change.

The UNECE Gothenburg Protocol sets national emission reduction targets, including for fine particulate

matter, to be achieved by 2020. The EU ambient air quality directives set limits and targets for

concentrations of various pollutants in outdoor air for the protection of health and ecosystems. It includes

controls over fine particulate matter. The UK meets European air quality standards for nearly all pollutants.

The main challenge is in meeting nitrogen dioxide limits alongside roads in cities and towns.

The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland “sets out air quality objectives and policy options to further improve air quality in the UK from today into the long term. As well as direct benefits to public health, these options are intended to provide important benefits to quality of life and help to protect our environment.” The document relates largely to the proposal of national measures such as the


increased uptake of low emission vehicles; reducing emissions from ships and incentivising tighter European vehicle emissions standards. Local recommended measures include Smarter Choices (travel planning; public information; car sharing; cycling and walking; teleworking; car clubs).

The UK climate change adaptation programme has a vision for infrastructure, which states: “An infrastructure network that is resilient to today’s natural hazards and prepared for the future changing climate”. Within this, the following objective is included: Objective 7: To ensure infrastructure is located, planned, designed and maintained to be resilient to climate change, including increasingly extreme weather events.


Transport is the biggest source of air and noise pollution in the UK. Surface transport for example is

responsible for around a quarter of UK emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) – a major contributor to climate

change.

The JLTP should seek to reduce the contributions to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through

encouraging a modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport, encouraging more efficient use of the

existing network and reducing the need to travel. Smarter Choices should also be implemented. Other

aspects relating to reducing contributions to climate change will be through measures such as the use of

sustainable construction practices to reducing contributions to landfill waste and reduce the need for primary

natural resource use.

The JLTP will also need to ensure that transport infrastructure can adapt to the changing climate, measures

for which may also help to reduce contributions to climate change. This may include aspects such as the

use of green infrastructure, which can provide walking and cycling routes whilst improving air quality and

reducing flood risk, improving resilience.

E3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

E3.1 Climate Change

The Welsh Assembly Government committed to an annual carbon equivalent emission

reduction of 3% a year by 2011 and further reductions of at least 40% by 2020.

In 1990, final user emissions from passenger cars accounted for 82.5 MtCO2e of UK emissions

(Final GHG emissions tables, DECC). Although car ownership and distance travelled has

increased since 1990, this figure has reduced to 79.1 MtCO2e in 2009 (IBID). Technological

improvements such as improved fuel consumption has assisted this, with the average mileage

per gallon improving from 34.5 to 43.6 in the same period.

Figure E1 shows the total CO2e emissions from Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Powys, with the

emissions reflecting the populations of each of the Local Authorities. There were a total of 802

ktCO2e emissions in 2008 within the three authorities, a reduction of 2.9% on the figure for

2005.


Figure E1 Emissions from Road Transport by Local Authority

Figure E2 shows the emissions from road transport per person, with Gwynedd and Powys

having higher figures than the national average (2.3ktCO2 per capita in 2008). This is likely to be

due to both authorities being large rural areas where distances to services and facilities and to

work is generally high and public transport accessibility relatively poor, facilitating a dependence

on private vehicle use.

Emissions are lower on average in Ceredigion, which could be due to the influence of higher

sustainable mode use in Aberystwyth.

Over the time period of 2005 to 2008 emissions per capita have not changed in either Wales or

the three local authorities, with the exception of a fall in 2008 which could be due to the impacts

of recession and fuel prices rises.

Figure E2 Emissions from Road Transport per person by Local Authority

Source: Local and regional CO2 emissions estimates for 2005-2008, AEA (2010)

E3.2 Air Quality

Historically, the main air pollution problem in both developed and rapidly industrialising

countries has typically been high levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide emitted following the

combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels such as coal, used for domestic and industrial

purposes. The major threat to clean air is now posed by traffic emissions. Petrol and diesel-

engined motor vehicles emit a wide variety of pollutants, principally carbon monoxide (CO),

oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM10),


which have an increasing impact on urban air quality. In addition, pollutants from these sources

may not only prove a problem in the immediate vicinity of these sources, but can be transported

long distances.

Photochemical reactions resulting from the action of sunlight on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and

VOCs, typically emitted from road vehicles, lead to the formation of ozone. Ozone is a

secondary pollutant, which often impacts rural areas far from the original emission site as a

result of long-range transport.

Since December 1997 each local authority in the UK has been carrying out a review and

assessment of air quality in their area. This involves measuring air pollution and trying to predict

how it will change in the next few years. The aim of the review is to make sure that the national

air quality objectives will be achieved throughout the UK by the relevant deadlines. These

objectives have been put in place to protect people's health and the environment.

If a local authority finds any places where the objectives are not likely to be achieved, it must

declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) there. This area could be just one or two

streets, or it could be much bigger.

Then the local authority will put together a plan to improve the air quality - a Local Air Quality

Action Plan.

Within Mid Wales there is a single AQMA within Powys. The AQMA was declared in 2008

comprises an area encompassing two properties adjacent to the Dolfor junction on New Road,

Newton, Powys. It has been designated for exceedences in nitrogen dioxide. An Air Quality

Action Plan at the time of writing this baseline was not readily available.

E3.3 Evolution of the Baseline

Deleterious air quality has been an environmental and human health issue since the Industrial

Revolution. More recently, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that climate change

may result from the emission of certain gases (CO2, methane [CH4]), while others (sulphur

dioxide [SO2], NOx, nitrous oxide [NO], NO2) are known to be involved in acid deposition which

in turn may lead to acidification, crop and building damage and human health issues (Bell &

Walker 20054). It is known that high levels of NOx and NO2 are produced by transportation.

It is likely that over time driver/passenger mileage in the region will increase as its population

increases. This could put pressure on goals to reduce emissions across the area. However, it is

also likely that over time technology will improve which may reduce future impacts resulting from

transport emissions. The 2007 Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern

Ireland states that exceedences of the strategy’s hourly and annual mean NO2 objectives are

still expected to fall in the future, but not as fast as had previously been expected.

The UK climate change impacts programme (UKCIP) published information in summer 2009

detailing a range of results taking into account variations between different global climate

models and uncertainties in global climate modelling. The medium emissions scenario for 2050

indicates:

Across Wales by 2050 average annual temperatures are projected to increase by 2.3ºC;

4 Bell M & Walker MJC (2005). Late Quaternary Environmental Change: Physical and Human Perspectives (2nd edition).

Pearson, London, 348pp.

http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/assets/documents/National_air_quality_objectives.pdf

http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/assets/documents/National_air_quality_objectives.pdf


Rainfall is projected to increase in winter on average by 14% and decrease in summer by

16%. Overall, the total annual rainfall is predicted to remain the same; and

Sea levels around Wales are predicted to rise by approximately 20cm by 2050.

The Welsh Government's Climate Change Strategy (2010) indicates that the impacts that can

be expected from these changes to the climate are:

Hotter and drier summers;

Increase in extremely warm days;

Milder wetter winters;

Reduction in snowfall and frost;

Increase in frequency of intense rainfall events;

Decrease in groundwater levels; and

Increased flooding of low-lying coastal areas.

UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) produced key climate change projection graphs for Great

Britain depicting annual temperature change, winter and summer precipitation change. Figure

E3 indicates the average annual change under the medium emissions scenario in Wales. The

various lines indicate the minimum change for the confidence limits shown, where 10%

indicates that the change is very unlikely to be less than indicated and 90% very unlikely to be

greater. The annual mean change in temperature.

Figure E3 Average annual temperature change: medium emissions scenario (source: UKCP09 2009)

Seasonal differences in precipitation are set to become more marked.

Winter precipitation is set to increase by 2050 for each of the emissions scenarios. The

medium emissions scenarios are shown in figure E4. Potential increases are considered to

range from a minimum of 1% under the low emissions scenario to a maximum of over 35% with

the high emissions scenario.

Figure E4 Change in winter mean precipitation: medium emissions scenario (source: UKCP09 2009)


It is expected that Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Powys will all experience warmer annual

temperatures, wetter winters and drier summers. In addition to this the frequency of extreme

weather conditions is likely to increase. The change in weather conditions could have a

potential impact on local agriculture as well as increasing the stresses on people, ecosystems

and physical infrastructure due to changing weather patterns. The increase in flood risk will not

only pose a risk to human health and associated problems with agricultural land, it will also

create the risk of damage to the heritage assets inherent to Mid Wales.

E4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

E4.1 Issues

Climate Change is anticipated to produce stronger winds which will increase the

frequency of coastal road closures – leading to diversions and congestion.

Climate Change is anticipated to produce more intense precipitation events leading to

more frequent flooding – damaging transport infrastructure, particular in exposed coastal

Ceredigion.

Higher temperatures can result in drier, harder soils which will increase the risk of

overland flow.

More extreme events are predicted to occur at all times of the year.

Increased extreme weather events can restrict people’s ability to travel – this can lead to

isolation and, particularly for more vulnerable community members, can put be

dangerous for their wellbeing.

Higher temperatures may lead to soil shrinkage and water logging which can lead to

higher groundwater levels and increased groundwater flooding.

There are high levels of car ownership across Mid Wales and high levels of car

commuting in rural Powys in particular.

There is a designated Air Quality management Area within Powys. The authority contains

a number of major roads and pinchpoints within towns that can contribute to air quality

issues.


E4.2 Opportunities

The JLTP should take the opportunity to promote the use of cleaner forms of transport to

reduce the areas impact on climate change

The JLTP should take the opportunity to promote the use of cleaner forms of transport to

improve air quality across the region.

New transport infrastructure should avoid areas identified as vulnerable to the impacts of

climatic change to improve the resilience of Mid Wales transport infrastructure network to

future change.

There is an opportunity to raise awareness across the region of the impacts of climate

change and how communities and individuals can help to mitigate and prepare for them.

Opportunities should be sought to encourage a modal shift away from the private car to

more sustainable modes of transport which would only benefit local air quality.

E5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

There are no significant data gaps and uncertainties relevant to the SEA at this stage.


F WATER FEATURES, QUALITY AND FLOOD RISK

F1 Introduction

Water quality has improved significantly over the last two decades in the UK as a result of

tighter legislation and targeted investment to eliminate pollutants entering the water system.

However, water quality in Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd can still be negatively affected by

transport infrastructure and associated runoff.

Mid Wales is presented with greater challenges in tackling climate change, due to dispersed

settlement patterns, insufficient public transport provision and high levels of car ownership, it is

also one of the most susceptible regions in Wales to the impacts of climate change, such as

flooding.

The Environment Agency is the authority charged with implementation of the Water Framework

Directive (WFD) in England and Wales (now NRW in Wales). The Environment Agency has

recently changed the way they measure the quality of the water environment to ensure

protection and enhancement of the health of the public, animals, plants and habitats, in line with

the WFD. This topic includes:

The ecological water quality status of key rivers in Mid Wales;

Water features, resources and supply; and

Flood risk.

F2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table F1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of the water environment in Powys.

Table F1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International

EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)



UK / Wales


Climate, July 2013



Water Strategy for Wales: CONSULTATION, July 2014

Welsh Government, Our Healthy Future 2010-2020, 2009








2010

Mid Wales/Local

Western Wales River Basin District Management Plan (December 2009)

West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan 2 (2011)











The plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives collectively seek to maintain and improve

water quality (surface waters and groundwater). The enhancement of the status of the water quality and

prevention further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and associated wetlands, which depend on the

aquatic ecosystems, is highlighted.

The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) sets out a purpose to establish a framework for the

protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater which:

(a) prevents further deterioration and protects and enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with

regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on the aquatic

ecosystems.

(b) promotes sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources.

(c) aims at enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment, inter alia, through specific

measures for the progressive reduction of discharges, emissions and losses of priority substances and the

cessation or phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of the priority hazardous substances.

(d) ensures the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevents its further pollution.

(e) contributes to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts.

River Basin Plan is for the delivery of the Water Framework Directive. Its focus is to improve the ecological

qualities of water bodies (sea, rivers, streams, lakes, etc).

The Draft Water Strategy for Wales (Consultation, July 2014) is guided by four key priorities. These are:

driving green growth; using resources efficiently; enhance resilience and diversity; and tackling poverty.


The JLTP should seek to reduce the risk of pollution to water resources through reducing congestion, as

well as promoting the use of sustainable drainage solutions, including the use of green infrastructure.


F3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

F3.1 Powys

Water Quality

In Powys there are a total of 198 rivers and nine lakes. 79 of the rivers (40%) and four of the

lakes (45%) achieve a good ecological status which takes into account biology as well as

‘elements’ like phosphorus and pH). 96 of the rivers and four of the lakes achieve a moderate

ecological status and 21 of the rivers and one lake are considered to have a poor ecological

status.

There are 11 groundwater bodies within Powys and these are assessed under chemical status

(which assesses priority substances such as mercury). Five groundwater bodies are considered

to have good chemical status and the remaining six fail to achieve a good status. With regards

to quantitative status, which relates to the impacts of groundwater abstraction, nine of the

groundwater bodies achieve good status and one is classed as poor. There is one transitional

water body within Powys. Transitional waters are intermediate between fresh and marine water

and include estuaries and saline lagoons. The transitional water body achieves a moderate

ecological status.

Water Resources

The main rivers that flow through Powys include the Severn, Vyrnwy, Tanant, Wye, Usk, Irfon,

Ithon, Dyfi, Tawe and the Lugg.

Much of Powys receives high annual rainfall. Annual values range from typically 900mm in the

east of the County, to in excess of 1500mm in the higher areas in the west (Powys

Contaminated Land Strategy, 2002). Severn Trent supplies mains water to the north of the

County from three boreholes in river valleys where water is extracted from alluvial silts and

gravels. The main borehole for the North of the County is at Llandinam in the Severn valley, the

area around Machynlleth is supplied from the Llanwrin borehole on the Dovey, and North East

Powys is supplied from the Kinnerly borehole in Shropshire (River Severn). There is a major

aquifer along the Southern edge of Powys formed by Carboniferous Limestone outcrops, which

supply water to Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.

A number of source protection zones (SPZ’s) extend into Powys including the SPZ that serves

the Karstic spring source at Ffynnon Gisaen in Blaenau Gwent at Brynmawr.

Reservoirs in Powys are used to supply a number of large English towns and cities notably

Liverpool, which is supplied from Lake Vrynwy and Birmingham which is supplied by the Elan

Valley. Reservoirs in the Brecon Beacons serve the urban areas of South Wales. As a

consequence of the rural nature of the County and the sparse population many properties away

from the towns and larger villages have their own private water supply. In excess of 10,000

properties have their own private water supply in the County (Powys Contaminated Land

Strategy, 2002).

Flood Risk

The Environment Agency has overall responsibility for main rivers and riverine flooding. In some

areas fluvial flooding from these sources is the main source of flood risk; this includes the

settlements of Llanidloes, Newtown, Meifod and Builth Wells.

Changes in precipitation patterns could have implications for river flows which could affect

channel morphology, fluvial discharge and flood risk. Any effects on shoreline evolution are

considered likely to be localised. Climate change, in terms of increased flows and flood

frequency, will be fundamental to the Mid Wales JLTP.


There have been few extreme flooding events in Powys caused by fluvial or surface water

flooding though some severe localised flooding incidents have occurred in the past. Main River

Flooding refers to flooding from defined main rivers.

In some cases the probability of a flood event occurring is reduced through the use of flood

defences. However a more sustainable approach that is being adopted through the Catchment

Flood Management Plans is that of making better use of floodplains. This includes the current

approach of avoiding the development of floodplains and actually using the floodplains for

increased water storage. The advantage of using floodplains for water storage is that it reduces

the risk of flooding further downstream.

Figure E1 Main Rivers in Powys

Source: OS Maps 2011

Surface water flooding describes a flood event that takes place with extreme rainfall where the

local circumstances and topography are unable to absorb the water. This results in a high

volume of surface runoff that can overwhelm sewerage / drainage systems and surface

watercourses preventing drainage.

Problems can be exacerbated by the development of greenfied sites if suitable mitigation is not

designed in to the schemes, for example, replacing agricultural land with impermeable surfaces

that increase the rate and volume of surface runoff. Towns within Powys that are susceptible to

this type of flooding include Welshpool, Talgarth and Newtown.


Flood zone 3 refers to areas that could be affected by flooding, either from rivers or the sea, if

there were no flood defences. These areas could be flooded:

From the sea by a flood that has a 0.5 per cent (1 in 200) or greater chance of

happening each year; or

From a river by a flood that has a 1 per cent (1 in 100) or greater chance of happening

each year.

Flood zone 2 shows the additional extent of an extreme flood from rivers or the sea. These

outlying areas are likely to be affected by a major flood, with up to a 0.1 per cent (1 in 1000)

chance of occurring each year, see Figure E2.

Most new planning applications are encouraged to incorporate Sustainable Drainages Systems

(SuDS) within the design to compensate for the loss of permeable surfaces and increased

surface run off caused by the development. There will be a formal requirement for SuDS to be

incorporated within new developments and further consents that will be phased in in the future.

Figure E2 Areas susceptible to surface water flooding in Powys

Source: NRW GIS Flood Layers

F3.2 Ceredigion

Water Quality

In the Severn River Basin District 29% of surface waters meet good ecological status/potential

or better; 71% do not meet good ecological status/potential (619 water bodies). 75% of

groundwater bodies are at good quantitative status with the rest being poor status.

The majority of surface water bodies that fail to meet good status fail because of the diatoms,

fish, phosphate, invertebrates element(s) of classification. The diatoms and phosphorus

elements of classification helps to assess the impact of nutrient enrichment; the fish and


invertebrate elements helps to assess the impact of abstraction of water and morphological

alterations to water bodies.

In the Western Wales River Basin District 29% per cent of surface waters meet good ecological

status/potential or better; 71% per cent do not meet good status. 96% of groundwater bodies

are at good quantitative status with the rest being poor status.

In Ceredigion the Rivers Rheidol and Ystwyth are currently failing the WFD with regard to

chemical quality and this trend has also been predicted for 2015.

Water Resources

The highest point within Ceredigion is Pumlumon (within the Cambrian Mountains) where five

rivers have their source: the Severn, the Wye, the Dulas, the Llyfnant and the Rheidol, the last

of which meets the Afon Mynach in a 91m plunge at the Devil's Bridge chasm. The largest river

is the River Teifi which forms Ceredigion’s border with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire for

part of its length. Other significant rivers in the county include the River Aeron which has its

estuary at Aberaeron, the River Ystwyth and the River Rheidol both of which reach the sea in

Aberystwyth harbour.

The revised update of Welsh Water’s Water Resources Management Plan (2011) explains that

the Water Resource Zones (WRZ) for Ceredigion come from the Llechryd Water Treatment

Works, which is reliant on the run of river abstraction from the River Teifi and Strata Florida

Water Treatment Works.

Historically water availability in the South of the County has been an issue. The zone was

identified to be in a deficit to a maximum of 1.4 Ml/d. To resolve this a transfer scheme from

Claerwen Reservoir was put forward, however this was never undertaken. Although in 2008, the

zone was shown to have surplus requirements i.e. it was no longer in deficit.

The North Ceredigion Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy Consultation Draft (EA,

2007a) outlines how the EAW will manage water abstraction from surface water up until 2014.

The document sets out where water is available, and where, if any, issues of supply are

present. Of the three Water Resource Management Units within the North Ceredigion

Catchment Abstraction area, the Rheidol, Castell and Melindwr Water Resource Management

Unit is described as being over licensed and over abstracted. It is suggested that at low flows

no water is available for abstraction from this area. The Teifi Catchments Area Management

Strategies (CAMS) includes 12 Water Resource Management Units (WRMUs), of which two,

Clettwr downstream of Dolbantau and Dulas downstream of Lampeter are described as having

no water available. This means there is no water available for licensing (abstraction) at the

lowest river flows.

Within Ceredigion there are; three SPZs, which are established to protect groundwater sources

such as boreholes or springs used for public drinking water supply, two private water bottling

plants and approximately 2,400 private water supplies drawn from local water sources within

Ceredigion (Ceredigion County Council, 2005).

The Environment Agency’s (now NRW for Wales) Review of Consents (RoC) of the Teifi has

assessed the impacts of Welsh Water’s abstraction at its ‘recent actual’ rates – i.e. what has

historically been abstracted and on a worst case scenario (max licensed amount abstracted 365

days per year) and there were found to be no adverse effects on the Afon Teifi SAC from the

amount of water abstracted (Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales), 2007b).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumlumon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Severn

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Wye

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Dulas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Llyfnant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Rheidol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afon_Mynach

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Bridge,_Ceredigion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Teifi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Aeron

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberaeron

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Ystwyth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Rheidol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberystwyth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbor


Flood Risk

The Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales) has overall responsibility for main rivers and

riverine flooding.

A major impact of climate change on Ceredigion will be the increased risk of flooding. According

to the two Catchment and Flood Management Plans (Environment Agency (now NRW for

Wales), Lough to Taf Flood Management Plan 2007 and Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Flood

Management Plan 2010) that affect the area, flooding occurs from a number of sources

including; rivers, the sea, urban surface water runoff, inadequate land drainage and run off from

fields. Figure E3 shows the risk of flooding from rivers and seas within Ceredigion. Despite

plans specifying flooding hot-spots, with so many of Ceredigion’s major towns and settlements

partially or fully within fluvial or coastal flood plains, it is a matter that merits considerable

countywide attention. Work on Aberaeron’s sea defences are currently underway, to combat the

forecasted rise in sea levels, however the Cardigan Bay Shoreline Management Plan (SMP 1,

2004) has suggested 13 areas where a ‘retreat’ from the existing defence line should be

considered (Ceredigion Local Development Plan).

Figure E3 Risk of flooding from rivers and seas in Ceredigion


Changes in precipitation patterns could have implications for river flows which could affect

channel morphology, fluvial discharge and flood risk. Any effects on shoreline evolution are

considered likely to be localised. Climate change, in terms of increased flows and flood

frequency, will be fundamental to any new infrastructure.

Whilst there has been historical localised, isolated flooding within areas of Ceredigion, the scale

and extent of flooding witnessed in June 2012 was unprecedented, when over 200mm rain fell

on the night of Friday the 8th and the early hours of Saturday the 9th over most of Northern

Ceredigion. During the incident numerous residential and commercial properties were affected

as a number of rivers and watercourses were unable to cope with the level of rainfall

experienced during the previous weeks which had resulted in saturated ground conditions, and

in particular the rainfall in the preceding 24 hrs.


In some cases the probability of a flood event occurring is reduced through the use of flood

defences. However a more sustainable approach that is being adopted through the Catchment

Flood Management Plans is that of making better use of floodplains. This includes the current

approach of avoiding the development of floodplains and actually using the floodplains for

increased water storage. The advantage of using floodplains for water storage is that it reduces

the risk of flooding further downstream.

Surface water flooding describes a flood event that takes place with extreme rainfall where the

local circumstances and topography are unable to absorb the water. This results in a high

volume of surface runoff that can overwhelm sewerage / drainage systems and surface

watercourses preventing drainage. However, the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment

undertaken for Ceredigion (2010) identified that there are no records of flooding from

groundwater within the county.

Most new planning applications are encouraged to incorporate Sustainable Drainages Systems

(SuDS) within the design to compensate for the loss of permeable surfaces and increased

surface run off caused by the development. From April 2012 there is a formal requirement for

SuDS to be incorporated within new developments and further consents will be required.

F3.3 Gwynedd

Water Quality

In 2009, 29% of surface water bodies were at least good ecological status and 51% were at

least good biological status. (Western Wales River Basin District Management Plan, 2009). In

2015 it is predicted that 36% of surface water bodies will be at least good ecological status and

59% will be at least good biological status.

In 2009, 33% of 132 artificial and heavily modified water bodies were classified as at good or

better ecological potential, compared to 28% of 657 natural surface water bodies at good or

better ecological status.

The overall standard of bathing water around the Gwynedd coastline is improving (The

Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan SA Scoping Report 2011). In 2008, six

beaches and 2 Marinas achieved Blue Flag Awards, 11 beaches won seaside awards, and six

won green coast awards in Gwynedd.

Water Features

There are over 30 rivers in Gwynedd. These include the River Eden, the River Mawddach, the

River Colwyn and the River Dee. The catchment area of the River Dee has an international

reputation for conservation and recreation. The River Dee itself is a particularly valuable

resource; it is reputed to be the most regulated river in Europe providing drinking water to over 2

million people.

Gwynedd is located within the Western Wales River Basin District. The district has a total of 682

natural water bodies and132 artificial or heavily modified water bodies.

The most significant SPZ within Gwynedd is the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water spring fed source for

private water supply at Nant Peris, which draws from a highly fractured near surface aquifer

system in the Ordovician Tuff, and because of its shallow nature is highly vulnerable to pollution

(Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy, Gwynedd Council 2002).

Flood Risk


There are areas in Gwynedd which are susceptible to flooding including Bangor, Caernarfon,

Porthmadog Tywyn and Pwllheli. Figure F2 shows the flood risk areas within Gwynedd.

F2 Flood Risk in Gwynedd


The most recent significant flooding in Gwynedd was in June and November 2012. Flooding

affected properties and local transport networks in Bryncrug, Pennal, Corris, Abergynolwyn and

Llanfihangel y Pennant, Dwyfor and Arfon, with the worst affected areas being Llanberis,

Deiniolen, Mynydd Llandegai, Talybont, Pwllheli and Nantlle.

Groundwater flooding is not considered to be significant source of flooding in Gwynedd,

although there may be local issues (Gwynedd Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2013).

The road network in the North Cardigan Bay area is comprised of the A497 coastal road and a

network of smaller roads running parallel to and interlinking with this main road. According to

the 2011 West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan, the risk to the road network was

considered to be localised to the south and where the roads cross the estuaries or run

alongside the estuaries. Meanwhile, in the north the Dwyryd Valley, the Cob, Pwllheli and the

main road to Abersoch were considered at risk. The rail network was also vulnerable to coastal

erosion and flooding. The West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan stated that there is a

significant risk in terms of flooding and failure of the major rail link across the Dyfi and south to

Aberystwyth. The line was also at risk north of Tywyn, north of Tonfanau, the valley behind

Morfa Harlech to Porthmadog, east of Criccieth, Afon Wen and Aberech. The Shoreline

Management Plan highlighted the risk that communities in the area could become isolated or

experience reduced accessibility and also identified the potential impact of sea level rise; for

example, a 1m sea level rise would lead to ‘increased food risk to the A487, overtopping of the

railway embankment and loss of the B4353’.

F3.4 General

When comparing the proportion of trunk roads susceptible to flooding, roads within Mid Wales

are considered to be more vulnerable than the average for Wales. The risk of flooding was

defined as ‘land assessed, ignoring the presence of flood defences, as having a 1% of greater

annual probability of fluvial flooding or a 0.5% or greater annual probability of tidal flooding’.


The Shoreline Management Plan around Cardigan identified particular locations where

significant erosion could potentially occur: Cwm-yr-Eglwys, Newport, Poppit, Gwbert and north

of Aberporth. Furthermore, the main coastal road was considered to be at risk of flooding from

Goodwick to Lower Town Fishguard. At Goodwick, the main road effectively runs along a

causeway whilst at Lower Town Fishguard the road runs across the Gwaun Valley. The

Shoreline Management Plan around Ceredigion found the main risk to the transport network

was the main road to New Quay, minor road to Llanine and access to the centre of Aberystwyth.

The West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan identified the main transport routes which were

at risk without defence or adaptation measures and the following were mentioned from the Mid

Wales region:

Road access to New Quay and between Aberaeron and Aberystwyth; and

Road and rail network within the Dyfi Estuary, including the rail link to Aberystwyth

F3.5 Evolution of the Baseline

UK Climate Projections 2009 suggest that by 2050, rainfall is projected to increase in winter on

average by 14% and decrease in summer by 16%, sea levels around Wales are predicted to

rise by approximately 20cm and storm intensity in summer and winter will increase, leading to

more severe storms and larger waves attacking shores. Taken together these factors are likely

to increase the frequency and consequences of flooding and coastal erosion which will have an

effect on transport infrastructure across Mid Wales.

The quality of water in watercourses can be directly affected through urban diffuse pollution

from run-off as a result of the use and construction of transport infrastructure. Pollutants usually

enter watercourses through surface runoff, which contains organics such as oil, bitumen and

rubber originating from road vehicles, de-icing salt and impurities, metals from vehicle corrosion

and accidental spillage of toxic materials. The resulting impacts have the potential to generate

ecological damage in addition to adverse water quality.

Overall, in the last ten years, river water quality has improved in the UK. However, as road

traffic continues to increase, there is a risk that the amount of pollution entering the

watercourses (particularly within urban areas) via surface water will continue to put pressure on

water quality (including groundwater, i.e. drinking water supply).

F4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

F4.1 Issues

In general the quality of the water bodies in Mid Wales is good.

Deterioration in the condition and performance of existing drainage infrastructure can

increase flood risk and affect roads and transport.

Damage to transport infrastructure as a result of flooding reduces accessibility to

essential services.

Flood risk will be influenced by how the land has been developed / managed together

with agricultural practices and climate change.

There is a significant risk of coastal erosion/flooding and previous events have affected

the road and rail network, leading to communities becoming isolated;

Whilst weather and climate present a significant challenge to the networks resilience,

special events also test the networks resilience with extraordinary traffic flows on specific

routes within the network.


F4.2 Opportunities

The JLTP should seek to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) into new

transport infrastructure.

The JLTP should where possible avoid any development within areas at high risk of

flooding where unavoidable appropriate mitigation measures should be implemented.

The JLTP should seek to improve drainage features where possible to reduce impacts on

transport infrastructure from flooding.

The JLTP should ensure that proposed schemes incorporate permeable surfaces,

soakaways or detention ponds in areas at high risk of flooding as design features where

relevant.

Opportunities should be sought where possible to enhance the resilience of critical

transport infrastructure including bridges and culverts against flood events.

F5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

No data gaps or uncertainties identified.


G BIODIVERSITY, FLORA AND FAUNA

G1 Introduction

Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms. It can be seen at a number of levels, in

terms of the diversity within individual species, between different species, and the diversity

between different ecosystems. High levels of diversity ensure habitats and species are more

robust and able to cope and adapt to changes in the environment, both in terms of natural

fluctuations and those caused by human activity, thus supporting their long-term survival. A

habitat that has already lost a number of its native species may be more vulnerable to other

additional changes because it lacks the diversity of seeds and plants with which to replenish the

original loss.

Climate change may mean that genetically diverse species may not have sufficient time to

adapt to changes in their environment but at least their chances of survival are likely to be

greater if their own diversity and that of their habitats is retained.

Ensuring the protection of biodiversity may in turn have benefits for the economic and social

health of an area. Conserving biodiversity therefore not only fulfils international and national

obligations, but could help to improve the quality of life for the residents of Powys, Ceredigion

and Gwynedd in the long-term. This topic includes:

National and internationally designated sites;

Local designated sites;

Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP); and

LANDMAP Landscape Habitats.

G2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table G1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of biodiversity, flora and fauna in Mid Wales.

Table G1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International



The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020

UK / Wales

The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (Commencement) (Wales) Order 2006


Climate, July 2013
















October 2010


Mid Wales/ Local

Western Wales River Basin District Management Plan (December 2009)

West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan 2 (2011)










Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Our Natural World – a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for the

Brecon Beacons National Park in 2001 (as amended)


The Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) implements parts of the Birds Directive 2009 and the Berne

Convention (1979) into national legislation. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as

amended) (usually referred to as the ‘Habitats Regulations’) implement Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the

conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) into national legislation.

These form a backbone to EU policy on the protection of biodiversity. They provide for the creation of a

network of protected areas (“Natura 2000 Sites”) designated for particular habitats and/or species.

The majority of the plans and programmes above seek to protect and enhance biodiversity particularly at

internationally and nationally designated sites. Avoidance of activities likely to cause irreversible damage to

natural heritage should be sought. The healthy function of ecosystems should be sought and environmental

limitations and capacities be respected.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 aims to anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of significant

reduction or loss of biodiversity at the source, which will help both to reverse present trends in biodiversity

decline and to place species and ecosystems, including agro-ecosystems, at a satisfactory conservation

status, both within and beyond the territory of the EU.


The JLTP should protect and enhance biodiversity particularly at internationally and nationally designated


sites and avoid the occurrence of activities which are likely to result in irreversible damage to the natural

environment. It should encourage and promote approaches which conserve the natural environment and

improve biodiversity and respect environmental limits and capacities whilst supporting the functioning of

ecosystems and maintain and enhance coherent ecological networks. Favourable conditions for priority

habitats and species should be achieved.

G3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

Figure G1 shows sites of national and local importance within Mid Wales. There are over 100

SSSIs and over 20 National Nature Reserves (NNRs). There are no Marine Nature Reserves

(MNRs) within mid Wales.

Figure G1 National and locally important designated sites within Mid Wales

G3.1 Powys

Internationally Designated Sites

There are a number of internationally designated sites in Powys as follows:

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) – 17;

Special Protection Areas (SPA) – Three (see Table G2); and

The SACs and SPAs are listed in Table G2. The sites are illustrated on Figure G2.

Table G2 SACs and SPAs within or partly within Powys


European Site Designation

Brecon Beacons SAC

Coedydd Llawr-y-Glyn SAC

Coetiroedd Cwm Elan SPA, SAC

Drostre Bank SAC

Granllyn SAC

Llangorse Lake SAC

Montgomery Canal SAC

Mynydd Epynt SAC

Rhos-Goch SAC

Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains SPA, SAC

Coedydd Nedd a Mellte SAC

Elenydd SPA, SAC

River Tywi SAC

River Usk SAC

River Wye SAC

Tanat and Vyrnwy Bat Sites SAC

Usk Bat Sites SAC

Source: (Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment, March 2012) Powys County Council www.powys.gov.uk


Figure G2 Internationally Designated Sites in and within 15km of Powys

Nationally Designated Sites


There are 259 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and eight National Nature Reserves

(NNRs) in Powys. NNRs are set up to conserve – and to allow people to study their fauna,

flora, and geological features of special interest.

Lake Park in Llandrindod Wells will be the first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Powys. The LNR

consists of a variety of different habitats including woodlands, grasslands, ponds and streams,

as well as the lake itself.

Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Powys launched its LBAP in September 2002 following the UK Government outlining plans to

develop biodiversity targets and the necessary mechanisms to achieve them in 1994. Thirty four

Powys LBAP Action Plans contribute directly towards achieving the UKBAP. The Powys LBAP

has a ten year plan which outlines the action required to protect 48 of Powys's most threatened

habitats and species.

The Powys LBAP area covers approximately 20% of Wales and encompasses all of Powys

apart from the Brecon Beacons National Park, which has its own LBAP. The LBAP is a

partnership between all organisations and individuals in Powys who care about safeguarding

the wildlife of Powys. The Powys Biodiversity Partnership is led by Powys County Council, the

Countryside Council for Wales, the county's three Wildlife Trusts in Montgomeryshire,

Radnorshire and Brecknock and the Elan Valley Trust.

There are 17 Habitat Action Plans and 31 Species Action Plans that make up the LBAP. They

are listed below.

Habitat Action Plans:

Species Action Plans:

Upland Oak Woodland Wet Woodland

Lowland Wood Pasture Scrub and Ffridd

Coniferous Woodland Rivers and Streams

Linear Habitats Lowland Raised Bog

Mesotrophic Waters Lowland Meadows

Rhos Pastures Upland Calc Grassland

Low Dry Acid Grassland Traditional Orchards

Upland Lowland Heath Garden Habitat

Farmland

Red Squirrel Brown Hare


The trees and woodlands in Powys are important for helping to combat and adapt to climate

change, for health and social welfare, biodiversity and the management of water and soil

resources. Powys has a significant number of trees and woodlands that are protected by tree

preservation orders (TPOs). In addition to this anyone wishing to carry out works to trees in a

conservation area must give the planning authority six weeks’ notice. Following this the council

may wish to protect the tree by designating it as a TPO.

LANDMAP

LANDMAP is a GIS-based resource produced by CCW in partnership with all of the local

planning authorities in Wales. The LANDMAP data is split into five layers called ‘aspects’. The

aspect under consideration in this topic is Landscape Habitats. Each layer is split into aspect

areas. For each aspect area that has been identified data is collected and a survey record

completed. These records describe and document the landscape character, qualities and

features, whilst also giving management recommendations and an overall evaluation score. The

evaluation score allows comparisons between areas and highlights areas of varying importance,

see Table G3.

Water Vole Hazel Dormouse

Lesser Horseshoe Pipstrelle Bat

European Otter River Jelly Lichen

Lapwing Curlew

Tree Sparrow Nightjar

Red Kite Great Crested Newt

Brown Trout Allis Shad Twaite Shad

River Lamprey White Clawed Crayfish

Fairy Shrimp High Brown Fritillary

Pearl Bord Fritillary Marsh Fritillary

Red Northern Wood Climb Corydalis Weevil

Globeflower Wood Bitter Vetch

Float Water Plantain Alien Plant Species

Pillwort Waxcap Grasslands

Slender Green Feather Moss


Table G3 LANDMAP Evaluation

LANDMAP Evaluation Level of Importance to the Evaluation Aspect

Outstanding International or National

High Regional or County

Moderate Local

Low Little or No Importance

Source: CCW (June 2008). LANDMAP Special Landscape Area Guidance Note.

There were 67 Landscape Character Areas (LCA) identified within Powys using LANDMAP

data. These are illustrated in Figure G3.

Figure G3 The Overall Evaluation of the Landscape Habitats layer in LANDMAP for Powys


Source: LANDMAP www.ccw.gov.uk

G3.2 Ceredigion


There are a number of internationally designated sites in Ceredigion as follows:

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – 12;

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – two; and

Ramsar sites – two.

SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites within Ceredigion are presented in Table G4 and shown on

Figure G4.

Table G4 Internationally important sites located within Ceredigion

Site Name Designation

Afon Teifi / River Teifi SAC

Cardigan Bay/ Bae Ceredigion SAC

Coed Cwm Einion SAC

Coedydd a Cheunant Rheidol/ Rheidol Woods & Gorge SAC

Cors Caron SAC

Cors Caron Ramsar site

Cors Fochno SAC

Dyfi Estuary SPA

Cors Fochno and Dyfi Estuary / Aber Dyfi Ramsar site

Cwm Doethie - Mynydd Mallaen SAC

Elenydd SAC

Elenydd – Mallaen SPA

Grogwynion SAC

Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau/ Lleyn Penisular and the Sarnau SAC

Rhos Llawr Cwrt SAC

Rhos Talglas SAC

Source: The Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Ceredigion LDP, Screening Report, Deposit Version,

December 2010

The Dyfi Valley UNESCO Biosphere reserve (Wales only biosphere reserve) is also located

partially within Ceredigion’s boundary.


Within Ceredigion there are over 100 SSSIs (see Figure G4) and six NNRs (the Dyfi, Coed

Rheidol, Llyn Eiddwen, Cors Caron, Rhos Llawr Cwrt and Coedmor). There are no Marine

Nature Reserves (MNRs) within Ceredigion.

http://www.ccw.gov.uk/


Figure G4 Statutorily protected sites within Ceredigion

Source: Ceredigion County Council www.ceredigion.gov.uk

Locally Designated Sites

Ceredigion has three LNRs (Parc Natur Penglais, Pendinas and Tan y Bwlch and Pendinas and

Coed Y Cwm), of which all are managed by the council. There are also seven other wildlife sites

managed by the council plus a further 20 Wildlife Trust nature reserves. As previously stated

there are also 50 RIGS across the county in addition to several other sites managed for

conservation across the county including RSPB sites. Ceredigion currently has no Sites of

Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) but these will be designated during the lifetime of

the Local Development Plan.

Priority Habitats and Species

The Ceredigion LBAP covers the area within the county of Ceredigion, including the inshore

waters and the seabed 12 miles offshore around the Ceredigion Coast. It provides the

framework for local biodiversity action that would contribute to the delivery of national targets for

key habitats and species, and the raising of awareness and understanding of the relevance of

biodiversity to Ceredigion’s residents. There are four Habitat Action Plans and four Species

Action Plans that make up the Ceredigion LBAP. They are listed below.

Habitat Action Plans:

Habitat Action Plans Species Action Plans

Upland mixed ashwoods Black grouse

http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/


Upland oak woodland Brown hare

Wet woodland Chough

Roadside verges Hornet robberfly

Trees and woodlands in Ceredigion are important for helping to combat and adapt to climate

change, for health and social welfare, biodiversity and the management of water and soil

resources. Ceredigion has a significant number of trees and woodlands that are protected by

TPOs. In addition to this anyone wishing to carry out works to trees in a Conservation Area

must give the planning authority notice. Following this the council may wish to protect the tree

by designating it as a TPO.

In addition to the above there are non-designated both rural and urban ecosystems that provide

essential services and resources. For instance the County’s peat land bogs aid water

purification and flood control. In fact the Cambrian Mountains make up over 20% of Wales’

organic soils, therefore providing a carbon sink of national importance (Land Use Consultants,

2007).

In 2006, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) was introduced of which

section 40 placed a duty on Local Authorities to have regard for biodiversity whilst exercising

their functions. Section 42 required the Welsh Government to produce a list of species and

habitats that were of principle importance for the conservation of habitats and species in Wales.

This list along with BAP habitats and species are often referred to as priority habitats and

species.

Ceredigion LBAP Partnership is currently reviewing the LBAP and this will incorporate seven

Ecosystem Groups in which relevant BAP and S42 Habitats will be incorporated. The

Ecosystems are as follows:

Woodlands;

Wetlands and Running Water;

Built up Areas, Open Space and Gardens;

Marine and the Coast;

Grasslands, heathlands and farmlands;

Uplands; and

Rock Habitats.

G3.3 Gwynedd


There are a number of internationally designated sites in Ceredigion as follows:

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – 18;

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – seven; and

Ramsar sites – four.

SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites within Ceredigion are presented in Table G5 and shown on

Figure G5.

Table G5 Internationally important sites located within Gwynedd


Site Name Designation

Afon Eden - Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC

Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC

Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd/ Berwyn and South

Clwyd Mountains

SAC

Cadair Idris SAC

Clogwyni Pen Llyn/ Seacliffs of Lleyn SAC

Coedydd Aber SAC

Coedydd Derw a Safleoedd Ystlumod Meirion/

Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites

SAC

Corsydd Eifionydd SAC

Corsydd Llyn/ Lleyn Fens SAC

Glynllifon SAC

Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC

Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn SAC

Pen Llyn a`r Sarnau/ Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC

Rhinog SAC

River Dee and Bala Lake/ Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid SAC

Eryri/ Snowdonia SAC

Y Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC

Y Twyni o Abermenai i Aberffraw/ Abermenai to

Aberffraw Dunes

SAC

Glannau Aberdaron and Ynys Enlli/ Aberdaron Coast

and Bardsey Island

SPA

Mynydd Cilan, Trwyn y Wylfa ac Ynysoedd Sant

Tudwal

SPA

Craig yr Aderyn (Bird`s Rock) SPA

Dyfi Estuary / Aber Dyfi SPA

Migneint – Arenig – Dduallt SPA

Berwyn SPA

Traeth Lafan/ Lavan Sands, Conway Bay SPA

Cors Fochno and Dyfi Ramsar

Llyn Idwal Ramsar

Llyn Tegid Ramsar

Anglesey and Llyn Fens Ramsar

Source: MAGIC



Within Ceredigion there are over 100 SSSIs (see Figure G5) and over 20 NNRs.

Figure G5 Statutorily protected sites within Gwynedd

Source: MAGIC

Locally Designated Sites

Within Gwynedd there are seven LNRs which comprise:

Y Foryd LNR;

Parc Dudley LNR;

Parc y Borth LNR;

Pen y Banc LNR;

Lôn Cob Bach LNR and;

Traeth Lafan LNR.

In addition there are also seven Wildlife Trust Sites in Gwynedd, these are listed below:


Coed Crafnant;

Morfa Bychan and Greenacres;

Traeth Glaslyn;

Gwaith Powdwr;

Caerau Tan y Bwlch;

Abercorris; and

Cors-y-Sarnau.

Wildlife trust sites are designated for their key species and habitats and seek to conserve,

restore and protect wildlife and the environment.

There are protected areas of ancient semi natural woodland in the north of the county.

Priority Habitats and Species

The LBAP for Gwynedd identifies several priority habitats within the county for which species

and habitats are rapidly declining i.e. by more than 50% in the last 25 years. These species and

habitats present a local and national significance. Some of the many species listed include,

brown hare, lesser horseshoe bat, otter, curlew and chough. Some of the priority habitats listed

include, upland oak woodland, wet woodland, wood pasture and parkland and fens.

There are 14 habitat action plans and 19 species action plans within Gwynedd. These plans set

out to aid recovery of the most threatened species and habitats within the county. These are

shown below:

Habitat Action Plan Species Action Plan

Upland Oakwoods Otter

Wet Woodland Pine Marten

Arable Field Margins Polecat

Cloddiau Brown Hare

Mudflats Hazel Dormouse

Maritime Cliff and Slopes Water Vole

River Corridors Lesser Horseshoe Bat

Rhos Pasture Barn Owl

Lowland Heathland Chough

Upland Heathland Lapwing


Lowland Meadows and Pasture Arctic Charr

Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Lampreys

Lowland Wetlands Salmonids

Strandlines Adder

Marsh Fritillary

Hornet Robberfly

Bluebell

Floating Water Plantain

Waxcaps

G3.4 Evolution of the Baseline

Biodiversity indicators for the UK as a whole indicate that the long term decline in some species

such as farmland birds continues, but appears to have been stabilised for others, including

woodland birds, selected butterflies and selected bat species. Plant diversity is generally

declining. Many UK priority habitats and species have shown signs of recovery in the last ten

years5.

Indicators of the quality of many habitats, including biological river quality, are also generally

improving as a result of improved management practices and tighter regulation and

enforcement by the Environment Agency and others. However, biodiversity remains under

pressure from competing interests such as population growth, development and transport

expansion. Climate change is also a significant threat, notably through the expansion of

invasive and non-native species along with changes to transport infrastructure.

G4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

G4.1 Issues

Mid Wales has a wealth of valuable and varied ecology including large areas of nationally

and internationally important ecological designations.

There are both direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity caused by transportation.

There are issues associated with heavy metal deposition on roadside habitats along with

effects on biodiversity resulting from vehicle emissions to the air.

The growth of road transport can damage, fragment or result in the complete loss of

habitats, and can also create barriers to species movement.

5 http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-4231


G4.2 Opportunities

The JLTP should protect and enhance biodiversity (and habitats) and where possible be

consistent with the aims of the LBAPs.

Opportunities should be sought to compensate for loss of habitats as part of proposed

schemes.

The JLTP has the opportunity to create safe passages for species where connectivity

may be lost due to the development of new transport infrastructure.

The JLTP should encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport which could

help to protect biodiversity i.e. Green infrastructure.

Opportunities should be sought to ensure measures to improve sustainable transport

infrastructure includes habitat enhancement as part of the scheme design i.e. as part of

SUDs.

G5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

Due to resources, not all local and regional sites receive regular monitoring; this may

mean that additional survey work will be required during the candidate site process to

ensure that the features for which a site has qualified are still present.

The data on species and habitats is variable with some species and habitats being under

recorded. This can mean that the full extent of LBAP habitats and LBAP populations is

unknown. The consequences of this are that surveys need to be done on each site at the

candidate site and planning application stage.

The full extent of the impacts of traffic and transport on wildlife in Mid Wales has not been

quantified.


H CULTURAL HERITAGE

H1 Introduction

Cultural heritage comprises archaeological remains, intact structures and landscapes

associated with past human activity, now referred to as heritage assets. The discovery of

archaeological remains improves knowledge and understanding of human and societal

development, and of the palaeo-environmental conditions. Many heritage assets can be

vulnerable to the effects of transport. This topic includes:

Historic Landscapes;

Listed Buildings;

Registered Parks and Gardens;

Scheduled Monuments;

Conservation Areas; and

World Heritage Sites.

H2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table H1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of cultural heritage in Mid Wales.

Table H1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International

Council of Europe, 1992, European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised)

Valetta ETS 143 (Malta Treaty or Lisbon Treaty)

European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1992)



UK / Wales

Welsh Government, Historic Environment Strategy for Wales and Headline Action Plan, May 2013






Welsh Office Circular 60/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology

Welsh Office Circular 61/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation

Areas

Cadw, Welsh Government, Climate Change: Meeting the Challenge to Sustaining our Heritage Assets, 2013

Mid Wales/Local












The Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives ensure the conservation of the historic

environment, historic landscapes and cultural heritage, acknowledging and fostering local diversity.

The European Conventions highlight the importance of protecting such resources for reasons of collective

memory but also for historical and scientific study. A broad definition of the historic environment is used

highlighting that it is an asset that is able to contribute to much wider objectives including economic

development, tourism, leisure, recreation, cultural and community development and education.

It is recognised in many of the plans and programmes that a holistic approach to heritage management is

needed which relies upon the inputs of multiple stakeholders and not just those with a specific interest in

cultural heritage issues.


The JLTP should help to benefit the conservation of the historic environment, historic landscapes and

cultural heritage and direct inappropriate measures away from these sites. Built development in the vicinity

of historic buildings could have implications for the setting and/or built fabric. It should also be ensured that

negative effects on all historical and cultural assets are avoided. Proposals to reduce the impact from

congestion and traffic should be encouraged in areas of cultural heritage importance.

H3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

H3.1 Powys

Powys has a rich archaeological heritage. The architecture of the county is varied, with most

towns and settlements having distinct characteristics in building forms or settlements that make

them easily recognisable. The architectural history ranges through all periods and all building

types, from the castles, ruined monasteries, large houses dating from the fifteenth century,

through to larger Georgian Country houses, Georgian town houses, industrial terraced workers

housing, and large Victorian villas.

The history of Powys has also played an important part in its architectural history, reflecting its

important location within the Welsh Marches. It is estimated that over 200 castles were built

within Powys and whilst some had limited impact, others resulted in planned “Norman” towns

such as New Radnor (c.1257) Montgomery (c.1223), Knighton (c.1260), Llanfyllin (c.1293),

Painscastle (c.1231), Old Radnor (1095 – 1100), Rhayader (c.1304) and Welshpool (1247-52)

which although the original buildings have been replaced, the street layout still retains its early

origins.

The Historic Landscape Layer as identified in LANDMAP is shown in Figure H1.


Figure H1 Historic Landscape Layer in LANDMAP for Powys

Source: LDP Natural Heritage Topic Paper 2011

There are currently 3916 listed buildings within Powys, Table H2 lists these buildings and their

type and grading (Powys LDP Historic Environment Topic Paper). There are 45 Grade l

buildings, 242 Grade ll* buildings and 3629 Grade ll buildings. These are summarised by type in

Table H2.


Table H2 Listed Buildings within Powys by type and grade

Building Type Grade Number

Castle I 3

Domestic including farmhouse I 11

II* 45

II 2167

Outbuildings including barns, stables and estate outbuildings II* 120

II 381

Garden structures I 7

II* 10

II 97

Schools including former schools II 26

Public and Civic Buildings including workhouse and hospitals I 1

II* 4

II 35

Church and Chapels I 19

II* 48

II 150

Structures/buildings in churchyards (excluding war

memorials)

I 1

II* 2

II 60

Commercial II 96

Bridges I 2

II* 3

II 110

Aqueducts II* 2

II 6

Canal Bridges II* 1

II 42

Canal locks and gear II 43

Limekilns II 8

Other canal structures II 17

Dams aqueducts and corporation water supply I 2

II* 6

II 23

Railway bridges II* 1


Table H2 Listed Buildings within Powys by type and grade

Building Type Grade Number

II 2

Other railway structures II 17

Public water fountains II 10

Private bridges and water features II* 3

II 16

Spa pumps and rooms II 4

Public memorial and war memorials II* 3

II 3

II 17

Clock towers II 3

Lampstandards II 3

Pillar boxes II 4

Telephone boxes II 39

Private stones II 11

Milestones and mileposts II 138

Industrial chimneys II 7

Workshops and smithy’s II 11

Warehouses II 9

Malthouse II 3

Saw Mills II* 1

II 2

Corn Mill II* 1

II 16

Textile Mills II* 1

II 16

Source: Powys LDP Historic Environment Topic Paper

22% of the grade ll listed buildings within Powys are either at risk or vulnerable (Powys LDP

Historic Environment Topic Paper) (Degree of risk levels 1 - 3 are those properties considered

to be at risk, and degree of risk level 4 being classed as vulnerable). Those properties assigned

a degree of risk level 5 and 6 are well maintained.

There are 37Registered Parks and Gardens within Powys, see figure H2.

The majority of Registered Parks and Gardens within Powys are gardens to large private

houses which are usually designated in order to prevent damage to significant features of the

sites such as historic layout, structure, built features and planted elements.


Figure H2 Registered Parks and Gardens within Powys


Within Powys the following sites are contained on the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding

Historic Interest in Wales:

Tanat Valley; and

Middle Wye Valley.

Those sites within Powys listed on the Register of Landscapes of Special Historic Interest in

Wales are:

Elan Valley;

Caersws Basin; and

Middle Usk Valley: Brecon and Llangorse.


There are currently 55 conservation areas within Powys County Council’s administrative area

(Figure H3), the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Some Conservation

areas were assessed when they were designated and a few have been assessed since,

however none have up to date appraisals.

Some conservation areas have been degraded in character because of widespread small scale

inappropriate changes to the external features of buildings, or larger scale new developments

that are out of keeping with the character of the area. Where this is the case, the emphasis of

policies and proposals should be to enhance the area by reinstating lost historic features,

remedying breaches of planning control and enhancing/replacing instances of inappropriate non

historic development with more compatible buildings/extensions.

Figure H3 Conservation Areas within Powys



There are 691 Scheduled Monuments in Powys (Figure H4) (excluding the Brecon Beacons

National Park which contains 357 Scheduled Monuments). Scheduled Monuments are

nationally important archaeological sites that are protected under the Ancient Monuments and

Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The list of these is maintained by Cadw.

Figure H4 Scheduled Monuments in Powys


In 2011 Cadw consulted on the production of a Welsh Register of battlefields. In 2005 the Royal

Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) undertook


research on 165 known historic battles in Wales. The RCAHMW recommended 19 sites for

depiction, 13 of which they considered to be of primary historic importance and 6 of secondary

importance. However, this research focused on battlefields and did not include skirmishes,

sieges or ambushes. Warfare in Wales was historically different to that of England and Welsh

battles tended to be smaller and less formal than many in England, and as such the skirmishes

and sieges are of significance in Wales.

The Minister for Heritage’s 2009 Welsh Historic Environment Strategic Statement action plan

committed Cadw to undertake a consultation on the establishment of a Register of Battlefields

in Wales.

There are no World Heritage Sites in Powys.

The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust maintains the HER for southwest Wales. They currently

have over 43,000 sites of archaeological and historical interest listed on their recorded. The

HER plays a very important role in assisting with the management and presentation of the

historic landscape and is used on a daily basis by individuals, organisations and local

authorities to assess the archaeological implications of proposed developments in the area.

H3.2 Ceredigion

A large part of the built environment in Ceredigion is important in terms of its historic character.

However not all historic buildings will be formally listed or protected. Furthermore many modern

buildings will equally have a valuable contribution to make in contributing to the distinctive built

environment in Ceredigion (Local Development Plan Topic Paper Environment – Built

Submission Version December 2011).

In terms of historic environment /assets within Ceredigion there are approximately 425

abandoned metal mine sites and trial digs, 234 Scheduled Monuments (shown in Figure H5) ,

1,883 Listed Buildings (largely Grade II with 10 Grade I) and 13 Conservation Areas. There are

also two Heritage Schemes currently operational within the county within the County

(Aberystwyth and Llanddewi Brefi and Pontrhydfendigaid) (Ceredigion’s Local Development

Plan 2007 – 2022).


Figure H5 Scheduled Monuments in Ceredigion

Grade I Listed Buildings within Ceredigion include:

Cardigan Castle;

University Collage of Wales, Old College Building;

Aberystwyth Castle, New Promenade;

Llanercgaeron (including rear service courtyard ranges);

Church of St Pardarn;

Strata Florida Abbey Ruins;

Church of the Holy Cross, Mwnt;

Church of St Michael, Penbryn;

St Gwenog Church; and

Nanteos.

The Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales (an advisory and non-statutory

document) highlights what are considered to be the best examples of different types of historic

landscapes and gardens in Wales. The Register identifies four landscapes of Special Historic

Interest and twelve historic gardens of national importance in Ceredigion. Four areas in

Ceredigion have been identified as being historic landscapes, these are: Upland Ceredigion;

Lower Teifi Valley; Drefach-Felindre and the Tywi Valley. The largest of these is the Upland

Ceredigion Historic Landscape which covers much of the eastern and northern part of the

county. The Lower Teifi Valley Historic Landscape is located in the south-west, and is partially

shared with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The Drefach-Felindre and Tywi Valley

Historic Landscapes are located within Carmarthenshire, but part of it also falls within

Ceredigion’s southern boundary (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper –

Landscape, Submission Version 2011).

Parks and Gardens form a relatively minor part of Ceredigion’s landscape. In identifying sites for

the Register, many factors are taken into account, including the date of the site; its state of

preservation; whether it is a good example of its type; whether it was worked on by known


designers; whether it is associated with persons of note and whether it is unusual or rare in any

way. On the register, parks and gardens are scored in a similar fashion as listed buildings (i.e.

Grades I, II* and II). In Ceredigion, the parks and gardens are: Hafod (Grade I; Nanteos, Plas

Penglais, the Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn Campuses, National Library of Wales (Grade II*);

Alltrodyn, Coedmore, Derry Ormond, Llanerchaeron, Llanllyr, Lodge Park, Pigeonsford walled

garden, Trawsgoed and Cardigan Castle (Grade II) (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic

Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).

There are no World Heritage Sites in Ceredigion.

Four sections of the Ceredigion coast are designated as Heritage Coast. The Ceredigion

Heritage Coast was established in 1982 and comprises four separate sections of coast which

extend over 22 miles (35 km):

Borth – Clarach;

Monks Cave – Llanrhystud;

New Quay – Tresaith; and

Pen-peles – Gwbert (Ceredigion County Council).

The Dyfed Archaeological Trust Heritage Management maintains the HER for southwest Wales

(including Ceredigion). They currently have over 43,000 sites of archaeological and historical

interest listed on their recorded. The HER plays a very important role in assisting with the

management and presentation of the historic landscape and is used on a daily basis by

individuals, organisations and local authorities to assess the archaeological implications of

proposed developments in the area.

H3.3 Gwynedd

One of the three World Heritage Sites in Wales is found within Gwynedd, the Castles and Town

Walls of Edward I in Gwynedd at Caernarfon, Conwy, Beaumaris (Isle of Anglesey) and Harlech

in north Wales. All were begun and substantially completed within the period 1283 to 1330.

There are 2,235 Listed Buildings within Gwynedd, 40 Conservation Areas and 211 Scheduled

Monuments. Figure H6 shows the location of Schedule Monuments in Gwynedd.


Figure H6 Scheduled Monuments in Gwynedd

Grade I listed buildings within Gwynedd include:

Church of St Hywyn, Aberdaron;

Ruin of Abbey of St Mary, Aberdaron;

Cathedral Church of St Deiniol, Bangor;

Church of St Baglan, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon;

St. Mark's Church, Brithdir, Dolgellau;

Caernarfon Castle, Castle Hill, Caernarfon;

Caernarfon Town Wall, Caernarfon, Gwynedd;

Church of St Mary, Caernarfon;

Church of St Peblig, Constantine Rd, Caernarfon;

County Court (former County Hall), Caernarfon;

Police Station, including forecourt railings and gate piers, Caernarfon;

Royal Welsh Yacht Club (also known as Porth yr Aur), Caernarfon;

Church of St Beuno, with attached Chapel of St Beuno, Clynnog, Gwynedd;

Harlech Castle, Snowdonia National Park, Ffordd Pen Llech, Harlech;

Fort Belan, Llandwrog, Caernarfon;

Glynllifon, Llandwrog, Caernarfon;

Church of St Mary and St Egryn, Llanegryn, Tywyn;

Cymer Abbey, a 470 (N Side), Cymer Abbey, Llanelltyd, Dolgellau;


Capel Newydd, Llanengan, Pwllheli;

Church of St Engan, Llanengan, Pwllheli;

Church of St Tanwg, Llanfair, Harlech;

Church of St Brothen, Llanfrothen, Penrhyndeudraeth;

Church of St Celynin, Llangelynin, Gwynedd;

Cochwillan, Llanllechid, Bangor;

Church of St Cawrdaf, Llannor, Pwllheli;

Penarth-fawr, Llanystumdwy, Criccieth;

Chapel of St Mary to N of Vaynol Old Hall, Pentir, Bangor;

Church of St Beuno, Pistyll, Pwllheli;

Church of St Gwynhoydl, Tudweiliog, Pwllheli;

Church of St Iestyn, Llaniestyn, Pwllheli; and

Church of St Cadfan, Red Lion St, Tywyn.

A high percentage of the County is registered as a landscape of Special Historic Interest. There

are two landscape areas on the Register of Landscapes of Special Historic Interest in Wales,

Bala and Tegrid Shores and Dysynni Valley.

There are 16 Historic Parks and Gardens identified in the Register of Historic Landscapes,

Parks and Gardens of Special Interest in Wales. These are: Abermaw : Panorama Walk; Broom

Hall, Llanystumdwy; Boduan, Buan; Bryn Bras Castle, Llanrug; Caernarfon: Morfa Common

Park, Caernarfon; Cefnamlwch, Tudweiliog; Glasfryn, Llanystumdwy; Glynllifon, Llandwrog;

Penrhyn Castle, Llandygái; Plas Bodegroes, Llannor; Plas yn Rhiw, Aberdaron; Portmeirion,

Penrhyndeudraeth; Rhiwlas, Llandderfel; Tan yr Allt, Porthmadog; Vaynol, Pentir and Wern,

Dolbenmaen.

The following sites in Gwynedd are listed on the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic

Interest in Wales:

Ardudwy

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Trawsfynydd Basin and Cwm Prysor

Vale of Dolgellau

Mawddach

In addition there are two sites which are recorded on the Register of Landscapes of Special

Historic Interest in Wales

Bala and Bala Lakeside

Dysynni Valley

Within the county of Gwynedd is the Heritage Coastline of Llyn Peninsula, a total of 55 miles in

length.


H3.4 Evolution of the Baseline

Archaeological sites are perhaps the most vulnerable of Mid Wales’ historic assets, the majority

having no economic use. Many of the Scheduled Monuments are within or adjacent to

settlement boundaries and are at risk of development adjacent to the monuments either

affecting the adjacent archaeology or impacting on their setting. The low lying archaeological

sites are also at risk from flooding or agricultural improvements. The monuments on higher land

outside the settlement boundaries are less at risk from flooding, but are still vulnerable from

agricultural improvements, burrowing animals, and general erosion. The setting of these SAMs

is easily affected compared to those within the settlement boundaries.

H4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

H4.1 Issues

Insensitive development within or adjacent to designated heritage assets may harm the

historic and visual character of Mid Wales.

H4.2 Opportunities

The JLTP should seek to preserve and enhance the existing special character and features of the

historic environment of Mid Wales through the proposed schemes.

There are opportunities to enhance the setting of heritage assets through new infrastructure

e.g. reducing the number of private cars on local roads rather than hard engineering.

H5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

Many Conservation Areas have out of date Conservation Area Appraisals, assessment

documents and statements.


I LANDSCAPE AND TOWNSCAPE

I1 Introduction

Although issues relating to landscape and townscape change are important, they are potentially

emotive and subjective, based around the individual perceptions of residents, visitors or tourists.

New developments and management practices may influence the landscape and townscape

character and associated views in different ways - depending on the type, size and number of

any structures, the type of movement and orientation, lighting, aspect and scale of change.

Attitudes of people observing the change and the resultant development typically also vary

widely. This topic covers the following elements:

National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB);

Local landscape designations; and

Landscape Character Areas.

I2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

Table I1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of

relevance to the consideration of landscape and townscape in Mid Wales.

Table I1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives

International

Council of Europe European Landscape Convention (2006)



UK / Wales

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000


Climate, July 2013











Technical Advice Note 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space, 2009







October 2010


Mid Wales/Local










Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Landscape Character Assessment (August 2012)


The majority of the plans and programmes above seek to protect and enhance landscape (including

designated landscapes, townscapes, landscape character, distinctiveness and the countryside). The

different roles and character of different areas is taken into account. Promoting the vitality of main urban

areas, recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and supporting thriving rural

communities within it are recognised as important as well as promoting access/awareness and perceived

value/understanding of areas of landscape character and open/green spaces landscapes in sustainable

ways to enhance its enjoyment and value by visitors and stakeholders.

Outside of landscape protection afforded through the present legal system, the European Landscape

Convention (ELC) and associated initiatives target a move away from specifically focussing on ‘outstanding’

areas, to adopt a more general focus which looks at the quality and sustainability of all landscapes. The

ELC highlights the importance of developing landscape policies that are specifically dedicated to the

protection, management and creation of landscapes and establishing procedures for stakeholders to

participate in policy making.

Policies within national and local planning documents set out objectives for the protection of valuable

landscapes and townscapes. The intention is to ensure that new developments meet high standards of

design and avoid unacceptable impacts upon existing landscapes and townscapes.


The JLTP should seek to enhance valued landscapes wherever possible, seeking to reduce the impact of

transport wherever possible. This could include measures such as reducing congestion on existing routes;

ensuring that schemes do not negatively affect landscapes; or seeking to encourage walking and cycling

schemes which can enhance people’s enjoyment of valued landscapes.

I3 Overview of Baseline Conditions

I3.1 Powys

There is one National Park within Powys, The Brecon Beacons National Park. It is 269.67 ha in

area and covers 17.2% (890 square kilometres) of Powys total area. It is a cultural landscape,

which is the product of human activity over thousands of years. There is a rich industrial

archaeology found to the south and east of the Park, including coal and mineral mining,


charcoal burning and iron making. The towns of Brecon, Crickhowell, Gilwern and Hay are all

within the Park boundary. Two-thirds of the area is made up of old red sandstone rock which

forms four distinct blocks of hills cut through by major river valleys. In the centre of the Park,

dominating the skyline beyond the town of Brecon, are the Brecon Beacons proper, rising to

886m at Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain. There are outcrops of limestone and

grit along the southern edge of the Park and underneath the surface are magnificent caves and

passages often adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. The rocks within the western Brecon

Beacons record 470 million years of geological history. The location of the National Park is

shown in Figure I1. This also shows that Snowdonia national park also forms the north western

boundary of Powys.

Figure I1 Location of Brecon Beacons National Park

There are no AONBs in Powys.

Powys has a rich and diverse historic built environment and there are a great number of older

traditionally constructed buildings that are not protected by listed status and do not have any

specific protection in planning terms. These buildings whilst possibly not worthy of listed status,

are still important to the character of Powys. Powys County Council does not at present have a

list of locally important buildings, however, it was an action point identified in the Powys Built

Heritage Strategy.

A Landscape Character Assessment Study was published in March 2008 by John Campion

Associates Ltd. The study consisted of a review of the CCW LANDMAP data which was used as

a common base, supplemented by further desk study and field work. This resulted in the

identification of 67 areas of common landscape character otherwise known as Landscape

Character Areas. For each Landscape Character Area the study identifies and describes the

key landscape characteristics present (LDP Natural Heritage Topic Paper 2011).

As referred to previously, LANDMAP contains five aspect layers:

Geological Landscapes;


Landscape Habitats;

Visual and Sensory Landscapes;

Cultural Landscapes; and

Historic Landscapes.

Each of these is reproduced below:

Figure I2 LANDMAP Aspects Layers for Powys


I3.2 Ceredigion

Ceredigion’s built environment is diverse and distinctive, offering a range of architectural styles

and distinctive rural and suburban character. In the past local materials and techniques were

used which has shaped the built environment we have today. While no two houses are exactly

the same, they have certain features in common which led to recognisable, regional

architecture. Many of the settlements within Ceredigion have evolved along the coast and its

associated economy. This is clearly seen in the coastal town of Aberaeron which is an example

of one of the first ‘planned’ settlements (the main architectural style is Georgian) (Ceredigion

Deposit Local Development Plan 2007 – 2022).

Ceredigion has a rich and diverse natural and historical landscape, encompassing large areas

of rugged coastline, rolling coastal planes and open upland hills and plateau. There is a distinct

difference between the pattern of the landscape in the east and west of the county. In the west

the countryside is more enclosed with small fields bounded by hedges and fields. The area

undulates rhythmically to form a series of rolling plateaux with valleys. These areas are much

affected by coastal exposure, and contain pasture fields enclosed by hedgebanks with low

uniform hedges, mechanically cut, often on stony or earth banks. In the north and east the

plateau like hill tops are of a more open nature. These exposed plateaus comprise expanses of

unenclosed, unimproved grassland and moorland, with cotton grass and other bog vegetation in

wet flushes and around pools.

Dissecting its countryside are several large rivers of local and regional importance including the

Rheidol and Ystwyth in the north and the Aeron in the centre of the county. The county’s longest

river, the Teifi, runs from the Teifi Pools in the east to Cardigan Bay in the southwest.


The county is also home to the highest mountain in the Cambrian Mountains, Pumlumon Fawr

which reaches 752m and can be seen from as far as Snowdonia in the north and the Brecon

Beacons in the south. The landscape, particularly in the uplands, is predominately open

countryside given over to agriculture and is mostly considered to be of a high aesthetic value.

In the Unitary Development Plan (UDP), Ceredigion has two landscape designation areas in the

form of Special Landscape Areas (SLA). Although the designations have not been fully adopted

as part of Ceredigion UDP, the Council is applying significant weight to them in the

determination of planning applications. The first SLA covers the coastal region and has an area

of nearly 90 km2, the second covers over 660 km2 of the county’s upland hills. These two areas

combined cover over 40 % of the county’s land area (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic

Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).

There are no national parks within Ceredigion county, however, Pembrokeshire Coast National

Park and Snowdonia National Park do lie adjacent to the county. There are no AONBs within

Ceredigion county.

A high quality, picturesque, natural environment is also integral to Ceredigion’s character and

tourist economy. There is 35km of designated marine heritage coast along the western

boundary of the county. However, the coast is also where many larger settlements are located

and is an important area for tourism development.

According to the LANDMAP Visual and Sensory layer, only one out of a total of 82 aspect areas

in Ceredigion fail to reach an overall value of moderate or above (see Figure I3). Although, the

majority of the County is valued as medium in quality (according to the LANDMAP exercise),

large areas, particularly along the coast and in the Cambrian Mountains, are considered to be of

High or Outstanding value (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape,

Submission Version 2011).


Figure I3 LANDMAP Visual and Sensory

Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011

LANDMAP also demonstrates how highly Ceredigion’s other landscape aspects are valued.

Geologically, only eleven of the three hundred and fifty aspect areas achieved an overall value

of less than moderate, with eighty nine achieving an overall value of high or outstanding. Most

of the highest valued aspect areas are found in the Cambrian Mountains (see Figure I4)

(Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).

Figure I4 LANDMAP Geological Landscape

Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper Landscape Submission Version 2011

The Habitat Landscapes layer shows out of the one hundred and thirteen aspect areas, 23 are

given an overall value of low, these mainly correspond with large areas of improved grassland

in the south of the county as well as relatively urbanised areas such as Cardigan and Lampeter.


Aberystwyth has an overall value of moderate. Forty eight of the aspect areas have achieved an

overall value of high or outstanding, with the most valued by and large corresponding with areas

already protected by national or international legislation. Again the Cambrian Mountains claim

the bulk of these areas (see Figure I5 (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper –


Figure I5 LANDMAP Landscape Habitats


The historic landscape performs particularly well, with two hundred and twenty one out of a total

of two hundred and fifty four achieving an overall value of high or outstanding. Only eleven

aspect areas have a overall value of low and these correspond with large areas commercial

coniferous forestry, mostly in the Cambrian Mountains (see Figure I6) (Ceredigion Local

Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).

With the exception of two small aspect areas (Y Borth and Llanrhystud, which each achieve a

moderate overall value) the whole county is given an overall value of high or outstanding on the

cultural landscape layer (see Figure I7) (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper –



Figure I6 LANDMAP Historic Landscape


Figure I7 LANDMAP Cultural Landscape


I3.3 Gwynedd

Gwynedd boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes throughout the whole of the UK and

has evolved over thousands of years. It has been created by the interaction of the natural

environment and human activities, in particular the combination of physical, biological and

cultural influences.


The natural environment of Gwynedd is regarded at a national and international level as an

environment of the highest quality. It is a unique environment and varies considerably

throughout the county.

There are a myriad of habitats throughout the landscape reflecting the coastal character and

agricultural land use, and a number of these are of national value and importance.

Gwynedd’s natural environment is recognised as being of a very high quality. The underlying

quality of the Gwynedd landscape is reflected in the number of landscape, ecological and

historical designations relating to the area.

The county is characterised by its low lying areas of Llŷn and Eifionydd in the west and most

notably its mountainous highlands of Snowdonia in the east. The county covers 2,548 square

kilometres with 63% of that falling within Snowdonia National Park. Historically the region was

home to the Kingdom of Gwynedd, overcome in AD 1283, and to the present day remains a

centre for Welsh national identity.

A substantial part of the County, 174,200 ha, is designated as a National Park (Snowdonia),

15,500 ha (5.6%) as Llŷn AONB and 88 kilometres of the coastline as Heritage Coast. The

AONB designations, along with other important national and international locations are shown in

Figure I8. Figure I8 also shows the location of proposed Special Landscape Areas within

Gwynedd.

Much of the landscape associated with roads and railways within Gwynedd is already managed

and maintained. This is particularly so of the trunk road network.


Figure I4 Location of proposed Special Landscape Areas in Gwynedd (Source Review of Special Landscape Areas in Gwynedd)


I3.4 Evolution of the Baseline

It is expected that Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd will experience warmer annual

temperatures, wetter winters and drier summers. In addition to this the frequency of extreme

weather conditions is likely to increase. The change in weather conditions could have an impact

on the landscape and townscape of Mid Wales particularly through a potential increase in

congestion and disruption to transport infrastructure from extreme weather events.

The European Landscape Convention (2007) requires policies on the protection, management

and planning of landscapes to be integrated into planning policy. The key issues identified that

are likely to impact on the Mid Wales landscape include renewables such as new infrastructure.

Such development would need to be incorporated within the landscape in a sensitive manner

that has regard to local landscape designated areas, LCAs and conservation areas.

I4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities

I4.1 Issues

Changes to transport infrastructure which alter traffic flows may negatively impact upon

natural landscapes and their special qualities.

Within Mid Wales there are pressures on rural character from commuter presence.

Mid Wales is home to many important landscape designations such as: the Snowdonia

National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park and AONBs.

I4.2 Opportunities

The JLTP should aim to support protection and enjoyment of the landscape and where

possible promote green infrastructure.

The JLTP should ensure that consideration of light pollution and tranquillity is taken into

account.

Careful consideration must be given when designing new transport schemes.

Opportunities should be sought where practical to preserve and enhance the landscape and

visual amenity of the county such as the avoidance of inappropriate development.

Maintain and enhance the quality and character of the landscape, including its contribution

to the setting and character of settlements.

The opportunity should be taken to expand accessibility to the wide range of natural

landscapes for people to enjoy – whilst ensuring they remain safeguarded

The JLTP should seek to improve / develop footpath and cycle links between town and

country that benefit the local landscape.

Careful consideration should be given when designing new infrastructure to ensure the

special qualities of National Parks, AONBs and Special Landscape Areas are preserved.

I5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties

Individual LANDMAP aspect layers for the whole of Gwynedd could not be obtained at the time

of preparing this report.

Appendix A - TraCC · 2015-01-30 · Access to Justice in Environmental Matters), 1998 EU Seventh...

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Transcript of Appendix A - TraCC · 2015-01-30 · Access to Justice in Environmental Matters), 1998 EU Seventh...