Sustainability Appraisal (SA) incorporating Strategic … · 2020. 7. 10. · Page 1. INTRODUCTION...

The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) incorporating Strategic Environmental

Assessment (SEA)

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

July 2011

CONTENTS Page

1. INTRODUCTION

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Background The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP) Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment Habitats Regulations Assessment Other Appraisals and Assessments This Report

2. METHODOLOGY

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Introduction Stages in the SA/SEA Process The Scoping Stage Data Limitations Consultation

3. BIODIVERSITY

12

Summary of current situation and trends Key issues from baseline analysis Sustainability issues and opportunities Key messages from plans and programmes review

4. COMMUNITIES

15


5. CLIMATIC FACTORS

19


6. CULTURAL HERITAGE

21


7. ECONOMY

23


8. HOUSING

26


9. LANDSCAPE

29


10. SOILS, MINERALS, WASTE

30


11. TRANSPORT

33


12. WATER

34


13. THE SA/SEA FRAMEWORK

39

Background Methodology Internal compatibility of SA/SEA objectives

14. CONSULTATION AND NEXT STEPS

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Consultation Next Steps

List of Figures Figure 2.1: The relationship between the SA/SEA and the LDP process Figure 2.2: Relationship of key tasks in the Scoping stage Figure 13.1: Key to Compatibility Assessment

List of Tables Table 2.1: Key Stages and tasks in the SA process Table 2.2: Key Tasks in Stage A of the SA Process Table 13.1: Draft SA Framework of Objectives Table 13.2: Compatibility of SEA/SA Objectives Table 14.1: Outline of next stages in the SA/SEA process

Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan SA Scoping Report

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1. INTRODUCTION

Background 1.1 This Scoping Report represents the first component of the Sustainability

Appraisal (SA) of Anglesey and Gwynedd’s emerging Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP). In accordance with government guidance, the SA also incorporates the requirements for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) under the EU Directive 2001/42/EC.

The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP)

1.2 The requirement for each Local Planning Authority (LPA) to produce a Local

Development Plan (LDP) is set out in Part 6 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, 2004. A LDP is a land use plan that is subject to independent examination, which will form the statutory development plan for a local authority area for the purposes of the Act. It includes a vision, strategy, area-wide policies for development types, land allocations, and where necessary policies and proposals for key areas of change and protection. Policies and allocations are shown geographically on the Proposals Map forming part of the plan.

1.3 In accordance with the Planning Act (2004) all LDPs are required to be

subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (SA). A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is also required under European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘on the assessment of certain plans and programmes on the environment’. This Scoping Report covers the statutory requirements for both SA and SEA. Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

1.4 Sustainability Appraisal for LDPs is mandatory under the Planning and

Compulsory Purchase Act, 2004. SA covers social and economic effects of the LDP as well as environmental ones. Sustainability Appraisal seeks to ensure that the LDPs policies and proposals are consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

1.5 The five key principles of the UK Government’s current sustainable

development strategy ‘Securing the Future’ (March 2005) are:

living within environmental limits ensuring a strong, healthy and just society achieving a sustainable economy promoting good governance using sound science responsibly.

1.6 For Wales these aims are reflected in the Welsh Assembly Government’s

(WAG) sustainable development scheme ‘One Wales, One Planet;’ (May


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2009) which defines sustainable development in the following terms: “Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Sustainable Development in Wales

In Wales, sustainable development means enhancing the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of people and communities, achieving a better quality of life for our own and future generations:

In ways which promote social justice and equality of opportunity; and In ways which enhance the natural and cultural environment and respect

its limits – using only our fair share of the earth’s resources and sustaining our cultural legacy.

Sustainable development is the process by which we reach the goal of sustainability

1.7 In addition to the requirement to undertake a SA of the LDP, under European

Directive 2001/42/EC, which is implemented in the UK via the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, Local Development Plans should also be subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). SEA is a process to ensure that the significant environmental effects arising from plans and programmes are identified, assessed, mitigated, communicated to decision makers and monitored.

1.8 The SEA Directive came into force on 21 July 2004. The Directive makes it

necessary for every public body to hold a SEA of its plans and programmes where there is a likelihood of a substantial impact on the environment and/or where a framework has been set up for development in the future. This means that it is necessary for the JLDP to be the subject of the Assessment.

1.9 It aims: “…to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to

contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that, in accordance with this Directive, an environmental assessment is carried out of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment” (Article 1).

1.10 The SEA Regulations require that defined environmental issues are covered

in the assessment process, namely:

• Biodiversity • Population • Human health • Fauna • Flora • Soil


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• Water • Air • Climatic factors • Material assets • Cultural heritage • Landscape • The inter-relationship between the above

1.11 The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) advises that for development

plans, the requirements of the SEA Directive are best incorporated into Sustainability Appraisal. The statutory requirements of both assessments can be satisfied through the single but integrated Sustainability Appraisal process. In order to satisfy Sustainability Appraisal requirements this report has a wider focus than merely environmental aspects and includes, in addition, social and economic data.

Habitats Regulations Assessment

1.12 Under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), an appropriate

assessment also needs to be undertaken in respect of any plan or project which:

• Either alone or in combination with other plans or projects would be likely

to have a significant effect on a site designated within the Natura 200 network;

• Is not directly connected with the management of the site for nature conservation.

1.13 This requirement is transposed into national legislation in the Conservation of

Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010. 1.14 The overarching aim is to determine, in view of a site’s conservation

objectives and qualifying features, whether the plan, either in isolation and/or in combination with other plans would have an adverse effect on the integrity of the designated site.

1.15 Within the Gwynedd and Anglesey Plan Area, there are 25 sites that are

designated at European level for their importance for nature conservation under the Habitats Directive. In addition the Council will ascertain whether there are European Sites within neighbouring authorities whose integrity may be adversely affected by the LDP.

1.16 The consultation draft Annex to TAN 5 (October 2006), which outlines how

the Habitats Regulations should be implemented in respect to LDPs, states:

“[Habitats Regulations Assessments] should not be incorporated into the SA or SEA. It should be run parallel with these processes...”


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1.17 However, the guidance does note that the reporting can be done alongside the SA provided it is clearly signposted. As the plan develops, the SA and HRA will be linked in order to ensure that the LDP policies are developed so as to consider the impacts of the Plan on the Natura 2000 sites.

Other Appraisals and Assessments

1.18 The guidance ‘Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and

Local Development Documents’ (ODPM, 2005), states that where possible, links should be made with other types of appraisals. It is considered good practice to integrate other types of appraisal such as Health Impact Assessment and Equality Impact Assessment into the Sustainability Appraisal document.

1.19 Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a means of assessing the health impacts

of policies, plans and projects in diverse sectors using a variety of different techniques. Health Impact Assessment is not a statutory requirement for SEA; however, health considerations should be, and will be, progressively integrated with this assessment where relevant. For this SA/SEA the integration of health concerns has focused on ensuring that the main health issues are well represented in the SA/SEA Framework (objectives and decision-aiding questions) against which the emerging JLDP will be assessed (see chapter 13).

1.20 Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) is a tool for identifying the potential

impact of a Council’s policies, services and functions on its residents and staff. It can help staff provide and deliver excellent services to residents by making sure that these reflect the needs of the community. On the whole, EqIAs should make sure that equality is placed at the centre of policy development and review. Anglesey County Council and Gwynedd Council will be undertaking a separate EqIA for the JLPD. However, equalities issues are also considered in the SA/SEA under the Population topic and where possible, the processes will inform one another.

1.21 Allocations and policies of the JLDP have the potential to significantly affect

the Welsh language (e.g. by encouraging growth and the influx of people from elsewhere) or by supporting the establishment of new employment uses. Welsh Language Impact Assessment (WLIA) allows for the identification of possible impacts on the Welsh language that may result from development. The Consultation draft of TAN20: Planning and the Welsh Language states that WLIA should be an integral part of Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and site assessment processes that take place during plan preparation.

1.22 For this SA/SEA, WLIA will be integrated within the SA process and

consideration of the Welsh language will be clearly identifiable. The SA framework will include a clear objective for the Welsh Language with appropriate decision aiding questions which will act as an assessment tool for the Welsh language. This will ensure that the overall vision and objectives for the Welsh language as set out in the JLDP are comprehensively addressed through the SA/SEA process.


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This Report 1.23 This report is set out as follows:

• Section 2 provides an outline of the scoping method, stages of SA/SEA and how the appraisal will be undertaken.

• Sections 3 to 12 provide a theme based presentation of the baseline analysis and Plans and Programmes (PP) review. The sections summarise the current situation and trends and outline the key environmental problems/ issues from the baseline analysis and PP review.

• Section 13 contains the SA/SEA Framework. • Section 14 outlines the consultation strategy and examines the next steps

that will be taken in the SA process.


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2. METHODOLOGY Introduction 2.1 This section sets out the broad approach to the SA/SEA process, including

the key stages and consultation requirements. Guidance indicates that the SA/SEA process, including preparation of the Sustainability Appraisal [Environmental] Report, should start as early as possible, and ideally at the same time as the preparation of the plan or programme. Figure 2.1 below demonstrates how the SA/SEA process integrates with each stage of the JLDP process. Figure 2.1: The relationship between the SA/SEA and the LDP process1

1 WAG (2006). Local Development Plan Manual. Introduction to Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Part B, p 19.


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Stages in the SA/SEA Process 2.2 There are five main stages in the SA/SEA process with each stage having

key tasks to fulfil as outlined in table 2.1 below:

Table 2.1: Key Stages and tasks in the SA process

SA Stage Key Tasks Stage A: Setting the context and establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope

• Identify other relevant plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives

• Collecting baseline information • Identifying sustainability issues and problems • Developing the SA Framework • Preparing and consulting on the scope of the SA

Stage B: Developing and refining options and assessing effects

• Testing the plan or programme objectives against the SA Framework

• Developing the LDP options • Predicting the effects of the LDP • Evaluating the effects of the LDP • Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects

and maximising benefits • proposing measures to monitor significant effects

Stage C: Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report

• Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal [Environmental] Report

Stage D: Consulting and decision-making

• Consulting on the draft plan or programme and the Sustainability Appraisal [Environmental] Report

• Appraisal of significant changes (including from representations)

• Decision making and provision of information

Stage E: Monitoring implementation of the plan or programme

• Finalising aims and methods for monitoring • Responding to adverse effects

The Scoping Stage 2.3 Scoping is the initial stage of the SA/SEA process that complies the

background information used to identify the key environmental and socio-economic issues. These issues inform the development of objectives which are used in the later stages of the SA/SEA to assess the sustainability impacts of the plan. This report addresses the Stage A tasks of the SA/SEA process and presents the findings of the Scoping stage. Table 2.2 details the key tasks involved in the Scoping stage of the SA for the Anglesey and Gwynedd JLDP:


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Table 2.2: Key Tasks in Stage A of the SA Process Task A1 - Identify other relevant plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives Purpose - To establish how the plan is affected by external factors and to help identify SA objectives. The LPA must take into account of the relationship between the LDP and other relevant plans, programmes and policies. The SEA Directive specifically requires environmental protection objectives established at International, European Community or national levels to be taken into account. Appendix 1 presents a review of the plans and programmes considered to be of relevance to the JLDP. The key objectives and implications of relevant plans and programmes are summarised under each topic, whilst the key messages of the review are summarised in sections 3 to 12 of this report. The individual plans and programmes reviewed have been grouped under key SEA topic areas (as outlined in paragraph 1.9) which have been expanded to satisfy the sustainability appraisal aspect and include: 1. Biodiversity (fauna and flora) 2. Communities (including health and social exclusion) 3. Climatic Factors (including climate change issues) 4. Cultural Heritage (including archaeology, welsh culture and language) 5 Economy 6. Housing 7. Landscape (including townscape and seascape / coastal issues) 8. Soils, Minerals, Waste (including agricultural issues where relevant) 9. Transport (including access issues) 10. Water (including resource, quality and flooding issues) It should be noted that some of the plans reviewed do not fall easily into any one particular SEA topic area, whilst others are equally important across a number of topics. The division of plans and programmes between topics should therefore be seen as a best fit, rather than a definitive categorisation process. Task A2 – Collecting baseline information Purpose - To describe the current state of the social, environmental and economic characteristics of the area likely to be significantly affected by the Plan. This will aid the process of identifying sustainability issues and environmental problems in the Plan Area as well as providing the evidence base for predicting and monitoring the effects of the JLDP. A robust collation of baseline information is important to ensure a sound evidence base for the LDP. However, the Regulations require that only information that can be ‘reasonably required’ needs to be included in the report. Appendix 2 presents the Baseline Information. The tables identify trends as well as comparative data on a regional, and national level where


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available. The key issues/ constraints /opportunities that arise from the baseline analysis are also noted. This will aid in the development of the SA appraisal framework. The summarised information, as well as the key baseline issues are provided for each topic in section 3 to 12of this report. Task A3 - Identifying sustainability issues and problems Purpose - To help define the key issues for the LDP which are critical to the sustainability of the LDP, and to help influence the emerging SA/SEA Framework particularly in terms of identifying objectives, sub-objectives and indicators. Sustainability issues and problems have been identified through an iterative process, taking into account the baseline information and the review of relevant plans, policies and programmes. The key environmental problems and issues identified for the SA of the Anglesey and Gwynedd JLDP are provided for each topic through sections 3 to 12 of this report. Task A4 – Developing SA objectives Purpose - The SA framework provides a means by which sustainability effects can be described, analysed and compared. The SA/SEA Framework is presented in section 13 of this report. Each sustainability objective is supported by a number of sub-objectives which will facilitate the assessment of the LDPs policies and proposals and assist in the interpretation of the overall main objective. An initial set of indicators is proposed to monitor the performance of the LDP and these have also been included in the framework for consultation. Task A5 - Preparing and consulting on the SA/SEA Scoping report Purpose - To ensure that the SA/SEA covers the likely significant environmental effects of the plan or programme. This Scoping Report will be sent to the three Statutory Consultees (CADW, Environment Agency and Countryside Council for Wales), as well as other key stakeholders for a period of 5 weeks for comment. The report will also be made available to the general public for comment.

2.4 There is a close relationship between the different tasks within the Scoping

stage with each task informing the other. Figure 2.2 illustrates the interaction between the key tasks of the Scoping Stage.


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Figure 2.2: Relationship of key tasks in the Scoping stage2

Data LimitationsOD

2.5 The level and detail of baseline information varies between topics due to the availability of information. The most up-to-date statistics and information sources have been used wherever possible. It should be noted, however, that some of the statistical data presented in the baseline relies on information contained in the 2001 Census which is not available from other sources in a more current form. Where new information sources become available during the course of the SA/SEA, plan making process, the baseline will be updated to ensure that the information supporting the SA/SEA remains current. Consultation

2.6 Public and stakeholder participation is an important element of the SA/SEA

and plan-making process and occurs at various stages throughout the process. Para.12(5) of the SEA Regulations requires that:

‘when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information that must be included in the report, the responsible authority shall consult the consultation bodies’.’

2.7 In Wales the statutory consultation bodies are the Countryside Council for

Wales, the Environment Agency and CADW. Even though the Regulations do not require full public consultation at this stage, the guidance suggests that other interested stakeholders may be consulted on the Scoping Report which the Councils consider appropriate. This will help ensure that the Sustainability Appraisal Report is sufficiently robust to support the plan during the later stages of public consultation. The three statutory consultation bodies, the general public other relevant organisations with an interest in the

2 ODPM (2005) A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive. Chapter 5: Stages of SEA, p. 25.

Task A1: Identify and review other PPs and objectives

Task A2: Collect baseline information

Task A3: Identify environmental problems and issues

Task A4: Develop SA/SEA objectives

Task A5: Consult on the scope of SA/SEA


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sustainability of the LDP have been given 7 weeks from 21/7/11 to submit comments.

.


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3. BIODIVERSITY

Summary of current situation and trends 3.1 Anglesey and Gwynedd have a rich and varied biodiversity resource. In

2005, 36% of ‘priority habitats’ in Wales were stable or increasing compared to 30% in 2002. The habitat and species action plans of both authorities identify a number of important species and habitats and outline the status of the habitat/species in question, the factors that affect them along with proposed actions to undertake to improve their status. In order to improve the condition of these species and habitats, there needs to be effective management of their features.

3.2 The JLDP area has a vast array of protected sites designated under national

and international legislation because of their ecological and biodiversity value. However, the integrity of many of the sites is under constant threat.

3.3 In 2009, 66 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within Gwynedd were

classed as being in an unfavourable condition whilst 72 were classed as being in a favourable condition. Pressures from development, for example from increased recreational activity, can contribute to a wider range of issues, such as climate change that threaten SSSI condition.

3.4 Pressures upon National Nature Reserves (NNRs) which relate to

development plans include climate change, invasive species, drainage problems, nutrient enrichment from external water sources, changes to water levels, coastal development and flood defence, and poor water quality. On a national scale, in May 2008, only 43% of NNRs were judged to have a favourable status i.e. all the assessed features have favourable or unfavourable recovering status.

3.5 A number of pressures also currently face Natura 2000 sites. Threats to

these sites include coastal developments (e.g. slipways, marinas, harbours), agricultural practices, new roads, tourism and recreational pressures, water pollution, waste impacts (e.g. fly-tipping, litter), invasive species, forestry, inappropriate grazing and adverse effects from development in general. Forty five per cent of all Natura 2000 species were in favourable condition between 2000 to 2009 in Wales.

3.6 The decline in bird populations is occurring on a national scale. Overall, bird

populations are declining over time due to a number of factors including the effects of climate change and agricultural practices. In Wales, the short term abundance of all groups of birds declined between 2005 and 2006. In 2006, birds of farmed habitats, woodland birds and the UK farmland bird suite were below the 1994 base value. In Wales, birds of farmland habitats show the largest decline with a 6% decrease in their population between 1994-2003.

3.7 Gwynedd boasts an extensive area of woodlands. These environments are

of vital importance to an array of important species including otters, badgers,


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bluebells, and many birds. They are, however, under constant pressure from factors including overgrazing, invasion of exotic species, atmospheric pollution, climate change and loss to land developments.

3.8 Anglesey, in comparison has a relatively low woodland cover compared to the

rest of Wales. The majority of these are in private ownership and are poorly managed.

Key issues from baseline analysis

• Threats to the integrity and continuity of landscape features • The need to preserve Semi-Natural Woodlands

Sustainability issues and opportunities • The need to maintain, conserve and enhance species and habitats by

protecting them from the adverse effects of development and where necessary ensure that mitigation measures are taken to avoid any such adverse effects. This will in turn prevent damage to species and avoid irreversible losses.

• The need to provide for the conservation and enhancement of the identified species and habitats included in the biodiversity action plans.

• The need to ensure that new development does not cause harm to the

features of locally, nationally and internationally designated sites, and that where appropriate, mitigation measures are taken to avoid any adverse effects.

• Enhance designated and wider areas of biodiversity by maintaining and

improving green infrastructure. • The need to take into account the importance of woodlands and ensure

that their protection and enhancement is promoted.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should remain consistent with the objectives and targets set

out in the national plans and both Local Biodiversity Action Plans and aim to reinforce the requirement that development will not be allowed with any residual significant adverse impact on any protected species or habitat and should seek enhancement wherever possible.

• The Plan will need to consider the requirements of the Habitats Directive. Relevant habitats will need to be identified and where necessary designated appropriately within the JLDP. Policies should encourage management of features of the landscape that are of major importance


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Key messages from plans and programmes review for wild flora and fauna.

• Any plan or project that is likely to have a significant impact on a designated site should undergo an Appropriate Assessment of its implications for the conservation objectives of the site. A Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) will need to be undertaken during the JLDP preparation in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive to assess the implications of the plan for European sites.

• The Plan should facilitate the protection of biodiversity and enhance and restore wetland habitats where possible reflecting their relative significance.


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4. COMMUNITIES

Summary of current situation and trends 4.1 Between 2003 and 2009 the population of both individual local authorities

increased by 1.3% compared to a 2.4% rise overall for Wales. The JLDP area is also experiencing an ageing population with fewer children being born and more people living into older age. Between 1991 and 2009, the proportion in the 65+ age group increased by 21% and 9% in Anglesey and Gwynedd respectively, compared to 12% in Wales.

4.2 The effect of an ageing population will be an increase in the number of

individuals of pensionable age and a decrease in the number of individuals of working age. This will lead to a large increase in the demand for health care, residential services, adaptable residential properties pensions and other services used by the elderly. The increase in the older population of the JLDP area is mirrored by a decreasing younger population partly due to out-migration.

4.3 For a number of years there have been concerns about the out-migration of

young people from north west Wales and evidence suggests it is a significant problem in both Anglesey and Gwynedd. Trends show that in Gwynedd a significant number of young people aged between 20-29 years old moved out during the year up to June 2009 whilst in-migration was higher than out-migration for the 45-64 age category. This seems to be a more acute issue in coastal rural areas.

4.4 In Anglesey, the proportion of young people decreased by 19% in the 15-29

age group during the same period. The only logical explanation is a net out-migration of younger persons and a net inward migration of older persons.

4.5 A higher proportion of Anglesey and Gwynedd’s resident population

considered themselves to be in good health compared to the Welsh average (67% and 69% respectively compared to 65% in Wales). However, variations exist within both counties with 14% and 14.5% of the population of Holyhead Town and Llanbedrog, for example, describing their health as ‘not good’ – almost treble the figure for Bethel ward (4.8%).

4.6 The proportion of people with a limiting long-term illness in both Anglesey

(22.4%) and Gwynedd (20.6%) is lower than the Welsh average (23.3%), and life expectancy is higher in both counties than the national average for both males and females.

4.7 However, both Anglesey an Gwynedd have a higher cancer rate than the

national average (424.2 and 418 per 100,000 respectively, compared to 410 in Wales between 2004-2006). In 2005/06, only 37% of the Gwynedd population and 32% in Anglesey reported meeting physical activity guidelines during the previous week.


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4.8 Road accidents have steadily decreased over recent years, with accident rates lower than the national average (11.9 per 100 km in Gwynedd and 14.1 per 100km in Anglesey compared to 25.5 per 100 km Wales).

4.9 Gwynedd and Anglesey have relatively low crime rates compared to the rest

of Wales with rates steadily decreasing (in 2006-2007, recorded crime in Gwynedd and Anglesey was 73.5 and 67.7 per 100,000 population respectively compared to 87.5 in Wales).

4.10 Anglesey and Gwynedd are predominantly rural counties, but some parts are

considerably more rural than others. A number of communities within the JLDP area are subject to the Communities 1st initiative and have problems including lack of shops and other local services, transport difficulties and home heating costs. There are also clusters of high unemployment rates and households claiming working family tax credit in some rural parts of Gwynedd and north western parts of Anglesey.

4.11 The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) has shown that the majority

of small areas in Gwynedd are less deprived than the average for Wales. However, there are pockets of relative deprivation within the authority, most notable in terms of housing and access to services. In the 10% most deprived Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs)1 for Wales, there are above average numbers of LSOAs in Gwynedd for Housing (41%) and Access (24%). Access to services deprivation is higher in small villages and rural areas. Areas of pen Llyn are particularly deprived according to WIMD analysis. The assessment is similar in Anglesey. In the 10% most deprived LSOAs for Wales, there are above average numbers of LSOAs in Anglesey for Housing (10%) and Access (18%). 55% of the LSOAs in Anglesey were more deprived than the Welsh average.


• An ageing population • Out-migration of young people • A relatively healthy and safe population but variations apparent

within the JLDP area • Social deprivation inequalities

Sustainability issues and opportunities • The ageing population is leading to reductions in available workforce. • The need to create more age balanced communities. • The impact of an ageing population on local services.

1 Units for the collection of Neighbourhood Statistics., lower layers contain an average population for 1,500. (ONS glossary, 2011)


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Sustainability issues and opportunities • The future viability of some services (e.g. small schools) given reductions

in pupil numbers. • The employment opportunities in terms of the provision of health care

facilities. • The impact of the loss of working age people on the local economy. • The ongoing need to combat the out migration of the young workforce. • Less sustainable, mixed communities. • The need to create more age-balanced communities, particularly in more

rural areas. • The need to maintain and improve the general health and well-being of

residents. • The need to encourage healthier lifestyles of residents. • The need to promote the continuing reduction of crime rates by

encouraging developments which improve the safety of communities. • The need to encourage the provision of open spaces, green

infrastructure and sports facilities to promote more exercise. • The need to reduce deprivation particularly in terms of housing and

access to services, especially in the most deprived areas. • The need to reduce inequalities though the planning system. • The need to facilitate the development of community facilities and

services in rural areas and to facilitate an improvement in local opportunities by improving the availability of quality employment as well as supporting local businesses.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should actively involve the general public in the plan

preparation process. • The JLDP should promote the creation of sustainable communities and

facilitate spatially balanced development. • The JLDP should incorporate the principles of sustainable development

in terms of the social, economic and environmental characteristics as outlined in the Strategy.


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Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should promote sustainable regeneration of the most deprived

rural areas in Anglesey and Gwynedd by improving and protecting the environment and infrastructure and by improving accessibility to services for people in these areas.

• The JLDP should facilitate improvements in the quality of life of residents

– in all sections of society to maintain and promote sustainable, prosperous and lively communities.

• The JLDP should contribute to fostering and developing young people to

become enterprising within their communities, contributing to the development of their area and the local economy, and crucially giving them the skills, know-how, hands-on experience and confidence to do so.

• The improvement in health and well-being of residents should be

promoted throughout the Plan and the social and economic factors that influence health should be addressed.

• The JLDP should facilitate an improvement in the health and well-being

of residents by promoting leisure developments that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

• The JLDP should facilitate the development of healthy, strong and active

communities. • The JLDP should promote easy access to open spaces, services, leisure

and sports facilities and open spaces. • The JLDP should promote walking and cycling opportunities. • The Plan should ensure policy criteria take account of the impact of

development in relation to noise generation in order to avoid, reduce and mitigate environmental noise.

• The JLDP should consider the needs of older people. • The key strategic aims, such as: addressing wider issues that affect

health and well-being, protecting the environment and supporting people to be independent can all be addressed by JLDP objectives.


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5. CLIMATIC FACTORS

Summary of current situation and trends 5.1 Air pollution is not a significant problem in Anglesey and Gwynedd to warrant

designating an AQM area. Overall air quality in both authorities is good. In Anglesey and Gwynedd, PM10 concentrations for example, are well within the national limits and LSOA areas in the County are amongst the least deprived in Wales in terms of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation : Population Averaged Air Emissions Index (2008). This suggests air quality conditions for the resident population are good in relation to these indices. Local monitoring continues at various sites across both authorities – the only exceedance in air quality has been on the A55 at Llanfair PG were the annual objective for NO2 is exceeded.

5.2 At a national level greenhouse gas emissions have steadily increased since

2002, and emissions continues to be a problem and a significant contributor to climate change. Present estimates for Wales suggests that over the next 25 years, summers could become drier and winters wetter due to climate change, with more rain in total. Temperatures are also likely to increase. Changes in rainfall patterns and amounts could affect the availability and demand of water for people and the environment. Industry, housing and in particular road transport are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in both counties.

5.3 Carbon dioxide is the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. CO2

equivalent of the total of non CO2 greenhouse gases in Wales have decreased by 28% between 1990 and 2006. The largest contributor to CO2 emissions in Gwynedd is from domestic sources. In Gwynedd, emissions of CO2 from domestic sources is higher than the Welsh average (2.6 per capita compared to 2.4 in Wales), which indicates that there is an above average proportion of energy inefficient housing. This may be linked to the high proportion of pre1919 houses in this area. The largest contributor of CO2 emissions in Anglesey is industry and commercial activity (54%). Housing (fuel emissions) is the largest component of the ecological footprint of Wales accounting for 22-27%.


• Maintaining good air quality overall • Greenhouse gases and the threat of climate change

Sustainability issues and opportunities • The need to consider air quality impacts in the assessment of

development proposals in areas where new/ additional development may lead to significant/cumulative effects in order to maintain or improve air quality.


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• The need to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases by reducing

energy use and increasing renewable energy generation. • The need to promote energy efficiency in the design of new buildings and

the adaptation of existing buildings. • The need to reduce the ecological footprint of both local authorities, with

a particular focus on the emissions arising from housing and transport. . • The reduction in the production of greenhouse gases by reducing the

volume or the need to travel by private transport, promoting increased walking, cycling and use of public transport.

• Incorporating climate change adaptation measures as an integral

component of new housing and infrastructure development. • Facilitating the development of low carbon energy sources across the

plan area.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should address the issue of climate change, encourage the

reduced emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and facilitate the improvement of air quality. The Plan should remain consistent with the objectives and targets set out in national plans and guidance such as the UK Air Quality Strategy.

• The JLDP should consider the objectives and targets of national policy

guidance when formulating policies relating to energy generation in the Plan Area.

• The JLDP should promote the use of renewable energy in new

developments and emphasise the relationship between energy and building design.

• The availability of public transport will be an important consideration for

the JLDP especially in terms of sustainability, accessibility, reducing dependency on private transport and contributing towards the response to climate change.


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6. CULTURAL HERITAGE

Summary of current situation and trends 6.1 Anglesey and Gwynedd are strongholds of the Welsh language having the

second highest and highest proportions of Welsh speakers in Wales (69% and 60% respectively). However, whilst Wales on the whole has seen an increase in the proportion of Welsh speakers between 1991 and 2001, there has been a decline of -3.1% in the percentage of Welsh speakers in Gwynedd and a -2% decrease in Anglesey between 1991 and 2001.

6.2 Some areas have seen a more dramatic decline than others. For example, a

significant decrease was seen in Bowydd and Rhiw (-14.7%), (Blaenau Ffestiniog), Botwnnog and Tudweiliog (-11.9%), Llanengan (-10%) wards in Gwynedd. The greatest fall of 10.3% in Anglesey was in Llaneugrad.

6.3 The level of Welsh speakers varies between coastal communities popular as

retirement centres for inward migration and other communities with over 70% of the population able to speak Welsh. The proportion tends to be higher in some urban areas as well as in former slate quarrying areas but significantly lower in many coastal areas of Meirionnydd for example.

6.4 A wealth of formal designations identify and protect the most important

features in the JLDP area’s historic and architectural heritage. Gwynedd has the 2nd highest number of listed buildings in Wales whilst Anglesey has the 9th highest number. These listed buildings range from churches and public buildings to small cottages, telephone kiosks or even milestones. A common link between such diverse structures is the fact that they are considered by CADW to be architecturally or historically special. However, a proportion of these buildings are under threat and 11% in Gwynedd are classified as being ‘at risk’, whilst in Anglesey, 12% of all listed buildings come under this category.

6.5 Gwynedd also has a relatively high number of Conservation Areas – 40 in

total (the 2nd highest number in Wales), whilst Anglesey has 12 such designations.

6.6 The JLDP area also contains 1 World Heritage Site which is located on 2

sites - Caernarfon Castle and Town Walls in Gwynedd and Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey were added to the list of World Heritage Sites as cultural sites of outstanding universal value in 1987.


• Recent decline in the proportion of Welsh speakers • A rich and diverse cultural heritage and historic environment


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Sustainability issues and opportunities • A need to facilitate the preservation and enhancement of the Welsh

language and culture as an important part of our cultural heritage. • Support and facilitate the approach set out in the Welsh Language

Measure (see baseline for reference). • A need to seek evidence and information about the impact of

development on the Welsh language where necessary and appropriate. • The is potential for damage to important heritage sites and the historic

environment within the JLDP area from development due to destruction/ disturbance of features of cultural heritage importance and also through disrupting the setting of such features.

• The need to promote the protection, conservation and enhancement of

the JLDP area’s archaeological, architectural and historic heritage.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should consider key plans and guidance when formulating its

policies and proposals. • The JLDP should protect and promote the Welsh language and cultural

heritage and promote the opportunities which will arise as a consequence of the area’s linguistic and cultural resources.


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7. ECONOMY

Summary of current situation and trends 7.1 Gross Value Added (GVA) per head generated by industry on Anglesey was

estimated at £11,333 in 2009 – the lowest of all local authorities in the UK which highlights the fact that the county’s economy isn’t strong in terms of manufacturing industries, commerce and services of high financial value. However, GVA is estimated at the place of work rather than the place of residence, and the high net outflow of commuters from the island contributes to the low productivity per head of residents.

7.2 Anglesey and Gwynedd are estimated to have higher economic activity rates

than Wales as a whole with higher employment rates and lower unemployment rates than the national average. In June 2011, 74% of the working age population in both local authorities were economically active compared to 72.8% in Wales. However, economic activity varies within the JLDP area with stronger rates around the Menai Hub compared to areas in the north and west of Anglesey and pockets of low economic activity rates in the wards of Peblig (Caernarfon) and Marchog (Bangor) for example.

7.3 Overall, claimant count rates have been lower in Gwynedd than the whole of

Wales since around 2009. However, in Anglesey, claimant count rates have been higher than the whole of Wales over recent years. Unemployment varies across Anglesey with areas to the north and west of the county showing much higher levels of unemployment than the Menai Hub and the south e.g.‘Bridgehead’ - 4.9%; Holyhead - 11.7% (Census 2001). A major challenge is to extend the strength of the Hub area, to offer opportunities to workers from the disadvantaged northern and western parts.

7.4 Agriculture is an important industry in the JLDP area. However, the

agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing industry has seen a steady decline over the past decade or so. Between 1996 and 2008 the GVA performance of the industry decreased by 78.4% in Gwynedd and by 74.1% in Anglesey.

7.5 Between 2002 and 2007, the number of full time farmers decreased by 9.2%

and 4.3% in Gwynedd and Anglesey respectively; and the number of active holdings decreased by 2.9% in Gwynedd and by 7.9% in Anglesey. On the other hand, there was a substantial increase in the proportion of regular workers and casual workers in both counties.

7.6 Average household earnings in Anglesey and Gwynedd are lower than the

national average. In 2009, the median income was £23,050 and £24,350 in Gwynedd and Anglesey respectively, compared to £25,750 in Wales. There are also considerable variations in household earnings within the JLDP area. In Anglesey, Morawelon has the lowest mean household income (£16,450) whilst in Gwynedd the ward with the lowest mean household income is Hirael (£17,700). This could reflect a combination of a lack of opportunities for higher paid employment; a lack of local skilled labour, and potentially that


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there may be a percentage of the population that are not able to participate in higher skilled jobs in these areas.

7.7 Skills and learning are important for both social and economic reasons.

Access to education and training provides an opportunity for people to fulfil their potential and to participate fully in society and the economy. Qualifications of the population vary within the JLDP area. Peblig and Morawelon wards have among the lowest rates of education attainment in the JLDP area with 50.3% and 49% respectively having no form of qualifications.

7.8 The lack of opportunities for adult education and retraining in the peripheral

areas may be limiting the ability of many older workers to adapt to new job opportunities. Workers from the disadvantaged areas will need training opportunities to adapt to a changing and diversifying local economy.

7.9 There has been a small and steady rate of growth across most parts of the

tourism industry. However, the growth rates are not significantly high to suggest that the industry is experiencing rapid rates of expansion; there is a requirement for a substantial level of investment in high quality accommodation, tourist attractions and recreational activities to encourage a larger customer base to the island. The total visitors to Anglesey declined between 2004 and 2006 after seeing an increase since 2001. The total employed in the tourist industry in Anglesey has remained fairly stable since 2001. In Gwynedd, tourist numbers increased between 1999 and 2005, but have since declined.


• Relatively low GVA particularly in Anglesey • Relatively high economic activity rate in the JLDP area but above

average unemployment in Anglesey • Decline in land based industries • Lower than average earnings • Education attainment • Improving the tourism industry

Sustainability issues and opportunities • The need to facilitate investment in a variety of economic sectors,

particularly in Anglesey. • The need to promote sustainable regeneration of the most deprived

areas by improving and protecting the environment and infrastructure and by improving accessibility to services for people in these areas.

• The need to contribute to strengthening and diversifying local economies

within the Plan area by supporting and promoting growth in local businesses.


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Sustainability issues and opportunities • The need to promote and support the rural economy of the JLDP area as

there is a need to sustain and regenerate this economy, particularly given the decline in the agricultural industry.

• The need to support appropriate economic activity within the JLDP area

and improve employment prospects and opportunities with particular regard to the sectors in need of most support.

• The need to encourage investment by providing an infrastructure of

transport, communications and land that helps attract new business providing higher paid employment.

• The need to facilitate the provision of training and education

opportunities to improve the skills of the working age population. • A need to support the growth of the tourism industry with the necessary

infrastructure.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • At a local level, Anglesey has a specific regeneration plan. It is

therefore, important that the JLDP considers both this local strategy as well as the national targets set out in the above Plans and guidance.

• The JLDP should facilitate sustainable economic growth in the Plan Area

with the aim of creating a vibrant and prosperous economy. • The JLDP should assess and encourage the vitality, attractiveness and

viability of town and retail centres. • The JLDP should ensure that areas allocated for employment are in

sustainable locations, including minimising the need to travel. • The JLDP should improve access to employment opportunities

particularly for deprived communities. • The JLDP should promote sustainable tourism growth whilst at the same

time, protecting the environment and the interests of local communities. • The JLDP should facilitate the improvement of skills in the workforce,

promote innovation, thus creating sustainable employment opportunities of a high quality.


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8. HOUSING

Summary of current situation and trends 8.1 Housing deprivation is a major issue in the JLDP area particularly in

Gwynedd. Housing deprivation is linked with the age of dwellings and a large proportion of older dwellings in Gwynedd, particularly those built before 1919 are deemed unfit. In 2001, Gwynedd had the second highest proportion of pre-1919 dwellings (46.9%) in Wales. The proportion of unfit dwellings in Gwynedd is significantly higher then the Welsh average - 10.5% are categorised as being unfit (6th highest in Wales) – more than double Anglesey and Conwy.

8.2 Gwynedd and Anglesey also have the highest and second highest proportion

of housing without central heating in Wales (21.6% and 19.1% respectively). Gwynedd also has the highest proportion of terraced housing in Wales. This may meet current needs for the county but does not give residents a choice of housing type.

8.3 The JLDP area, like the rest of the UK, saw a dramatic rise in house prices

over recent years, although house prices are now beginning to slowly decrease. However, house prices remain significantly higher than the Welsh average.

8.4 The average price of all houses sold in Gwynedd between 1997 and 2006

rose by 213% - higher than the 173% increase in Wales. In Gwynedd the average house price in 2006 was £159,452 - £7,252 higher than the comparative for Wales. The average price of all houses sold in Anglesey between 1996/97 and 2006 rose by 205%. In Anglesey the average house price in 2006 was £155,714, £3,514 higher than the comparative for Wales.

8.5 Affordable housing is a key issue in the JLDP although affordability does vary

geographically with some coastal and rural areas having high affordability ratios. The lack of affordable housing is a major problem in some areas such as Abersoch, Llanbedrog and Llanengan in Gwynedd and Rhosneigr, Cadnant, Llanfaethlu in Anglesey.

8.6 The inflated cost of housing does not reflect wage levels and changes in the

local economy which is giving rise to growing affordability problems. Ensuring that where need is identified, it is essential that a supply of sufficient affordable housing is provided through the JLDP to meet the demand of an increasing number of households in the area.

8.7 Housing Registers of both local authorities show which areas are in most

need of social housing to satisfy local demand. In Gwynedd, statistics show that some areas including the town/community councils of Llanddeiniolen, Dolgellau and Bethesda in Gwynedd have a high number of people on the waiting lists relative to the size of these settlements whilst in Anglesey the


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communities/town councils of Y Fali, Porthaethwy, Bodedern, Llanfairpwll and Llangefni have the highest level of need.

8.8 Lone parent households are a significant factor in some areas of the JLDP

area particularly in some urban areas including the wards of Tudur (18.3%) and Morawelon (18.1%) in Anglesey and Marchog (Bangor) (22.4%) and Peblig (Caernarfon) (18.9%). The number of households is projected to increase by 23% in Gwynedd and 17% in Anglesey by 2031 and along with decreasing household sizes, it means that more single person households will need to be accommodated along with housing designed specifically for the increasing elderly population.

8.9 The high proportion of vacant and second/holiday homes is a problem in

certain parts of the JLDP area. In Gwynedd, 13.3% of all household spaces were either vacant or holiday homes in 2001 – the highest proportion in Wales. The problem is amplified in some coastal areas such as Abersoch and Llanengan. In Anglesey, 8.6% were either vacant or holiday homes.


• Housing deprivation particularly in Gwynedd • Affordability and lack of affordable housing • Vacant homes and second homes

Sustainability issues and opportunities • A need to provide a range of appropriate housing which will satisfy the

needs of all types of households so that everyone has the opportunity to live in a decent and affordable home.

• A need to improve the existing housing stock where necessary through

alterations, extensions etc. • A need to provide sufficient quantity and distribution of different types of

housing. • The need to facilitate the provision of a more varied supply of housing in

rural areas to suit all needs. New housing should be affordable to the local population without having an adverse impact on the local character and distinctiveness of rural areas.

• A need to facilitate the development of local affordable housing or local

needs market housing in the JLDP area.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should consider the housing objectives of the national,


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Key messages from plans and programmes review regional and local plans and guidance noted above.

• The JLDP should facilitate the improvement of the supply, quality,

affordability and suitability of housing in the area in order to satisfy the needs of the resident population.

• The Plan should facilitate the development of energy efficient buildings. • The JLDP should facilitate the re-use of empty dwellings to help satisfy

the housing needs of the population. • The JLDP should facilitate the provision of suitable accommodation to

older people. • The JLDP should identify land for housing allocations, favouring the re-

use of previously developed land and buildings which have good transport links.


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9. LANDSCAPE

Summary of current situation and trends 9.1 The JLDP area has a valued landscape resource which includes numerous

designated areas such as historic parks and gardens, landscape conservation areas, historic landscapes and the AONBs. Parts of Gwynedd also form the setting of the Snowdonia National Park.

9.2 The JLDP area is also particularly renowned for its coastal landscapes and

seascapes with the entire coastline of Anglesey designated as an AONB, that includes Heritage coast areas of geological and cultural value. Gwynedd’s Llŷn Peninsula AONB also shares heritage Coast status in recognition of its rich historical, geological, geographical and ecological assets.

9.3 The landscape character and biodiversity features of the Llŷn and Anglesey

AONBs are under pressure from numerous factors related to development. These include new buildings and alterations, caravan and camping sites, roads, communication and telecommunication, quarrying and mineral workings, forestry, waste and waste disposal, natural processes and farming.


• Pressures upon important landscape designations

Sustainability issues and opportunities • A need to protect and enhance landscapes through appropriate high

quality design and development which compliments local character and distinctiveness, and where appropriate does not have a significant detrimental impact on views into or out of the SNP.

• The need to ensure that the AONBs are protected from development

which is potentially damaging to their special conservation features.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should consider key/ identified plans and guidance when

formulating its policies and proposals. • The JLDP should provide for the conservation and where appropriate

enhancement of the natural environment and landscape, respecting public rights of way.

• The JLDP should promote good design that respects the area’s local

distinctiveness.


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Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should consider the sustainability impacts of

telecommunications development, balancing the need for economic growth, with social and environmental impacts.


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10. SOILS, MINERALS, WASTE

Summary of current situation and trends 10.1 Gwynedd has a high soil carbon density, mainly due to the upland nature of

the county’s topography. Organic carbon is derived from incorporated vegetation either deposited or associated with root material within soil. It is important for many soil properties and processes. Loss of soil organic matter can lead to soil erosion, loss of fertility, compaction and general land degradation. Oxidation (breakdown) of organic matter provides energy for soil organisms and through respiration leads to emissions of carbon dioxide. There has been a gradual loss of carbon from soils in England and Wales which can be attributed to many factors including climate change. Losses of carbon from soils in England and Wales have occurred at a mean rate of 0.6% per year between 1978 – 2003.

10.2 In Gwynedd 20% of the agricultural land falls into category 1, 2, or 3 (the best

and most versatile) whilst 80% of agricultural land falls into category 4 and 5 (the poorest). The situation is similar in Anglesey with the majority of agricultural land being either Grade 3 or 4 – this puts limitations on the range of agricultural uses for the majority of land available for farming.

10.3 In planning terms the following activities could also lead to physical losses or

deterioration in quality of soils and agricultural land: increased extraction of materials; increase in amount of waste for disposal; construction of new road and rail infrastructure. The following could reduce pressure for development on good quality land and soils, and improve land and soil quality: reduction in the volume of waste disposed to land; increase in the volume of materials re-used and recycled; and decrease in run-off and diffuse pollution.

10.4 The amount of municipal waste throughout the UK is increasing year by year,

and figures show that Anglesey and Gwynedd are no exceptions to this trend. There are a range of factors that can affect the growth in the amount of waste produced including, population changes, changes to the number and size of households, consumer behaviour, effectiveness of waste minimisation strategies, and changes in the economic prosperity of a region. The need to produce less waste in the first instance is emphasised. Indeed, the North Wales region faces the significant challenge of reducing household waste per person by approximately 40% per annum.

10.5 If the waste that is generated in the JLDP area is to be managed in a more

sustainable way in the future, then there is a need for the existing waste management network in the county to change and to become more sustainable. Further changes to the waste management network are also being introduced e.g. more facilities that are capable of treating, sorting, re-using, recycling, and composting more waste.

10.6 Landfilling biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) e.g. food, paper, and

garden waste can contribute to human health problems as well as


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environmental problems such as leachate production. It also releases methane, which can contribute to air pollution and global warming. Some of the waste which is landfilled is capable of being re-used, recycled, composted or treated in different ways to produce energy derived fuel.

10.7 The Landfill Directive has set targets so that the amount of waste that is put

into landfill is reduced dramatically in the future. Both Anglesey and Gwynedd are currently meeting Landfill Allowance Scheme Targets set by the government. In order that the Councils continue to meet these targets in the future, more emphasis will be required on sustainable waste management such as recycling as the primary method of waste disposal.

10.8 Recycling/composting rates in Gwynedd has been consistently lower than the

Welsh average since 1998. Anglesey had a significantly higher recycling rate – in 2009/10, 51% of municipal waste was recycled or composted compared to 40% in Wales (2nd highest of all Local Authorities in Wales).


• Maintaining soil carbon density in Gwynedd • Limited amount of the best and most versatile quality of agricultural

land • Growth in Municipal Waste • Reducing reliance on landfill sites

Sustainability issues and opportunities • A need to protect and manage soil including maintaining soil carbon and

aim to avoid causing additional risk from pollution and contamination. • A need to direct development to brownfield sites or, alternatively the

poorest quality agricultural land as much as possible so as to conserve high grade agricultural land.

• To recognise the need to reduce waste arisings from all sectors so that

targets set by Europe and the Welsh Assembly Government are met. • The need to ensure that waste issues are considered in the assessment

and determination of planning applications for all types of development. • The need to contribute towards reducing the amount of municipal waste

that is landfilled by facilitating in the provision of a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable network of new improved waste management facilities for treating and disposing of waste as an alternative to landfill.

• The need to contribute towards increasing recycling and composting

rates.


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Key messages from plans and programmes review • The JLDP should consider key relevant plans and guidance when

formulating its policies and proposals. • The JLDP should give full consideration to the guidance and ensure that

the use of minerals should be developed sustainably. • The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable extraction of aggregates in the

Plan Area, ensuring a balance between environmental, economic and social costs.

• The JLDP should ensure that its policies relating to waste reflect the

objectives and targets of the above plans and guidance. • The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable management of waste and

encourage a reduction in the waste produced. • The JLDP should promote recycling and facilitate the reduction of waste

sent to landfill, in line with the targets sets by the Landfill Directive. • The JLDP should provide a land use framework to enable both

Authorities to allocate sites for new waste management facilities. • The JLDP should facilitate a reduction in the rate of growth of waste in

the Plan area. • The JLDP should incorporate adequate and effective waste management

facilities in new developments.


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11. TRANSPORT

Summary of current situation and trends 11.1 The proportion of households with no car decreased by 21% and 18% in

Gwynedd and Anglesey respectively between 1991 and 2001.The amount of private cars is increasing on the roads in the JLDP area.

11.2 The use of private cars by residents to travel to work is lower in Gwynedd

than the national average as is the use of public transport, whilst in Anglesey there is a greater reliance on cars for journeys to work and a lower proportion of people taking the bus to work compared to Wales (2.9% travel by public transport compared to 6.5% in Wales).

11.3 One of the most influential factors when considering the differences between

living in urban and rural areas is the availability and cost of transport. Access to private transport is often considered to be essential for people living in rural areas. The percentage of households with more than one car is significantly higher in rural areas than in urban wards. People living in rural areas have to travel further to access services such as shopping, health, education and employment. This means extra costs for those lacking suitable transport, most particularly the elderly, the young, single parents and the unemployed.


• Limited transport choices • High reliance on the private car for transportation

Sustainability issues and opportunities • The need to facilitate a sustainable transport network, particularly in rural

areas. • Consider location of development in terms of accessibility by different

transport modes.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The LDP should facilitate the development of an efficient and sustainable

transport system which improves access to all which, in turn, will strengthen communities, the economy and the environment. The availability of public transport should be an important consideration for the LDP especially in terms of sustainability, accessibility, reducing dependency on private transport and contributing towards the response to climate change.

• The LDP should promote environmentally friendly forms of transport and


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Key messages from plans and programmes review develop a well integrated, core transport network which is safe, efficient, clean and fair.


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12. WATER

Summary of current situation and trends 12.1 Overall, river quality in Anglesey and Gwynedd is good. In 2009, for example,

the proportion of river lengths in Gwynedd categorised as good or very good was higher than in the previous 14 year. In Anglesey, there has been an increase in the proportion of grade A river lengths in terms of chemical quality since 1990. However, it should be noted that the proportion of grade A river lengths in the county decreased significantly between 2008 and 2009.

12.2 There are a number of river stretches where the quality of water needs to be

significantly improved. The Environment Agency’s river basin management plan for the Western Wales River Basin District, identifies a number of challenges to surface water quality including: diffuse pollution from agricultural activities; diffuse pollution from historical mines; physical modification of water bodies; point source pollution from water industry sewage works; and acidification.

12.3 Overall, it can be said that the overall standard of bathing water around the

Gwynedd and Anglesey coastline is improving. In Anglesey, 73% of beaches achieving guideline standards in 2008 compared to 33% in 1992. However, the compliance of non-EC identified bathing waters has proved to be more problematic with a high rate of failures recorded. There are 3 locations (Traeth Bach, Porth Eilian and Beaumaris) that have recorded a 100% failure rate on the G standard. In Gwynedd, 6 beaches and 2 Marinas achieved Blue Flag Awards in 2008; 11 beaches won seaside awards, and 6 won green coast awards; whilst in Anglesey, 6 beaches achieved Blue Flag Awards; 26 beaches won seaside awards, and 13 won green coast awards

12.4 Whilst trends show an improvement in overall bathing water quality, with a

number of beaches and coastal areas achieving awards for quality and cleanliness it is also clear that there is a requirement for the overall standards of bathing water to be raised in order to ensure compliance with the revised Bathing Water Directive.

12.5 Flooding is a natural process and coastal floodplains, rivers and river banks

fulfil an important role. The increasing problems associated with climate change mean that coastal floodplains or river banks are under additional risk. New developments can increase the risk of flooding in terms of use and run off, or exacerbate problems associated with flooding, such as land erosion. Particular concerns exist with regard to building on floodplains and the subsequent effect on water quality and quantity. Water on floodplains re-directed as a result of construction could have adverse environmental and social effects. There are numerous populated areas in the JLDP area which are susceptible to flooding including populated areas of Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog Tywyn and Pwllheli in Gwynedd and areas of Holyhead, Llangefni and Amlwch in Anglesey.


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12.6 Anglesey and Gwynedd are situated in the North Eryri - Ynys Mon Water Resource Zone, which is identified as in deficit by the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) produced by Welsh Water - principally due to the large uncertainty in the supply and demand balance resulting from climate change. Both planning scenarios considered in the WRMP are in surplus until approximately 2017/18. From that point onwards the deficit increases under the Annual Average scenario to a maximum of 1.63 Ml/d in 2024/35 and under the Critical Period scenario to a maximum of 3.19 Ml/d in 2029/30. Measures to address the potential deficit have been proposed and include an upgrade of Mynydd Llandegai WTW and increased abstraction at Marchlyn Bach reservoir.


• Maintaining good river quality and improving standards where

necessary • Maintaining clean bathing waters and improving others • Numerous populated areas at risk from flooding. • Reduced availability of water resources.

Sustainability issues and opportunities • A need to encourage the improvement water quality by reducing the risk

of pollution entering river watercourses. • A need to mitigate against the contamination of groundwater resources

and drinking water supplies.

• Incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) into new developments.

• Promote activities which are likely to sustain the high quality of bathing

water. • A need to ensure that development is not located within areas at a high

risk of flooding. • A need to introduce flood minimisation or mitigation measures to reduce

the volume and rate of run-off in new development. • Ensure that new development incorporates water efficiency measures. • A need to promote the sustainable use of water as a natural resource.

Key messages from plans and programmes review • The Plan should incorporate the requirements of relevant key plans and


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Key messages from plans and programmes review guidance and facilitate the protection and improvement of water quality. Policies to protect water resources should be developed.

• The Plan should ensure that the quality of water bodies in the Plan Area

is not compromised by land use development proposals. • The LDP should facilitate the efficient and sustainable use of water. • The LDP should ensure that the risk of flooding is considered in

determining the location of new development. New development should be directed away from those areas which are at high risk of flooding.


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13. THE SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL FRAMEWORK

Background

13.1 The next stage in the SA/SEA process is the development of the

Sustainability Appraisal Framework which involves the development of sustainability objectives and indicators. The SA Framework of objectives is used to systematically identify, describe and evaluate the positive and negative environmental effects of a plan or programme. These objectives are distinct from the plan objectives, though they will often overlap with them.

Methodology

13.2 The SA Framework is required to set out sustainability objectives that are

based on sound evidence and that reflect the issues and challenges faced within the plan area. The objectives have been developed taking account of work to date using the following inputs:

i) the review of plans, programmes and policies; ii) baseline information collection; iii) sustainability issues and environmental problems;

13.3 In all there are 11 objectives covering environmental, social and socio-

economic aspects. For each objective, the relevant SEA topics are also provided. Not all the objectives presented will be relevant for all the areas of JLDP appraisal. The appraisal process will consider whether objectives/ decision-aiding questions are appropriate on a case-by-case (policy-by-policy) basis. The SA Framework is provided in table 5.1 below.

13.4 Each sustainability objective is supported by a number of sub-objectives

which will facilitate the assessment of the JLDP’s policies and proposals and assist in the interpretation of the overall main objective. A set of proposed indicators has also been derived to monitor the performance of the JLDP and these have also been included in the framework. These indicators are selected to focus on the key issues arising. The proposed indicators should be viewed as an evolving list that is focused on the key / significant environmental and socio-economic effects that are identified as the appraisal process proceeds.

13.5 The sustainability appraisal objectives and indicators will need to be reviewed

throughout the development of the JLDP and amended where appropriate, in order to reflect any changes in relevant plans, programmes and policies and the baseline information. Any significant changes made to the Framework would be subject to consultation.


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Table 13.1: Draft SA Framework of Objectives

Draft SA Framework of Objectives 1. Maintain and enhance biodiversity interests and connectivity (SEA Topics: biodiversity, fauna, flora, soil) Will the plan … Protect the integrity of designated (international, national and local) sites and

avoid habitat/ species fragmentation Conserve and enhance terrestrial and marine wildlife habitats (including the

plan areas substantial woodland assets) and wider biodiversity in rural and urban areas

Maintain and improve the provision of green infrastructure Conserve and enhance designated geological sites and wider geodiversity

Proposed Indicators: % change in plan area BAP priority species and habitats

2. Promote community viability, cohesion, health and well being (SEA Topics: human health, population) Will the plan … Meet the needs of an aging population Reduce out migration of working age people in support of age balanced

communities Improve the provision of, and access to, facilities and services for

disadvantaged communities and rural areas Promote community interaction and social inclusion Remove barriers and create opportunities for people to live healthier

lifestyles, e.g. promoting exercise (walking, cycling) Reduce health inequalities between areas and social groups

Proposed Indicators: % of total population with access to key services lifestyle related health measures (e.g. overweight/ obese) – Welsh Health

Survey 3. Manage and reduce the impacts of climate change by promoting and supporting mitigation and adaptation measures (SEA Topics: climatic factors, air) Will the plan … Reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from transport, buildings and

energy generation Support and encourage new developments that are energy efficient and

climate change resilient Integrate and promote renewable energy and low carbon energy schemes

and increase the proportion of energy demand met by low carbon sources Ensure adaptation planning that maximises the opportunities and minimises

the cost of climate change


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Draft SA Framework of Objectives Proposed Indicators: % change in carbon dioxide emissions from housing stock

4. Conserve, promote and enhance the Welsh language (SEA Topic: cultural heritage) Will the plan... Protect and enhance opportunities for the promotion and development of the

Welsh Language Proposed Indicators: Number/ % Welsh Language speakers

5. Conserve, promote and enhance cultural resources and historic heritage assets (SEA Topic: cultural heritage) Will the plan … Ensure that local historic, archaeological and cultural assets are protected

(including from new developments) and enhanced for the benefit of residents and visitors

Promote access to the historic environment for education and tourism/ economic development

Proposed Indicators: No/change buildings/ historic assets at risk

6. Support economic growth and facilitate a vibrant, diversified economy providing local employment opportunities (SEA Topic: Population) Will the plan … Promote and facilitate investment for local businesses across a variety of

economic sectors Improve and enhance employment opportunities, including in rural areas Support the tourist industry through environmental improvements and

enhanced infrastructure Provide access to training, education and skills development opportunities

for all sectors of the community Proposed Indicators: Economic activity by sector Employment status of residents 16 years+ Number of people commuting into and out of authority areas

7. Provide good quality housing, including affordable housing that meets local needs (SEA Topic: population, human health) Will the plan …


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Draft SA Framework of Objectives Improve the quality and availability of existing housing stock for deprived

communities Deliver additional affordable and high quality sustainable housing in rural

and urban areas Deliver adaptable housing that addresses the individual needs of

communities Proposed Indicators: Number of new affordable housing units provided/ year as percentage of all

new units 8. Value, conserve and enhance the plan area’s rural landscapes and urban townscapes (SEA Topics: landscape) Will the plan … Protect and enhance the special landscape qualities of the plan area,

including AONBs, coastal/ seascapes and townscapes Protect and improve the quality of publicly accessible open space in rural

and built environments Ensure that new developments are appropriately and sensitively integrated

with the landscape and townscape character of the plan area Proposed Indicators: % designations reporting favourable condition status

9. Use land and mineral assets efficiently and promote mechanisms for waste minimisation, re-use and recycling (SEA Topic: material assets, soil) Will the plan … Prioritise development on previously developed/ brownfield land Protect soil quality (the best and most versatile land) Promote the regeneration of contaminated land and avoid/reduce soil

contamination Reduce waste arisings and support the progression towards a sustainable

waste management hierarchy for existing and new developments (including through a sustainable network of management facilities)

Proposed Indicators: %/proportion of development on previously developed land % municipal wastes sent to landfill % municipal waste reused/ recycled

10. Promote and enhance good transport links to support the community and the economy (SEA Topic: population, human health) Will the plan …


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Draft SA Framework of Objectives Improve accessibility in rural areas, through linking (public)transport network

to service centres Reduce the need to travel by private car, through improved public transport

infrastructure Prioritise accessibility by sustainable transport options for new developments

Proposed Indicators: Method of travel to work - % working population who travel by car Percentage of new residential development within 30 minutes public

transport time of facilities Access to services and facilities by public transport, walking and cycling

11. Safeguard water quality, manage water resources sustainability and minimise flood risk (SEA Topic: water, biodiversity) Will the plan … Ensure that water quality of rivers, lakes, ground water and coastal waters

are protected and improved Minimise diffuse pollution from rural and urban areas Protect and enhance water resources and support the integration of water

efficiency measures in all new developments Minimise the risk of all types of flooding (tidal, fluvial, surface water and

sewerage) to people and property through appropriate planning and sustainable design

Promote water efficiency and adaptation measures in new developments to address the impacts of climate change, (e.g. SUDs)

Proposed Indicators: % [or number of proportion of total] of new developments with integrated

sustainable drainage systems proportion/ absolute number of development in C1 and C2(defined by

TAN15)

Internal Compatibility of SA/SEA Objectives

13.6 It is useful to test the internal compatibility of the sustainability objectives

against each other so that any tensions or potential conflicts between the proposed sustainability objectives are identified.

13.7 Each of the objectives is tested against the other objectives to determine

whether the achievement of one objective is at the disadvantage of another. Where there is no relationship between the objectives, the objectives can be achieved without conflict. If incompatibilities are identified it will be necessary to take these in to consider appropriate mitigation measures or alternative approaches in the LDP.


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Figure 13.1: Key to Compatibility Assessment

C Objectives compatible

N Objectives incompatible

? Uncertainty

- No relationship between objectives

13.8 As can be seen in table 13.2, the majority of the objectives are either

compatible with each other or there is no relationship between. However, it is evident that there is a possibility of a conflict of interests with regards to some objectives. This can be seen mostly with the objectives relating to economic growth and housing. It will therefore be important to explore the interactions of these objectives more closely in the SEA/SA Report to ensure that no conflicts occur in the aim of achieving sustainable development in the JLDP.


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Table 13.2: Compatibility of SA Objectives

1. Maintain and enhance biodiversity interests an connectivity

2. Promote community viability, cohesion, health and well-being C

3. Manage and reduce the impacts of climate change by promoting and supporting mitigation and adaptation measures C C

4. Conserve, promote and enhance Welsh language C C -

5. Conserve, promote and enhance cultural resources and historic heritage assets C C - C

6. Support economic growth and facilitate a vibrant, diversified economy providing local employment opportunities ? C ? ? ?

7. Provide good quality housing, including affordable housing that meets local needs C C ? ? ? C

8. Value, conserve and enhance the plan area’s rural landscapes and urban townscapes C - - C C ? ?

9. Use land and mineral assets efficiently and promote mechanisms for waste minimisation, re-use and recycling C C C C C ? ? C

10. Promote and enhance good transport links to support the community and the economy - C C - - C ? C -

11. Safeguard water quality, manage water resources sustainability and minimise flood risk - - C - - ? ? C C C

SA OBJECTIVES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11


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14. CONSULTATION AND NEXT STEPS Consultation 14.1 In accordance with the requirements of the SEA Directive and guidance for

Sustainability Appraisal, the Councils are required to consult with the three Statutory Consultation Bodies (CADW, Environment Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales) for a period of 5 weeks on the contents of the Scoping Report. In order to gain feedback on all sustainability issues which have been identified, the Council will also consult other relevant stakeholders.

The Scoping Report is also available for inspection by the general public on the Councils’ websites at www.gwynedd.gov.uk and www.anglesey.gov.uk

14.2 Responses are sought to the following questions:

• Are there other relevant policies, plans or programmes relevant to the SA/SEA of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint LDP that have not been considered in the review of Plans, Programmes and Policies?

• Is the review of baseline information appropriate for the SA/SEA process? • Is there any further relevant baseline data that has not been included? • Do you agree that the key sustainability issues for Anglesey and Gwynedd

have been identified? • Do the sustainability objectives set out in chapter 13 provide an

appropriate framework for assessing the sustainability and environmental effects of the Anglesey and Gwynedd JLDP?

• Any further comments? 14.3 Responses received during the consultation period will be used to inform the

next stages of the SA/SEA. The Sustainability Appraisal Report will document how the Scoping Report responses have been taken into account.

Next Steps

14.4 The next stage of the SA/SEA process is the assessment stage of the plan

(Stage B as illustrated in table 2.1). During this stage, the predicted effects of the plan will be evaluated. The results of the SA/SEA will be used to inform the development of the plan in order to remove or minimise any adverse predicted environmental effects but also to maximise opportunities for environmental and broader sustainability improvements. Strategic Options and alternatives for development will be tested against the Sustainability Appraisal Framework and the preferred strategic spatial options for the JLDP will be informed by outcomes of the appraisal process.

14.5 The proposed site allocations for the JLDP will also be considered and refined

by testing them against the Sustainability Appraisal Framework. It should be noted that with appraisal of proposed site allocations will also be undertaken at a strategic level in line with the requirements of the SA/SEA process.


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14.6 The broad policies in the plan will also be tested against the Sustainability Appraisal Framework. This will identify any policies that may need to be refined or removed from the JLDP based on their sustainability performance. The results of the assessment will be used to update and refine the content of the JLDP as it is developed.

14.7 The results of the appraisal will be presented in a Sustainability Appraisal

Report that will also be consulted upon. Table 14.1 below, summarises the next tasks in the SA/SEA process and Table 14.2 provides a possible structure for the Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Table 14.1: Outline of next stages in the SA/SEA process

SA Stage Tasks Stage B Developing and refining options and assessing effects Task B1 Test the plan or programme objectives against the SA

objectives Task B2 Develop strategic alternatives Task B3 Predicting the effects of the plan or programme, including

alternatives Task B4 Evaluate the effects of the draft plan or programme, including

alternatives Task B5 Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects Task B6 Proposing measures to monitor the environmental effects of

the plan or programme implementation Stage C Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report Task C1 Preparing the SA Report

Table 14.2: Possible Sustainability Appraisal Report Structure

Table of Contents Non-Technical Summary 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Background 3.0 Appraisal Method 4.0 SA of Strategic Options 5.0 Biodiversity

Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

6.0 Community Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

7.0 Climate change Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

8.0 Welsh Language Context Sustainability Effects of LDP


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Table of Contents Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

9.0 Cultural Heritage Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

10.0 Economy and Employment Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

11.0 Housing Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

12.0 Landscape and townscape Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

13.0 Material Assets, Minerals, soil, waste Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

14.0 Transport and Accessibility Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

15.0 Water Context Sustainability Effects of LDP Mitigation/ enhancement recommendations

16.0 Inter-relationships and cumulative effects 17.0 Implementation and monitoring

How to comment on the Anglesey and Gwynedd JLDP SA Scoping Report

Representation forms should be returned via post to: Joint Planning Policy Unit, Town Hall, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1DT or by e-mail to: [email protected] Completed forms should be returned by 5.00pm on Thursday 8th September 2011. Representations received after the closing date will not be accepted.

APPENDIX 1

Review of Relevant Plans and Programmes

Appendix 1: Review of Plans and Programmes

1

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Rio Declaration on Environment and Climate and Development The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development (2001) EC (2006 revised) European Sustainable Development Strategy EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan (July 2002) UK Sustainable Development Strategy – ‘Securing the Future’ (2005) WAG (2006) Environment Strategy for Wales WAG (2003) Wales: A Better Country Sustainable Development Scheme and Action Plan for the National Assembly for Wales (2004) One Wales: One Planet: Consultation on a New Sustainable Development Plan for Wales (2009) WAG (2008) Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 -2013 Gwynedd Three Year Plan (Gwynedd LPA) Regeneration Strategy of the Gwynedd Regeneration Framework 2006-2013 (Gwynedd LPA) Gwynedd Environmental Strategy Llwyddo’n Lleol Plan 08/09 (Gwynedd LPA) SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY EC (1997) European Spatial Development Perspective (97/150/EC) WAG (2008) Wales Spatial Plan Update WAG (2010) Planning Policy Wales WAG (1996) TAN3 – Simplified Planning Zones WAG (1997) TAN9 – Enforcement and Planning Control North Wales Development Strategy (2004) Closing the Gap: North West Wales Spatial Development Strategy Local Development Strategy (2007-2013) (Gwynedd LPA) Mon Menai Coastal Implementation Plan Snowdonia Green Key Strategy (2005) (Gwynedd LPA) Snowdonia National Park LDP (2007-2022) BIODIVERSITY Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) European Biodiversity Strategy UN(1971) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) EC (1979) EU Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) EC (1994) EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) EC (2006) EU Freshwater Fish Directive (2006/44/EC) UK Biodiversity Action Plan (2005) Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by Schedule 9 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) WAG (1996) TAN5 – Nature Conservation and Planning WAG (1997) TAN10 – Tree Preservation Orders The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 Pen Llyn & Sarnau Management Plan Natur Gwynedd (Gwynedd LPA) Working for the Wealth of Wildlife: Anglesey’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan COMMUNITIES Aarhaus Convention EC (2002) EU Directive on Environmental Noise (02/49/EC) Making the Connections Walking and Cycling Strategy for Wales (2003)


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A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales 2009-2013 Well-being in Wales (2002) Sports Tourism in Wales: A Framework for Action (2003) Climbing Higher: a Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity (2005) WAG (1997) TAN11 – Noise WAG (1998) TAN16 – Sport and Recreation Gwynedd Together 2008-2012 (Gwynedd LPA) Gwynedd Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategy 2008-2011 (Gwynedd LPA) Children and Young People Strategy 2008-2011 (Gwynedd LPA) Anglesey Community Strategy: Improving Anglesey Life 2005-2015 Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategy for Anglesey (Anglesey LPA) Strategy for Older People on Anglesey (Anglesey LPA) CLIMATIC FACTORS United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 1994 (UNFCC) Kyoto Protocol (1997) European Climate Change Programme EC (1996) EU Air Quality Framework Directive (96/62/EC) UK Air Quality Strategy (2000) Climate Change Strategy for Wales (2010) Climate Change: The UK Programme 2006 Draft National Policy Statement for Nuclear Power Generation (EN-6) Draft National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) Our Energy Future – Creating a Low Carbon Economy WAG (2005) TAN8 – Renewable Energy Planning for Climate Change Energy Wales: The Direction for a Future of Clean, Low Carbon and More Competitive Energy in Wales CULTURAL HERITAGE Iaith Pawb – A National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales (2003) WAG (2000) TAN20 – The Welsh Language – UDPs and Planning Control Cultural Tourism Strategy for Wales (2003) ECONOMY The European Employment Strategy EC (Reform 2003) European Common Agricultural Policy WAG (2001) Farming for the Future WAG (2005) Wales: A Vibrant Economy WAG (2000) TAN6 – Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities A Winning Wales – The National Economic Development Strategy of the Welsh Assembly Government (2002) Capturing the Potential: A Green Jobs Strategy for Wales 2009 Welsh Coastal Tourism Strategy (Consultation Document) (2007) Achieving our Potential 2006-2013 – Toursim Strategy for Wales Mid Term Review WAG (1996) TAN4 – Retailing and Town Centres WAG (1997) TAN13 – Tourism North Wales Tourism Strategy 2003-2008 Planning Tomorrow’s Tourism Today Regional Tourism Strategy Tourism Tourism Opportunities Action Plan – Enhance the Mid Wales Inland Tourism Cardigan Bay Action Plan 2007-2013 Increasing the Economic Benefit of the Mon-Menai North Wales Coast 2016 Action Plan Anglesey Economic Regeneration Strategy 2004-2015 HOUSING


3

EU Directive on Energy Peformance of Buildings Better Homes for People in Wales: A National Housing Strategy for Wales (2001) Code for Sustainable Homes WAG (2006) TAN1- Joint Housing Land Availability Studies WAG (2006) TAN2 – Planning and Affordable Housing Assessment of the Local Housing Market in North-West Wales Gwynedd Local Housing Strategy 2007-2012 (Gwynedd LPA) Empty Houses Strategy (Gwynedd LPA) Older People Accommodation Strategy (Gwynedd LPA) Private Sector Housing Strategy 2007-2010 (Gwynedd LPA) The Isle of Anglesey Local Housing Strategy 2007-2012 (Anglesey LPA) Homeless Strategy for Anglesey LANDSCAPE EC (ratified 2006) European Landscape Convention WAG (1996) TAN7 – Outdoor Advertisement Control WAG (1998) TAN14 – Coastal Planning WAG (2002) TAN19 – Telecommunications Cultural Tourism Strategy for Wales (2003) WAG (2002) TAN12 – Design Llyn AONB Management Plan (Gwynedd LPA) Gwynedd Landscape Strategy 2007 (Gwynedd LPA) WATER EC (1991) European Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) EC (2000) EU Water Framework Directive (00/60/EC) EC (2006) EU Bathing Water Quality Directive (2006/7EC) EC (2007)EU Groundwater Daughter Directive (2006/118/EC) Water for People and the Environment Water Resources Strategy for England and Wales (EA, 2009) WAG (2004) TAN15 – Development and Flood Risk Draft River Basin Management Plans SOILS, MINERALS, WASTE EC (1999) EU Landfill Directive (99/31/EC) EC (2000) EU Framework Directive on Waste (75/442/EEC) WAG (2002) Wise about Waste – the National Waste Strategy for Wales WAG (2001) TAN21 – Waste WAG (2004) Minerals TAN1 – Aggregates WAG (2001) Minerals Planning Policy Wales Towards a Zero Waste Future One Wales: One Planet North Wales Regional Waste Plan – First Review 2007 Regional Technical Statement on Aggregates 2008 Gwynedd Municipal Waste Strategy (Gwynedd LPA) Isle of Anglesey Municipal Waste Management Strategy, 2004 (Anglesey LPA) TRANSPORT European Commission White Paper on the European Transport Policy WAG (2008) One Wales: Connecting the Nation – The Wales Transport Strategy The Transport Framework for Wales November 2001 DFT (2004): The Future of Transport: A Network for 2030 DFT (2008): Delivering a Sustainable Transport System WAG (2007) TAN18 – Transport DEFRA (2000) Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 TAITH Regional Public Transport Plan TAITH Regional Transport Plan


4

TRACC regional Transport Plan (Mid Wales (Gwynedd LPA) TRACC Regional Transport Plan (Mid Wales) (Gwynedd LPA) Gwynedd Rights of Way Improvement Plan (Gwynedd LPA) Gwynedd Community Transport Strategy (Gwynedd LPA) Isle of Anglesey Local Transport Plan


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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY INTERNATIONAL RIO DECLARATION ON ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Rio Declaration is a statement containing 27 principles supporting sustainable development. It states that the only way to achieve economic progress is to link it with environmental protection.

The Plan should promote sustainable development. Development must not undermine the developmental needs of present and future generations.

THE JOHANNESBURG DECLARATION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (2001) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP

The Declaration made a commitment to building a humane, equitable and caring global society. It establishes that: • People are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature • States shall cooperate to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of Earth’s ecosystem • In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied • Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used

as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation • Environmental impact assessment shall be undertaken for proposed activities that are likely to have a

significant adverse impact on the environment and are subject to a decision of a competent national authority.

The Plan should facilitate development that reflects the principles of sustainable development.

EU SIXTH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN (JULY 2002) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The sixth Environment Action Programme is the EU’s 10-year policy programme for the environment. The programme identifies four environmental areas to be tackled for improvements:

• Climate Change • Nature and Biodiversity • Environment and Health and quality of life • Natural Resources and Waste

Under these topics, seven thematic strategies have been identified to constitute the framework for action at the EU level in each of the areas:

The Plan should facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources and be strongly underpinned by the principles of sustainable development.


7

• Air quality • Soil Protection; • Sustainable use of Pesticides; • Marine Environment; • Waste Prevention and Recycling; • Sustainable Use of Natural Resources; and • Urban Environment.

EC (2006 REVISED) EUROPEAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This document sets out a single, coherent strategy on how the EU will more effectively live up to its long-standing commitment to meet the challenges of sustainable development. It reaffirms the need for global solidarity and recognises the importance of working with partners outside the EU, including those rapidly developing countries which will have a significant impact on global sustainable development. The overall aim of the renewed EU SDS is to support and promote actions to enable the EU to achieve continuous improvement of quality of life for both current and future generations, through the creation of sustainable communities able to manage and use resources efficiently and to tap the ecological and social innovation potential of the economy, ensuring prosperity, environmental protection and social cohesion. The SDS identifies seven key challenges, with corresponding targets and actions:

• Climate change and clean energy; • Sustainable transport; • Sustainable consumption and production; • Conservation and management of natural resources; • Public health; • Social inclusion, demography and migration; and; • Global poverty and global sustainable development challenges.

The JLDP should reflect the objectives of the strategy and promote sustainable development.

NATIONAL UK SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – ‘SECURING THE FUTURE’ (2005) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP


8

In March 2005 the current UK Sustainable Development Strategy was published. The new strategy includes five guiding principles and four agreed priorities. The five guiding principles are:

• Living within environmental limits - Respecting the limits of the planet's environment, resources and biodiversity - to improve our environment and ensure that the natural resources needed for life are unimpaired and remain so for future generations.

• Ensuring a Strong, Healthy and Just Society - Meeting the diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities, promoting personal well-being, social cohesion and inclusion, and creating equal opportunity for all.

• Achieving a Sustainable Economy - Building a strong, stable and sustainable economy which provides prosperity and opportunities for all, and in which environmental and social costs fall on those who impose them (polluter pays), and efficient resource use is incentivised.

• Promoting Good Governance - Actively promoting effective, participative systems of governance in all levels of society - engaging people's creativity, energy, and diversity.

• Using Sound Science Responsibly - Ensuring policy is developed and implemented on the basis of strong scientific evidence, whilst taking into account scientific uncertainty (through the precautionary principle) as well as public attitudes and values.

The four UK priorities are: i) Sustainable Consumption and Production - This includes efficient use of resources, considering the environmental impacts of products and materials across their whole life cycle, and ensuring economic growth is not at the expense of environmental degradation. ii) Climate Change and Energy - Scientific evidence increasingly suggests that man-made emissions are contributing significantly to climate change. Efforts need to be made to reduce the environmental impacts of our energy use, and prepare for climate changes that may now be unavoidable. iii) Natural Resources Protection and Environmental Enhancement - The natural environment and resources are vital to our existence and well-being. Efforts must be made to protect local and global environments, and to improve those that have been degraded. iv) Sustainable Communities - Communities at the local level need to embody the principles of sustainable development, in order to enhance quality of life locally, while minimising impact on the wider environment.

The JLDP must be based on sound sustainable development principles.


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WAG (2006) ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY FOR WALES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This is the Welsh Assembly Government’s long-term strategy for the next 20 years. It is supported by a series of action plans. The strategy should be a means of providing a framework in order to achieve an environment that is clean, healthy, varied and that is respected by the people of Wales. The aim is to obtain a special, thriving environment in Wales that contributes towards the health and well-being and economic and social interests of the residents of Wales. The objectives of the Scheme are:- • To identify environmental boundaries and live within them. • In accordance with the Sustainable Development duty, to seek to ensure that every policy considers the

environment. • To encourage collaboration across the public sector. • To work with partners in a business and voluntary sector field. • To encourage people to live in a sustainable way. • To respond to the problem now rather than in the future.

Here are our priorities:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attempt to adapt to the effects of climate change. • Protect and improve our biodiversity, by respecting the dynamics of nature. • Attempt to monitor and manage known environmental dangers. • Attempt to dispose of waste in a sustainable way. • Retain and improve our land and sea, our built environment, our natural resources and heritage, and develop

and use them in a sustainable and fair way for the long-term benefit of the people of Wales.

The JLDP should facilitate the general improvement in the environment in the Plan Area.

WAG (2003) WALES A BETTER COUNTRY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The strategy relates to the social, economic and environmental vision for Wales for the future. Guidance is provided regarding the need for public services to be more radical and seek to collaborate in order to obtain better outcomes. In order to achieve the vision set, there will be a need to deal with four specific fields, namely:- • assist more people to get jobs; • health improvement; • developing strong and safe communities; and • create better jobs and improve skills

The JLDP should consider the strategic guidance contained within the Plan and transpose these national objectives to a local level.


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The vision is the need to:- • Create a varied and competitive economy. • Create a fair society that tackles poverty issues. • Create a more prosperous environment in terms of biodiversity and sustainable developments. • Create a stronger identity for the people of Wales. • Create a better quality of life for future generations. • Attempt to encourage people to live healthier lives. • Promote collaboration and participation. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME AND ACTION PLAN FOR THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES (2004) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Action Plan outlines key actions to deliver sustainable development in Wales. The Action Plan contains targets and indicators under the following themes:

• Climate change • Liveable Places, Strong Communities • Our Natural Environment • Supporting Welsh Business in Sustainable Production • Reducing Consumption • Leadership and Delivery • Creating Organisational Excellence • Delivering through our Agents • Delivering with Local Government • Delivering with Partners • Wales: A Global Citizen • Promoting awareness and Leadership • Education for a Sustainable Future • Making our Money Talk – Procurement, Grants • Food

The JLDP should facilitate growth in tourism directly as well as indirectly in order to help achieve the overall aim.

ONE WALES: ONE PLANET: CONSULTATION ON A NEW SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WALES MAY 2009 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Plan introduces a strategic framework that notes how policies could ensure that sustainable developments are provided. The Plan places emphasis on the need to help the most deprived people and seek to reduce our

The JLDP should consider the objectives of the Plan and incorporate


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environmental impact. One way of attempting to ensure that the carbon footprint of Wales is reduced is by looking at transport, food and housing. Policies need to be radical and ones that ensure that the issue is dealt with as swiftly as possible. Sustainable development needs to be a key part of strategic policies. This is achieved by:- • Consultation – people and communities need to be an important part of sustainable development. • Integration – in order to achieve sustainable development, there is a need to integrate economic, social and

environmental challenges. These objectives will be achieved by means of the following:- - Decoupling - Comprehensive values and benefits - Precautionary principle - Principle of polluter having to pay - Proximity principle - Reflecting uniqueness

sustainability principles within its policies.

WAG (2008) RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WALES 2007 -2013 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Rural Development Plan (2007-2013) is the Plan and mechanism that would give guidance to the Welsh Assembly Authority in relation to the transfer of activities that support the countryside and rural communities. It sets a strategy for development in rural areas in Wales and includes an analysis of the current situation. The Plan introduces a few issues that will need to be considered in future, including: • Low employment and production levels

• Young adult emigration levels

• The vitality of communities The Plan’s vision and objectives are as follows:- • Promote information

• Target land use in a sustainable way

The JLDP should consider the objectives of the Rural Development Plan and facilitate, economic, social and environmental improvement in rural areas. The JLDP should facilitate the improvement and diversification of the rural economy. The JLDP should ensure that the rural economy is supported and promoted.


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• Use forest land in a sustainable way

• Improve the quality of life in rural areas • Seek to promote diversification in the rural economy LOCAL (GWYNEDD LPA) THREE YEAR PLAN (2011-2014) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Three Year Plan is a key document for the Council since it is a strategic plan that summarises the improvement objectives that the Council wishes to address over the next three years. The Plan gives most attention to the main changes that the Council is committed to achieving through specific programme and projects. Most of them look out to improve services to residents but others enable the Council to do so. The following topic areas are addressed:

i) Economy ii) Care iii) Children iv) Environment v) Health vi) Language

The JLDP should incorporate the principles of sustainable development throughout the Plan.

REGENERATION STRATEGY 2006-2013 PART OF THE GWYNEDD REGENERATION FRAMEWORK Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision – to develop and support vibrant and viable communities that have the confidence to venture and the desire and ability to contribute their own solutions to the challenges and to take advantage of new opportunities. Main Objectives:-

i) Disseminate prosperity and ensure economic growth across Gwynedd ii) Provide opportunities for the entire community to play its part in the prosperity of the county by means

of social activity and participation iii) Respond to the changes in the traditional economic foundations of Gwynedd iv) Develop a confident, advanced and flexible workforce with high-standard skills v) Increase the salary rates of Gwynedd and improve the quality of jobs

The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable development of communities, the economy and the environment in the Plan Area.


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vi) Respond to the change in demographic patterns vii) Respond to the physical deterioration of town centres and villages and to the derelict buildings in our

communities viii) Meet the local housing need, by considering the high number of empty houses in the county, and

ensure that suitable and affordable homes are available ix) Maintain the rich natural environment of the county x) Maintain and build upon the unique character of Gwynedd, and take advantage of opportunities that

derive from the culture and the Welsh language. GWYNEDD ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Main objective – A quality natural and built environment that will be improved, protected and maximised. In order to reach the above-mentioned objective, priority will be given to:

i) Protecting and improving the natural environment and variety of wildlife in the area ii) Reducing private and commercial waste, encourage recycling and reusing and promoting methods of

saving energy iii) Encouraging people to enjoy, respect and become more aware of the wealth and contribution of the

local environment iv) Maintaining and enriching the built quality of the area in a way that will respect and enrich the local

culture, environment and character v) Promoting effective and sustainable transport that will provide more choice for users

The JLDP should incorporate the principles of sustainable development and promote the protection of the environment.

LLWYDDO’N LLEOL PLAN 2008/09 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision - The strategic need identified in Rural Gwynedd as part of the Llwyddo’n Lleol initiative is to foster and develop young people to become enterprising within their communities, contributing to the development of their area and the local economy, and crucially giving them the skills, know-how, hands-on experience and confidence to do so. Llwyddo’n Lleol, therefore, has the following aims:

• to foster and develop young people to become enterprising within their communities, whether through self-employment, employment or everyday life

• to enable them to contribute to the development of their area

The JLDP should contribute to fostering and developing young people to become enterprising within their communities, contributing to the development of their area and the local economy, and crucially giving them the skills, know-how, hands-on experience and confidence to do so.


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• to assist them to become participators, contributors and future stakeholders within the local economy • to give them the skills, know-how, hands-on experience and confidence to do so.


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SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY INTERNATIONAL EC (1997) EUROPEAN SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE (97/150/EC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The European Spatial Development Perspective (ESPD) was agreed by the Member States of the European Union, in co-operation with the Commission in May 1999. It supported the fact that proper spatial planning can help avoid increases in regional disparities. The main aim of the ESDP is to maintain the individual characteristics of the various countries within the EU while simultaneously increasing integration between the member states, socially and economically with the protection of the environment as a core element. The ESDP has three underlying objectives:

• Economic and Social Cohesion across the Community • Conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage. • Balanced competitiveness across the EU.

Subsidiarity is seen as the key to achieving its objectives. The ESDP places much emphasis on the importance of co-operation between different tiers of government, from local to regional through to Community level.

The JLDP should promote sustainable communities and facilitate spatially balanced development.

NATIONAL WAG (2008) WALES SPATIAL PLAN UPDATE Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The purpose of the Wales Spatial Plan is to ensure that what is done in the public, private and third sectors in Wales is integrated and sustainable, and that actions within an area support each other and jointly move towards a shared vision for Wales and for the different parts of Wales. It achieves this through collaborative working and the vertical and horizontal integration of policies nationally and regionally. BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Focus regeneration to enhance the natural and built environment and deliver sustainable communities and a high quality of life within a healthy local economy.

Develop a public health strategic framework for Wales which is spatially orientated. PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

The JLDP should consider the aims of the Wales Spatial Plan and promote sustainable communities in the Plan Area.


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Collaborate across sectors and organisations to ensure job opportunities, infrastructure (including transport, ICT and other elements), skills and public health are delivered together in order to achieve our long-term aim of 80 per cent of working-age population in employment.

Work with the Rural Development Plan for Wales local partnerships to improve our understanding of rural community needs and to help these groups develop spatial mechanisms to address those issues.

Integrate and mainstream infrastructure provision into the Spatial Plan Area Strategies, including regional waste planning.

VALUING OUR ENVIRONMENT Define the concept of low-carbon regions and how this can be achieved in each Area. Develop a response to climate change through each Area Group’s delivery framework. Develop a strategy to reduce each Area’s ecological footprint across the range of its activities, and set this

out in the Area’s delivery framework. Implement coastal management Identify areas of environmental opportunity in Spatial Plan Areas to improve wellbeing and quality of life in

Wales’ rural areas in particular ACHIEVING SUSTAINBLE ACCESSIBILITY

Work within the national and regional transport planning frameworks to improve the quality and sustainability of connections between key settlements, within and between the Wales Spatial Plan Areas.

Integrate sustainable transport solutions with community and development planning to improve access to services and facilities.

Improve the quality of ICT networks in Wales as well as reducing barriers to accessing ICT, such as skills. RESPECTING DISTINCITIVENESS

Develop and promote distinct identities for key settlements and landscapes by encouraging sustainable design initiatives.

Work with Visit Wales and the regional tourism partnerships to re-define the spatial dimension of tourism destination management areas and tourism marketing areas in Wales.

Ensure that the delivery of the Cultural Tourism Action Plan is spatially aligned and that local sense of place and distinctiveness is reinforced.

Encourage local authorities, the private and third sectors to promote cultural activities and work in partnership to deliver high quality cultural experiences for communities

WAG (2010) PLANNING POLICY WALES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Seeks to ensure that future developments are sustainable in order to improve the quality of the environment.

The JLDP should consider the objectives of Planning Policy Wales in


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Gives guidance on sustainable land use along with guidance for Local Planning Authorities when preparing Local Development Plans. Planning Policy Wales includes policy guidance on subjects such as:- • residential developments • retail • transport • the need to protect the historical environment • the need to maintain the economy • infrastructure and services • sport tourism • entertainment and managing pollution risks

the formulation of its policies.

WAG (1996) TAN3 – SIMPLIFIED PLANNING ZONES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Gives guidance to Local Planning Authorities on Simplified Planning Zones (SPZ) and assesses whether or not they are required. In instances where there is a proven need, there would be a need to ensure that they comply with the guidance in the TAN. LPA needs to keep the issue of whether or not it wishes to obtain Simplified Planning Zones (SPZ) in their area, under review. Designating a SPZ is a way of developing or redeveloping a specific area. An area identified as a SPZ avoids the delays that can occur with planning applications. SPZ allows specific types of development in that area, subject to any conditions or restrictions imposed.

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating its policies.

WAG (1997) TAN9 – ENFORCEMENT AND PLANNING CONTROL Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance on enforcement and the planning system. The planning system manages the development of land in the interests of the public and for the welfare of the public. The LPA is responsible for making decisions in relation to planning applications. When assessing the possibility of taking enforcement measures, consideration should be given to whether or not it is likely for the development to have an unacceptable impact on the public’s amenities. Enforcement steps must correspond to the planning rules that have been breached. Prospective developers are encouraged to contact the LPA before proceeding to develop land in order to ensure that the intended action complies with planning regulations. The TANs also provide clear guidance on how to submit a retrospective application in cases where the applicant has

Important that the JLDP’s policies reflect the planning requirements for development in accordance with planning regulations.


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undertaken a development without planning consent. In the cases of development considered to be unauthorised, it may also be possible to impose conditions on the permission.

REGIONAL NORTH WALES DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Vision of North Wales is one of a region where unique people, business and environment create the conditions required for success. The North will be: • a technically innovative and developmental region; • a region of inclusive communities with good links in rural and urban circles; • a region with an adaptable workforce who possess appropriate skills; • a region where business and individuals take advantage of the special environment in order to obtain a

competitive advantage; • a region where history, language, culture and strength of identity will reinforce the unique quality of life • a region where all stakeholders and agencies work together effectively in accordance with a common agenda

to achieve common priorities.

The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable development of communities, the environment and the economy in the Plan Area.

C L O S I N G T H E G A P : NORTH WEST WALES SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision: An extrovert, confident area where unique cultural and natural assets are the basis of a high quality of life, more prosperity and the health and well-being of all its residents and communities. Aims: Places: spatial development Key challenge: Develop key settlements and rural areas in a way that corresponds to creating appropriate conditions for people to live and work locally, and support prosperity within the environmental capacity of the area. Aim: The difference between the rural and urban areas of north-west Wales will be less within a specific range of key social, economic and environmental indicators by 2020. Places: develop the infrastructure Key challenge: Ensure that the physical infrastructure and the network of facilities are able to withstand

The JLDP should reflect the objectives of the strategy incorporating the principles of sustainable development in all relevant policies.


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environmental threats and facilitate economic growth and prosperity across north-west Wales. Aim: The difference between the rural and urban areas of north-west Wales will be less within a specific range of key social, economic and environmental indicators by 2020. Places: develop the infrastructure Key challenge: Ensure that the physical infrastructure and the network of facilities are able to withstand environmental threats and facilitate economic growth and prosperity across north-west Wales. Aim: By 2020, at no excessive cost to the environment, a transport and telecommunications infrastructure will be developed further in the rural and urban areas, the region’s facilities provision in the area will improve in order to facilitate growth in key locations and measures to mitigate the increasing risks of flooding will be prepared. People: develop skills Key challenge: Teach skills to the people of the area so that they are able to take maximum advantage of the economic opportunities and make the labour market more competitive. Aim: By 2020, a modern technological education and training system will have been provided, in order to meet the needs of employers and workers across north-west Wales. A higher proportion of the local population will be working and the workforce will be flexible and it will have earned good qualifications. People: the economy and prosperity Key challenge: Create a positive business environment that increases the impact of key sectors and exploits high value opportunities to create prosperity. Aim: By 2020, the gap between prosperity and the value of the economy in north-west Wales in comparison to Wales will be less, and the differences within the region will be less. LOCAL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2007-2013 (GWYNEDD) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The aim of the Gwynedd Local Development Strategy is to increase the viability and sustainability of rural communities in Gwynedd through diversifying the local economy by encouraging enterprise, increasing the quality and value of local product and sustainably exploiting the area’s natural and cultural assets.

The objectives of the Gwynedd Local Development Strategy are:

The JLDP should incorporate the principles of sustainable development giving full consideration to the objectives of the Strategy.


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• To increase the range and quality of employment opportunities and reduce under-employment in rural Gwynedd

• To diversify the rural economy by facilitating the reform of traditional sectors such as tourism and agriculture and developing new economic opportunities based on the local environment and the creativity of the rural population

• To add value to the local economy by increasing the efficiency of local supply chains developing new innovative local products and adding value to the area’s current products.

• To increase community capacity and sustainability by assisting communities to improve the local environment, develop new means of providing local services and new employment and development opportunities through social enterprise.

MÔN MENAI COASTAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Purpose of the Study: ‘Develop proposals to make the best use of the special coastline of Anglesey (in terms of activities on land and sea), in order to increase the economic benefit as much as possible.’ The plan outlines specific proposals that have been grouped into twelve different themes: 1. Marine Proposals 2. Anglesey Coastal Path 3. Crossing the Menai Straits 4. The Cycling Coast 5. Menai Straits Water Bus 6. Rhosneigr Adrenaline Centre 7. Historical Attractions 8. Environmental Attractions 9. Commercial Activity Partnerships 10. Accommodation 11. Spending Opportunities 12. Transportation Roads The plan notes 58 individual projects that are included under the above-mentioned themes and notes priority projects.

The JLDP should consider the land use implications of the listed projects and policies in the plan.

SNOWDONIA GREEN KEY STRATEGY 2005 (GWYNEDD)


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Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Aims and objectives of the strategy are:

i) Develop and manage leisure and visitor activities within northern Snowdonia ii) Improve visitor experiences iii) Increase tourism input in the local econom iv) Establish an efficient and effective integrated transport system v) Ensure access to facilities and essential services via a wider range of high quality transport

opportunities vi) Reduce visiotrs’ dependency on private motor vehicles vii) Protect and improve the unique environment of the area. viii) Improve parking facilities ix) Develop effective traffic management system x) Improve and extend cycling routes and footpaths xi) Effective marketing of the Sherpa bus

The JLDP should support and promote the tourism industry whilst at the same time, protecting the environment and the interests of local communities.

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK LDP 2007-2022 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Local Development Plan builds on national and regional policy to provide the development strategy and policy framework within which provision is made for the development and conservation needs of the National Park for a fifteen-year period, from 2007 up to the year 2022. The land use planning dimension of the National Park Management Plan is put into effect through the statutory Local Development Plan. It will be used by the Authority to encourage the right development in the right locations, providing a basis by which planning applications can be determined consistently and appropriately.

The JLDP should should compliment the planning principles contained in the Snowdonia LDP and have regard to designations and allocations which can affect both LPA Areas.


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BIODIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (1992) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The objectives of this Convention, to be pursued in accordance with its relevant provisions, are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding.

The Plan should facilitate the conservation and protection of biodiversity and be consistent with the objectives of national conservation strategies.

EUROPEAN BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Strategy aims to anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity at the source and is developed under the four following themes:

• Conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity • Sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources • Research, identification, monitoring and exchange of information • Education, training and awareness

The Plan should facilitate the protection, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity.

UN(1971) CONVENTION ON WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE (RAMSAR CONVENTION) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Ramsar Convention covers all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use. It requires Member States to:

• Designate wetlands of international importance as Ramsar Sites • Promote the wise-use of all wetlands; • Further the wise-use of wetlands and their resources.

The Plan should facilitate the protection of biodiversity and enhance and restore wetland habitats where possible reflecting their relative significance.

EC (1979) EU WILD BIRDS DIRECTIVE (79/409/EEC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The EC Wild Birds Directive provides a framework for the conservation and protection of all bird species naturally living in the wilds within the European territory of the Member States. It seeks to protect, manage and regulate all bird species naturally living in the wild including their eggs, their nests and habitats. The Directive recognises that

The Plan will need to consider the objectives of the Directive and recognise and respect the distribution


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habitat loss and degradation are the most serious threats to the conservation of wild birds. Member States must conserve, maintain or restore the biotypes and habitats of these birds by:

• Creating protection zones • Maintaining the habitats • Restoring destroyed biotypes • Creating biotypes

of protected habitats and species.

EC (1994) EU HABITATS DIRECTIVE (92/43/EEC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The main aim of the EC Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species at a favourable conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. The provisions of the Directive require Member States to introduce a range of measures including the protection of species listed in the Annexes; to undertake surveillance of habitats and species and produce a report every six years on the implementation of the Directive. The 189 habitats listed in Annex I of the Directive and the 788 species listed in Annex II, are to be protected by means of a network of sites. Each Member State is required to prepare and propose a national list of sites for evaluation in order to form a European network of Sites of Community Importance (SCIs). Once adopted, these are designated by Member States as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and along with Special Protection Areas (SPAs) classified under the EC Birds Directive, form a network of protected areas known as Natura 2000. The Directive was amended in 1997 by a technical adaptation Directive.

The JLDP should include detailed policies for the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement of international, national and local designated sites, reflecting their relative significance. The Plan will need to consider the requirements of the Directive. Relevant habitats will need to be identified and where necessary designated appropriately within the JLDP. Policies should encourage management of features of the landscape that are of major importance for wild flora and fauna. Any plan or project that is likely to have a significant impact on a designated site should undergo an Appropriate Assessment of its implications for the conservation objectives of the site. A Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) will need to be undertaken during the JLDP preparation in


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accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive to assess the implications of the plan for European sites.

EC (2006) EU FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTIVE (2006/44/EC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The EC Freshwater Fish Directive (2006/44/EC) was originally adopted on 18 July 1978 but consolidated in 2006. The Directive seeks to protect those fresh water bodies identified by Member States as waters suitable for sustaining fish populations. For those waters it sets physical and chemical water quality objectives for salmonid waters and cyprinid waters.

The Plan should facilitate the protection and enhancement of water quality.

NATIONAL UK BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN (2005) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The UK Biodiversity Action Plan, published in 1994, was the UK Government’s response to signing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The plan set out a programme for conserving the UK’s biodiversity. The UK BAP sets out three types of Action Plans with targeted actions:

i) Species Action Plans; ii) Habitat Action Plans; and iii) Local Biodiversity Action Plans

A review of the UK BAP priority list in 2007 led to the identification of 1,150 species and 65 habitats that meet the BAP criteria at UK level.

The JLDP will need to take account of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and policies should facilitate the protection, conservation and enhancement of species and habitats identified in the Plan.

THE CONSERVATION OF HABITATS AND SPECIES REGULATIONS 2010 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Conservation Regulations makes provision for implementing the EC Habitats Directive on the conservation of natural habitats of wild fauna and flora. The main aim of the EC Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild

The JLDP should include detailed policies for the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement of


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species at a favourable conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. In applying these measures Member States are required to take account of economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics.

international, national and local designated sites, reflecting their relative significance.

WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981 (AS AMENDED BY SCHEDULE 9 OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND RIGHTS OF WAY ACT (2000) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981) consolidates and amends existing national legislation to implement the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) and Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive) in Great Britain. The Act is concerned with the protection of wildlife and their habitat (countryside, national parks and designated protected areas).

The JLDP should facilitate the enhancement, conservation and protection of biodiversity in the Plan Area.

WAG (1996) TAN5 – NATURE CONSERVATION AND PLANNING Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance on special conservational considerations and how the issue needs to be dealt with in the case of specific planning applications that could affect special conservational designations. Protecting conservations and realising biodiversity objectives is critical to the LPA. Before making decisions regarding special conservation designations, consideration would have to be given to all extant planning permissions that could affect the proposed area.

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating al its policies relating to nature conservation. It is important that the JLDP is based on a sufficient understanding of the geology, landscape, species and habitats of the area.

WAG (1997) TAN10 – TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance on how a LPA can protect trees and woodlands of special importance for the benefit of the amenities of local residents. In order to safeguard important trees, the LPA has powers to impose Tree Preservation Orders. The purpose of this order is to prohibit the felling, uprooting, lopping, pruning, making intentional damage or intentional destruction of a tree. Also, the LPA has powers to plant trees as required in addition to imposing conditions on a planning application that notes that the developer should plant trees in order to conceal the development as it progresses.

It is important to ensure that any policy relating to trees reflects the principles of the TAN. In addition, possibly when attempting to allocate land for specific use, attempts should be made to ensure that there is no Tree Preservation Order on the site that could consequently prevent any proposed development.

THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL COMMUNITIES ACT 2006


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Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act is designed to help achieve a rich and diverse natural environment and thriving communities through modernised and simplified arrangements for delivering Government policy. It provides legislative changes to amend nature conservation legislation, and in relation to bylaws for motor vehicles (giving NPs the power to make traffic regulation orders); SSSIs and extends the CRoW biodiversity duty for example.

The JLDP should aim to protect and enhance the natural environment in the Plan Area.

LOCAL (GWYNEDD & ANGLESEY LPAS) PEN LLYN & SARNAU MANAGEMENT PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The purpose of this management plan is to set out how the relevant authorities intend to meet these obligations to the Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau cSAC in order to secure the conservation of the site features. Plans and projects must be subjected to appropriate assessment in view of their implications for the conservation of the site. In these cases, existing legislative/administrative procedures exist within which any requirement for appropriate assessment is determined.

The Plan should facilitate the conservation and protection of the features of the Pen Llyn & Sarnau SAC.

LOCAL (GWYNEDD) NATUR GWYNEDD Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Main objective: Safeguard and improve biodiversity within the UK and contribute towards safeguarding global biodiversity by using suitable methods. Other objectives:

• to contribute towards safeguarding and improving local biodiversity, in Wales, on a UK level and worldwide

• to develop effective local partnerships in order to facilitate the task of promoting integrated biodiversity that will be sustainable in the long-term

• to add to our information about the biodiversity of Gwynedd • to raise public awareness about biodiversity in Gwynedd • it is a long-term, active and live document

The Plan should facilitate the conservation, protection and where appropriate, enhancement of biodiversity and be consistent with the objectives of Natur Gwynedd


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LOCAL (ANGLESEY) WORKING FOR THE WEALTH OF WILDLIFE: ANGLESEY’S LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The aim of Anglesey’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is to translate some UK Habitat and Species Action Plans into local action, whilst also seeking to conserve and enhance some others which are particularly important here. The plan’s objectives are to seek to :-

Ensure that national targets for species and habitats (in UK Action Plan), are translated into effective action at the local level, covering habitats and species which are:-

o internationally and nationally important; o native to Anglesey (or semi-natural) particularly if rare or threatened in the county.

Identify targets for species and habitats appropriate to Anglesey and reflect the value that local people place on wildlife.

Develop effective local partnerships to ensure that programmes for biodiversity, its conservation and protection, are maintained in the long term.

Raise public awareness and involvement in conserving and enhancing Anglesey’s biodiversity resource. Provide a basis for monitoring progress in biodiversity conservation, at both local and national levels.

Underlying Principles, for Anglesey’s LBAP:

Biodiversity action should be an integral part of local government policy and programmes, as well as involving individuals, communities, and other bodies, in partnership.

Work should be based upon a sound knowledge base; the precautionary principle (Box 1) should guide environmental decisions where there is a lack of information.

The Plan should facilitate the conservation, protection and where appropriate, enhancement of biodiversity and be consistent with the objectives of the Biodiversity Action Plan.


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COMMUNITIES INTERNATIONAL AARHAUS CONVENTION Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The main aim of the Aarhaus Convention is to protect the right of every person of present and future generations to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being and be guaranteed rights of access of information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental issues. The Convention provides for:

• Public access to environmental information; • Public participation in decision-making on matters related to the environment: provision; and • Access to justice (i.e. administrative or judicial review proceedings) in environmental matters.

It should be ensured that the public are effectively involved in the plan preparation process.

EC (2002) EU DIRECTIVE ON ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE (02/49/EC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The main aim of the Directive is to avoid, prevent or limit the effects, including annoyance cause by exposure to environmental noise. The Directive contains four elements:

• Monitoring the environmental problem by drawing up ‘strategic noise maps’; • Informing and consulting the public about noise • Addressing local noise issues by requiring competent authorities to draw up action plans • Developing a long-term EU strategy which includes objectives to reduce the number of people affected by

noise.

The Plan should ensure policy criteria take account of the impact of development in relation to noise generation in order to avoid, reduce and mitigate environmental noise.

NATIONAL MAKING THE CONNECTIONS Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Sets the Assembly’s vision for a Wales that is more prosperous, sustainable, bilingual, healthier and better educated. The scheme is attempting to achieve four main visions, namely:

The JLDP should reflect the principles contained in the document which will ensure effective public participation in the Plan development process.


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• Create a service for the citizens that better responds to the needs of users, thus people need to be part of the process of drawing up the service that benefits residents.

• Ensure that all sectors of society have an opportunity to contribute • Seek to increase collaboration by ensuring that the service provided is sustainable, of quality and is

responsive. • Take advantage of our money in order to ensure value for money. WALKING AND CYCLING STRATEGY FOR WALES (2003) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Assembly Government's Walking and Cycling Strategy for Wales aims to:

• increase opportunities for walking and cycling; and • integrate walking and cycling more fully with public transport in Wales's sustainable travel programme.

Key objectives are to:

• Improve the health and well being of Wales through increased physical activity; • Improve the local environment for walkers and cyclists; • Encourage sustainable travel to combat climate change; • Increase levels of walking and cycling through promotion of facilities; and • Ensure that walking and cycling are prioritised in policies, guidance and funding.

The JLDP should promote walking and cycling opportunities in the Plan Area.

A WALKING AND CYCLING ACTION PLAN FOR WALES 2009 - 2013 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Action Plan brings together all the key initiatives which the Welsh Assembly Government and its key partners are undertaking or planning to undertake in support of walking and cycling in Wales. The Welsh Assembly core objectives here are to:

Improve the health and well-being of the population through increased physical activity Improve the local environment for walkers and cyclists Encourage sustainable travel as a practical step in combating climate change Increase levels of walking and cycling through promotion of facilities Ensure that walking and cycling are prioritised in crosscutting policies, guidance and funding

The Plan contains a range of actions aimed to deliver these objectives and are grouped under the following four themes:

The JLDP should promote walking and cycling opportunities in the Plan Area.


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A. Changing Behaviour - Walking and cycling to make an increasing contribution towards climate change targets and raising levels of physical activity. B. Sustainable Travel encouraged via better Walking and Cycling Infrastructure - To create safe, attractive and convenient infrastructure for pedestrian and cycle travel. C. Policy Objectives - Ensure that walking and cycling are included in cross-cutting policies, guidance and funding. D. Evaluation - To enable the Welsh Assembly Government and delivery partners to track progress in delivering the actions of this Plan and intended outcomes. WELL-BEING IN WALES (2002) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Health, public health and social services care are at the core of the Assembly Government’s activity. This document highlights the relevance of health and well-being to all elements of policy and highlights the importance of people’s health for the economy. Notes actions for the Assembly in an attempt to reduce the levels of health inequality in different sectors of society in Wales. Seeks to ensure that health workers contribute towards creating a strong society and other policy aims in their day to day activities. There is a national strategy for local health, social care and well-being strategies. Protect and improve health in Wales by:- • Ensuring that public policies (not just health policies), contribute to improving people’s health and well-being. • Creating a social and physical Environment that encourages and supports well-being. • Developing people’s personal skills and understanding so that they take more responsibility for health and

make the right choices for themselves and their children. • Strengthening communities is important in order to improve well-being. • Ensuring that the health service is effective, efficient and accessible to all, and plays a key part in the

prevention of sickness and disease.

The JLDP should consider the requirements of the strategy and ensure that the health and well-being of residents are given full consideration in all aspects of the Plan.

SPORTS TOURISM IN WALES: A FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION (2003) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Establishes a framework to maximise the social and economic tourism advantages associated with sport in Wales.

The JLDP should facilitate the improvement in access to leisure and sports facilities connected to tourism in


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The objectives of the plan are as follows:- • Improve visitors’ access to sports and active recreation. • Improve the quality of the visitor’s experience. • Raise the profile of Wales as a sport tourism destination. • Understand the needs and characteristics of the sports visitor.

the Plan Area, promoting leisure developments that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

CLIMBING HIGHER: A STRATEGY FOR SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (2005) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP A scheme aiming to increase the levels of physical activities and create an environment that encourages safe and healthy activities and that gives everyone in society an opportunity to take advantage of them. It is important to attempt to ensure that health activities become part of people’s daily routines. In order to create a more active Wales, there is a need to identify a way of improving collaboration between the public sector, the private sector and the third sector. Ensuring a healthy society is very important as an unhealthy population can be a burden on society. The built environment is a way of encouraging people to be more active as it allows them to walk or cycle in order to receive necessary services. Creating a Wales that is active, healthy and inclusive where sports, physical activity and active leisure provides a common platform for participation, having fun and success which ties communities and the nation together. Within the next five years, the aim is to attempt to have 5% more of the adult population to undertake the recommended amount of physical activity (namely 30 minutes of relatively intense physical exercise twice a week). The strategic aims are as follows:- • Active environment – develop a physical environment that makes it easier for people to choose to become

more active. • Active children and young people – support children and young people to live active lives and become active

adults. • Active adults – Encourage more adults to be more active. • Sports for all – Increase participation in sports amongst all parts of the population. In order to ensure that people become more active, consideration must be given to issues such as the distance between people and local services, designing streets in order to promote physical activity, be environmentally attractive and safe, measures to reduce and slow-down traffic, well-designed cycle paths, cycling facilities, and accessible access to green spaces such as gardens and play areas.

The improvement in health and well-being of residents should be promoted throughout the Plan and the social and economic factors that influence health should be addressed. The JLDP should promote easy access to open spaces, services, leisure and sports facilities and open spaces.


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WAG (1997) TAN11 – NOISE Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance on noise considerations that need to be taken into account when making decisions on planning applications. Note that any development that creates noise should not cause any disturbance. In addition, a LPA must consider proposals for development that are sensitive to noise which are not in-keeping with existing activities, taking into account the level of exposure to noise. Any development that is likely to create noise should consider any measures that could be taken to mitigate any negative impact.

The Plan should ensure policy criteria take account of the impact of development in relation to noise generation in order to avoid, reduce and mitigate environmental noise.

WAG (1998) TAN16 – SPORT AND RECREATION Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Encourage the provision of appropriate playing fields that are beneficial in terms of leisure and amenities, as well as the environmental contribution that would derive from it. The Sports Council for Wales provides advice on all aspects of planning for sports and leisure. When considering planning applications, consideration will need to be given to the relationship between land use and leisure and conservation interests. Possibly, with some types of development, there would be a need to have a provision of sport resources; that could be a means of safeguarding the natural or historical environment. It is important for Local Authorities to consider how land in their ownership could contribute to the value of leisure. Should it be intended to get rid of a leisure area, a notice would have to be published to inform people of this intention. When it is considered that land has a leisure or amenity value, it should be safeguarded if it can be shown that there is a lack of access to open public spaces.

The JLDP should facilitate an improvement in the health and well-being of residents by improving access to open spaces as well as promoting leisure developments that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

LOCAL (GWYNEDD) GWYNEDD TOGETHER 2008 – 2012

Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The community Strategy sets robust directions and guidance to improve the quality of life in Gwynedd based on prioritisation that will strengthen actual collaboration across the county’s bodies. Vision – Collaborate to improve the quality of life of Gwynedd’s residents – to maintain and promote sustainable, prosperous and lively communities.

The JLDP should incorporate the principles of sustainable development.


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GWYNEDD HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE AND WELL-BEING STRATEGY 2008-2011 (GWYNEDD) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision - to aim for a level of health and well-being for the people of Gwynedd that is comparable to the best in Europe. The main priorities of the Strategy are:

i) to address the economic/social factors that affect health ii) to promote a healthy lifestyle ii) to redesign the service provision within the resources available, in order to better satisfy the

population’s needs.

The improvement in health and well-being of residents should be promoted throughout the Plan and the social and economic factors that influence health should be addressed.

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE STRATEGY 2008-2011 (GWYNEDD) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision – By 2011, all children and young people in Gwynedd will have realised their right to live happy, satisfied and safe lives, to voice their opinion and to gain access to a range of opportunities, services and resources that will enable them to reach their full potential. Strategic Objective 1: Ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd have the best start in life. Strategic Objective 2: Ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd have access to a comprehensive variety of learning opportunities to enable them to achieve their potential. Strategic Objective 3: Ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd are able to enjoy the best possible health and that they are free from victimisation, abuse and exploitation Strategic Objective 4: Ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd receive opportunities to participate in sports, leisure, play and cultural activities. Strategic Objective 5: Ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd are listened to, are treated with respect and are able to profess their race, language and cultural identity. Strategic Objective 6: Ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd have a safe home and community which supports their physical and emotional well-being. Strategic Objective 7: Ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd are free from disadvantages due to financial poverty.

The JLDP should contribute to fostering and developing young people to become enterprising within their communities, contributing to the development of their area and the local economy, and crucially giving them the skills, know-how, hands-on experience and confidence to do so.

LOCAL (ANGLESEY) ANGLESEY COMMUNITY STRATEGY: IMPROVING ANGLESEY LIFE 2005-2015 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This Draft Community Strategy for Anglesey – Improving Anglesey Life – represents some four years of The JLDP should incorporate the


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preparation and discussion, and for clarity of purpose, Anglesey from this point on is calling this document a Strategy and not a Plan. Once finalised, it will be a strategy for the whole island, which will explain what kind of place Anglesey is now, what we want Anglesey to look like in the future and how we will make it the place we want it to be. Key Strategic Aims

Creating a prosperous future for Anglesey through sustainable economic regeneration. Creating healthy and active individuals and communities through tackling the underlying causes of ill-

health and developing effective and efficient local health and care services. Protecting and enhancing the island’s rich, diverse and high quality natural and built environment through

promoting balanced economic and social development with appropriate land management and high standards of design.

Creating a safe island in which people can live securely in their homes and communities, free from the fear of crime through tackling the root economic, social and environmental causes of crime.

Developing strong, vibrant and inclusive communities through promoting and supporting positive community-based regeneration.

Developing fully bi-lingual communities through creating the appropriate social and economic conditions in which the Welsh language, culture and heritage can flourish and prosper.

principles of sustainable development in terms of the social, economic and environmental characteristics as outlined in the Strategy.

HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE AND WELLBEING STRATEGY FOR ANGLESEY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Strategy focuses on future planning and commissioning priorities for service delivery to improve the health and wellbeing of the population. Vision:

Healthy, strong and active communities Key Strategic Aims:

Addressing all the wider issues that affect the health and well-being of the population e.g. the economy, housing and transport

Supporting people to be independent, healthy and active in their communities. Help people manage ill-health and chronic conditions Protect and enhance the island’s rich, diverse and high quality environment for the enjoyment of all To make a difference by working together

The JLDP should facilitate the development of healthy, strong and active communities. The JLDP should promote the health and well-being of the population and address the wider issues that affect the health and well-being of the population.


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In working towards fulfilling these aims, the Anglesey HSCWB Strategic Partnership will be guided by the following cross-cutting principles:

Promoting Sustainable Development Promoting Social Inclusion and Equality for all Promoting community safety and life free from the fear of crime Promoting The Welsh Language Promoting Strong and Effective Partnerships Promoting Personal Development, Achievement and Responsibility Promoting engagement, Involvement and Information

STRATEGY FOR OLDER PEOPLE ON ANGLESEY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This Strategy sets out a vision where Older People have choice and control over their lives. At its heart is an appreciation of Older People as active, vital members of our communities. The main aims of the Strategy

To enhance the engagement with and participation of older people in society To challenge and address ageism and other forms of discrimination against older people. Promote more positive images of older people and to give older people a stronger voice in society. To strengthen and promote participation in community activities and volunteering by and for older people. To promote opportunities for older people to continue to learn and to remove barriers to employment. To promote health promotion and preventive action for older people. To promote health and social care policies which enable older people to live at home with appropriate

help as long as possible.

The JLDP should consider the needs of older people as outlined in the strategy.


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CLIMATIC FACTORS INTERNATIONAL UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE 1994 (UNFCC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change outlines how countries should protect the world’s climate system for the benefit of present and future generations. The Convention’s main objective is to achieve stablisisation of greenhouse gases.

The Plan should address the issue of climate change and should encourage the reduced emissions of harmful greenhouse gases.

KYOTO PROTOCOL (1997) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Protocol entered into force in February 2005. The Kyoto Protocol has been established to limit the growth in the emissions of greenhouse gases. Under the Kyoto Protocol, industrialised countries have agreed to limit or reduce their emissions of six greenhouse gases.

The Plan should address the issue of climate change and facilitate the reduction in greenhouse gases as well as the promotion of renewable energy.

EUROPEAN CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMME

Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The goal of the European Climate Change Programme is to identify and develop all the necessary elements of an EU strategy to implement the Kyoto Protocol.

The Plan should address the issue of climate change and facilitate the reduction in greenhouse gases

EC (1996) EU AIR QUALITY FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (96/62/EC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Air Quality Framework Directive sets out an EU-wide system for setting binding air quality objectives for specific pollutants to protect human health and the environment. The Directive defines the policy framework for 12 Air pollutants, namely sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter, suspended particulate matter, lead and ozone, benzene, carbon monoxide, poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and mercury). Generally Member States must:

• put in place systems for assessing the quality of the ambient air based upon common methods and

The Plan should facilitate the improvement of air quality


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criteria; • maintain ambient air quality where it is good and improve it in other cases, by means of plans and

programmes of action NATIONAL UK AIR QUALITY STRATEGY (2000) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS) was first published by the Department of The Environment in 1997. It sets out a framework of standards and objectives for the air pollutants of most concern, with the aim of reducing the number and extent of episodes of air pollution, both in summer and winter. The eight priority pollutants are:

• sulphur dioxide (SO2) • particulate matter (PM10) • nitrogen dioxide (NO2) • carbon monoxide (CO) • lead • benzene 1 • 3-butadiene • tropospheric ozone (O3 )

The UK Government published the latest Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, in 17 July 2007. The Strategy:

• sets out a way forward for work and planning on air quality issues • sets out the air quality standards and objectives to be achieved • introduces a new policy framework for tackling fine particles • identifies potential new national policy measures which modelling indicates could give further health

benefits and move closer towards meeting the Strategy's objectives.

The JLDP should aim to contribute to the achievement of the objectives set out in the UK Air Quality Strategy and facilitate the improvement of air quality and not exacerbate air pollution.

CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY FOR WALES (OCT 2010) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Climate Change Strategy is a new policy, which builds on the Environment Strategy published in May 2006, and the One Wales: One Planet document published in May 2009. The key points of the Strategy are as follows:

The JLDP should aim to contribute to the achievement of the objectives set out in the Strategy and facilitate the


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Restates the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Wales by 3% per year from 2011 (excluding heavy industry and power generation)

Commitment to achieve 40% reduction in all greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (against 1990 baseline) Specific targets for minimum emission reductions in each of six sectors: transport, residential, business,

agriculture and land use, public sector, waste sector. Maximum level for emissions from public sector buildings so government can “lead by example.”

A national, co-ordinated approach to ensure that Wales is well placed to adapt to climate change.

improvement of air quality and not exacerbate air pollution.

CLIMATE CHANGE: THE UK PROGRAMME 2006 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Climate Change Programme sets out the UK governments policies and priorities for action in the UK and internationally. The objectives are as follows: • The UK’s target under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions is 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012; • The domestic goal is a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010; and • In the long term, UK carbon dioxide emissions should be cut by 60% by 2050.

The Plan should address the issue of climate change and should encourage the reduced emissions of harmful greenhouse gases.

DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENT FOR NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION (EN-6) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This National Policy Statement (NPS), taken together with the ‘Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy: A Framework Document for Planning Decisions on Nationally Significant Energy Infrastructure’ (EN-1), provides the primary basis for decisions taken by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) on applications it receives for the energy infrastructure. In the long term, meeting the objectives in the Low Carbon Transition Plan will be a significant challenge. To achieve these objectives it is likely that by 2050 the UK will have to reduce emissions from the power sector to almost zero.

Leading up to that period (and as set out in EN-1) there is a significant need for new major energy infrastructure including net additional electricity generating infrastructure.

Around 30% of electricity generation will be from renewable sources by 2020; Under central assumptions there will be a need for approximately 60GW of net new capacity by

2025;

The JLDP should consider the national policy statement when formulating policies relating to energy generation in the Plan Area.


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Of this 60GW as much as 35GW could come from renewables (in line with our international obligations) with 25GW from other conventional generation capacity;

Within the context of the overall strategic framework set by the Government, in principle new nuclear power should be free to contribute as much as possible towards meeting the need for 25GW of new non-renewable capacity.

The Government expects that under this approach a significant proportion of the 25GW will in practice be filled by nuclear power.

The Government believes that, it is in the public interest for sites that can have new nuclear power stations constructed on them significantly earlier than 2025 to make a contribution in displacing CO2 as soon as possible.

All ten sites in this NPS are needed. The IPC should start its examination of development consent applications for new nuclear power stations

on the basis that need has been demonstrated and should give this need, and the benefits of meeting it, substantial weight in determining the applications.

DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE (EN-3) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This National Policy Statement (NPS), taken together with the ‘Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy: A Framework Document for Planning Decisions on Nationally Significant Energy Infrastructure’ (EN-1). Providing the primary basis for decisions by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) on applications it receives for the renewable energy infrastructure

The JLDP should consider the national policy statement when formulating policies relating to energy generation in the Plan Area.

OUR ENERGY FUTURE – CREATING A LOW CARBON ECONOMY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The White paper defines a long-term strategic vision for energy policy combining our environmental, security of supply, competitiveness and social goals. Stimulate new, more efficient sources of power generation, and cut emissions from the transport and agricultural sector.

The JLDP should consider the objectives of the plan when formulating policies relating to energy generation in the Plan Area.

WAG (2005) TAN8 – RENEWABLE ENERGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Refers to land use considerations that relate to renewable energy.

The JLDP should facilitate the use of renewable energy in new


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Energy is an issue that has not been devolved to the Assembly. However, any application relating to renewable energy would have to consider the Assembly’s policies. The Assembly fully supports the promotion of efficient energy and energy conservation. The planning system has an important role to play in order to ensure developments that include all types of renewable energy. In addition, guidance is provided on the need to locate wind developments in Strategic Search Areas (SSA). Some industrial sites have the potential to be developed for wind energy developments.

developments.

PLANNING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Introduces the Assembly’s vision in relation to climate change and how it anticipates that the current climate change impacts can be mitigated. In order to reduce the effects of climate change, intervention is needed now. This also means that the Assembly needs to look at how it deals with climate change. Some of the main methods proposed are the necessity to produce a design statement, considering methods of micro-production that could be enforced for the development of dwellings by means of permitted development rights. It is also very important to give strong consideration to the location of new developments. In addition, the lead is taken on protecting biodiversity, water supply, waste management and the supply of sustainable energy.

The JLDP should address the issue of climate change, encourage the reduced emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and facilitate the improvement of air quality.

ENERGY WALES: THE DIRECTION FOR A FUTURE OF CLEAN, LOW CARBON AND MORE COMPETITIVE ENERGY IN WALES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The vision in order to make Wales advanced in the clean energy field, whilst continuing to be internationally competitive, is noted in the Plan. The Plan’s vision is the need to make Wales the stage for clean energy whilst maintaining its ability to compete on an international stage. The main implementation methods in order to achieve these objectives are as follows:- • Raising awareness of the economic importance of energy and global warming • Energy efficiency • Developing renewable energy • Coal/ Catching and storing carbon • Improving the security of the supply • Strengthening the energy infrastructure • Innovation • Reduce carbon dioxide emissions

The JLDP should promote the use of renewable energy in new developments and emphasise the relationship between energy and building design.


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CULTURAL HERITAGE NATIONAL IAITH PAWB – A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR A BILINGUAL WALES (2003) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Provides a national strategic framework. The action plan notes what the Assembly Government is seeking to achieve and what is expected of special partnerships, such as local authorities, in order to achieve that. An ambitious vision had been established which testifies the Assembly’s efforts to attempt to increase the proportion of the population who is able to speak Welsh. It is noted that one of the main methods of increasing the number of Welsh speakers is by ensuring that pre-school age children learn the language; there is also a need to maintain the Welsh language. As well as the population being able to speak Welsh, there is a need for the residents of Wales to be able to undertake their daily activities through the medium of Welsh. The targets that need to be reached are as follows:- * increase the numbers of Welsh speakers by 5% in comparison to the numbers noted in the 2001 census. * attempt to stop the decline in Welsh speakers in areas where 70% or more of the population are able to speak

Welsh. * increase the number of children who receive secondary education through the medium of Welsh. * increase in the number of families who are able to speak Welsh. In order to promote the Welsh language, it is important that an increase is seen in the use made of the Welsh language in day to day life.

The JLDP should protect and promote the Welsh language and cultural heritage and embrace the diversity within society.

WAG (2000) TAN20 – THE WELSH LANGUAGE – UDPS AND PLANNING CONTROL Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Sets guidance and policy context in relation to the Welsh language. It will be possible to include policies relating to development and the Welsh language in the LDP. This means that the Welsh language would be a consideration when determining planning applications. It would also be possible to include a policy that promotes bilingual advertisements in the LDP also. The Welsh and English languages must be treated equally when the policies are being drawn up.

The JLDP should protect and promote the Welsh language and cultural heritage and embrace the diversity within society.

CULTURAL TOURISM STRATEGY FOR WALES (2003)


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Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP A Framework to develop the potential of Wales as a cultural tourism destination. The unique history, language and lifestyle of Wales are particular tourism assets that assist to separate Wales from other countries in the UK. A framework is provided on how the quality of the cultural tourism products can be improved and how to ensure that it is promoted effectively. Attempts to ensure that Wales is recognised worldwide as a destination that offers a quality cultural tourism experience based on its unique culture that forms an essential part of the visitor’s complete experience. It will be possible to achieve that vision by means of the following steps:- • Improve visitors’ access to culture. • Improve the quality of the visitors’ experience. • Raise the profile of Wales as a cultural tourism destination. • Understand the features and uses of cultural tourism.

The JLDP should promote the Welsh language and cultural heritage and embrace the diversity within society. The Plan should embrace the opportunities which will arise as a consequence of the area’s linguistic and cultural resources.


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ECONOMY INTERNATIONAL THE EUROPEAN EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The European Employment Strategy is an annual programme of planning, monitoring, examination and readjustment of policies put in place by Member States to coordinate the instruments they use to tackle unemployment. The Strategy is based on four components: In 2005 the Lisbon Strategy was revised in order to focus more closely on developing strong, sustainable growth and creating more and better jobs. The strategic goals include:

• To become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion;

• To regain the conditions for full employment and to strengthen cohesion by 2010; • To raise the overall EU employment rate to 70%; and • To increase the number of women in employment from an average to more than 60% by 2010

The Plan should facilitate economic development and employment creation.

EC (REFORM 2003) EUROPEAN COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) ensures that farming and preservation of the environment go hand in hand. It helps develop the economic and social fabric of rural communities. It plays a vital role in confronting new challenges such as climate change, water management, bioenergy and biodiversity. CAP revisions are aimed at a gradual transfer of subsidy to support land stewardship rather than specific crop production. A relatively small number of key practices has a significant effect on the condition of wildlife. If CAP revision continues to address these there should be attendant benefits for biodiversity. The 2003 reform was a key moment in the CAP’s development, adapting the policy to meet the new requirements of farmers, consumers and the planet. This approach continues to form the basis of the future development of the common agricultural policy of an enlarged Union present on the world stage.

The JLDP should support the agricultural sector to secure economic and environmental benefits.

NATIONAL WAG (2001) FARMING FOR THE FUTURE


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Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP A vision for the future of farming in Wales is introduced here. The vision notes the need for the industry to adapt in order to be more prosperous in the future. The main vision and objectives of the Plan are as follows:- • developing quality products that are targeted at users who are prepared to pay for them. • the need for farmers to co-operate more amongst each other, and with food processes. • using IT to manage farm businesses in a modern, commercial way. • combining traditional skills with modern farming techniques, in order to cut costs and improve quality. • ensuring that environmental considerations are an integral part of farm practices. • extending the agricultural foundations. • welcoming diversification initiatives in the tourism field in order to generate additional income. • producing food that is safe and healthy, taking the environment and health and welfare of animals into account. • a countryside that is attractive to the eye and is a wealth of biodiversity, archaeology, history and culture, in

order to maintain the tourism industry. • local food produce, in order to promote tourism and contribute towards a positive image of Wales for the rest of

the world.

The JLDP should give full consideration to improving the agricultural industry, whilst at the same time, protecting the environment.

WAG (2005) WALES: A VIBRANT ECONOMY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Need to attempt to ensure sustainable economic growth by extending opportunities to all. In addition, guidance is given on the need to make the best use of the finance available as a result of the current review of the European Union’s regional policies for the merger from 2007 onwards. In addition, the document attempts to identify how the individuals, businesses and establishments of Wales can take advantage of that money. The Plan’s vision and objectives are as follows:- • Seek to ensure an improved rate of employment in Wales to that it matches the rate in the UK. • Improve the quality of jobs. • Attempt to assist to create more work. • Invest to regenerate communities and stimulate growth in the economy. • Attempt to support businesses and jobs by:-

- investing in transport networks - attempting to encourage and contribute towards a new information bank for businesses

The JLDP should facilitate sustainable economic growth in the Plan Area with the aim of creating a vibrant and prosperous economy.


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- improving skills by providing more training - attempting to encourage businesses to be more competitive, innovative and entrepreneurial - investment and trade - encouraging sustainable development, including the use of clean energy

WAG (2000) TAN6 – PLANNING SUSTAINABLE RURAL COMMUNITIES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The considerations that need to be emphasised when dealing with an application for an agricultural or rural development are presented. The need for new developments to consider their location and ensuring that they do not affect farms is emphasised. In addition, guidance is provided on reusing/adapting rural buildings and it is noted that the nature and scale of the proposed development will be one of the main considerations. Other issues being dealt with in this specific TAN include developments involving diversification, development rights in relation to agriculture and forestry, permanent agricultural settlements and equine-related developments.

The JLDP should consider the guidance regarding agriculture and rural development and facilitate improvement in the agricultural industry whilst at the same time protecting the environment,

A WINNING WALES – THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF THE WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT (2002) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP A Winning Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s National Economic Development Strategy was published at the end of January 2002. It set out our priorities and actions to modernise the Welsh economy, spread prosperity and develop sustainability. The vision sets out that future economic growth should contribute towards sustainable development. The Strategy points the need to: • Increase knowledge, research and development, and innovation capacity in all parts of • Build on existing strengths in manufacturing; • Increase jobs in both financial and business services; and • Help reduce levels of economic inactivity. The following priorities are to be addressed through the Strategy: • Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship; • Making Wales a learning country; • Promoting Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); • Supporting businesses; • Establishing Wales in the world; • Improving transport;

The JLDP should seek to facilitate short-term and long-term sustainable economic growth.


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• Creating strong communities CAPTURING THE POTENTIAL: A GREEN JOBS STRATEGY FOR WALES 2009 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Strategy is a One Wales Commitment, which has been developed following on a consultation exercise, which has been clearly positioned the pursuit of green jobs in the context of a transition to a more sustainable economy. Overall aim

Enhance competitiveness and profitability by being more energy, waste and water efficient; Explore and develop products and services needed in a low-carbon low-waste society and stimulate their

demand; Strengthen the low carbon energy sector in Wales

The JLDP should promote sustainable economic development which has a low impact on the environment.

WELSH COASTAL TOURISM STRATEGY (CONSULTATION DOCUMENT) (2007) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The document introduces an outline of a general strategy in order to develop the potential of the coast in terms of tourism in a way that is sustainable, when responding to the needs of growth markets. The strategy will influence investment and expenditure programmes on the Welsh coast, and it will consider a broad range of opportunities, including opportunities to develop coastal holiday centres, active and passive leisure activities, ports and marina moorings and other opportunities. The main aim of the strategy is: • To ensure that sustainable tourism makes an increased contribution to the local economy of coastal

communities. • To improve the visitor’s experience. • To ensure an integrated method of managing coastal tourism. • To safeguard the cultural environment and heritage of the coast as an important resource when developing

coastal tourism.

The JLDP should reflect the aims of the strategy and promote the tourism industry whilst at the same time, protecting the environment and the interests of local communities.

ACHIEVING OUR POTENTIAL 2006-2013 – TOURSIM STRATEGY FOR WALES MID TERM REVIEW Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The strategy has the following vision for the tourism industry in Wales. “A mature, confident and prosperous industry which is making a vital and increasing contribution to the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of Wales by achieving sustainable growth through effective co-ordination and collaboration at all levels

The JLDP should consider the aims of the strategy and promote sustainable tourism growth in the Plan Area.


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in the industry”. There are four strategic aims:

To develop and communicate a distinctive brand for Wales To raise the quality of the tourism experience in Wales To improve the accessibility of Wales as a destination To encourage higher skill levels in tourism To develop effective collaboration within the industry

WAG (1996) TAN4 – RETAILING AND TOWN CENTRES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Gives advice to LPAs regarding the retail industry. Guidance on the considerations in relation to retail planning applications. Introduces the idea of the need to provide and prepare a Retail Impact Assessment.

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating its retail policies.

WAG (1997) TAN13 – TOURISM Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Gives guidance on hotel, holiday and touring caravan parks developments along with seasonal and holiday occupancy conditions. Where appropriate, tourism needs to be promoted as it boosts the local economy.


REGIONAL NORTH WALES TOURISM STRATEGY 2003-2008 – PLANNING TOMORROW’S TOURISM TODAY – OCTOBER 2003 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The vision for tourism in North Wales will be to build upon a prosperous practical industry that will be able to attract visitors throughout the year and will: • Give them quality experiences that exceed their expectations • Celebrate the superiority of the spectacular beauty of North Wales • Take pride in the unique culture and heritage of North Wales and its residents • Make a key contribution to the local economy and community



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• Appreciate the contribution of the joint participants of the Strategy and will be prepared to invest in their success

• Achieve the vision and all participants must collaborate to: • Build a sustainable future for tourism • Achieve agreed projects and activities • Increase the standard of infrastructure and tourism facilities • Promote the wealth of north Wales and its marketing areas in the current markets and new ones • Develop the welcoming skills and professionalism of those who work in the tourism field and related sectors. REGIONAL TOURISM STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP “To develop a dynamic and competitive tourism industry for Mid Wales that achieves its potential of contributing to the area’s economy and maintains its communities, its culture and its environment.” The Strategy focuses on the core themes of developing the product; promotion and marketing; and developing people. This will be achieved by supporting and co-ordinating practical projects as part of six key priority programme:

1. Developing the Product – ensure that the product meets the market demands and exceeds the demands.

2. Branding and Marketing – by focusing on the customer and using location and iconic brands, in addition to specialist markets.

3. Skills Development – develop training initiatives and appropriate DAD to improve the quality of the workforce.

4. Information about Tourism – provide various and accessible information for tourists during each phase of their visit.

5. Research and Market Research – ensure that our decisions have been based on accurate and authoritative data about the region.

6. Partnership – nurture and grow effective connections with a range of partners. NWTS has developed a number of sub-strategies/ studies to correspond to the general regional tourism strategy, on key priorities such as e-marketing; golf and cultural tourism.


TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES ACTION PLAN – ENHANCE THE MID WALES INLAND TOURISM Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP


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Objectives:

• Increase the quality of the visitors’ experience and support the infrastructure • Increase recreational, heritage and cultural opportunities for visitors and local people alike • Develop key sectors for sustainable growth • Attract visitors who are willing to pay high prices for accommodation • Extend the tourist season • Strengthen the area’s sense of identity on a sub-regional / local basis

One of the activities included in the plan is the development of main centres or tourism hubs. The objective is to develop a network of key destinations that will develop to be a focus for investment to promote and support the activities of visitors. Blaenau Ffestiniog and Porthmadog have been recognised as a special focus as priority hubs.


CARDIGAN BAY ACTION PLAN 2007-2013 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision – A year-round integrated coastal tourism industry, based on an exceptional natural environment and quality tourism product that satisfies visitor expectations and exceeds their expectations and, at the same time, brings economic, social and environmental advantages to coastal communities.

The draft Wales Coastal Tourism Strategy has also noted many priorities that the teams in the Spatial Plan Area need to consider. Relevant priorities for Cardigan Bay include:

• improving standards in terms of facilities for visitors, information, accommodation and visitor expectations in popular coastal resorts;

• the potential of designating a pilot area as a ‘Coastal Entertainment Area’; • seaside town regeneration programmes in order to diversify and strengthen local economies; • considering the role of beach wardens and voluntary / Coastal Care groups in terms of beach

maintenance; • how it will be possible to improve the accommodation stock within key tourism destinations on the Llŷn

Peninsula, and close gaps in the accommodation stock (i.e. quality campsites); • innovative public transport schemes to mitigate the pressure on particularly sensitive areas by providing

alternative choices instead of the private car; • developing the leisure/recreation cycle paths and providing facilities for cyclists in strategic locations; • improving the facilities for those who participate in water-sports on the Llŷn Peninsula (diving, surfing and

kite sports);

The JLDP should facilitate the development of tourism in the relevant area, giving full consideration to the Plan’s policies and proposals.


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• considering extending the moorings in Pwllheli; • providing visitor moorings in marinas, harbours and sailing stations around the Cardigan Bay coast; • considering the advantages (for users and the local economy) of improving the facilities for boats and

access in Porthmadog, Barmouth, Aberdovey, Aberaeron, Cardigan and Newquay. • considering the potential to develop land and marine based nature tourism with strict protection and

environmental criteria; and • considering how the role of Aberystwyth, as it develops, and the proposals in the key plan, could benefit

its tourism role and extend that role. LOCAL (ANGLESEY AND GWYNEDD LPA’S) INCREASE THE ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF THE MÔN-MENAI COAST Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Develop proposals to make the best use of the special coastline of Anglesey (in terms of land and marine based activities), in order to increase the economic benefit as much as possible.

The JLDP should facilitate the economic development in the area, giving full consideration to the Plan’s policies and proposals.

NORTH WALES COAST 2016 ACTION PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The North Wales Coast Strategic Regeneration Area (SRA) was designated by the Welsh Assembly Government in October 2008. This Action Plan will guide the implementation of the SRA Partnership’s vision for the North Wales Coast over the next 7-8 years, it aims to transform the SRA into a thriving and vibrant coastal area that is welcoming and friendly and which supports prosperous communities within a locally sustainable economy. The Assembly Government has allocated £20m to support the first 3 years of the Action Plan’s implementation. Actions will be implemented under the following themes:- Space for Living – Tackling poor housing throughout the area, particularly in Rhyl and Colwyn Bay; Health and Well Being – Striving for top quality facilities and services to support a healthy workforce; Education and Skills – Working to generate a better educated and more economically active workforce; Community Cohesion – Encouraging and supporting the development of vibrant and self-confident communities; Environment and Transport – Creating a well managed environment in which people will want to spend time; Diverse and Sustainable Economy – Improving the area’s image and encouraging and assisting growth within the private and social enterprise sectors.

The JLDP should consider the aims of the action plan during the formulation of policies and proposals.


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LOCAL (ANGLESEY LPA) ANGLESEY ECONOMIC REGENERATION STRATEGY 2004-2015 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The document provides Anglesey County Council with a challenging and ambitious blueprint for the next 10 years. The Vision By 2015 Anglesey will have:

A thriving and prosperous economy with quality employment opportunities created by innovative employers with effective support services and a skilled and adaptable workforce;

A world class image, fully utilising the Island’s unique cultural, heritage and environmental assets to become The Island of Choice for its people, investors and visitors;

Vibrant and sustainable communities within a diverse rural economy; Quality sites and a competitive business environment serviced by a modern communications and

transport infrastructure; Thriving and prosperous towns acting as drivers for economic growth; Capitalised on its strategic position as the premier gateway to Ireland and the Euro route to the North

West of England and beyond; Capitalised upon its proximity to the resources of the University of Wales, Bangor.

Strategic Targets By 2015 Anglesey will have:

GDP at 72% of UK average Population of 69,000 A growth of employment to 21,000 full time equivalent A relative unemployment rate of 4.0% VAT stock increased to 2135 Increase in day visitor numbers to 710,000 Activity rates of 85% A reduction of numbers in the Workforce with no qualifications to 10% Number of most deprived wards reduced to 5 A 95% satisfaction with the Island as a place to live (i.e. quality of life measure) 20 new projects and 500 net jobs created through inward investment Relative earnings at 83% of the UK average

The JLDP should facilitate sustainable economic regeneration in the area giving full consideration to the aims, objectives and targets contained in the Strategy.


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HOUSING INTERNATIONAL EU DIRECTIVE ON ENERGY PEFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The objective of the Directive is to “promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the European Community, taking into account outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor climate requirements and cost effectiveness.” This is to be achieved through five main actions:

• The creation of a single methodology that can be used to calculate the energy performance of buildings. • The application of minimum requirements, to all new residential and tertiary (generally public and

commercial) buildings and to the major refurbishment of existing buildings with floor areas greater than 1,000 square metres.

• The introduction of an energy performance certificate to be available whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold.

• Regular inspection of boilers with outputs of more than 20 kilowatt and inspection every two years for boilers of more than 100 kilowatt.

• Regular inspection of air conditioning systems with outputs of more than 12 kilowatt.

The Plan should facilitate the development of energy efficient buildings.

NATIONAL BETTER HOMES FOR PEOPLE IN WALES: A NATIONAL HOUSING STRATEGY FOR WALES (2001) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This is the policy framework for the housing strategy in Wales. Also, guidance is provided for the steps that need to be taken locally in order to ensure improved quality in the housing stock. The main objective of the strategy is to attempt to provide a framework for developing a local housing strategy that contributes to achieving the vision of the Welsh Assembly Government for housing in Wales. This means producing a strategy that is based on evidence by means of an efficient partnership. Everyone in Wales needs to have an opportunity to live in good quality affordable housing and also people should have a choice regarding where they wish to live and have the option of whether or not purchasing or renting is the best option for them and their families.

The JLDP should consider the requirements of the strategy when formulating its policies in relation to housing.


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There is a need for housing tenures to be of an acceptable standard, and thus, there is a need to get rid of the poor housing stock. CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Code for Sustainable Home (CSH) is a recognised standard in the UK for key elements of design and construction which contribute to the effect a new home has on the environment. It has been adopted by the Assembly Government as the preferred tool to assess how sustainable development is being implemented in new homes in Wales. The CSH scheme covers nine sustainable design principles. The nine principles covered are:

• Energy and carbon dioxide emissions; • Water; • Materials; • Surface water run-off; • Waste; • Pollution; • Health and well-being; • Management; and • Ecology.

A home can achieve a rating from one to six stars, depending on how well it has achieved Code standards. One star is the entry level and six stars is the highest level – a zero carbon home. A zero carbon home is a home that achieves zero net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from all energy use in the home over a 12 month period. There are mandatory standards contained within the Code (for energy, surface water run-off and water) and credits for each of the categories are weighted to give an overall score. The Code provides valuable information to local authorities and home buyers. It also offers developers and builders a tool to set themselves apart in terms of sustainable development.

The Plan should facilitate the development of energy efficient, sustainable housing.

WAG (2006) TAN1- JOINT HOUSING LAND AVAILABILITY STUDIES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Provides guidance on preparing a Land Availability for Housing joint-study. The purpose of the study is to monitor the land provision for housing on the open market and affordable housing. Also, there would be a need to provide an agreed statement regarding the availability of residential land for planning and managing developments and to

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating its housing policies and allocations.


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note the need to act in circumstances where it is deemed that the supply is insufficient. Local Planning Authorities must ensure that there is sufficient and actual provision of land provided for housing for a period of five years.

WAG (2006) TAN2 – PLANNING AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Offers practical guidance to Local Planning Authorities when attempting to decide on how to provide affordable housing. The aim for the LPA is set by noting that they would need to set a target for affordable housing in the Development Plan. Establishing a target for affordable housing will be based on the housing need noted in the assessment of the local housing market. In order to reach the target noted, drawing up policies will be crucial and then there will be a need to obtain measures to monitor how many affordable houses are provided in comparison to the target. It is also noted that registered social landlords have an important role to play in order to ensure that affordable housing are provided through the planning system.

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating its housing policies and allocations. .

REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE LOCAL HOUSING MARKET IN NORTH-WEST WALES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The purpose of the report is to submit a baseline assessment of the local housing market in north-west Wales for future consultation.

The JLDP should consider the Assessment in the formulation of its housing policies and allocations.

LOCAL (GWYNEDD LPA) GWYNEDD LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY 2007-2012 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision – to ensure a sufficient supply, affordability and suitability of the housing stock to meet the changing needs of the population. Main Objectives: i) Improve the supply of housing

The JLDP should facilitate the improvement of the supply, quality, affordability and suitability of housing in the area in order to satisfy the needs of the resident population.


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ii) Improve the quality of the housing iii) Improve the affordability of the housing iv) Improve the suitability of the housing It is anticipated that the vision can be realised and the challenges achieved by means of a number of various activities in different fields. The Local Housing Strategy will attempt to support the vision by contributing where appropriate by:

• physical and visual upgrading; • contributing to developing capacity and skills in the construction field and relevant fields; • facilitating and providing housing and affordable housing units; • contributing to improving health, well-being and community safety; • promoting energy efficiency in new homes and existing homes; • contributing towards building capacity and community resources; • contributing towards meeting demographic change needs by providing appropriate housing and relevant

services for people of all ages. The housing vision for Gwynedd was amended in order to ensure that practical focus is placed on key issues that affect housing across Gwynedd within the more long-term vision and aspirations of Gwynedd Tomorrow. The following were noted as key strategic issues relating to housing:

• Continuous and increasing need for more affordable housing to purchase or to rent; • A need to understand the imbalance identified in the private renting sector and to deal with that, in

particular where there are many student houses; • Dealing with the loss of social rented housing as a result of right to buy in rural areas; • The impact on unnecessarily empty residential properties that are not used in full; • Dealing with concerns regarding the condition of the housing stock; • Updating the information regarding the need for housing amongst Black and Minority Ethnic groups

including Gypsies and Travellers, and the possible impact of migrant workers; • Reducing the number of homeless people requiring attention.

EMPTY HOUSES STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision – Gwynedd Council will attempt to bring empty property back into use.

The JLDP should facilitate the re-use of empty dwellings to help satisfy the


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The aim is to contribute towards the welfare of the neighbourhood, increasing the housing supply, reducing homelessness or the possibility of homelessness, whilst at the same time, reducing the pressure on the Council’s Housing Waiting List. An attempt will be made to work with house owners in a spirit of collaboration. However, unless agreement can be reached within a reasonable period of time, the Council will seek legal powers to bring the property back into use.

The aims and objectives of the Strategy are as follows:-

• Establishing a strategic direction for work on empty properties; • Establishing an action plan along with targets and milestones for introducing the strategy; • Continuing to draw up answers by working in partnership that will address the issues that are causing the

property to be empty and continue to be unused for long periods of time; • Assisting to provide good quality affordable housing; • Ensuring that all Assembly Government targets relating to empty properties are realised; • Bringing empty homes back into use.

housing needs of the population.

OLDER PEOPLE ACCOMMODATION STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision – In order to improve the levels of health and well-being of the older people in Gwynedd to be as good as the best in Europe by 2018, the aim of Gwynedd and its partners is to provide a choice of accommodation, care and support for older people, that will enable them to have a safe, comfortable and sustainable home – in a pleasant environment – that is suitable for this time in their lives. Strategic Objectives:-

• Giving a stronger voice for older people when planning, managing and providing accommodation and related services;

• Promoting and developing opportunities in their accommodations for older people to continue to make an active contribution to society and in their personal development;

• Supporting and promoting a variety of accommodations and identifying related answers that will contribute towards promoting and improving the health and well-being of older people;

• Promoting the provision of accommodation, services and care and health assistance that enables older people to live as independently as possible in a suitable and safe environment;

• Identifying, developing and supporting the provision of specialist accommodation, and care and health services for groups of older people that need more support;

• Identifying and placing structures, systems and information in place that supports continuous improvements to plan and provide accommodation and related services to older people.

The JLDP should facilitate the provision of suitable accommodation to older people.


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PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING STRATEGY 2007-2010 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision – to work with others to improve the provision of private sector housing that is affordable and sustainable for local needs to contribute towards corporate objectives in terms of housing options and to aim towards a level of repair within the private housing stock that will reduce the need for substantial investment within ten years of the assessment. The concerns and strategic responses (in terms of land use) are as follows: The Council’s intentions reflects its concerns, mainly:-

• Lack of affordable private sector housing of a suitable quality to purchase or rent to meet local needs • Addressing inequality in the health field • Asking for financial advice that cannot be maintained and insufficient resources to realise aspirations • Rural sustainability – influence of depopulation / immigration in rural areas and the impact on the

sustainability of local communities • Irresponsible ownership / culture of dependency / insufficient insurance arrangements • Energy efficiency, carbon emissions and fuel poverty • Problematic buildings – buildings that have come to the end of their lifespan / empty, redundant buildings

where insufficient use is made of them • Regeneration and recycling – disrepair, eyesore and associated community safety problems • Community Safety • Homelessness and people on the fringe of society • Fraud and abuse of the grants system • Economic decline and lack of skills in key construction trades • Means testing – perception that strategic means testing rules are unfair • Equity release – people reluctant / unable to release equity.


LOCAL (ANGLESEY) THE ISLE OF ANGLESEY LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY 2007-2012 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP


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The main thrust of this strategy document is to consider the Council’s ‘strategic housing function’ as opposed to the traditional ‘landlord function’ of former years. Quite rightly, we now look at the strategic housing function and how it interacts with other corporate objectives and strategies such as economic regeneration, health, community strategy, and education. The Council established the following six service priorities:

To increase the amount of affordable housing and choice, with a focus on social rented provision. The will include the improvement of all social housing to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2012 and maintain it thereafter.

Tackling homelessness Improving the quality of housing across all tenures Working towards achieving sustainable housing options for vulnerable households Tackling fuel poverty and increasing energy efficiency Community sustainability and social inclusion


HOMELESS STRATEGY FOR ANGLESEY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Homelessness Act 2002 requires all local authorities to adopt a Homelessness Strategy. This strategy should be based on a local review of homelessness, and should comply with the vision set out in the local Housing Strategy. Summary of Proposed Action:

To continue to support and promote the work of Agorfa and the Lighthouse. In line with the recommendation of the Draft SPOP, review current provision and the ability to provide

provision to meet identified needs. Engage with other authorities and providers to look at a regional service response. Aim to provide a number of self contained units for clients with high level support needs and in particular

to meet the Suitability of Temporary Accommodation Wales Order. Continue to support the Regional Partnership working with Criminal Justice Agencies to ensure that our

services to prison leavers are appropriate to their individual needs. Eliminate the use of B&B for this client group except in emergencies. Engage with the SMAT and housing associations to provide additional accommodation for people whose

support needs can be addressed through existing services.

The JLDP should facilitate the improvement of the supply, quality, affordability and suitability of housing in the area for all sections of the community


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LANDSCAPE INTERNATIONAL EC (RATIFIED 2006) EUROPEAN LANDSCAPE CONVENTION Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The European Landscape Convention (ELC) is the first international convention to focus specifically on landscape, and is dedicated exclusively to the protection, management and planning of all landscapes in Europe.

The ELC was signed by the UK government on 24 February 2006, ratified on the 21 November 2006, and became binding on 1 March 2007.

The convention highlights the need to recognise landscape in law, to develop landscape policies dedicated to the protection, management and creation of landscapes, and to establish procedures for the participation of the general public and other stakeholders in the creation and implementation of landscape policies. It also encourages the integration of landscape into all relevant areas of policy, including cultural, economic and social policies

Specific measures include:

• raising awareness of the value of landscapes among all sectors of society, and of society's role in shaping them;

• promoting landscape training and education among landscape specialists, other related professions, and in school and university courses;

• the identification and assessment of landscapes, and analysis of landscape change, with the active participation of stakeholders;

• setting objectives for landscape quality, with the involvement of the public;

• the implementation of landscape policies, through the establishment of plans and practical programmes.

The Plan should contain policies that protect and enhance the landscape.

NATIONAL WAG (1996) TAN7 – OUTDOOR ADVERTISEMENT CONTROL


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Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance for Local Planning Authorities on the considerations in relation to the control of outdoor advertisements in the interests of amenities and public safety. It must be ensured that the design of advertisements is in keeping with the area, and as a result, important consideration must be given to advertisements in conservation areas. Also, there will be a need to negotiate on behalf of both sides regarding the type of advertisement that would be appropriate.

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating its policies.

WAG (1998) TAN14 – COASTAL PLANNING Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance on developments in coastal areas. The LPA needs to decide on the locations that are considered to be the most appropriate coastal areas that could cope with further development. It is likely that planning considerations will change, subject to the nature of the coastal area.

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating its policies relating to developments in coastal locations.

WAG (2002) TAN19 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The growth in the technological and telecommunications industry is considered and consequently, the social and economic demand. There is social and economic demand for more modern telecommunications technology. Guidance is given on the need to control telecommunications developments, the consultation arrangements that should be undertaken, along with health and environmental considerations.

The JLDP should give full consideration to strategic requirements of telecommunication networks. The LDP should consider the sustainability impacts of telecommunications development, balancing the need for economic growth, with social and environmental impacts.

CULTURAL TOURISM STRATEGY FOR WALES (2003) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP A Framework to develop the potential of Wales as a cultural tourism destination. The unique history, language and lifestyle of Wales are particular tourism assets that assist to separate Wales from other countries in the UK. A framework is provided on how the quality of the cultural tourism products can be improved and ensure that it is promoted effectively. Attempt to ensure that Wales is recognised worldwide as a destination that offers a quality cultural tourism

The JLDP should promote the Welsh language and cultural heritage and embrace the diversity within society. The Plan should embrace the opportunities which will arise as a consequence of the area’s linguistic and


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experience based on its unique culture that forms an essential part of the visitor’s complete experience. It will be possible to achieve that vision by means of the following steps:- • Improve visitors’ access to culture. • Improve the quality of the visitors’ experience. • Raise the profile of Wales as a cultural tourism destination. • Understand the features and uses of cultural tourism.

cultural resources.

WAG (2002) TAN12 – DESIGN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Provides guidance on good design considerations when considering planning applications. The importance of good design is critical in order to ensure a design that is environmentally sustainable, with the ability to improve the economy and improve social inclusion. The design of developments will need to achieve its full potential in order to ensure that it maintains and expands upon the quality of our areas and rural traditions.

The JLDP should consider the guidance when formulating policies relating to design.

LOCAL LLŶN AONB MANAGEMENT PLAN (GWYNEDD LPA)

Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision - An area of a beautiful historic landscape, rich in wildlife and vibrant communities which maintain the Welsh language and culture and an area which is appreciated and enjoyed by residents and tourists due to its qualities. Main Objectives:

i) protect, maintain and where appropriate, improve or recover aspects of the special features that make the area unique.

ii) promote the social and economic well-being of the local communities.

The JLDP should provide for the conservation and where appropriate enhancement of the natural environment and landscape, respecting public rights of way.

GWYNEDD LANDSCAPE STRATEGY 2007 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP To identify areas of high landscape value by using the LANDMAP methodology. The JLDP should incorporate the

findings of the Landscape Strategy.


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WATER

INTERNATIONAL EC (1991) EUROPEAN NITRATES DIRECTIVE (91/676/EEC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Nitrates Directive, adopted by the European Union in 1991, aims to reduce water pollution caused by nitrogen from agricultural sources and to prevent such pollution in the future. The Directive requires Member States to:

• designate as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) all land draining to waters that are affected by nitrate pollution.

• establish a voluntary code of good agricultural practice to be followed by all farmers throughout the country.

• establish a mandatory Action Programme of measures for the purposes of tackling nitrate loss from agriculture. The Action Programme should be applied either within NVZs or throughout the whole country.

• review the extent of their NVZs and the effectiveness of their Action Programmes at least every four years and to make amendments if necessary.

The Plan should incorporate the requirements of the Directive and facilitate the protection and improvement of water quality. The Plan should also facilitate the provision of sustainable water.

EC (2000) EU WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (00/60/EC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The purpose of the Directive is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater. More specifically, it aims to:

• enhance the status and prevent further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and associated wetlands, which depend on the aquatic ecosystems

• promote the sustainable use of water • reduce pollution of water, especially by ‘priority’ and ‘priority hazardous’ substances (see Daughter

Directives) • ensure progressive reduction of groundwater pollution

The Directive requires Member States to establish river basin districts and for each of these a river basin management plan. The Directive envisages a cyclical process where river basin management plans are prepared, implemented and reviewed every six years. There are four distinct elements to the river basin planning cycle: characterisation and assessment of impacts on river basin districts; environmental monitoring; the setting of

The Plan should in corporate the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and ensure that the quality of water bodies in the Plan Area is not compromised by land use development proposals.


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environmental objectives; and the design and implementation of the programme of measures needed to achieve them. EC (2006) EU BATHING WATER QUALITY DIRECTIVE (2006/7EC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The main objective of the Bathing Water Directives (76/160/EEC and 2006/7/EC) is to protect public health and the environment from faecal pollution at bathing waters. Member States are required to identify popular bathing areas and to monitor water quality at these bathing waters throughout the bathing season, which runs from mid May to the end of September in England. Directive 76/160/EEC sets a number of microbiological and physico-chemical standards that bathing waters must either comply with ('mandatory' standards) or endeavour to meet ('guideline' standards).


EC (2007)EU GROUNDWATER DAUGHTER DIRECTIVE Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This Directive establishes specific measures as provided for in Article 17(1) and (2) of Directive 2000/60/EC in order to prevent and control groundwater pollution. These measures include in particular: (a) criteria for the assessment of good groundwater chemical status; and (b) criteria for the identification and reversal of significant and sustained upward trends and for the definition of starting points for trend reversals.


NATIONAL WATER FOR PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT WATER RESOURCES STRATEGY FOR ENGLAND AND WALES (EA, 2009) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The strategy sets out how water resources should be managed throughout England and Wales to 2050 and beyond to ensure that there will be enough water for people and the environment. The strategy sets out climate change actions that will:

Enable habitats and species to adapt better to climate change; Allow the way we protect the water environment to adjust flexibly to a changing climate; Reduce pressure on the environment caused by water taken for human use; Encourage options resilient to climate change to be chosen in the face of uncertainty; Better protect vital water supply infrastructure; Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from people using water, considering the whole life-cycle of use; Improve understanding of the risks and uncertainties of climate change.

The JLDP should facilitate the efficient and sustainable use of water and ensure that water quality is not adversely affected by development


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The strategy sets out actions that will: Protect conservation sites that depend on water so they are sustainable in the long-term, taking account

of climate change impacts;

Ensure that licensing issues are resolved; Improve environmental resilience, where we are able to do so; Safeguard water resources through effective catchment management, considering the interaction

between quality and quantity;

Reduce treatment and energy costs for water users; Improve understanding of how the water environment and ecology interact.

The strategy sets out housing actions that will: Support housing and associated development where the environment can cope with the additional

demands placed on it;

Allow a targeted approach where stress on water resources is greatest; Ensure water is used efficiently in homes and buildings, and by industry and agriculture; Provide greater incentives for water companies and individuals to manage demand; Share existing water resources more effectively; Further reduce leakage; Ensure that reliable options for resource development are considered; Allocate water resources more effectively in the future.

WAG (2004) TAN15 – DEVELOPMENT AND FLOOD RISK Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Sets technical guidance that reiterate the policy noted in Planning Policy Wales in relation to development and flooding. Provides advice regarding development and flood risk as relevant to sustainability principles. It also provides a framework for assessing the risk of river/coastal flooding or from water that flows from the development to other locations. Provides advice on the need to exercise caution in terms of new developments where there is a high risk of flooding by establishing a framework of precautions that will set guidance for making planning decisions. The aim is to attempt to direct new developments away from areas at threat or at a high risk of being a flood area. There will be a need to ensure that only developments that can be justified based on tests are located in high risk areas. In order to assess the areas where developments are suitable / unsuitable, a ‘development advice map’ exists that

The JLDP should ensure that the risk of flooding is considered in determining the location of new development.


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includes three flood zones. REGIONAL DRAFT RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLANS Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The environmental outcomes expected to be realised as a result of the work planned have been grouped under the headings noted below, and they will be discussed in more detail in the ensuing sections. • Improving the management of rural land • Reducing the impact of transportation and built environments • Ensuring sufficient amounts of sustainable water • Improving wildlife habitats • Dealing with single source pollution

The JLDP should facilitate the protection and improvement of water quality and ensure that water quality is not adversely affected by development.


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SOILS, MINERALS, WASTE INTERNATIONAL EC (1999) EU LANDFILL DIRECTIVE (99/31/EC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The overall aim of the Directive is to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment, in particular the pollution of surface water, groundwater, soil and air, and on the global environment, including the greenhouse effect, as well as any resulting risk to human health, from the landfilling of waste during the whole life-cycle of the landfill. It aims to promote recycling and recovery and to establish high standards of landfill practice across the EU. The Directive sets targets on reducing the amount of biodegradeable municipal waste that is sent to landfill:

• By 2010 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 75% of that produced in 1995; • By 2013 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 50% of that produced in 1995; • By 2020 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 35% of that produced in 1995.

The Plan should promote recycling and facilitate the reduction of waste sent to landfill, in line with the targets sets by the Directive.

EC (2000) EU FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE ON WASTE (75/442/EEC) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Waste Framework Directive aims to protect public health and the environment against the harmful effects caused by the collection, transport, treatment, storage and tipping of waste. Member States must prohibit the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste, and must encourage the prevention, recycling and re-use of waste. Article 4 states that Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering the public and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment, and in particular:

• without risk to water, air or soil, or to plants and animals; • without causing a nuisance through noise or odours; • without adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest.

The Plan should facilitate the sustainable management of waste and encourage a reduction in the waste produced. The Plan should encourage the re-use and recycling of waste. The Plan should identify sites for waste management facilities.

NATIONAL WAG (2002) WISE ABOUT WASTE – THE NATIONAL WASTE STRATEGY FOR WALES


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Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance is given on how Wales will need to move from being over-dependent on landfill to controlling waste in a more sustainable way. In order to protect our communities, there is a need to reduce the amount of waste produced. An increase in the recycling and composting levels are also essential. A series of targets will be set for different types of waste. It is noted that there is a need for people in Wales to attempt to recycle and compost more. A specific target for 2009/10 is given and it is noted that there is a need to recycle and compost 40% of municipal waste. Those objectives will attempt to be achieved by promoting change, using resources more effectively and raising awareness.

The JLDP should ensure that its policies relating to waste reflect the requirements of the strategy.

WAG (2001) TAN21 – WASTE Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP How the land use planning system can contribute towards managing a waste resource in a sustainable way. It is intended to introduce a land use planning framework that is comprehensive, integrated and sustainable in terms of waste management in Wales. Sustainable waste management is an important part of the Assembly’s strategy. The important considerations when dealing with waste management applications are the type of waste management resources and the possible environmental impacts. Further guidance is given on waste developments in special areas such as AONBs.

The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable management of waste and encourage a reduction in the waste produced.

WAG (2001) MINERALS PLANNING POLICY WALES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Notes the Welsh Assembly Government’s land use planning policy in relation to mineral mining and associated developments in Wales (including the minerals in the earth that are mined underground). The need to develop minerals in a sustainable way. This means that careful use is made of a restricted resource and that current amenities and the environment are safeguarded. There will be a need to restrict and mitigate any impact on the local community and on the environment. The main objectives are:- • To provide a minerals resource to satisfy social needs and protect the resource from being sterilised. • To protect areas of natural heritage or built importance. • To restrict the environmental impacts of minerals extraction. • To ensure good quality restoration and beneficial post-use. • To encourage efficient and appropriate use of minerals and re-use and recycle materials appropriately.

The JLDP should give full consideration to the guidance and ensure that the use of minerals should be developed sustainably.


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WAG (2004) MINERALS TAN 1 – AGGREGATES Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Detailed advice on the mechanism of drawing up and providing a policy for aggregate extraction by the Minerals Planning Authority and aggregates industry. Need to ensure that the provision of minerals is controlled in a sustainable way and thus ensures a balance between environmental, economic and social considerations. It will be possible to ensure that any possible detrimental impact is mitigated. The main objectives are:-

• To provide aggregates in a sustainable way. • Not to extract in locations of special conservational landscape, cultural, nature and geographical

conservation importance. • To mitigate the detrimental impacts of minerals extraction. • To ensure a high level of repair and aftercare that provides for a beneficial post-use. • To encourage efficient use of minerals by increasing the potential use of another resource such as

aggregates.

The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable extraction of aggregates in the Plan Area,

TOWARDS A ZERO-WASTE FUTURE. ONE WALES: ONE PLANET Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Provides the vision for waste management methods and the targets that need to be reached. Two main targets are attempted to be achieved by means of the success of the waste strategy, namely:- • By 2025, there will be a need to ensure that all sectors in Wales recycle 70% of their waste. This will include

commercial, domestic and public sector waste. • By 2050, the aim is to succeed to become a zero-waste nation. This means that products and services need to

be designed so that waste is abolished in its entirety.


REGIONAL NORTH WALES REGIONAL WASTE PLAN - FIRST REVIEW 2007 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision: To provide a land use planning framework for managing waste and reclaiming resources in a sustainable way in

The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable management of waste and encourage a reduction in the waste


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north Wales, with the following objectives: Objective A: Reduce detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. Objective B: Reduce social and economic detrimental impacts and maximise social and economic opportunities. Objective C: Satisfy the needs of communities and businesses. Objective D: Comply with legislative requirements, targets, principles and policies determined by European and national policy framework.

produced. The JLDP should also promote the re-use and recycling of waste and facilitate the reduction of waste sent to landfill, in line with the targets sets by relevant Directives.

REGIONAL TECHNICAL STATEMENT ON AGGREGATES 2008 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Minerals Planning Policy (Wales), Minerals Technical Advice Note (Wales) 1: Aggregates (MTAN1), sets one common objective, namely to attempt to ensure that a supply of aggregates (that are essential for construction), are managed in a sustainable way, and that it ensured that there is a balance between the environmental, economic and social costs. The RTS will provide the strategic base for creating Local Development Plans, Unitary Development Plans (UDP) within individual authorities in the Region. Therefore, in accordance with this objective, the RTS will attempt to: • Ensure that as much use as possible is made of recycled materials and secondary materials, along with

mineral waste. • Safeguard the land minerals because they may be required in the long-term. • Recognise that extending the current aggregates quarries is likely to be appropriate when sustainable

development principles can be satisfied. • When a supply of aggregates will be required in new areas, these should come from locations where there are

not many environmental restrictions and consideration should be given to transport implications. • Maintain a supply of marine aggregates that comply with environmental good practice requirements.

The JLDP should facilitate the sustainable extraction of aggregates ensuring a balance between environmental, economic and social costs.

LOCAL (GWYNEDD) GWYNEDD MUNICIPAL WASTE STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Main objective – manage municipal waste in a way that not only protects the environment and human health but also provides economic and social benefits.



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LOCAL (ANGLESEY LPA) ISLE OF ANGLESEY MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY, 2004 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP It is the aspiration of both the Welsh Assembly Government and the WLGA that, in future, municipal wastes in Wales will be managed in ways that not only protect the environment and human health but also provide economic and social benefits. This Municipal Waste Management Strategy for the Isle of Anglesey will contribute significantly to meeting this aspiration, locally and nationally, and ensure that municipal waste is managed in a more sustainable manner. Targets:

By 2009/10 waste arisings per household should be no greater than those in 1997/98; and By 2020 waste arisings per person should be less than 300 kg/annum.

Recycling & Composting Targets By 2003/04 achieve at least 15% recycling/composting, with a minimum of 5% composting (with only

compost derived from source segregated materials counting) and 5% recycling By 2006/07 achieve at least 25% recycling/composting, with a minimum of 10% composting (with only

compost derived from source segregated materials counting) and 10% recycling By 2009/10 achieve at least 40% recycling/composting, with a minimum of 15% composting (with only

compost derived from source segregated materials counting) and 15% recycling Landfill Directive Targets

By 2010 to reduce BMW landfilled to 75% (by weight) of that produced in 1995 By 2013 to reduce BMW landfilled to 50% (by weight) of that produced in 1995 By 2020 to reduce BMW landfilled to 35% (by weight) of that produced in 1995



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TRANSPORT INTERNATIONAL EUROPEAN COMMISSION WHITE PAPER ON THE EUROPEAN TRANSPORT POLICY (2001) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP This paper describes what has been achieved so far both at the Union and the Member State levels and what should be done in the near future. The principal measures suggested in the White Paper include:

Revitalising the railways Improving quality in the road transport sector Striking a balance between growth in air Transport and the environment Turning intermodality into reality Improving road safety Adopting a policy on effective charging for Recognising the rights and obligations of users Developing high-quality urban transport Developing medium and long-term environmental objectives for a sustainable transport system.

The JLDP should facilitate an efficient and sustainable transport system.

NATIONAL WAG (2008) ONE WALES: CONNECTING THE NATION – THE WALES TRANSPORT STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Guidance is given on how models can be developed in order to promote sustainable development and ensure that rural areas in Wales are served by quality public transport. It is also explained how it is intended to realise social, economic and environmental outcomes. The need to promote sustainable transport networks that protect the environment and again strengthen economic and social lives is essential. The main vision of the strategy is to seek to ensure a country that is accessible to all, where travelling from one community to another within Wales will be relatively easy, sustainable and allows the economy to thrive. In addition, transport must contribute towards protecting the environment.

The JLDP should facilitate the creation of a sustainable transport framework which, in turn will strengthen communities, the economy and the environment.

THE TRANSPORT FRAMEWORK FOR WALES NOVEMBER 2001 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP


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The Transport Framework sets out how the National Assembly for Wales aims to lead and support the delivery of the transport infrastructure and services that needed in Wales both internally and to connect to the rest of the world. The overall transport target set in BetterWales was to: ‘Develop a better co-ordinated and sustainable transport system to support local communities and the creation of a prosperous economy'. Aim are to: Improve public and community transport in all areas to improve accessibility for those who do not have a car;

in urban areas we have an added aim to attract people away from travelling by car; Maintain and enhance strategic transport corridors within Wales to provide high quality access and mobility;

for internal movement and journeys and those wanting to gain access to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond for economic, social or other reasons;

facilitate the sustainable development of the full strategic potential of major ports and Cardiff International Airport;

maintain and improve regional and local roads to preserve our assets, and to provide better access and mobility for road based public transport, freight and private travel;

contribute to the UK Government's target to increase by 80% the amount of freight moved by rail and to improve the efficiency and quality of the way freight is moved by road;

improve safety, health and environmental conditions particularly on roads; increasing the amount of walking and cycling for necessary journeys, whether for the whole of short journeys

or as part of a longer journey involving other means of transport.

The JLDP should facilitate an efficient and sustainable transport system which improves access to all.

DFT (2004): THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT: A NETWORK FOR 2030. Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP A long term strategy that looks at the factors that will determine transport needs over the next 25 years and explains how the UK intends to satisfy such needs in a sustainable manner. The strategy has three main themes: sustained investment over the long term; improvement in transport management and planning ahead. It describes the long term goals, as ultimate targets for the short term policies.

The JLDP should consider the requirements of the Plan.

DFT (2008) DELIVERING A SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The document outlines the five goals for transport, focusing on the challenge of delivering strong economic growth while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It outlines the key components of our national

The JLDP should facilitate the development of a sustainable transport


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infrastructure. We want our transport system:

To support national economic competitiveness and growth, by delivering reliable and efficient transport networks;

To reduce transport’s emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, with the desired outcome of tackling climate change;

To contribute to better safety, security and health and longer life expectancy by reducing the risk of death, injury or illness arising from transport, and by promoting travel modes that are beneficial to health;

To promote greater equality of opportunity for all citizens, with the desired outcome of achieving a fairer society; and

To improve quality of life for transport users and non-transport users, and to promote a healthy natural environment.

system in the Plan Area.

WAG (2007) TAN18 – TRANSPORT Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Sets planning policy guidance and context in relation to transport, along with parking, public transport and the accessibility of developments. An efficient and sustainable transport system is essential for a modern, thriving and inclusive society. However, transport can have a negative impact, specifically in relation to health. The Assembly is adopting a sustainable method of development as the common framework. It is sought to ensure that a transport services infrastructure is provided which improves accessibility, creates a stronger economy, improves road safety and nurtures more sustainable communities. Mainly, the concept of land development can depend on the provision of the existing transport system. Guidance is also given on parking standards, street planning, walking and cycling, public transport, planning for the transport infrastructure and assessing impacts and controlling actions.

The JLDP should promote sustainable transport networks to services and facilities which protect the environment and strengthen economies and communities. The availability of public transport will be an important consideration for the LDP especially in terms of sustainability, accessibility, reducing dependency on private transport and contributing towards the response to climate change.

DEFRA (2000) COUNTRYSIDE RIGHTS OF WAY ACT 2000 Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Containing five Parts and 16 Schedules, the Act provides for public access on foot to certain types of land, amends the law relating to public rights of way, increases protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and strengthens wildlife enforcement legislation, and provides for better management of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Act is compliant with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, requiring consultation where the rights of the individual may be affected by these measures.

The JLDP should provide for the conservation and, where appropriate enhancement of the natural environment and landscape respecting public rights of way.


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REGIONAL TAITH REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Vision “to promote a network of effective, integrated and high quality public transport services that contribute towards the economic and environmental prosperity of the Region, and introduces basic standards in terms of accessibility and safety that are consistent with the best value for each community, including those who are socially isolated.” Objectives: • To tie-in with the objectives of other local authorities in terms of transport, including best value • To overcome social isolation and deprivation • To contribute to the economic development of the area • To remove barriers to travel, including modal transfers • To be sustainable • To offer quality along the entire journey • To be as safe as possible • To be cost effective • To make the best use of public and private sector resources • To achieve the basic levels of accessibility • To work in partnership • To be realistic in terms of delivery • To build on existing high skills • To provide integrated answers • To develop more effective structures and mechanisms for providing

The JLDP should promote sustainable transport networks to services and facilities which protect the environment and strengthen economies and communities. The availability of public transport will be an important consideration for the LDP especially in terms of sustainability, accessibility, reducing dependency on private transport and contributing towards the response to climate change.

TAITH REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP


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“Taith will achieve safe, sustainable and efficient transport networks to support the economic and social activities of various communities and businesses in north Wales, giving consideration to its strategic European role.” Objectives: • To optimise accessibility to employment, education, health and services for the various communities in north

Wales • To improve the quality and provision of passenger transport across north Wales and into and out of the Region • To facilitate the efficient movement of goods to support the Region’s industry and trade and its Regional

Gateway functions • To provide, promote and improve modes of transport and a sustainable infrastructure in order to minimise the

negative impacts of transport on the local and global environment • To improve the safety of all modes of transport • To improve the efficiency and use of the transport network • To upgrade and maintain the transport infrastructure, providing a significant new infrastructure as required Priorities: • Meeting the various transport needs of north Wales in an efficient way • The profile and performance of passenger transport • Reducing congestion and journey times • Supporting developments • Efficient and safe sustainable transport networks • Improving railway service for north Wales • Moving goods in an efficient and environmentally-friendly way • Planning and managing traffic wisely • Sustainable transport

The JLDP should promote sustainable transport networks to services and facilities which protect the environment and strengthen economies and communities.

TRACC REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLAN (MID WALES) (GWYNEDD LPA)

Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP

Plans for, and provides in partnership, an integrated transport system in the TraCC Region that facilitates economic development, ensures access for all to services and opportunities, maintains and improves community quality of life

The JLDP should promote sustainable transport networks to services and facilities which protect the environment


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and respects the environment The Priorities of the TraCC Regional Transport Plan are as follows:

1. Reduce the demand for travelling 2. Reduce the impact of movements on the local and global environment 3. Improve the security of property and personal safety of all transport users 4. Improve the travel accessibility to services, jobs and facilities in all sectors of society 5. Improve the quality and integration of the public transport system, including the social transport function 6. Provide, promote and improve sustainable modes of transport 7. Maintain and improve the existing highway and transport infrastructure 8. Ensure that travel and accessibility issues are integrated appropriately in decisions relating to land use 9. To improve the effectiveness, dependency and co-ordination of movements in mid Wales and between mid

Wales and other regions in England and Wales. Provide a co-ordinated and integrated travel and transport network by working effectively in partnership.

and strengthen economies and communities. The availability of public transport will be an important consideration for the JLDP especially in terms of sustainability, accessibility, reducing dependency on private transport and contributing towards the response to climate change.

CYNLLUN TRAFNIDIAETH RHANBARTHOL TRACC (CANOLBARTH CYMRU) (GWYNEDD LPA) Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Plan for an integrated transport system in the TraCC Region which facilitates economic development, ensures access to services and opportunities for all, maintain and improve quality of community life and respects the environment. The Plan’s priorities are:

i) Reduce the need to travel ii) Reduce the impact of migration on the local and global environment iii) Improve property safety and personal safety of transport users iv) Improve accessibility of services, employment and facilities in all sectors of society. v) Improve the quality and integration of the public transport system including the role of community

transport. vi) Provide, facilitate and improve sustainable methods of travel vii) Maintain and improve present highways infrastructure viii) Ensure that travel issues and accessibility are integrated appropriately in land use decisions ix) Improve efficiency and reliability of migration within Mid-Wales and between Mid-Wales and other

regions in Wales and England.

The JLDP should promote sustainable transport networks to services and facilities which protect the environment and strengthen economies and communities.


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Provide a co-ordinated and integrated transport network by working effectively in partnership. LOCAL (GWYNEDD LPA) GWYNEDD RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The Plan gives the Council an opportunity to adapt and review the network for today’s use and to contribute towards introducing these broader benefits for the residents of Gwynedd and its visitors.

The JLDP should provide for the conservation and where appropriate enhancement of the natural environment and landscape, respecting public rights of way.

GWYNEDD COMMUNITY TRANSPORT STRATEGY Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP Main Aim: Develop and promote a voluntary and community transport network that is active and advanced that offers accessibility options that respond to local needs, improves social inclusion and offers best value.

Strategic Steps: Objective 1 – Co-ordinate and Integrate – encourage the use of community transport across departments where it is noted as the best way of solving transport challenges and satisfy access needs noted in the Council’s broader strategies; improve the integration of community transport services with other bus and train services to ensure better efficiency in the passenger transport network and give access for users to an improved variety of services and destinations. Objective 2 – Partnership – develop a meaningful partnership when planning and providing community transport. Objective 3 – Development Opportunities – develop and encourage best practice in implementation and technical standards; investigate advanced community transport plans and introduce them where they will satisfy the need most effectively; investigate a brokerage system across the county and put into action in order to ensure that underused vehicles are provided for the community and voluntary transport sector. Objective 4 – Training

The JLDP should promote sustainable transport networks to services and facilities which protect the environment and strengthen economies and communities. The availability of public transport will be an important consideration for the JLDP especially in terms of sustainability, accessibility, reducing dependency on private transport and contributing towards the response to climate change.

LOCAL (ANGLESEY LPA)


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ISLE OF ANGLESEY LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN Objectives and Requirements Implications for JLDP The LTP is a mechanism for encouraging environmentally friendly forms of transport. To encourage more

people to walk and cycle, the County Council and its partners are already implementing a Public Rights of Way Strategy and a Cycling Strategy. The LTP reflects the main provisions of these documents.

The Strategic Transport Vision for Anglesey is: To develop a well integrated, core transport network which is safe, efficient, clean and fair and which supports and complements the Council’s land use strategy. The analysis set out in the LTP identifies 8 key themes where opportunities arise to achieve the Strategic Transport Vision for Anglesey:

Integrated Transport Public Travel improvements Private Travel improvements Cleaner Travel Safe travel Managing Business Travel Parking improvements Planning and maintaining the Highway Network

The JLDP should promote environmentally friendly forms of transport and develop a well integrated, core transport network which is safe, efficient, clean and fair.

APPENDIX 2

SA/SEA Baseline Analysis

ANGLESEY BASELINE ANALYSIS

Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan: SA/SEA Baseline

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Biodiversity Anglesey contains a rich variety of flora and fauna across terrestrial, marine and coastal environments. The importance of this biodiversity is reflected by the number of designated sites, which includes 8 SACs, 3 SPAs, 1 Ramsar and 60 SSSIs. Anglesey has a number of priority habitats including Lowland and Coastal Heath, Reedbeds, Fens, Broadleaved Woodlands, Ancient and Species Rich Hedgerows, Ponds and Flower-rich Road Verges; there are some of the most extensive Sand Dunes in Wales. Rare and protected species on Anglesey include the Great Crested Newt, Red Squirrel, Otter, Water Vole and Chough, for which there are all action plans.

Indicator Current Data Comparators and targets

Status/ Trend Issues/ Constraints/ Opportunities

Biodiversity European Sites

European Designations on Anglesey1

Indicator 21: Percentage of features on Natura 2000 sites in favourable or recovering condition3 in Wales Indicator status: Stable / No clear trend Species - key points: • 45 per cent of all species

were in favourable condition in the assessments from 2000 to 2009.

• There is large variation between species groups. For example, 80 per cent or more of marine mammals and birds were in favourable or recovering condition. However, 80 per cent or more of amphibians,

Protect designated and wider areas of biodiversity by minimising the impacts of development. Enhance designated and wider areas of biodiversity by maintaining and improving green infrastructure.


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Biodiversity European sites situated within the Isle of Anglesey2: Special Areas of Conservation 1. Abermenai to Aberffraw Dunes SAC (1871ha) 2. Anglesey Coast: Saltmarsh SAC (1058ha) 3. Anglesey Fens SAC (467ha) 4. Cemlyn Bay SAC (14ha) 5. Glan-traeth SAC (14ha) 6. Holy Island Coast SAC (464ha) 7. Llyn Dinam SAC (36ha) 8. Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC Special Protection Areas 1. Holy Island Coast SPA (608ha) 2. Puffin Island SPA (31ha) 3. Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and the Skerries SPA (31ha) Ramsar 1. Anglesey and Llyn Fens Ramsar (625ha)

butterflies and fish were in unfavourable condition.

Habitats - key points: • Within most habitat groups,

between 40 and 50 per cent of features were in favourable or recovering condition in the assessments from 2000 to 2009. Outside of that range, 100 per cent of caves and 75 per cent of reefs and sea caves were in favourable or recovering condition. However, 76 per cent of lowland grasslands and 70 per cent of sandbanks, bays and lagoons were in unfavourable condition.

There are 60 SSSIs in Anglesey4: Sites of

Special Scientific Interest

1. Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon

2. Baron Hill Park 3. Beddmanarch-

Cymyran 4. Bwrdd Arthur 5. Cadnant Dingle

22. Glannau Ynys Gybi:Holy Island Coast

23. Glan-Traeth 24. Gwenfro And

Rhos Y Gad 25. Henborth

40. Nantanog 41. Newborough

Warren - Ynys Llanddwyn

42. Penrhos Lligwy 43. Penrhynoedd

Llangadwaladr

SSSIs in Wales - Current State of Knowledge (April 05 to March 06)5:

• 12% of Wales is designated

as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

• During 2005/6 Wales gained three SSSIs, an


3



Biodiversity 6. Cae Gwyn

7. Caeau Talwrn 8. Carmel Head 9. Cemlyn Bay 10. Clegir Mawr 11. Coed Y Gell And

Morfa Dulas 12. Cors Bodeilio 13. Cors Bodwrog 14. Cors Erddreiniog 15. Cors Goch 16. Cors Y Farl 17. Craig Wen/Cors

Castell 18. Fferam Uchaf 19. Glannau Penmon-

Biwmaris 20. Glannau

Porthaethwy 21. Glannau

Rhoscolyn

26. Llanbadrig - Dinas Gynfor

27. Llyn Alaw 28. Llyn

Bodgylched 29. Llyn Garreg-

Lwyd 30. Llyn Hafodol

And Cors Clegyrog

31. Llyn Llygeirian 32. Llyn Llywenan 33. Llyn Maelog 34. Llyn Padrig 35. Llyn Traffwll 36. Llynnau Y Fali -

Valley Lakes 37. Malltraeth

Marsh/Cors Ddyga

38. Mariandyrys 39. Mynydd Parys

44. Porth Diana 45. Puffin Island -

Ynys Seiriol 46. Rhoscolyn

Reedbed 47. Rhosneigr 48. Rhosneigr Reefs 49. Salbri 50. The Skerries 51. Traeth Lligwy 52. Tre Wilmot 53. Tre'r Gof 54. Trwyn Dwlban 55. Ty Croes 56. Tyddyn Y Waen 57. Tywyn Aberffraw 58. Waun Eurad 59. Y Werthyr 60. Ynys Feurig

additional 399 ha • 71% of SSSIs by area are

also sites of international importance for wildlife

• One quarter of SSSIs can be reached within 1km of a town or city

• 62% of SSSIs by area are classed as open access land.

• From a sample of SSSIs, 47% of designated habitats and species were considered to be in favourable condition

• 25% of SSSIs by area are known to be owned or managed by conservation sector bodies

Local BAPs in Anglesey6

Biodiversity Action Plans

Habitats: Hedgerows Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh Coastal Saline Lagoons Coastal Sand Dunes

Species: Barn Owl Bittern Brown Hare Chough

Summary of main results of the 2008 UK Biodiversity Action Plan Reporting Round7: • Biodiversity Action Plan partnerships at UK and local

levels continue to deliver gains for some priority species and habitats, with the rate of decline slowing and in some cases halted or reversed. Nevertheless there is a lot more to do.


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Biodiversity Field Edges

Flower-rich Roadside Verges Gardens Lakes Limestone Pavement Lowland Fens Lowland Heathland Maritime Cliff and Slope Plantations Ponds River and Stream Sandy Beaches Seagrass Beds Wet Reedbed Woodland

Great Crested Newt Harbour Porpoise Marsh Fritillary Medicinal Leech Otter Petalwort Red Squirrel Shore Dock Skylark Slender Green Feather Moss Southern Damselfly Three-lobed Water Crowfoot Water Vole Common Pipistrelle Bat Soprano Pipistrelle Bat Noctule Bat Lesser Horseshoe Bat Brown-long eared Bat

• 8 priority habitats (18%) and 40 priority species (11%) were increasing or probably increasing.

• 9 priority habitats (20%) and 144 priority species (39%) were stable or probably stable.

• 19 priority habitats (42%) and 88 priority species (24%) were declining or probably declining but the rate of decline is slowing for 9 habitats (20%) and 28 species (8%).

• 8 species were reported to have been lost since the publication of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in 1994 and 11 were thought to have been lost before this date.

• The state of our knowledge of the conservation requirements for priority habitats and species was reported as increased compared with 2002, but gaps still existed in our monitoring. Beyond 2010, the main gaps were identified as likely to be for marine, coastal and grassland habitats and for groups of invertebrates and plants.

• Progress on targets was mixed. For those aimed at maintaining biodiversity (the timescale for these is 2010), 52% of species targets were met and 17% were not achieved, whilst on habitats, 26% were met and 30% were not achieved. The remainder were either not known or not reported. For targets aimed at making improvements, progress was behind schedule on the majority, but for some species, such as the Ladybird spider, Large Blue butterfly and Bittern, the progress was impressive.

• Habitat loss/degradation (particularly owing to


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Biodiversity agriculture, changes in management practice or

infrastructure development) and global warming continued to be the key threats reported for the highest proportion of priority species and habitats.

National Nature Reserves

Cors Erddreiniog Cors Erddreiniog is the largest of the Anglesey fens. This extensive reserve is located five kilometres west of Benllech on the northeast side of the island, with the small villages of Capel Coch to the west and Brynteg to the east. Cors Goch The Cors Goch reserve is one of several lowland fens on Anglesey and you can find it between the villages of Pentraeth and Benllech. The reserve lies in the bed of an ancient glacial lake. Over time, the lakes ancient hollow has filled in with peat, as plant life thrived and died through the past 10,000 years - leaving the fen we see today. Cors Bodeilio Cors Bodeilio is a nationally important nature reserve due to its unique mire, which lies in a shallow limestone valley between Llangefni and Pentraeth, on the Isle of Anglesey. Water from the surrounding Carboniferous limestone rocks feed the mire, and this in turn has encouraged the development of a range of different wetland fen species, which prosper over the bed of fen peat. Newborough Warren & Ynys Llanddwyn At the south-western point of Anglesey, guarding the southern opening of the Menai Strait, Newborough Warren is one of the finest coastal sand dune systems in Britain, with huge expanses of mobile and fixed dunes. The reserve boasts important geological features – the pre-Cambrian rocks (some of the oldest in the country) of which Ynys Llanddwyn is formed and the pillow lavas that form the approach to that tidal island8.

Whole Site Assessment9


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Biodiversity Status of all NNR species and habitat features

Local Nature Reserves

There are 6 Local Nature Reserves on the Isle of Anglesey: Coed Cyrnol An area of mixed woodland and foreshore near the famous Menai suspension bridge. This urban site is a popular walk for local people. Good views of the Menai Strait, with shelduck, redshank, dunlin and oystercatcher often evident on the adjacent shore.

Data Gap.


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Biodiversity Cytir Mawr/ Llandegfan This tiny area of common land east of the old village of Llandegfan was once heathland, but a severe fire during the drought of 1976 created ideal conditions for the invasion of birch and much of the site today is woodland. Remnants of the former heathland are retained. Llanddona Common The village of Llanddona is intimately entwined with its common land - a result of centuries of erosion of the common land by smallholders. As a result, heathery outcrops characterise the village landscape, but the original grazing and estover (firewood) function of the land has long since ceased an these remnants are now mown and occasionally burnt. The larger block of common land at Rhos Llaniestyn to the east, a fine area of lowland heath, still retains the potential for traditional management (grazing and burning) to be restored. Llangoed Common This common land was once grazed by the villagers' cattle, but long since abandoned it has developed into wet woodland of willow and alder. Trwyn yr Wylfa This headland next to the Wylfa nuclear power station was gifted to the local community by the power company. A mixture of coastal grassland and heath, it offers a fine location for sea watching of passing gannets, shearwaters, terns etc. Y Dingle An area of mixed woodland along the steep sided valley of the Afon Cefni. There are good stands of sessile oak as well as plantings of sweet chestnut, beech and larch. The site includes marshland and the river which still sometimes has an elusive dipper and records of otter10.


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Biodiversity Ancient Woodlands

The woodland cover on Anglesey is very low when compared to other parts of Wales or Europe at 3.5% of the land area compared to an average of 13% for Wales and 33% for the EU. Only Iceland and Malta in all of Europe have a lower percentage woodland cover. Much of the woodland is fragmented occurring in isolated blocks providing a limited habitat for locally rare animal, bird and plant species. Ancient and semi-natural woodland is a particularly rare resource; there is less than 250 hectares on Anglesey, less than 0.5% of our land area. The majority of the woodlands that are in private ownership are poorly managed11.

Birds Bird population data is at an all-Wales level.

Short-term abundance of widespread breeding birds in Wales, 1994 to 200912

• Overall, in Wales, 16.9 per cent of species increased and 42.7 per cent decreased in range between 1968-1972 and 1988-1991. 40.3 per cent remained stable.

• Over half the species of birds of farmed habitats decreased in range over the 20-year period.


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Biodiversity

1 Anglesey County Council 2 JNCC - Protected sites. 3 WAG (July 2010) State of the Environment. Available online: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/environment2010/100722/?lang=en 4 Anglesey Nature - Protected Areas. Available online: http://angleseynature.co.uk/ 5 CCW - SSSIs in Wales - Current State of Knowledge Report for April 2005 - March 2006. 6 Biodiversity Action Reporting System - Partnership plans - G. Cymru/ N. Wales - Anglesey's LBAP. Available online: http://ukbars.defra.gov.uk/ 7 JNCC - The UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Highlights from the 2008 reporting round. Available online: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=5398 8 CCW - Welsh National Nature Reserves. Available online: http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our-landscape/special-landscapes--sites/protected-landscapes/national-nature-reserves.aspx 9 CCW - National Nature Reserves in Wales - Status of NNRs. Available online: http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our-landscape/special-landscapes--sites/protected-landscapes/national-nature-reserves/nnr-report.aspx 10 Anglesey Nature - Protected Areas. Available online: http://angleseynature.co.uk/ 11 Isle of Anglesey Council - Anglesey County Council’s Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy 2003-08 12 Welsh Assembly Government http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/document.aspx?ReportId=5759


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Communities Anglesey is experiencing an ageing population with fewer children being born and more people living into older age which reflects the national trend. Although the number of births in the Isle of Anglesey is projected to generally decrease over the next 25 years, the Fertility Rate is projected to remain fairly stable. The number of deaths in the Isle of Anglesey is projected to decline until 2014/15 and then rise as a result of increased life expectancy, which will contribute to the ageing population. The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation has shown that 55% of Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in Anglesey were more deprived than the Wales average. Of the 44 LSOAs in Anglesey, three (Morawelon, Tudur and Porthyfelin) fall within the 10% most deprived areas in Wales. Anglesey has one of the highest proportions of white residents in the country. In 2007, the estimated population of Anglesey was 69,000 of which 68,300 were predicted to be white. Anglesey has a lower level of crime and road accidents than the national average.

Indicator Current Data Comparators and targets Status/ Trend Issues/ Constraints/ Opportunities

Communities Population Total and Projections

In 2001, the total population of Anglesey was recorded as being 66,829 which with 97 people per square kilometre is less densely populated than Wales as a whole (143 people per sq km)1. Based on the mid-2008 WAG population projections, the total population of the Isle of Anglesey is projected to increase by 3,100 (or 4.5 per cent) by mid-2023. This is the ninth lowest population growth to mid-2023 of all local authorities in Wales. The population is projected to continue growing for the last ten years of the projection period reaching 72,600 by mid-20332.

Isle of Anglesey Total Population3

The population of Anglesey is increasing slowly (4.5% by 2023) compared to other LAs in Wales.


11


Communities

Percentage change since 2008 by local authority, selected years4


12


Communities Population Composition and Change

Gender Based on the mid-2008 WAG population projections, there will be more females than males in the population of Anglesey throughout the projection period. From mid-2008 to mid-2023 it is projected that there will be relatively similar growth patterns in the male and female population (4.7 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively). This pattern is projected to continue for the remainder of the projection period up to mid- 20335.

Isle of Anglesey Population by Gender6

There are more females than males in Anglesey. Anglesey is experiencing an ageing population. Births on Anglesey are projected to decline and then level out. Deaths are projected to decrease until around 2014/15 before increasing. Life expectancy on Anglesey is projected to increase from 80.6 in 2008/09 to 83.0 in 2022/23.


13


Communities Population of Wales, North Wales and its Local Authorities by gender7.

Age of Population The population of the Isle of Anglesey is projected to increase by 4.5 per cent from mid-2008 to mid-2023. This increase is predominately due to the increase in people aged 65+, projected to grow by around 40 per cent from 14,400 in mid-2008 to 20,100 in mid-2023. This increase in the number of older people is due to two factors; firstly increased expectation of life which results in more people living longer, and secondly the ageing on of larger cohorts, such as those born after the Second World War8.

Isle of Anglesey population change, key years and key age groups9


14


Communities

Population by age group in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wales-% change between 1991 and 200910

-6

7

-8

18

9

-13

-19

-14

22 21

-6

1

-4

24

12

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 to 14 15-29 30-44 45-64 65+

Age Group

Perc

enta

ge C

hang

e

Gwynedd Anglesey Wales

Births and Deaths The most recent actual data shows that there have been small dips in the number of births in the Isle of Anglesey in 2004/05 and 2006/07. From 2008/09 onwards births in the Isle of Anglesey are projected to decline, before becoming constant toward the end of the projection period. This decline is due to a projected decline in the number of women of fertility age (15-49) in the first fifteen years of the projection period. Although the number of births in the Isle of Anglesey is projected to generally decrease over the 25 year period, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is projected to remain fairly stable at around 2.1.


15


Communities Deaths in the Isle of Anglesey remained relatively constant from 2003/04 to 2007/08. Deaths are projected to decrease until around 2014/15 before increasing towards the end of the projection period, mainly due to an increase in older people (aged 65+) in the Isle of Anglesey. This is in line with the general pattern expected to be seen across Wales11.

Isle of Anglesey Births and Deaths12


16


Communities Number of births, deaths and natural change by local authority, selected years13

Life Expectancy

The most recent actual data shows that expectation of life in the Isle of Anglesey has been generally stable, with the exception of 2006/07 which saw a very small dip. Over the projection period, expectation of life in the Isle of Anglesey is expected to increase from 80.6 in 2008/09 to 83.0 in 2022/23. This increase is projected to continue over the last ten years of the projection period14.


17


Communities

Isle of Anglesey Expectation of Life15


18


Communities

Expectation of life at birth by local authority, selected years16

Migration Internal net migration by gender In each year of the projection period, the Isle of Anglesey is projected to experience: • 2,340 people arriving in the authority from the rest of the UK; • 2,130 people leaving the authority for the rest of the UK; • A net internal migration of 220 people.


19


Communities In each year of the projection period, net internal migration for the Isle of Anglesey is projected to be: • Positive for both males and females, indicating more people arriving than leaving; • Slightly higher for females than males (+120 and +100 respectively); • The 10th lowest level of internal net migration across all Welsh local authorities. International net migration by gender In each year of the projection period, the Isle of Anglesey is projected to experience: • 120 people arriving in the authority from overseas; • 130 people leaving the authority for overseas; • A net international migration of -10 people. In each year of the projection period, net international migration for the Isle of Anglesey is projected to be: • Slightly higher for females than for males (around zero for females and -10 for males); • The 11th highest level of international net migration across all Welsh local authorities17.


20


Communities Assumed migration levels for the duration of the projection period by local authority, selected

years18

Ethnicity In 2007, the estimated population of Anglesey was 69,000 of which 68,300 were predicted to be

white. When compared to other LAs this is one of the highest proportions of white residents in Wales.


21


Communities

Population estimates by ethnic group and Local Authority19


22


Communities

Health Anglesey has a higher cancer rate than the national average (424.2 per 100,000, compared to 410 in Wales between 2004-2006).20

Isle of Anglesey - adults who reported key illnesses, health-related lifestyle or service use21


23


Communities

(a) Includes those who reported ever being treated for a heart attack. (b) Adults who reported having any long-term illness, health problem or disability which limits their daily

activities or the work they can do. Adults were asked to include problems due to old age. (c) Adults who reported smoking daily or occasionally. (d) In response to a question asking about the most units drunk on any one day in the last seven days. Above

guidelines means men drinking more than 4 units a day and women drinking more than 3 units. (e) Binge means men drinking more than 8 units a day and women drinking more than 6 units. (f) Based on all adults (drinkers and non-drinkers). (g) Guidelines recommend adults eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. (h) Guidelines recommend adults do at least 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity on five or

more days a week. Respondents were asked to include physical activity which is part of their job. (i) Reported Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25+. BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by squared height (m2). (j) Reported Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30+. BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by squared height (m 2). (k) Bases vary: those shown are for the whole sample.

Road Accidents

Road Accidents 2006

Anglesey Wales Accidents 14.1 25.5 Casualties 19.9 37.3 Casualties – slight 306.3 381.6 Casualties – killed or seriously injured

42.1 46.3

Between 1994 and 2009, there was an overall decrease in the number of road accidents and in the number of all car occupants killed or seriously injured.


24


Communities

Road Accidents in Anglesey and Gwynedd

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

1994

-98

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Year

Acci

dent

s

Isle of Anglesey Gwynedd

Years of life lost by death due to motor vehicle accident, 2000 – 2004 = Anglesey 19 per 10,000 population; Wales 15.3 per 10,000 population The rate of accidents per length of road in noticeably lower in the area than the rate for Wales (14.1 per 100km and 25.5 per 100km respectively) – the 2nd lowest rate of all Unitary Authorities in Wales22.


25


Communities Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD)

WIMD 2008 shows that in Anglesey (which has 44 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs)) 3 LSOAs fall within the 10% most deprived LSOAs in Wales. These are:

• Morawelon with a score of 48.2, which ranked 119 out of 1896 in Wales. This LSOA was placed in the 10% most deprived category in Wales.

• Tudur with a score of 42.9, which ranked 187 out of 1896 in Wales. This LSOA was placed in the 10% most deprived category in Wales.

• Porthyfelin 1 with a score of 41.6, which ranked 204 out of 1896 in Wales. This LSOA was placed in the 10-20% most deprived category in Wales.

In Isle of Anglesey:

• The LSOAs had deprivation score distribution over 88% of the whole range for Wales. • 5% of its LSOAs fall within the 10% most deprived LSOAs in Wales. • 55% of its LSOAs fall within the 50% most deprived LSOAs in Wales. • There are lower than average levels of deprivation in the 3 most deprived categories ( most

deprived 10%, 20%, 30%), but higher than average levels of deprivation in the most deprived 50% category).

In the 10% most deprived LSOAs for Wales there are:

• Above average numbers of LSOAs in Anglesey for Housing (18%) and Access (18%) • Below average numbers of LSOAs in Anglesey for:

• Overall Deprivation (5%) • Income (7%) • Employment (2%) • Health (2%) • Education (5%) • Community (7%)

55% of LSOAs in Anglesey were more deprived than the Wales average23.


26


Communities

Map Showing Overall WIMD Rankings of Wards in Anglesey24

Crime

Recorded Crime 2006-07 (per 100,000 population)

Anglesey Wales Recorded Crime 67.7 87.5 Violence against the person 20.4 18.2 Burglary from a dwelling 1.3 3.6 Theft of a vehicle 1.3 3.8 Theft from a vehicle 2.1 8.6

The crime rate in Anglesey has gradually fallen in recent years with an overall reduction of 23% between 2006/07 and 2009/10.


27


Communities Rate of Crime per 1,000 people

25

In 2009/10, Anglesey had the 4th lowest crime rate in Wales


28


Communities Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police (April 09 – March 10)26

1084

16

311

454213

6

7

864

68

23075 107

Violence against the person

Wounding or Other ActEndangering LifeOther Wounding

Harassment

Common Assault

Robbery

Theft from a person

Criminal Damage

Burglary in a Dwelling

Other Burglary

Theft of a vehicle

1 Office for National Statistics: Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey. Available online: http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadDatasetList.do?a=7&b=276858&c=Anglesey&d=13&g=412995&i=1001x1003&m=0&r=1&s=1302598070859&enc=1&domainId=13 2 WAG (2010) Local Authority Population Projections for Wales (2008-based) Local Authority Report. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid.


29

7 Learning and Skills Observatory for Wales: Labour Market Intelligence and Planning Toolkit - Local LMI: Isle of Anglesey. Available online: http://www.learningobservatory.com/lmi-anglesey 8 WAG (2010) Local Authority Population Projections for Wales (2008-based) Local Authority Report. 9 Ibid. 10 Office for National Statistics (Accessed on 12/04/11) Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey. 11 WAG (2010) Local Authority Population Projections for Wales (2008-based) Local Authority Report. 12 Ibid. 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid. 15 Ibid. 16 Ibid. 17 Ibid. 18 Ibid. 19 Statswales: Population and Migration: Estimates by Ethnic Group. Available online: http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=29063 20 InfoBase Wales: http://www.infobasecymru.net/IAS/dataviews/tabular?viewId=49&geoId=1&subsetId=

21 WAG (2010) Welsh Health Survey 2008 + 2009: Local Authority/ Health Board Results. 22 Office for National Statistics (Accessed on 12/04/11) Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey. 23 WAG (2008) Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation. 24 Ibid. 25 Office for National Statistics (Accessed on 12/04/11) Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey. 26 Ibid.


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Climatic Factors Anglesey has one of the highest per capita CO2 emission levels in Wales. The most significant CO2 emissions for Anglesey plan area arise from industry. The overall projected increases in the annual average temperatures in Wales are 1.3°C by the 2020s, 2.0°C by the 2040s and 3.3°C by the 2080s, against the 1961 to 1990 baseline. Projected increases for Anglesey are at the lower end of the ranges provided i.e. average maximum summer temps are predicted to be 3°C higher than baseline figures as opposed to up to 6°C higher for central and south Wales. Overall the county can also expect drier summer and more irregular/ extreme weather events, such as high rainfall/ wetter winters. WAG has set a target of 7 TWH to be produced by renewable energy in order to meet the UK’s target of producing 15% of energy from renewables by 2020. Anglesey’s Energy Island Strategy is a key initiative directly focused on supporting WAG’s low carbon revolution. Key opportunities include: Offshore wind, the Skerries Tidal project and the forthcoming application in 2012 for a new reactor at Wylfa (3.2GW). Indicator Current Data Comparators and targets Status/ Trend Issues/Constraints/

Opportunities Climatic Factors Climate Change Projections

The overall projected increases in the annual average temperatures in Wales are 1.3°C by the 2020s, 2.0°C by the 2040s and 3.3°C by the 2080s, against the 1961 to 1990 baseline. Projected increases for Anglesey are at the lower end of the ranges provided i.e. average maximum summer temps are predicted to be 3°C higher than baseline figures as opposed to up to 6°C higher for central and south Wales1. Overall the county can also expect drier summer and more irregular/ extreme weather events, such as high rainfall/ wetter winters.

Climate change adaptation measures will required as an integral element of new infrastructure and housing development.

Wales: Net CO2 emissions reduced by 80% compared to 1990 levels.

Wales Carbon Dioxide Tonnes per capita – 13. 1 (2007)2

Carbon Dioxide Emission by Sector Anglesey (2007) (kt CO2)

Industry/ Commerci

al Domestic Road

Transport

Land use, Land use change & Forestry

Total Rank out of 22 LAs

Most significant CO2 emissions for Anglesey plan area arise from industry.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Emissions decreased by 0.68% between 2005/2007

411 181 143 43 778 15


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Indicator Current Data Comparators and targets Status/ Trend Issues/Constraints/ Opportunities

Climatic Factors

Carbon Dioxide Emissions per capita by sector Anglesey (2007)

Industry & Commerc Domestic Road Transp


Total

Anglesey 6.0 2.6 2.1 0.6 11.3

Wales 6.5 2.4 2.3 -0.1 11.1

Anglesey has one of the highest per capita emission levels in Wales

Anglesey is in the top 5 UK authorities with 18% of the LA’s housing stock lagged (loft/ cavity wall) under the as part of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT)3

Further opportunities to improve the performance of existing and future housing stock.

Greenhouse Gas Emission

Regional Data Gap

Total emissions of the six Greenhouse Gases in Wales for 2006 were 51.1MtCO2 equivalent. This represents a 3.9% increase on 2005 and a 7.4% decrease on base year emissions of the six greenhouse gases.

Total emissions of CO2 in Wales for 2006 were 42.5MtCO2 equivalent, which represents a 4.7% increase on 2005 and a 1.8% decrease on base year CO2 emissions.

These figures show a reduction in emissions when compared to the base year but an increase in emissions compared to 20054

Opportunities to improve the trend for reduced CO2 emissions (e.g. through housing and transport measures).


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Climatic Factors Air Pollution Air Pollution in Wales since 1990

Source: Air Quality in Wales (2009) Welsh Air Quality Forum5 Air quality in Wales continues to improve year on year and both emissions and ambient concentrations of key pollutants are decreasing, though annual average concentrations across the country have started to level out in recent years.


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Climatic Factors Modelled Annual Mean Concentrations for PM10 (2008)6

The above map shows modelled annual mean concentrations for PM10 mapped to a 1km grid. The data is provided by NetCen and is based on modelled emissions to the atmosphere from UK sources from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) together with measured concentrations. The current UK National Air Quality Strategy objectives for PM10 are a concentration of less than 40ugm3 measured as an annual mean and 50 ugm3 measured as a 24 hour mean (not to be exceeded more than 35 time per year). The map shows that in 2008, PM10 concentrations were well within the national limits. The map also suggests that PM10 concentrations are lower in the more coastal areas of the county.


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Climatic Factors Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation: Air Quality

The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2008 (WIMD) is the official measure of deprivation for small areas in Wales. The physical environment domain of the WIMD index incorporates four indicators including air quality (concentrations of air pollutants) and emissions of air pollutants. The Air Quality indicator uses data on concentrations of pollutants (benzene, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulates, carbon monoxide and ozone).

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD): Population Averaged Air Quality

Concentration Index (2008)

Deprivation in relation to the physical environment domain of the WIMD is not significant for Anglesey and on this index the Island is one of the least deprived areas in Wales, provided a high quality environment for the local population.


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Climatic Factors Note: Communities with the most significant air quality issues in relation to population are shown in red.

The above maps illustrates that air quality in Anglesey is good when compared to the rest of Wales. All Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOA) areas in the County are amongst the least deprived in Wales7.

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD): Population Averaged Air Emissions Index

(2008)8


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Climatic Factors

Note: Communities with the most significant air quality issues in relation to population are shown in red.

Concentration of gases subject to regulation / Air quality

Sulphur Dioxide Between 27th September 2007 and 27th November 2008 AEA Energy and Environment conducted Sulphur Dioxide monitoring at Penrhos Coastal Park on behalf of Anglesey Aluminium Metals Ltd. The results of this monitoring indicated that there is little risk of exceeding the objectives for SO2 at this location. Particulate Matter (PM10) During the last twelve months the Local Authority has been undertaking PM10 monitoring at three fugitive emission sources, including a new location at the former sedimentation ponds, Parys Mountain. The results from these studies indicate that there is little likelihood of the air quality objectives for PM10 being exceeded at these locations.

Local authority has considered air quality emission links with fugitive sources and poultry farms as part of annual review process and concluded that little likelihood of exceeding air quality objectives at any sources.

Air quality is not a significant issue for Anglesey, with the exception of identified ‘hot spots’ related to road transport, which are subject to regular monitoring.

The above maps illustrates that air quality in Anglesey in terms of population averaged air emissions index is generally very good when compared to the rest of Wales. Most LSOAs are within the least deprived in terms of this measure. However, it is noticeable, that the more populated centres of Amlwch, Holyhead, Menai Bridge and Llangefni are more deprived.


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Climatic Factors Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) The NO2 diffusion tube results for the kerbside of the A55(T) at Llanfair P.G. remains the only location where the Welsh Assembly Government’s annual objective of 40μg/m3 is exceeded. The closest property is approximately 20m from kerbside where it is estimated that the concentration would be 22.1 μg/m3. Nevertheless, the NO2 diffusion tube location at Llanfair P.G. is situated adjacent to an authorised lay-by with no time restriction on its use. Consequently, the 1 hour objective of 200 μg/m3 (which is not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year) would apply. While the annual mean remains below 60 μg/m3 the 1 hour mean objective for NO2 is unlikely to be exceeded Llanfair P.G. but it should be noted that there has been a year on year increase in NO2 from 40.7 μg/m3 in 2005 to 44.5 μg/m3 in 2008. The Local Authority will continue with the NO2 diffusion tube location at Llanfair P.G. as it is situated adjacent to a lay-by where the 1 hour objective of 200 μg/m3 (which is not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year) would apply. The Local Authority will need to monitor whether the annual mean remains below 60 μg/m3 , particularly given recent increases in annual average NO2 at this location. Sources of Air Pollution The Local Authority has received only one application for approval for chimney height associated with a biomass furnace in recent years. The application, related to a 10m high chimney situated well within the perimeter fence of RAF


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Climatic Factors Valley and no relevant public exposure was considered likely. The Local Authority has considered air quality issues linked with both fugitive emissions and poultry farms in this review. It has concluded that there is little likelihood of exceeding the air quality objectives at any of these sources. No other sources were identified for assessment that had not already been assessed in previous reviews. The Local Authority has identified that diesel or steam locomotives are regularly stationary for periods of 15 minutes or more at Holyhead Railway Station. The locomotives are left running for long periods of time within short distances of the public bus stop and pavement on Victoria Road. Consequently, the Local Authority has recently installed a UV Fluorescence SO2 Analyser in the former public toilets on Victoria Road, to monitor emissions from stationary locomotives. Results of this monitoring will be reported within a Detailed Assessment at the end of April 20109.

Acid Deposition Acid deposition includes both wet and dry deposition of pollutants from the atmosphere that have the potential to acidify soils and freshwaters. The pollutants include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and ammonia (NH3). Nitrogen deposition is the deposition of mainly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) from the atmosphere to land. Total deposition is the combination of both wet and dry deposition. Nitrogen refers to the pollutant dose that may lead to eutrophication. In order to decipher whether acid or nitrogen deposition is having a negative effect on an ecosystem, or an aspect of an ecosystem, critical loads are set for individual habitats, for


- - 39


Climatic Factors example a woodland or a bog, and species, for example a moss or a freshwater plant. Critical load relates to the quantity of a pollutant deposited from air to ground. Where deposition is less than a critical load it can be concluded that deposition of a pollutant above which harmful indirect effects can be shown on a habitats or species. If deposition is greater than the critical load then it is deemed as an exceedance of critical load. The following maps show modelled prediction for acid depositions and nitrate depositions for 2010.

Natura 2000 Sites Air Quality Impacts – Acid Depositions Modelled Predictions for 201010


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Climatic Factors Natura 2000 Sites Air Quality Impacts – Nitrate Depositions Modelled Predictions for 2010

Ecological Footprint In 2003 Anglesey’s ecological footprint was 5.3 global hectares (gha) per person which is amongst the highest 6 local authorities in Wales11.

The footprint of Wales has increased at an average rate of 1.5% per year between 1990 and 2003.

The need to reduce the ecological footprint of Anglesey and Gwynedd, with a particular focus on the emissions arising from housing and transport. .


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Climatic Factors

Stockholm Environment Institute estimates suggest that the average ‘earthshare’ is 1.8 gha per person. It was estimated that the total Ecological Footprint for Wales in 2003 was 5.16 gha per person. This is nearly three times greater than the average ‘earthshare’. When calculated on the same basis, the total ecological footprint of the UK in 2003 was 5.6 gha per person.


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Climatic Factors Renewable Energy Targets

WAG has set a target to 7 TWH to be produced by renewable energy in order to meet the UK’s target of producing 15% of energy from renewables by 2020 (supplement to TAN8)12.

Anglesey’s Energy Island Strategy is a key initiative directly focused on supporting WAG’s low carbon revolution. Key opportunities include: Offshore wind, the Skerries Tidal project and forthcoming application in 2012 for a new reactor at Wylfa (3.2GW)13.

Installed renewable capacity

No regional/ plan area breakdown of capacity.

There are 143 sites in Wales generating electricity from renewable sources. Growth in capacity across Wales is primarily from wind energy sources (+157MWe) 14.

Anglesey offers significant opportunities to increase installed renewables capacity (offshore wind & tidal).

Climate Change Adaptation

No regional/ plan area data on adaptation progress/ measures.

Climate Change Strategy for Wales sets strategic framework. Changing Climate, Changing Places pilot project, practical actions in LAs to take forward adaptation15.

No established baseline of measures, current approaches focused on risk assessment including resilience of infrastructure, coastal management, land management.

Support/ facilitate the development of sector adaptation plans.

1 WAG (2009) Climate Change: its impacts for Wales (Nov, 2009). http://wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/policy/091101climateimpactsen.pdf 2 WAG http://www.assemblywales.org/09-037.pdf 3 Energy Savings Trust (2010) http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/Business/Information/Homes-Energy-Efficiency-Database-HEED/CERT-reports-from-HEED 4 WAG Written Statements 2008 http://wales.gov.uk/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2008/greenhouse/?lang=en 5 Air Quality in Wales (2009) Welsh Air Quality Forum 6 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 7 Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs): England and Wales have been divided into Super Output Areas (SOA) each having roughly the same population. There are three levels: Lower Layer (the smallest), Middle Layer, and Upper Layer (the largest). There are 1,896 Lower Layer Super Output Areas


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in Wales each having about 1,500 people. Deprivation scores are worked out for each of these areas: higher scores mean more deprivation. WAG (2008) Statistics for Wales WIMD Summary Report. 8 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 9 Isle of Anglesey County Council (2006) Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates). 10 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 11 Wales’ Ecological Footprint - Scenarios to 2020 E. Dawkins, A. Paul, J. Barrett, J. Minx and K. Scott. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/sustainabledevelopment/publications/ecofootprint/?lang=en 12 Technical Advice Notes (TAN) 8 Renewable Energy http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/policy/tans/tan8/?lang=en 13 Isle of Anglesey’s Energy Island Vision http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=5046 14 Department for Energy and Climate Change Energy Trends: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/publications/trends/ 15 WAG (2010) Climate Change Strategy for Wales. http://wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/publications/101006ccstratfinalen.pdf


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Cultural Heritage Anglesey has rich heritage that includes numerous designated sites and scheduled sites that contribute significantly to the overall character of the cultural landscape, and importantly provide a key source of tourist interest and revenue from the visiting public. Anglesey forms a key hub for Welsh speakers in Wales, with its resident population accounting for one of the highest proportions of spoken Welsh (after Gwynedd) across Wales. The development and promotion of the Welsh Language in Anglesey is a key element of the Island’s overall cultural wealth and offering to both the resident and visiting population.


Cultural Heritage

Welsh Language

The 2001 census showed that approx 39,000 people in Anglesey speak Welsh, accounting for just over 60% of the population (63.3% of the population over the age of 3 yrs say they can speak Welsh)1 The census also showed some declines in Welsh speaking between 1991 and 2001 (Llaneugrad in Anglesey saw a fall of 10.3%).

Skills in the Welsh language (2001)2

Population aged 3 and over

Speaks but

does not read or write Welsh

Speaks and

reads but

does not

write Welsh

Speaks, reads and

writes Welsh

Other combination of skills

No knowledge of Welsh

% % % % % Anglesey

64,679 6.39 2.94 50.51 1.82 29.60

Wales 2,805,701 2.83 1.37 16.32 2.98 71.57

Support and promote the use of the Welsh language, for existing and developing communities.

Take forward the provisions set out the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 20113.


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Cultural Heritage Trends in the Welsh Language

Changes in Number and % of Welsh Speakers Since 1951

Year Ynys Môn Wales 1951 38,443 (80.0%) 714,700 (28.9%) 1961 37,101 (75.0%) 656,000 (26.0%) 1971 37,135 (66.0%) 542,400 (20.8%) 1981 39,229 (61.0%) 508,200 (18.9%) 1991 41,240 (61.9%) 500,000 (18.5%) 2001 38,893 (60.1%) 582,368 (20.7%)

Whilst there has been a significant decline in the percentage of the population that can speak Welsh, it is interesting to note that the number of Welsh speakers in 2001, 38,893 is slightly higher than the level in 1951 which was 38,443. This reflects the overall growth in the Island’s population as result of major employment developments in the 1960s namely Wylfa Nuclear Power station and Anglesey Aluminium Smelter Plant. In parallel to the influx of population from outside Wales onto the Island there is an outflow of young people who depart looking for work due to the narrow economic base that exists on the Island. The national level saw a decline of approximately 10% in the percentage of Welsh speakers from 1951 to 1991. However, this trend was changed with an increase of over 2% seen in the percentage of Welsh speakers between 1991 and 2001. The level of Welsh speakers on the Island in 1991 stood at almost 62%. 16 of the Island’s wards had over 70% of its population who were able to speak Welsh. Results from the 2001 Census can be compared to 1991 and show the pattern of change in the use of the Welsh language. The number of communities with over 70% of the population able to speak Welsh had declined to 13 by 2001 as shown in the maps below.


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Cultural Heritage % of Welsh Speakers in Anglesey Wards in 1991

% of Welsh Speakers in Anglesey Wards in

2001


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Cultural Heritage The figure below compares the changes seen per individual communities on the island between 1991 and 2001.

Change in % of Welsh speakers in Anglesey wards from 1991 to 2001

The main messages from these maps are:

• The greatest fall, of 10.3%, was in Llaneugrad although this is a small community and therefore a small change in numbers can have a major impact on the percentages;

• Llanfair-yn-Neubwll saw the greatest increase of 6.9%. This was probably as a result of the fact that some of the air force housing was sold off and may have been purchased by local people;

• A further 3 communities (Holyhead, Rhosneigr and Llaneugrad) fell to under 50% of Welsh speakers, which means that there are now 7 communities in this category.


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Cultural Heritage They are all in coastal locations;

• In addition, 3 communities fell to under 70% of Welsh speakers between 1991 and 2001 (Llanfaethlu, Bodorgan and Llanfachraeth);

• There are still 13 communities on the island with over 70% of Welsh speakers in them. The majority of these are communities in the centre of the Island;

• On average there was a decline of almost 2% of Welsh speakers on the Island between 1991 and 2001.

People Born in Wales Maps 4 and 5 below compare the percentage of the population that had been born in Wales in 1991 and 2001 while maps 6 and 7 compare the percentage of the population who were born in Wales and who could speak Welsh in 1991 and 2001. Finally maps 8 and 9 look at the percentage changes in these figures between 1991 and 2001. These figures are based on the Island’s 1991 wards.


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Cultural Heritage Changes in % of people born in Wales


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Cultural Heritage Key issues arising from the available data (noting that census information is limited in its ability to reflect current trends) :

• The majority of the island’s wards have seen a reduction in the percentage of their population who were born in Wales but they have not changed category;

• The only major exception to this is the area from Benllech towards Llanidan; • Over 70% of all the people born in Wales are Welsh speakers in every ward except

Beaumaris and the wards on Holy Island (which contain the settlements of Holyhead and Trearddur);

• With regard to the increase in the number of Welsh speakers, the area of the South West of the Island has the most extensive area of growth is from Benllech down to Llanfairpwlll;

• In general, these maps show that residents born in Wales are more likely to speak Welsh and that in-migration of non Welsh speakers reduces the overall percentage of people on the Island who speak Welsh.

World Heritage Sites

Beaumaris Castle, a World heritage site (1987), is a perfect example of concentrically planned castle. The defences of the unfinished castle survive and are surrounded by a partially restored moat. The designation is spread over 2 sites and includes the Caernarfon Castle and Town Walls in Gwynedd.

The Castle is managed by Cadw and open to visitors, a key historical asset and source of conservation/ tourism funding.

Key historical resource form part of the cultural offering of Anglesey.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

Anglesey has 142 scheduled ancient monuments, located within view of the shores and comprising a range of structures including Neolithic and Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones.

In line with the figures for Wales, the overall condition status of SAMs on Anglesey is improving. In Wales the number of SAMs destroyed has reduced (period 1996-2003)4.

Maintain and enhance condition of SAMs.

Parks and gardens of Historic Interest

Anglesey has eight parks and gardens that are on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of parks and gardens of special


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Cultural Heritage historic interest in Wales: Bodogoran; Carreglwyd; Cestyll; Llanidan; Plas brew; Plas Gwyn; Plas Newydd; Plas Rhianfa.

Facilitate appropriate management practice to support good condition status and recognise the wider cultural and economic opportunities arising from historical assets and designations.

Listed Buildings As at October 2007, there were 1116 listed buildings in the Anglesey (9th highest in Wales). Of those listed buildings 137 are classed as being ‘at risk’ which is 11.99% of the total – the 4th


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Cultural Heritage highest proportion of all Local Authorities in Wales. 19.6% of all listed buildings were classed as ‘vulnerable’ and 68.42% were classed as not being at risk5. There are also 12 building conservation areas.

Listed buildings at risk by Unitary Authority

3.41

7.03

8

9.08

9.21

9.8

10.67

10.79

10.93

11.01

11.11

11.14

11.2

11.99

14.3

16.88

20.42

0 5 10 15 20 25

Cardiff

Conwy

Monmouthshire

Powys

Carmarthenshire

Merthyr Tydfil

Vale of Glamorgan

Gwynedd

Wrexham

Denbighshire

Rhondda Cynon Taff

Ceredigion

BBNP

Anglesey

Flintshire

Neath Port Talbot

Torfaen

Loca

Aut

horit

y

% at risk

Designated Wrecks There are two designated wreck sites off the coast of Anglesey, the Mary and Pwll Fanog6.


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1 WAG, StatsWales. http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/index.htm 2 Census (2001) Office of National Statistics (ONS) http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/ 3 WAG. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/welshlanguage/legislation/?skip=1&lang=en . Welsh Language Board. http://www.byig-wlb.org.uk/English/Pages/index.aspx 4 StatsWales. Indicator No. 26 http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/tableviewer/document.aspx?ReportId=6001 5 Welsh Historic Environment: Position Statement 2007 (WAG) & Gwynedd Council. 6 Royal Commission of the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/390/details/PWLL+FANOG+SLATE+WRECK/


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Economy Anglesey’s economy isn’t strong in terms of manufacturing, commerce and services of high financial value. In 2009, the Gross Value Added (GVA) per head generated by industry on Anglesey was estimated at £11,333, the lowest of all local authorities in the UK. However, GVA is estimated at the place of work rather than the place of residence, and the high net outflow of commuters from the island accounts for the low productivity per head of residents. Overall, claimant count rates have been higher in Anglesey than the whole of Wales since around 2009. In January 2011,899 people of working age in Anglesey were counted as being unemployed. Some industries are more prevalent in Anglesey than others. In 2007, public administration, education and health were the greatest single employer of people in Anglesey (32.9%). The second highest was distribution, hotels and restaurants (25.4%), which also reflects the pattern in Wales as a whole. The proportion of industries in agricultural, forestry and fishing; and construction are significantly higher than in Wales overall. There has been a small and steady rate of growth across most parts of the tourism industry. However, the growth rates are not significantly high to suggest that the industry is experiencing rapid rates of expansion; there is a requirement for a substantial level of investment in high quality accommodation, tourist attractions and recreational activities to encourage a larger customer base to the island. The total visitors to Anglesey declined between 2004 and 2006 after seeing an increase since 2001. The total employed in the tourist industry in Anglesey has remained fairly stable since 2001. In the agricultural sector there have been significant changes in the number of full time farmers between 2002 and 2007; a small decrease in the number of part time farmers; and a substantial increase in the number of regular workers and casual workers. The total area farmed in Anglesey has increased since 2002, with a significant increase in the hectares of permanent pasture being farmed and a significant decrease in the area of new grassland being farmed.


Economy Gross Value Added (GVA)

The Gross Added Value (GVA) provides a measure of the value of production taking place within the County. Output from the Anglesey economy was valued at £780 billion in 2008. The value of output from Anglesey contributed 1.6% to the value of output from Wales as a whole, compared with 4.2% output from Powys, 5.9% from Conwy and Denbighshire combined and 3.7% from Gwynedd. Gross Value Added (GVA) per head generated by industry on Anglesey was estimated at £11,333 in 2009, the lowest of all local authorities in the UK which highlights the fact that the county’s economy isn’t strong in terms of manufacturing industries, commerce and services of high financial value. However, GVA is estimated at the place of work rather than the place of residence, and the high net outflow of commuters from the island accounts for the low productivity per head of

A need to facilitate the continued promotion of investment in the local economy in order to support


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Economy residents1.

GVA per head 1998-2006

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year

£ pe

r hea

d

Gwynedd Isle of Anglesey Conwy & Denbighshire Wales

growth in local business particularly within the manufacturing and commerce industries.

Economic Activity

The economic activity rate measures the percentage of the population who are in employment or unemployed, and is therefore a useful general measure of the labour market opportunities available to people. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the working age population. In June 2010, Anglesey was estimated to have a higher economic activity rate (73.7%) than Wales as a whole (72.8%). Unemployment is also substantially lower than the national rate2.

Economic Activity in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wales (Jun 2010 Qtr) Anglesey Gwynedd Wales % of working age people who are employees 58.6 54.8 58.0 % of working age people who are employed 69.7 69.5 66.8 % of working age people who are self employed 10.2 13.4 8.2 % of working age people who are economically active

73.7 73.6 72.8

% of working age people who are unemployed 5.5 5.6 8.3 % of working age people who are economically inactive – want a job

5.2 4.0 6.6

% of working age people who are economically 21.1 22.4 20.6

A slightly higher economic activity rate and a lower unemployment rate compared to the national average.


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Economy inactive – do not want a job

Within Anglesey, the economic activity rate of the island shows variation between different areas, and between males and females. In the northern parts in particular and areas to the west, the economic activity rate for females is noticeably lower than for males, which is a reflection of the business and industrial structure of these more peripheral areas.

Areas closer to the bridges linking Anglesey with mainland Wales are within the Menai Hub identified in the Wales Spatial Plan Update 2008, and being the key economic driver for the sub-region. Within this ‘bridgehead’ area which is close to Bangor, economic activity rates are stronger, and the strength extends to adjacent areas which can be described as South Anglesey.

Spatial Plan Hub

Llangefni Holyhead ‘Bridgehead’

Outside the Hub

Economic Activity

62.3% 60.3% 53.7% 63.6% 56.7%

The table above, using 2001 Census data, shows how the Hub and ‘bridgehead’ areas are stronger than areas to the north and west. Llangefni is also relatively strong, but the position of Holyhead is noticeably weaker. One of the main reasons for economic inactivity is retirement. Economic activity is now measured for the population aged 16-74 years, but obviously the normal retirement age still remains around 65 years. That may change in


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Economy future as new legislation will allow people to work longer if they choose to do so.

Spatial Plan Hub

Llangefni Holyhead ‘Bridgehead’ Outside the Hub

% of Economic Inactive (16-74) Retired

43.1% 39.5% 33.8% 45.9% 41.8%

This table, using 2001 Census data, shows how the proportion of economically inactive persons of working age who have retired is highest in the Menai Hub and ‘Bridgehead’ areas. This can be compared with the proportions who are permanently sick or disabled, or with long-term illness, which are the other main causes of economic inactivity.

Spatial Plan Hub

Llangefni Holyhead ‘Bridgehead’

Outside the Hub

% of Economic Inactive (16-74) sick or disabled

18.3% 21.1% 25.4% 15.7% 21.5%

Spatial Plan Hub Llangefni Holyhead ‘Bridgehead

’ Outside the

Hub % with long-term illness

18.7% 20.3% 24.5% 17.3% 22.8%

From the above table, it is clear that outside the Menai Hub and ‘Bridgehead’ areas, permanent illness or disability, and long-term illness, are more prevalent as a cause of economic inactivity. It appears that in areas to the north and the west, there may be levels of hidden unemployment, where illness or disability rather than retirement causes many people to leave the workforce. This may be a reflection of the structure of industry and business in those areas, where jobs that are physically less strenuous, which could be suitable for people with health problems, are in short supply. It is also worth noting that the age profile of the Menai Hub and ‘Bridgehead’ areas means that more people will be reaching retirement age in a few years time, and availability of workers could constrain the labour market and limit economic development. However, an economy that offers attractive opportunities for people to stay in work for longer might hold up the economic activity rate. The other major challenge is to extend the strength of the Hub area, to offer opportunities to workers from the disadvantaged northern and western parts.


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Economy Unemploy- ment

The unemployment figures that usually command most attention are those released monthly and generally known as the claimant count. These refer to the number of people out of work and claiming unemployment related benefits, mostly Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). They are the main official sources of information about unemployment for small areas (Anglesey and its wards)3.

Job Seeker’s Allowance (Jan 2011) Anglesey Gwynedd Wales Number of working age people who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

1,899 2,506 75,163

% of working age people who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

4.6 3.4 4

Number of people aged 17-24 who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

565 780 24,805

% of people aged 17-24 who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

29.8 31.1 33

Job Seekers Allowance Claimants (percentage)4


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Economy

Overall, claimant count rates have been higher in Anglesey than the whole of Wales since around 2009.In January 2011,899 people of working age in Anglesey were counted as being unemployed. This equated to 4.6% of the working age population (the 6th highest in Wales), whilst the percentage for Wales was 4%. Unemployment varies across Anglesey. Table 3 below illustrates some of the variations within the County.

Claimant unemployment at ward level (January 2011)5

Claimant Unemployed

% of estimated working age population

Highest Holyhead Town (12.8)

Second Highest Morawelon (12.3) Third highest Porthyfelin (9.4) Third lowest Cefni (1.8) Second lowest Llangoed (1.6) Lowest Braint (1.6)

The table below also shows that areas to the north and west of the county showing much higher levels of unemployment than the Menai Hub and the south.

Spatial Plan Hub Llangefni Holyhead ‘Bridgehead’ Outside the

Hub Unemployed (Econ active 16-74)

5.7% 7.4% 11.7% 4.9% 8.6%

The table above, using 2001 Census data, shows how unemployment is highest in Holyhead and the rural areas away from the Menai Hub. Llangefni is also higher than the ‘bridgehead’ areas close to Bangor.

Earnings CACI Paycheck is used to calculate earnings. This data is income data collected from various commercial sources which is continuously updated as further information is obtained.


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Economy The median income in Anglesey in 2009 was £24,350, which was lower than the Wales median income (£24,750). Anglesey ranked 11th highest of the 22 Unitary Authorities of Wales on this measure.

Earnings in 20096 Median Income

(£) % households

below 60% of GB Median

Gwynedd £23,050 34.5% Isle of Anglesey £24,350 32.1%

Conwy £24950 30.9% Denbighshire £24,700 31.6% Flintshire £28,300 26.4% Wrexham £25850 30% Wales £24750 28%

A further analysis of CACI Paycheck Data in 2009 showed the following key results:

• 61.5% of the county’s households have household income of less than £30K 13.5% of Anglesey’s households have a household income which is less than £10K.

• 38.5% of Anglesey’s households have a household income of £30K or more. • The wards with the highest median household income is Cwm Cadnant (£37,100) and the ward with the

lowest mean household income is Morawelon (£16,450).

Type of Industry

Some industries are more prevalent in Anglesey than others. In 2007, public administration, education and health were the greatest single employer of people in Anglesey (32.9%). The second highest was distribution, hotels and restaurants (25.4%), which also reflects the pattern in Wales as a whole7.

Industry by sector in Gwynedd and Wales (2008)

Industry Anglesey Wales Number % Number % Agriculture and N/A N/A 18,300 1.5


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Economy fishing Energy and water N/A N/A 6,400 0.5 Manufacturing 2,800 14.9 161,500 13.7 Construction 1,200 6.5 61,000 5.2 Distribution, hotels and restaurants 4,800 25.4 272,500 23.0

Transport and communications 1,300 6.9 50,600 4.3

Banking, finance and insurance 1,900 9.9 166,500 14.1

Public administration, education and health

5,400 28.3 389,600 32.9

Other services 800 4.3 56,600 4.8 There are significant variations in the GVA performance of different industry sectors between 1996 and 2008 as % of all industries:

• Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing decreased by 74.1% • Production increased by 36.3% • Distribution, transport and communication increased by 158.1% • Business services and finance increased by 129.4% • Public administration, education, health and other services increased by 76.8%


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Economy GVA by industry, 1996-20088

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Agriculture, forestry and fishing ProductionConstruction Distribution, transport and communicationBusiness services and finance Public administration, education, health and other servicesTotal GVA

The table below, based on 2001 Census data, shows the main industrial sectors for parts of Anglesey. Spatial Plan

Hub Llangefni Holyhead ‘Bridgehead’ Outside the Hub

Wholesale, retail and repairs 15.4% 17.3% 15.3% 14.4% 14.6% Education 13.1% 16.4% Health and Social Work 15.6% 13.1% 16.7% 12.3% Manufacturing 18.8% 21.8% 14.6% Transport, storage, and communications 13.3%

From the above, it emerges that the wholesale and retail sectors (including vehicle and other repairs) are strong


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Economy in all parts. The Menai Hub area has a strong services sector, predominantly in education, health and social care, which reflects the proximity to Bangor and the dependence on hospital, university and college services. Holyhead, on the other hand, has a more traditional industrial structure, where manufacturing and transport, storage and communications are stronger. Manufacturing may now be entering a vulnerable period, with uncertainty and strong global competition. However, transport and communications are strong growth sectors, which can benefit from the ferry route to Ireland. Llangefni has the most diverse mix of services and traditional manufacturing.

Occupations The structure of Anglesey's economy will favour certain types of jobs more than others. In July 2009-2010, the three occupations most likely to be found in Anglesey were:

• Skilled trade occupations - generally manual work, these trades are mainly associated with men and see a difference of +2.5% compared to the figure for Wales.

• Associate professional and technical occupations - this occupation sees a difference between Anglesey and Wales of +2.0%.

• Managers and senior officials – lower than the national average as a whole with a -2.2% difference between Anglesey and Wales figures.

The 3 types of occupation less likely to be found in Anglesey were:

• Process, plant and machine operatives – entirely manual, semi-skilled often involving routine work, mainly in factories. The incidence of such occupations are however slightly higher than Wales as a whole (+0.5%).

• Sales and customer service occupations – a marginal difference between Anglesey and Wales of +0.4%.

• Elementary occupations – unskilled occupations such as plant and storage occupations, elementary and service occupations such as filing and cleaning - a marginal difference between Anglesey and Wales of -0.9%.

Occupations in Anglesey and Wales (Jul 09-Jun 10)9

Occupation Anglesey Wales Number % Number % Managers and senior officials 3,200 10.8 169,500 13% Professional occupations 3,100 10.3 162,700 12.5% Associate professionals & technical occupations 5,000 16.5 189,300 14.5%

Administrative and secretarial 3,200 10.5 140,200 10.8%

Annual Population Survey (Jul 2009-Jun 2010)


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Economy occupations Skilled trades occupations 4,400 14.7 158,200 12.2% Personal service occupations 3,300 10.8 127,200 9.8% Sales and customer service occupations 2,400 8.0 99,100 7.6%

Process, plant and machine operatives 2,400 7.8 95,000 7.3%

Elementary occupations 2,900 9.7 153,200 11.8%

Registered Businesses

Businesses by Industry10

% of all local business units

Anglesey Gwynedd Wales

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

21.1 19.7 12.4

Production 5.0 5.0 6.0 Construction 11.5 9.8 10.5 Motor Trades 3.0 2.6 3.4 Wholesale 3.4 3.0 3.9 Retail 11.5 12.6 12.1 Transport & Storage 3.4 2.7 3.5 Accommodation and Food Services

8.7 10.9 8.1

Information and Communication

1.8 2.9 3.3

Finance and Insurance 1.2 1.4 2.0 Property 1.9 1.7 2.5 Professional, Scientific & technical

6.0 5.4 8.4

Business Admin & Support Services

6.0 5.2 6.6

Public Administration & Defence

1.8 1.8 1.4

Education 3.0 3.2 2.9 Health 5.1 5.4 6.4 Arts, Entertainment, 5.7 6.7 6.7

As can be seen in table 7, the proportion of industries in the agricultural, forestry and fishing; and construction are significantly higher than in Wales overall.


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Economy Recreation & Other Services

Businesses by Size11

Education and Skills

A marginally higher proportion of pupils in their final year of compulsory education achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C in Anglesey compared to the figure for Wales – 57.9% in Anglesey compared to 57.7% in Wales (2009-10)12. In 2006/07, a lower proportion of pupils left full-time education with no qualifications in Anglesey compared to Wales13.

Education and lifelong learning in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wales (2009-2010)14


Pupil teacher ratio (09-10): LEA maintained primary schools 19.5 19 20.1

Pupil teacher ratio (09-10): LEA maintained secondary schools 16.2 15.6 16.5


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Economy % achieving the expected level – key stage

1 (L2+) (09-10) 83.2 84.9 81.6

% achieving 5+ GCSE A*-C (09-10) 57.9 63.8 57.7 % of adult population with no qualifications, 2006 18.4 14.6 16.2

Percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSE grades A*-C15

There is considerable variation in qualifications of residents of different parts of Anglesey as illustrated in table * below.

Qualifications at ward level in Gwynedd, 2001 (Source: 2001 Census)

% of the population aged

16 - 74 No qualifications

Highest Morawelon (49%) Second highest Tudur (43.7%)


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Economy Third highest London Road (43.7%) Third lowest Braint (22%) Second lowest Cwm Cadnant (20%) Lowest Cadnant (18.4%)

The problem of lack of qualification is most prevalent amongst older workers, who left school at a time when formal qualifications were less necessary than they are now to obtain traditional craft apprenticeships, etc. Lack of opportunity for adult education and retraining in the peripheral areas may now be limiting the ability of many older workers to adapt to new job opportunities. In the Menai Hub area closer to Bangor, there is a different type of economy, for which basic qualifications will be essential, and retraining opportunities may be more easily accessible. As the labour market in the Hub area becomes constrained by an ageing of the workforce, the need to rely on a qualified and trained workforce from further afield will grow. Workers from the disadvantaged northern and western areas will therefore need training opportunities to adapt to a changing and diversifying local economy. That will be particularly true when the Wylfa power station starts to decommission from 2010 onwards.

Tourism Analysis by Sector of Expenditure (£’s millions) 2008 2007 % change Accommodation 34.6 32.5 6 Food & Drink 31.8 29.4 8 Recreation 12.5 10.7 16 Shopping 41.3 38.7 7 Transport 15.5 13.9 11 Indirect Expenditure 55.1 51.2 8 VAT 23.7 21.9 8 Total 214.6 198.4 8

Revenue by Category of Visitor (£’s millions) 2008 2007 % change Serviced Accommodation

32.4 31.7 2

Non-serviced Accommodation

158.7 143.0 11

SFR 6.6 6.6 0

The total visitors to Anglesey declined between 2004 and 2006 after seeing an increase since 2001. The total employed in the tourist industry in Anglesey has remained fairly stable since 2001.

There is a need to support the growth of the tourism industry with the necessary infrastructure.


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Economy Day Visitors 16.8 17.1 -1 Total 214.6 198.4 8

Tourist Days Thousands 2008 2007 % change Serviced Accommodation

351 352 0


4,137 3,770 10

SFR 254 253 0 Day Visitors 466 473 -1 Total 5,207 4,848 7

Tourist Numbers Thousands 2008 2007 % change Serviced Accommodation

201 203 -1


643 587 10

SFR 107 106 0 Day Visitors 466 473 -1 Total 1,417 1,369 3

Sectors in which employment is supported (FTEs) 2008 2007 % change Accommodation 1,046 1,046 0 Food & Drink 742 685 8 Recreation 354 304 17 Shopping 879 822 7 Transport 161 145 11 Total Direct Employment

3,183 3,003 6

Indirect Employment 849 789 8 Total 4,031 3,791 6

There has been a small and steady rate of growth across most parts of the tourism industry in the period from 2007 to 2008. However, the growth rates are not significantly high to suggest that the industry is experiencing


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Economy rapid rates of expansion, which suggests that there is a requirement for a substantial level of investment in high quality accommodation, tourist attractions and recreational activities on the island to encourage a larger customer base to the island. The total tourist expenditure in Anglesey in 2008 was £214 million whilst the number of tourists that visited the local authority area was 1,417,000.

In 2008, 4,031 were employed in the tourism industry. Total direct employment employed the most (78.9%)16.

Total visitors (millions)17

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Year

Mill

ions


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Economy

Total in employment in the tourist industry in Gwynedd and Anglesey18

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Empl

oyee

jobs

Anglesey Gwynedd Serviced Accommodation The data patterns generally appear to follow population trends, with the highest bedstock levels in the most densely populated parts of the island. The most rural communities generally do not offer high levels of bedstock places.

Serviced Accommodation Bedstock Figures by Community19


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Economy

A surprising trait is the fact that, with the exceptions of Beaumaris, Menai Bridge and Llanfairpwll, the level of serviced accommodation on the Riviera Coast is not particularly high. Self Catering A total of 6,645 bed spaces are in self-catering properties (cottages, bungalows, apartments, etc), an increase of 251% since 2000 when the figure stood at 1,893. This substantial increase in bed stock suggest a significant development within the self-catering market. There are 1,187 self-catering properties on Anglesey containing a total of 3,769 rooms. These rooms fall under three categories: single, double and twin.

Self-catering Bedstock Figures by Community20


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Economy

Caravan and Camping There appears to be two ‘hub’ areas for caravan and camping bedstock figures on the island. The first is a combination of the Historic Coast (Cemaes, Amlwch) and the Family Coast (Benllech, Moelfre), the second being a combination of the Mountain, Nature and Harbour Coast with one community each from the Active Coast, Rural Coast and the Open Countryside. Again the main areas of concentration for caravans and camping are located on the coast21.

Agriculture People employed in Agriculture (2001)22

Anglesey Wales All People 26,167 1,186,256

Agriculture, hunting, forestry 1015 29,125 Percentage 3.9 2.5

Anglesey has a higher percentage of people working in the agriculture industry than the national average.

In the agricultural sector there have been significant changes between 2002


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Economy Employment in Agriculture drops sharply in the more urban settlements of Amlwch, Holyhead, Llangefni and Menai Bridge. The highest areas of agricultural employment tends to be situated away from major settlements or areas of high levels of tourist activity such as Benllech.

Number of Agricultural, Forestry and Hunting Workers23

Number of people employed in Agriculture, Forestry and Hunting Ward Number Ward Number

Aberffraw 57 Amlwch port 8 Amlwch Rural 17 Beaumaris 17

Bodffordd 60 Bodorgan 47 Braint 3 Bryngwran 36

Brynteg 17 Cadnant 4 Cefni 9 Cwm Cadnant 27

Cyngar 9 Gwyngyll 13 Holyhead Town 4 Kingsland 4

Llanbadrig 21 Llanbedrgoch 15 Llanddyfnan 53 Llaneilian 67 Llanfaethlu 42 Llanfair yn Neubwll 41

Llanfihangel 64 Llangoed 19

and 2007 in the number of full time farmers; a small decrease in the number of part time farmers; and a substantial increase in the number of regular workers and casual workers. While the number of active holdings in Anglesey with sheep, dairy and pigs have decreased since 2002, the number of holdings with beef, goats and poultry has increased. The total area farmed in Anglesey has increased since 2002. There has been a significant


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Economy Ysgeifiog Llanidan 31 Llanerchymedd 77

London Road 6 Maeshyfryd 13 Mechell 52 Moelfre 17

Morawelon 3 Parc a’r Mynydd 3 Pentraeth 39 Porthyfelin 6 Rhosneigr 9 Rhosyr 34 Trearddur 24 Tudur 10

Tysilio 14 Valley 23

The wards with the highest levels of employment in the agricultural industry are Aberffraw, Bodffordd, Llanddyfnan, Mechell, Llaneilian and Llannerchymedd. These are all wards with low populations and contain relatively small settlements. For the same period, there has been an increase in the number of holdings conforming to EU size standards, as well as in the hectares being farmed.

Welsh Agricultural Census – Small Agricultural Areas in Gwynedd, 2002 to 200724 Year and Change

European sized Units

Land farmed

Main farmers – full time

Main farmers – part time

Regular workers

Casual workers

2002 23,516 50,544 844 1202 282 201 2007 26,863 54,488 807 1174 416 249 Change 2002-07

+3347 +3944 -37 -28 +134 +48

% change 2002-07

+14.2% +7.8% -4.3 -2.3 +47.5 +23.9

Employment by category in the Anglesey LPA area (2002-2008)25

increase in the hectares of permanent pasture being farmed and a significant decrease in the area of new grassland being farmed. According to the survey data the average farm size in Anglesey increased from 39 to 44 hectares per holding between 2002 and 2008.


- - 75


Economy

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

No. o

f wor

kers Casuals

Regular workersPart time main farmersFull time main farmers

In 2008 48% of active holdings supported a full-time farmer, although only 22% of holdings hired regular workers. Both the number of regular workers and holdings with regular employment increased steadily between 2002 and 2008, while the level of casual labour showed considerable variability. The number of active holdings in the study decreased during this period from 1,282 to 1,181. Livestock Table 15 below shows that while the number of active holdings in Gwynedd with sheep, dairy and pigs have decreased since 2002, the number of holdings with beef, goats and poultry has increased.

Livestock holdings in Anglesey26

Active

Holdings With

Sheep With

Goats With Dairy

With Beef

With Pigs With Poultry

2002 1282 799 5 177 429 31 225


- - 76


Economy 2003 1245 761 6 165 413 23 230 2004 1230 750 12 160 407 13 249 2005 1227 746 12 155 399 17 259 2006 1217 734 15 150 393 22 261 2007 1213 701 6 196 521 12 252 2008 1181 708 12 168 472 12 248 % change -7.9 -11.3 140 -5 10 -61 10.2

Arable Land

Agricultural land use (Hectares) – Anglesey LPA Area27 Year Area

Farmed Grassland Permanent

Pasture Rough

Grazing New

Grassland Crops and

Horticulture 2002 50,544 47,106 36,425 4,604 6,079 2228 2003 52,352 48,856 40,357 3,148 5,349 2267 2004 51,742 48,454 40,050 3,250 5,157 2335 2005 55,639 52,500 41,635 6,261 4,601 2100 2006 55,707 52,811 43,578 5,214 4,019 2797 2007 54,488 47,392 42,484 4,908 3,890 2021 2008 52,787 49,536 42,576 3,712 3,248 2251 % change +4.4 +5.2 +16.9 -19.4 -46.6 +1

Agriculture in the Anglesey AONB Area

Agricultural land use (Hectares) – Anglesey AONB study area 2002 to 2006 and compared to Wales and

NW Region (2006) Year Area


Pasture Rough

Grazing New

Grassland Crops and

Horticulture 2002 11,592 10,637 8,642 843 1,152 600 2003 11,984 11,077 9,414 614 1,049 594 2004 11,933 11,114 9,364 694 1,056 564 2005 12,828 12,007 9,594 1,395 1,017 538 2006 13,095 12,317 10,187 1,242 888 475 NW 248,710 235,543 149,410 74,052 12,081 3,650


- - 77


Economy Wales 1,499,606 1,366,125 1,037,585 228,879 99,661 63,945

1 WAG : www.statswales.gov.uk 2 Office for National Statistics: nomis - official labour market statistics 3 Ibid. 4 Local Government Data Unit Wales: InfoBase Cymru 5 Office for National Statistics: nomis - official labour market statistics 6 CACI - Paycheck 7 Welsh Assembly Government www.statswales.gov.uk 8 Ibid. 9 Office for National Statistics: nomis - Annual Population Survey 10 Local Government Data Unit Wales: InfoBase Cymru 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid. 13 Welsh Assembly Government: Key Statistics for Gwynedd 14 Local Government Data Unit Wales: InfoBase Cymru 15 Ibid. 16 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 17 Ibid. 18 Ibid. 19 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 20 Ibid. 21 Anglesey County Council 22 Office for National Statistics: Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey. 23 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 24 WAG: Welsh Agricultural Small Areas Statistics 25 Ibid. 26 Ibid. 27 Ibid.


78

Housing There has been a marked increase in the proportion of rented homes in Anglesey, however the proportion is still relatively low when compared to the level of owner occupied housing. Then number of households in Isle of Anglesey is projected to increase by 5,100 or 17% to 35,400 between 2006 and 2031. This represents average annual household growth of 0.6% which is below the projected growth across Wales of 0.9% per year. According to the Welsh House Condition Survey of 1998, the housing stock in Anglesey is similar to that of Wales as a whole with 32% of dwellings built before 1919. Anglesey, like the rest of the UK, saw a dramatic rise in house prices over recent years, although house prices are now beginning to slowly decrease. The high proportion of vacant and/or second/holiday homes as well as the provision of affordable housing are key issues for Anglesey, particularly in some coastal and rural areas.


Housing House Tenure

There are 28,356 households in the whole of Anglesey (2001). Owner occupier remains the dominant tenure on the island with 19,214 units (2001) which equates to 68% compared to 71.3% in Wales. As can be seen in the figure below, the private rented sector as well as housing rented from Housing Associations have seen a marked increase with a growth of 25.9% and 79.9% respectively between 1991 and 20011.

Housing Tenure in Anglesey and Wales2

3.3

7.4

4.2

13.7

0.5

36.8

34

5.5

9.5

1.5

15.5

0.3

33

34.8

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Other rented

Rented from privatelandlord or letting

agency

Rented from HousingAssociation / Registered

Social Landlord

Rented from Council

Shared Ownership

Owns with a mortgageor loan

Owns outright

Wales Anglesey

There has been a marked increase in the proportion of rented homes in Anglesey. Nevertheless, the proportion is still relatively low when compared to the high proportion of owner occupied housing.

There is a need therefore, to facilitate the development of affordable housing for those who need it most.


79


Housing

Housing tenure - Key Changes3

Tenure 1991 2001 Increase/ Decrease

Total Households 26,799 28,356 +5.8% Owner Occupied 18,508 19,214 +3.8% Rented Privately 2,141 2696 +25.9% Rented from LA 5,068 4396 -13.3% Housing Association rented

234 421 +79.9%

Other rented 848 1558 +83%

Household Composition

In 2001, 37.3% of households in Anglesey housed married couples, which was similar to the figure for Wales (37.22%). The table below provides a ward level analysis of household composition on the island.

Household Composition4

All Households All lone parent Married with and without children

Pensioner Cohabiting with and without

children Highest Tudur (18.3%) Braint (48%) Llanbedrgoch

(38.3%) Tudur (11.2%)

Second highest Morawelon (18.1%)

Llanddyfnan (47%)

Brynteg (38.2%) Cyngar (10.3%)

Third highest London Road (17%)

Llaneilian (47%) Rhosneigr (37.1%)

London Road (9.5%)

Third lowest Llaneilian (6.4%) Beaumaris (26.4%)

Llanfihangel Ysgeifiog (20.5%)

Holyhead Town (4.9%)

Second lowest Cadnant (6.4%) Holyhead Town (26.3%)

Kingsland (19.1%)

Aberffraw (4.3%)

Lowest Llanbedrgoch (5.4%)

London Road (26%)

Llanfair-yn-Neubwll (17.3%)

Cwm Cadnant (4%)

Anglesey 10.6% 37.3% 26.6% 7% Wales 10.7% 37.2% 25.1% 7.5%

Overcrowding is an issue in some parts of the county, whilst there are a relatively high proportion of households living in houses which have more room than is required also.

The relatively high proportion of lone parent households in some areas means that more single person households will need to be accommodated along with housing designed specifically for the increasing elderly population.


80


Housing By comparing the number of rooms and the number of occupants, the 2001 Census provides a score to represent overcrowding or under-occupancy. A value of -1 implies that there is overcrowding in the household. Within Anglesey, 3% of households are living in overcrowded conditions. This is marginally lower than the national figure of 4.4% (table below).

Occupancy rating in Anglesey and Wales

Occupancy Rating % all households +2 or more +1 0 -1 or less Anglesey 61 23 12 3 Wales 56.4 24.7 14.5 4.4

The average number of rooms per household in Anglesey is 5.79 – the 7th highest of all unitary authorities in Wales and slightly higher than the national average (5.59).

Household Projections

Then number of households in Isle of Anglesey is projected to increase by 5,100 or 17% to 35,400 between 2006 and 2031. This represents average annual household growth of 0.6% which is below the projected growth across Wales of 0.9% per year.

Projected households in Anglesey 2006-20315

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

Year

Thou

sand

s

The projected increase in the number of households means that appropriate housing development should be facilitated to accommodate this increase.


81


Housing

In comparison, Gwynedd is expected to see a 23.2% increase in the number of households, Conwy, a 27% increase and Denbighshire a 34% increase over the same period. The household population in Anglesey is projected to increase by 2,400 or 3.5% to 70,500 between 2006 and 2031. This is below the projected average growth in the household population across Wales of 10.6%. Despite the projected increase in the number of households between 2006 and 2031, the projected average household size is expected to decrease from 2.26 in 2006 to 1.99. By comparison, the average household size in Wales is projected to decrease from 2.30 in 2006 to 2.03 by 20316.

Housing Stock

In 2001, it was estimated that there were 31,483 household spaces in Anglesey, just less than 3% of Wales' total dwelling stock. More than 90% were with residents whilst 3.7% were holiday or second homes and 4.9% were vacant.

Household Spaces (1991 and 2001)

Household spaces 1991 2001 Increase/Decrease Total Spaces 30,499 31,483 +3.2%

Occupied households 26,786 28,772 +7.4% Unoccupied household

spaces 3,795 2711 -36.21%

Not used as main residence

1,834 1170 -21.4%

Voids 1,961 1541 The table above shows that occupied household spaces have increased by a rate of 7.4% between 1991 and 2001 to 28,772 units. The increase in occupied space has been evenly sourced from new build and unoccupied spaces at 984 and 1084 respectively. The increase in the number of households coupled with the buoyant market conditions on the island has reduced the market share of voids from 6.4% in 1991 to 4.8% in 2001. The Council’s housing stock portfolio stood at 3877 units as at 31 March 2006. The Right to Buy over the last 5 years has witnessed the loss of approximately 100 dwellings per annum. There are four Registered Social Landlords which provide social housing on the island. They are: i) Cymdeithas Tai Eryri, ii) Clwyd Alun Housing Association, iii) North Wales Housing Association, and iv) Wales and West Housing Association. The property portfolio of RSLs on the island stands at 531 units (as at 1st June 2006). This equates to an increase trend of approximately 20 units per annum (applied from base figure of 231 in 1991)7.

The high proportion of vacant and second/holiday homes is a problem in certain parts of Anglesey and limits the choice of houses for local people which in turn can have a detrimental effect on the sustainability of communities.


82


Housing Condition of Housing Stock

According to the Welsh House Condition Survey of 1998, the housing stock in Anglesey is similar to that of Wales as a whole with 32% of dwellings built before 1919 compared to 47% in Gwynedd.

% unfit dwellings by date of construction in UA (1998)8

Pre1919 1919-44 1945-64 Post 1964 All Anglesey 8.9 7.3 2.8 0.9 4.4 Conwy 12.7 2.9 2.8 0.2 4.8 Denbighshire 17.5 7.5 3.2 2.0 7.2 Gwynedd 16.9 5.5 7.4 2.6 10.

5 Wales 14.9 9.3 8.0 2.4 8.5

In 1998, 4.4% of the estimated dwelling stock in Anglesey were categorised as being unfit. The rate of unfitness was less than half the rate of Wales and Gwynedd (10.5%). In 2001, Anglesey had the 2nd highest proportion of housing without central heating of all unitary authorities in Wales. In 2001, 19.1% of dwellings in Anglesey did not have central heating compared to 7.5% in Wales. The 1991 Census revealed that there were 8268 households on the island without central heating. This figure had fallen to 5420 in the 2001 Census – a drop of 35%.

% of all households with no central heating9

21.6

19.1

14.614.5

12.7 12.611.7

8.5

6.8 6.7 6.65.6 5.1 4.5 4.2 4 4 3.9 3.6

2.6 2.6 2.5

7.5

0

5

10

15

20

25

Gw

yned

d

Isel

of A

ngle

sey

Con

wy

Cer

edig

ion

Pem

brok

eshi

re

Wre

xham

Den

bigh

shire

Pow

ys

Car

mar

then

shire

Flin

tshi

re

Car

diff

Rho

ndda

Cyn

on T

aff

The

Val

e of

Gla

mor

gan

Mer

thyr

Tyd

fil

Brid

gend

Mon

mou

thsh

ire

Nea

th P

ort T

albo

t

Sw

anse

a

New

port

Cae

rphi

lly

Torfa

en

Bla

enau

Gw

ent

Wal

es

%

There is therefore a need to provide a range of appropriate housing which will satisfy the needs of all types of households so that everyone has the opportunity to live in a decent and affordable home either through new build by facilitating the improvement in existing housing.


83


Housing On a ward level, London Road has the highest proportion of households with no central heating (33.9%) – almost double the national average. At 5.2% of all households, Cefni ward has the lowest proportion without central heating. 0.24% of household in Anglesey are without central heating nor sole use of a bath, shower or a toilet, compared to 0.16% in Wales10.

House Completions

House Completions by Local Authority11

2001-

2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-

2006

2006-07

2007-

2008

2008-

2009

2009-2010

Ave.Annual Completions

Anglesey 188 223 160 126 226 255 281 296 226 220 Gwynedd 203 151 210 292 196 164 250 187 149 158

An average annual house completion range that may not deliver the trend based requirement.

House Prices Property prices on Anglesey have significantly increased since 2001/02 as can be seen in the figure below.

Anglesey Average Property Price by Type12

Anglesey, like the rest of the UK, saw a dramatic rise in house prices over recent years, although house prices are now beginning to slowly decrease.

There is a need to facilitate the development of affordable housing in the county.


84


Housing

The table below shows that there has been a significant slow down in the sale rate of detached properties. The stagnation in the sales of the detached sector requires monitoring. If the trend signifies a reduction in owner occupiers moving up the property ladder, it may have a cascading effect on the availability of potential of householders seeking ‘owner’ tenure.

House Sales by House Type13 Financial Year

Detached Semi-detached

Terrace Flat Overall

2005/06 £213,138 £133,864 £98,075 £156,436 £155,714 2004/05 £186,214 £115,526 £90,016 £341,876 £145,463 2003/04 £143,882 £83,917 £63,699 £91,869 £106,039 2002/03 £114,633 £72,195 £49,841 £58,980 £87,043 2001/02 £89,583 £56,104 £40,673 £58,202 £69,818 2000/01 £80,640 £50,513 £38,115 £51,842 £61,839 1999/00 £75,861 £48,537 £36,931 £34,951 £60,055 1998/99 £72,325 £44,136 £33,583 £36,227 £55,524 1997/98 £65,734 £44,658 £35,946 £39,226 £54,522 1996/97 £62,284 £42,293 £32,143 £59,227 £51,080

Anglesey House Sales by Type14


85


Housing Housing Affordability

Using average house prices and median income details, it is possible to establish which areas that it was possible to for people to buy in. The table below shows the housing affordability ratio of selected wards in Anglesey compared to the county overall and Wales.

Affordability Ratios (Jan 2010-Dec 2010)15

Area Affordability Ratio Rhosneigr 8.45 Cadnant 8.09 Llanfaethlu 8 Moelfre 7.93 Llanddyfnan 7.57 Holyhead Town 4.28 Amlwch Port 3.89 Llanfair-yn-Neubwll 3.81 Kingsland 3.73 London Road 3.15 Wales 5.01

The above table shows that 3 of the wards where housing is most affordable are in Holyhead.

Affordable housing is a key issue in Anglesey although affordability does vary geographically with some coastal and rural areas having high affordability ratios.

Housing Register

The Housing register put forward a list of households who want to move into or between homes owned by the County Council and participating housing associations. The table below shows the preferred locational requirements of households who are registered on the social housing waiting list (as at 7 October 2005). The table below shows the preferred locational requirements of households who are registered on the social housing waiting list (as at 7 October 2005).

Housing Register16 Parish Households on

the housing register

Total number of households

% of need from households in

sub area

% of sub area need against

total need Cylch Y Garn 7 311 2.2 0.2


86


Housing Llaneugrad 5 160 3 0.1 Llanddyfnan 15 389 3.8 0.3 Trearddur 46 874 5.2 1 Llanfaelog 56 950 5.9 1.3 Penmynydd 9 151 6 0.2 Tref Alaw 14 211 6.6 0.3 Mechell 39 520 7.5 0.9 Llanfair ME 120 1505 7.9 2.8 Cwm Cadnant 76 863 8.8 1.7 Rhosyr 80 902 8.9 1.8 Llangristiouls/Cerrigceinwen

43 454 9.4 1

Llangoed 55 565 9.7 1.2 Rhosybol 41 403 10.2 0.9 Llanidan 39 376 10.4 0.9 Bodorgan 44 386 11.4 1 Moelfre 62 542 11.4 1.4 Aberffraw 38 292 13 0.9 Llanddona 37 279 13.3 0.8 Bodffordd 50 373 13.4 1.3 Llneilian 66 485 13.6 1.5 Trewalchmai 47 345 13.6 1.1 Bryngwran 44 306 14.4 1 Llanfair – yn -neubwll

88 602 14.6 2.1

Llanddanielfab 41 277 14.8 0.9 Amlwch 240 1533 15.6 5.7 Caergybi 731 4466 16.4 17.1 Llanfachraeth 34 202 16.8 0.8 Beaumaris 160 942 17 3.7 Pentraeth 87 485 17.9 2 Llanerchymedd 76 476 18 1.7 Llanbadrig 112 602 18.7 2.7 Llanfaethlu 47 233 20 1.1 Rhoscolyn 55 264 20.8 1.2 Gaerwen/Pentre Berw

138 593 23.3 3.2


87


Housing Llangefni 425 1750 24.3 9.8 Llanfairpwll 275 1073 25.6 6.6 Bodedern 98 367 26.7 2.2 Porthaethwy 380 1299 29. 8.8 Dyffryn/Fali 281 893 31.5 6.5 Total 4301 27700 15.5 100

There are 4301 households on the Island’s housing register. From the table above, it can be seen that the communities/town councils of Y Fali, Porthaethwy, Bodedern, Llanfairpwll and Llangefni have the highest level of need when the register is measured as a percentage against the existing household population. The housing register suggests that there is a significant requirement for additional homes across the island. Whilst it is seen that Holyhead and Llangefni have the highest proportion of households on the housing register, the communities of Y Fali, Porthaethwy and Bodedern have the highest demand of need in when the register is measured as a percentage against the existing household population. This shows that affordable housing is a significant issue within all communities of Anglesey.

Housing Land Availability

At the base date of the Joint Housing Land Availability Study, 1 April 2009, the total land supply on sites of 5 or more units within the Ynys Mon LPA could accommodate 1238 dwellings. With the inclusion of sites of under 5 units, the total land supply in the Ynys Mon LPA area increased by 624 dwellings to 1862. The 5-year supply totalled 1191 dwellings, a decrease on the figure in the 2008 study of 1246 dwellings. The five year supply figure comprised 691 units on large sites and 500 on small sites. Outside the 5 year supply, category 3i contained 429 units, with a further 118 units in category 3ii. A total of 108 units were under construction on large sites at 1st April 2009. The study gave a 5.13 year land supply for the Island. Due to age of the development plan on the island and limited windfall opportunities it is uncertain whether a 5-year land supply will be maintained up to the adoption of the Joint Local Development Plan17.

The findings of the Joint Housing Land Availability Study will need to be considered during the formulation of the LDP.


88

1 Office for National Statistics: Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 6 WAG - Household projections for Wales (2006-based) 7 Office for National Statistics: Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey 8 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 Land Registry 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid. 15 Hometrack 16 Anglesey Housing Register 17 Isle of Anglesey Council (2005) Housing Land Availability Study.


89

Landscape Almost the entire coastline of Anglesey is designated as an AONB due to the variety of fine coastal landscapes. The AONB coincides with stretches of Heritage Coast, which contain some of the oldest rocks in Britain form the low ridges and shallow valleys of Anglesey's sea-planed plateau. Holyhead Mountain is its highest point (219m) with superb distant views to Snowdonia. Low cliffs, alternating with coves, pebble beaches and tucked-away villages, line the island's northern shores. The east coast's sheer limestone cliffs, interspersed with fine sandy beaches, contrast with the south's wilderness of sand dunes that roll away down to Aberffraw Bay. Anglesey also has an important historic landscape, with its protected sites ranging from Bronze Age burial chambers to medieval Beaumaris Castle. Two areas within the AONB are listed in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales.


Landscape Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Anglesey AONB1 Almost the entire 201 km coastline of Ynys Mon, the ancient Isle of Anglesey, is designated as an AONB. The island contains a great variety of fine coastal landscapes. The AONB coincides with stretches of Heritage Coast. Some of the oldest rocks in Britain, the pre-Cambrian Mona Complex, form the low ridges and shallow valleys of Anglesey's sea-planed plateau. Holyhead Mountain is its highest point (219m) with superb distant views to Snowdonia. Low cliffs, alternating with coves, pebble beaches and tucked-away villages, line the island's northern shores. The east coast's sheer limestone cliffs, interspersed with fine sandy beaches, contrast with the south's wilderness of sand dunes that roll away down to Aberffraw Bay. Varied habitats, from marine heaths to mud-flats, give the AONB a high level of marine, botanical and ornithological interest. The dunes of Newborough National Nature Reserve are a noted example of this complex habitat and the island's limestone cliffs are an important nesting site. Anglesey has an important historic landscape, with its protected sites ranging from Bronze Age burial chambers to medieval Beaumaris Castle. Two areas within the AONB are listed in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales. The AONB's rural economy is traditionally based on small-mixed-agricultural holdings, although the number has fallen by 44 per cent since 1945. Significant local industry skirted by the AONB includes Wylfa nuclear power station, aluminium smelting and bromine extraction. The AONB contains no sizeable towns and residents of its coastal villages increasingly commute to work on the mainland.

New development needs to be sympathetic to the existing landscape.


90


Landscape Tourism plays a significant part in the rural economy, largely centred on static caravan sites. The AONB is also an important recreation area both for local people, for day visitors from the Bangor mainland and also for urban north-west England. Sailing, riding, sea fishing, diving and cliff climbing are just some of the leisure demands on the AONB coastline. A circular island footpath is currently being developed.

Source2


91


Landscape Heritage Coasts

There are 3 Heritage Coasts in Anglesey3:

North Anglesey Heritage Coast The North Anglesey Heritage Coast runs for 18 miles along the northern shore of the Isle of Anglesey from Church Bay in the west to Dulas Bay in the east. Holyhead Mountain Heritage Coast This heritage coast runs for 8 miles up the western shore of Holy Island from the bathing beaches of Trearddur Bay to the cliffs at North Stack. Aberffraw Bay Heritage Coast Aberffraw was once an important port, but the estuary gradually silted up, leaving the present coastline of sand dunes. The dunes range as high as 30 feet and more. The sculptured sand is stabilised by marram grass near the sea, and patches of sea holly can be found in autumn. The build-up of dunes has also created the inland lake of Llyn Coron.

Nearly half the coast of Wales has been identified as Heritage Coast. This includes 14 different stretches of coastline and 11 of these are within National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Six of the Welsh Heritage Coasts are in Pembrokeshire, three are on Anglesey and the rest are in the Vale of Glamorgan, on the Gower peninsula, the Llŷn peninsula, on the Great Orme near Llandudno and in Ceredigion4.

Historic Landscapes

Two areas of Anglesey have been designated as Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest; Amlwch and Parys Mountain and Penmon5.


92

1 The National Association of AONBs - Ynys Mon AoHNE (Anglesey AONB). Available online: http://www.aonb.org.uk/wba/naaonb/naaonbpreview.nsf/Web%20Default%20Frameset?OpenFrameSet&Frame=Main&Src=%2Fwba%2Fnaaonb%2Fnaaonbpreview.nsf%2F%24LU.WebHomePage%2F%24first!OpenDocument%26AutoFramed 2 Anglesey Countryside and AONB - Service Anglesey AONB Educational Resource. Available online: http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/142/AONBeducationresource.pdf 3 Britain Express - Heritage Coasts. Available online: http://www.britainexpress.com/countryside/coast/index.htm 4 CCW - Heritage Coasts – Wales’ Unspoilt Coastline. Available online: http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our-landscape/special-landscapes--sites/protected-landscapes/heritage-coasts.aspx 5 Cadw - Register of Historic Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Interest in Wales (2001)


93

Soils, Minerals & Waste The majority of agricultural land on Anglesey is either Grade 3 (Moderate Quality) or Grade 4 (Poor Quality), however there are small pockets of Grade 2 (Very Good Quality) mainly on the eastern side of the island, which will need to be preserved. There has been a gradual loss of carbon from soils in England and Wales which can be attributed to many factors including climate change. In line with this trend Anglesey has low soil carbon density. The amount of municipal waste throughout the UK is increasing year by year, and figures show that Anglesey is no exception to this trend. Trends show that the recycling/composting rate of municipal waste in Anglesey has been consistently higher than the Welsh average since 2007/2008. In 2009/10 around 51% of municipal waste was recycled or composted in Anglesey, for the same period the percentage for Wales was lower at 40%.


Soils. Minerals & Waste Agricultural Land

Series Agricultural Land Classification1

Grade

1 Grade 2 Grade

3 Grade

4 Grade

5 Land predominantly in urban

use Land primarily in non-

agricultural use

There is a need to direct development to brownfield sites as much as possible so as to conserve high grade agricultural land.


94


Soils. Minerals & Waste The majority of agricultural land on Anglesey is either Grade 3 (Moderate Quality) or Grade 4 (Poor Quality). This puts limitations of the range of agricultural uses for the majority of land available for farming. There are pockets of Grade 2 (Very Good Quality) agricultural land, mainly on the eastern side of the island and retaining these pieces of land for agricultural use will be a primary consideration in the emerging Local Development Plan.

Soil Quality Soil Carbon Density per 1km in Wales2

The above map illustrates the carbon density in Welsh soils. The distribution depends on soil type, with over 50% of total soil carbon located in an area equivalent to 23% of the total land surface. Wales’ landscape and geology is extremely diverse, and contains a wide range of soil types that are reflected in

A recent paper by Bellamy et al (2005) suggested that losses of carbon from soils in England and Wales have occurred at a mean rate of 0.6 per cent per year over the period 1978 – 2003.

Loss of soil organic matter can lead to soil erosion, loss of fertility, compaction and general land degradation. There is a need to protect and manage soil including maintaining soil carbon and should aim to avoid causing additional risk from pollution and contamination.


95


Soils. Minerals & Waste land use throughout the country. Hard sedimentary rocks underlie the majority of Wales, which are then overlain by a characteristic suite of acid soils, characterised by a peaty surface horizon. Less than 5% of Wales’ land area is covered by thicker peat, organic material of at least 40cm in depth.

Soil Types in England and Wales3


96


Soils. Minerals & Waste

Major soil groups and their extent in Wales4

Major Soil Group Extent in Wales (%) Description Terrestrial raw soils <0.1 Very young soils with only a

superficial organomineral layer Raw gley soils 0.2 Unripened young soils of

saltmarshes Lithormorphic soils 2.2 Shallow soils without a

weathered subsoil Pelosols 0.1 Clayey ‘cracking’ soils Brown Soils 30.2 Loamy permeable soils with

weathered subsoil Podzolic soils 32.3 Acid soils with brightly coloured

iron enriched subsoil Surface-water gley soils 24.7 Loamy and clayey seasonally

waterlogged soils with impermeable subsoil

Groundwater gley soils 3.4 Soils associated with high seasonal groundwater

Man-made soils 0.4 Restored soils of disturbed ground

Peat soils

3.4 Soils in deep peat.

Unclassified land

3.0

Waste Facilities in Anglesey

As of 2008, there were 13 Active Waste Management Licences in the whole of Anglesey. These consist of 7 Transfer Sites, 4 Landfill Sites, and 2 MRS Sites5.

Maintain a network of waste management facilities to deal with the waste that is produced in the county in


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Active Waste Management Licenses6

The Planning for Future Waste management and Disposal in Anglesey Report (2005) identified 13 sites that had the potential for development of new waste management infrastructure, or for the extension of an existing waste management facility either in terms of scale or range of activities:

Site name Indicative Uses Railway Sidings Amlwch Civic Amenity Site Area to north of timber yard, Holyhead Civic Amenity Site Holyhead EP S2 Civic Amenity Site; Material Recycling Facility; In Vessel

composting; Residual waste treatment BNFL Flask Transfer Area Civic Amenity Site; Material Recycling Facility; In Vessel

composting; Residual waste treatment Llangefni Business Park, Site 1 Civic Amenity Site Llangefni Business Park Site 2 Civic Amenity Site; Material Recycling Facility; In Vessel

a sustainable manner.


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Soils. Minerals & Waste composting; Residual waste treatment

Clegir mawr former landfill In vessel composting/compost maturation Penhesgyn Gors landfill New landfill facility; Material Recycling Facility; In Vessel

composting Gwalchmai Quarry New landfill facility; Expansion of Materials Recycling Facility Gwalchmai Quarry West landraise New landfill facility (landraise); Open Windrow composting Gwyndy Quarry New landfill facility Bwlch Gwyn Quarry, Pentre Berw New landfill facility Rhosgoch New landfill facility; Civic Amenity Site; Material Recycling

Facility; In Vessel composting; Residual waste treatment

Waste Arisings

Municipal waste includes household waste as well as other wastes collected by a waste collection authority. It is recognised that municipal waste arisings throughout the UK are increasing year by year, with current annual growth for the UK as a whole put at 2.7% per annum. Figures 5 and 6 depict waste arisings for Anglesey for municipal waste and household waste, respectively, up to the year 2020 for a number of growth rate scenarios:

• 6% growth rate (representing growth over the past 5 years); • 2.0% growth rate (representing current growth); • 1.5% growth rate; and • Declining growth rate. (This assumes the current growth rate of 2.0% up to 2006, followed by a falling

growth rate to 2017 and zero growth rate thereafter) Both figures depict a ‘Meet WAG Targets growth rate’ which aims to comply with the waste reduction and stabilisation targets, for household waste only, set out in ‘Wise about Waste’. These targets are:

• by 2009/10 waste arisings per household should be no greater than those in 1997/98; and • by 2020 waste arisings per person should be less than 300 kg/annum.

Figure 3 indicates considerable variations between the projected household waste arisings and the maximum tonnage to comply with the waste generation stabilisation targets noted above. In fact to achieve the waste stabilisation targets it would be necessary to reverse the growth trend, and achieve a decline in waste arisings of approximately 2.2% per annum. The ‘declining growth’ scenario is considered to be the most realistic, taking account of recent/current growth rates and the probability that growth should decline over the strategy period due to the impact of waste minimisation strategies7.

There are a range of factors that can affect the growth in the amount of waste produced including, population changes, changes to the number and size of households, consumer behaviour, effectiveness of waste minimisation strategies, and changes in the economic prosperity of a region. There is a need to reduce waste arisings from all sectors so that targets set by


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Soils. Minerals & Waste Predicted Municipal Waste Arisings in Anglesey8

Predicted Household Waste Arisings in Anglesey9

Europe and the Welsh Assembly Government are met.


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Soils. Minerals & Waste The North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review (2009) forecast the following waste quantity arisings in North Wales by 2013.

Current and Forecast Waste Arisings for North Wales (2004-2013)10

Figure 8 below shows how the relative proportion of each principal waste stream is forecast to change between the years 2004 and 2013. Comparison of this data indicates that:

• Construction & demolition and Commercial & Industrial make up the majority of arisings in the region;

• MSW will continue to be the fastest growing principal waste stream; and • The proportion of agricultural waste requiring external management remains insignificant compared to

the other principal waste streams.


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Soils. Minerals & Waste Current and Projected Proportional Waste Split (2004/5 and 2012/13) in North Wales11

The Consultation on a New Waste Strategy for Wales (‘Towards Zero Waste’ (2009)) notes the following targets for waste in Wales:

Waste Targets for Wales TARGETS FOR EACH YEAR Target for: 09/10 12/13 15/16 19/20 24/25

Minimum levels of reuse and recycling / composting (or AD)

40% 52% 58% 64% 70%

Minimum proportion of reuse / recycling/ composting that must come from source separation (kerbside, bring and/ or civic amenity (CA) site)

80% 80% 80% 80% 80%

Minimum levels of composting (or AD) of source separated food waste from kitchens as part of the combined recycling/ composting target above.

- 12% 14% 16% 16%

Maximum level of residual household waste per inhabitant per annum

- 295kg 258kg 210kg 150kg


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Soils. Minerals & Waste Maximum level of landfill - - - 10% 5% Maximum level of energy from waste - - 42% 36% 30%

Municipal Waste - Recycling

Around 51% of municipal waste was recycled or composted in 2009/10. The percentage for Wales for the same period was lower at 40%.

Percentage municipal waste reuse/recycling/composting rate12

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Year

%

Isle of Anglesey Wales

Trends show that the recycling/composting rate of municipal waste in Anglesey has been consistently higher than the Welsh average since 2007/2008.

There is a need to contribute towards reducing the amount of municipal waste that is landfilled by facilitating in the provision of a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable network of new waste management facilities for treating and disposing of waste as an alternative to landfill.


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Municipal recycling/composting rates by unitary authority 2008-09 & 2009/10

Figure 10 shows that in 2009/10, the percentage of municipal waste arisings recycled or reused in Wales ranged from 29.2% in Blaenau Gwent to 52.5% in Denbighshire. The percentage for waste recycled or reused in Anglesey was 51.2% of municipal waste arisings – the second highest of all unitary authorities in Wales13.


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Soils. Minerals & Waste Municipal Waste - Landfilled

The municipal waste collected is transported from Penhesgyn Waste Transfer Station to landfill in Llanddulas Conwy. Dry recyclates are bulked up at Gwalchmai. The sorted materials are then sent to merchants or processors for treatment. All green waste from the Gwalchmai Household Waste Recycling centre including street sweepings is processed via windrow at a local farm. Garden waste collected at the Penhesgyn HWRC site, and from the kerbside green garden waste collection is processed on site at the IVC Plant operated by the Council.

Permitted Landfill Sites in Anglesey (8/10/2010)

In 2007-08, Anglesey landfilled 17,027 tonnes of Biodegradable Municipal Waste.

Some of the waste which is landfilled is capable of being re-used, recycled, composted or treated in different ways to produce energy derived fuel.


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Soils. Minerals & Waste The statutory targets in the Landfill Directive relate to the reduction in the volumes of Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) which is sent to landfill. The statutory targets set by the EU Landfill Directive include:

• By 2010 no more than 75% of the BMW can be landfilled • By 2013 no more than 50% of the BMW generated can be landfilled • By 2020 no more than 35% of the BMW generated can be landfilled

A scheme has been launched in Wales to reduce the amount of domestic waste that we dump into landfills. The Landfill Allowances Scheme (Wales) Regulations 2004 (The LAS regulations) came into force in Wales on 1 October 2004, to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) going to landfill sites.

Comparison of percentage of LAS Allowances used for last 3 years of the LAS scheme14

Local

Authority Total BMW landfilled in

2006/7 (tonnes)

LAS Allowance

used in 2006/7 (%)

Total BMW landfilled in

2007/8 (tonnes)

LAS Allowance

used in 2007/8 (%)


2008/9 (tonnes)

LAS Allowance

used in 2008/09 (%)

Isle of Anglesey 22,471 93.4 17,027 78.1 12,865 65.8

Gwynedd 35,588 91.7 31,808 89.6 28,920 89.7 Wales Total 754,582 79.9 680,912 78.6 599,703 76.1

Landfill Allowance Scheme Targets15

2010-11 2011-

12 2012-13 2013-

2014 2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

2018-2019

2019-2020

Isle of Anglesey 15,938 13,914 11,890 11,384 10,879 10,373 9,867 9,361 8,855 8,349

Gwynedd 28,909 25,238 21,567 20,649 19,731 18,814 17,896 16,978 16,060 15,143

Anglesey achieved its Landfill Allowance Scheme target for 2008/09 but with a much reduced margin compared to 2006/07. The statutory targets in the Landfill Directive relate to the reduction in the volumes of Biodegradable Municipal


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Soils. Minerals & Waste Waste (BMW) which is sent to landfill. The statutory targets set by the EU Landfill Directive include:


Current Performance Against Targets

The performance of the north Wales region against the NWSW targets has been closely monitored throughout the review process. Whilst both the availability and quality of data across the various waste streams has improved over time, there remains a lack of data to fully establish the performance against a number of the targets. Of the targets for which sufficient regional data is available, the data shows a variety of significant challenges and met targets:

• Stabilisation and reduction of household waste – the latest figures show that household arisings per household in the region remains above that of the 1997/98 target figure for Wales. In addition, the region also faces the significant challenge of reducing household waste per person by approximately 40% per annum;

• Recycling and Composting of Municipal Waste – all North Wales authorities achieved the combined recycling and composting target for 2006/0736.

• Landfilling of Biodegradable Municipal Waste – the data shows that for the 2006/07 Scheme Year all authorities in the region achieved their respective landfill allowances. Powys was one of the top performing authorities, and Flintshire also performed well, remaining well below its allowance.

• Landfilling of Industrial & Commercial Waste – the data shows that the region is already achieving the 2010 diversion target;

• Hazardous Waste Arisings – whilst acknowledging that in relation to the latest available data the target date is still 6 years away, the figures show that the region is generating approximately 30,000 tonnes over and above the 2010 target; and

• Facilities for Hazardous Household Waste – even though there has been significant improvement with regard to the wastes specified in the target, the region is still failing to meet the target for providing facilities for the improved segregation of hazardous household waste16.

The need to contribute towards reducing the amount of municipal waste that is landfilled by facilitating in the provision of a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable network of new waste management facilities for treating and disposing of waste as an alternative to landfill.

Minerals The most commonly worked economic minerals include the quartzites, granites, limestones, sandstones, sand and gravel and shales. These minerals have been used locally, regionally and nationally for building purposes and road construction as well as ornamental workings.


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Soils. Minerals & Waste Significant deposits of non-ferrous, base metal mineralisation can be found to the north of the Island. The majority of which have been extensively exploited although continued exploration is taking place at Mynydd Parys where there is vast polymetallic mineralisation. A survey carried out by the former Gwynedd County Council revealed a total of 419 historical and existing mineral extraction sites on the Island, of these 72 had a planning history with 30 having active planning permissions. In 2005 there were 11 active mineral workings operating on Ynys Môn.

1 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 2 Bradley, R.I., Milne,R., Bell J., Lilly, A., Jordan C. and Higgins, A. (2005) A soil carbon and land use database for the United Kingdom. Soil Use and Management, 21, 4, 363-369. 3 National Soil Resources Institute (http://www.landis.org.uk/index.cfm) 4 CCW : Strategic Environmental Assessment - A Guidance for Practioners 2007 5 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 6 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 7 Ibid. 8 North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review Core Document (2009) 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 WAG: StatsWales 13 Ibid 14 North Wales Regional Members Group - North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review Core Document (2009) 15 Ibid. 16 Ibid.


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Transport The number of cars per household on Anglesey is higher than the national average, which reflects the rural nature of Anglesey and a dependency on the private vehicle. The car is the preferred mode of transport for travelling to work, however Anglesey does have a higher number of people working from home than the national average. Approximately 85% of the Islands households lie within walking distance to public transport, however there is often limited frequency to public transport services in certain areas.


Transport Transport Routes

The A55 dual carriageway completed in 2001 forms the strategic transport corridor crossing the Island and is also part of Euro Route E22. In addition the Island has 236km of urban county roads and 943km of rural county roads which constitutes the backbone of the highway network. On the western side of the Island lies the port of Holyhead which is the main ferry link to Ireland from Britain with 2.2 million passengers travelling in 2004. A recent approval has been granted to provide commercial flights from RAF Valley to Cardiff and potentially provide an air link to Ireland as well. Twice daily commercial flights from RAF Valley to Cardiff began in May 2007. The North Wales main line railway crosses the Island from Llanfairpwll to Holyhead providing 6 train stations. There is also a disused branch line from Gaerwen to Amlwch. The island has an extensive network of bus services of which half operate commercially with approximately 1.49 million passenger journeys in 2005. There is also an extensive Public Rights of Way network consisting of 1060km public footpaths, 4.1km of bridleways and 4.5km byways (of which 1.1km is restricted byways). Furthermore there is a sign-posted, 29 mile section of the National Cycle Route No.8 Holyhead to Cardiff along minor roads across the Island, in addition to Route No.5, which is to the north. In total the Council have responsibility for 195km of maintained cycle routes of which 16.9km does not form part of the Public Highway1.

Residents of Anglesey are highly dependent on the use of private vehicles which raises the issue of how public transport links can be improved and where new development should be concentrated in order to reduce carbon emissions.


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Transport Principal Transport Networks and Infrastructure in North Wales2

Public Transport

The Island is served by an extensive bus route network and the North Wales main line railway runs across the Island to Holyhead providing 6 train stations. The map below highlights the location of these public transport routes.

Approximately 85% of the Islands households lie within walking distance to public transport, however there is often limited frequency in


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Transport Anglesey Public Transport Routes3

A 400 metre buffer to the bus route and an 800 metre buffer around the train stations reveal that approximately 85% of the Islands households lie within walking distance to public transport.

certain areas.


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Transport Frequency of weekday bus service4

The figure above shows that there is a great deal of variation between the main bus routes on the Island compared with some of the more rural routes, with the backbone of the service being the Holyhead to Bangor route. Numerous parts of the service have a very limited number of buses passing through the settlement on a daily basis.


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Transport

Frequency of bus provision from Secondary to Main Centres5

The figure above shows that only on the main Holyhead to Bangor route that provides a frequency of half hour or better for certain secondary centres to the Main Centres. It is possible to reach one of the main centres within 30


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Transport mins from all secondary centres apart from Rhosneigr and Beaumaris. The ferry port at Holyhead is the main port serving Britain with Ireland with over 2.2 million sea passengers. However, this figure is a reduction of approximately 18% from the 1998 figure of over 2.7 million sea passengers. The Island has an extensive Public Rights of Way network consisting of 1060km public footpaths, 4.1km of bridleways and 4.5km byways (of which 1.1km is restricted byways). There is a Coastal Footpath around the Islands 125 miles of coastline with 14 way marked circular walks. Furthermore there is a sign-posted, 29 mile section of the National Cycle Route No. 8 Holyhead to Cardiff along minor roads across the Island, in addition to Route No. 5 to the north. In total the Council have responsibility for 195km of maintained cycle routes of which 16.9km does not form part of the Public Highway.

Travel to Work

Method of Travel to Work6

High dependence on the private vehicle.


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Transport

• Cars - Ynys Môn was less than the national average in 1991, however, by 2001 it was above the national average. • Working from home - a far higher proportion on Ynys Môn compared with the national average. If the working from home

category is removed then those travelling by car to work on Ynys Môn in 2001 increases to 80.9% whilst the national average only increases to 77.7% which shows the impact of this category on the Ynys Môn figures.

• Bus / Train - the figure is much lower on Ynys Môn when compared with the national average. However, in relation to use of buses the Ynys Môn figure is similar to other rural authorities, and it is the urban authorities e.g. Cardiff 11%, Swansea 8.2% which influences the national average.

• Foot - decline on Ynys Môn from higher than the national average in 1991 to below the national average by 2001. This shows a greater reliance on cars for journey’s to work on Ynys Môn between 1991 and 2001.

Distance Travelled to Work for Llangefni Workforce7


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Transport

Distance Travelled to Work of People Working in Llangefni Workforce8

• Llangefni Workforce - outside of the centre itself the highest percentage of workforce from Llangefni travel into the 10 to 20km zone (21.8%).

• Whilst the exact locations of where these people work is not know the fact that this zone includes Bangor is a clear indication that the majority travelling this distance would be heading towards this centre.

• Working in Llangefni - Again outside of the centre itself the highest level of inflow is from the 10 to 20km zone (31.5%) which includes Bangor and Caernarfon.

• This area also covers the majority of the northern part of the Island, however, other than Wylfa there are no large scale employers in this area.


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Transport

Distance Travelled to Work for Holyhead Workforce9


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Transport

Distance Travelled to Work of People Working in Holyhead Workforce10

• Holyhead Workforce – over half of the workforce stay within the town. • The reminder of the workforce falls within the 5.1 to 10% category up to 40km away except for the 10 to 20km zone which

only accounts for 3.2%, this would be due to lack of major employers within this zone. • Working in Holyhead – again a high proportion from the town itself with the majority of the remainder coming from all the

zones up to 30km which provide 33% of the town’s workforce. • Bangor falls into the 30 to 40km zone and this zone only provides 4.9% of the town’s workforce.


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Transport Distance Travelled to Work for Amlwch Workforce11

Distance Travelled to Work of People Working in Amlwch Workforce12


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Transport • Amlwch Workforce - a slightly lower level of 40% of the town’s workforce remain within the town. • It is then within the 10 to 30km zones that the highest level of workforce travel to. These zones include Holyhead, Llangefni

and Bangor. • Working in Amlwch – other than from the town itself there is a consistent level of inflow from all the zones up to 30km which

in effect is the remainder of the Island and Bangor.

Car Ownership

The number of households without a car has decreased on Ynys Môn from a quarter (25.5%) in 1991 to a fifth (20.9%) by 2001. The average number of cars per household on Ynys Môn in 2001 is 1.19 (based upon 3 cars in households of 3 plus cars), compared to the national average of 1.08. If the figures for the Island’s main urban centres of Holyhead and Llangefni are removed then the average number of cars per household increases to 1.30. The figures reflect the rural nature of Anglesey and dependency on the private vehicle as the number of cars per household is higher than the national average for each category.

Car Ownership13

Car ownership increased between 1991 and 2001.

1 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates)


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2 Taith (Sept 2009) North Wales Regional Transport Plan 3 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 6 Office for National Statistics: Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey. 7 Isle of Anglesey Council (2006) SEA Scoping Report Volume II (2010 updates) 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid. 13 Office for National Statistics: Neighbourhood Statistics - Isle of Anglesey.


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Water

Rivers, lakes and coastal waters on and surrounding the Isle of Anglesey are assessed as having moderate to good water quality, which is expected to improve over the next 5 years. Anglesey is situated in the North Eryri - Ynys Mon Water Resource Zone, which is identified as being in deficit by the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) produced by Welsh Water - principally due to the large uncertainty in the supply and demand balance resulting from climate change. Both planning scenarios considered in the WRMP are in surplus until approximately 2017/18. From that point onwards the deficit increases under the Annual Average scenario to a maximum of 1.63 Ml/d in 2024/35 and under the Critical Period scenario to a maximum of 3.19 Ml/d in 2029/30. Measures to address the potential deficit have been proposed and include an upgrade of Mynydd Llandegai WTW and increased abstraction at Marchlyn Bach reservoir. The Isle of Anglesey is assessed as having approximately 1,000 to 2,500 properties at risk of flooding, which is likely to increase as a result of climate change.


Water Water Quality

Current Ecological Status/ Potential of Surface Waters in the North West Wales Catchment1

A need to maintain and improve water quality by reducing the risk of pollution entering river watercourses. Incorporating Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems into new developments.


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Water General Quality Assessment (GQA) – Chemistry GQA chemistry describes the quality of rivers in terms of chemical measurements which detect the most common types of pollution. These are Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen and Ammonia. Rivers are divided into stretches and each of these is given grades A to F, where A is the best quality and F is the worst.

Chemical river quality in Anglesey (2009)2

Chemical River Quality (2006)3

Anglesey Wales Good Quality (% of river length)

100

94.9

Good or Fair Quality (% of river length) 100

98.1


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Water Chemical Quality of Rivers in Anglesey 20094

General Quality Assessment (GQA) – Biology GQA Biology compares the number and variety of macro-invertebrates present on the riverbed compared to what would be expected for that type of physical environment. This can give an indication of pollution from a wide range of sources, including intermittent problems.

Biological River Quality (2006)5

Anglesey Wales Good Quality (% of river length) 100 94.9

Good or Fair Quality (% of river length)

100 98.1


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Water

Biological river quality in Anglesey 1990 - 20096

Biological Quality of Rivers in Anglesey 20097


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Water GQA Biology and Chemistry Recent Year Summary Table (2009)8

The above table shows that 100% of river length in Anglesey was of very good or good quality in terms of chemistry compared to 94.9% in Wales and 90% of rivers were of good or very good biological quality compared to 83.57% in Wales. Nitrates and Phosphates Two nutrients are assessed under the GQA scheme, nitrates and phosphates. A grade from 1 to 6 is allocated for both phosphate and nitrate. These are not combined into a single nutrients grade. In this respect it differs from the chemical and aesthetic classifications which combine factors into a single grade.


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Water GQA Assessment - Nitrates (2009)9

Phosphates trends in Anglesey rivers (2009)10


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Water GQA Nitrate and Phosphate Trends in Anglesey11

GQA Nitrates and Phosphates Recent Year Summary Table (2009)12


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Water Water Body Name Category Current

Overall Status

Anglesey13 Un-named - Braint/Cadnant/ Lleiniog catchment

River Moderate

River and lake water bodies in the North West Wales catchment

Now 2015

Un-named - Crigyll/Caradog catchment

River Good % at good ecological status or potential 26 30

Braint - lower River Good % assessed at good or high biological status

57 59

Cefni - tidal limit to Ceint

River Moderate % assessed at good chemical status 93 93

Braint - upper River Good % at good status overall (chemical and ecological)

26 30

Cefni - Ceint to Cefni reservoir

River Good % improving for one or more element in rivers 10

Cefni - Cefni reservoir east

River Good

Cefni - Cefni reservoir west

River Good


River Good

Un-named - Braint/Cadnant/Lleiniog catchment

River Moderate


River Moderate

Un-named - Braint/Cadnant/Lleiniog catchment

River Moderate

In the North West Wales catchment there are 202 river water bodies and 33 lakes in the catchment. 26 rivers and 20 lakes are artificial or heavily modified. 25 per cent of rivers (350km or 31 per cent of river length) currently achieve good or better ecological status/potential, including the Dyfi upstream of Afon Twymyn, the Dwyfach and the Braint. 64 per cent of rivers assessed for biology are at good or high biological status now, with 27 per cent at moderate biological status. 27 per cent of lakes assessed currently achieve good or better ecological status/potential including Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Idwal. 30 per cent of lakes assessed currently achieve good or better biological status, with 43 per cent moderate and 26 poor biological status14.


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Water Un-named - Crigyll/Caradog catchment

River Moderate

Crigyll River Moderate Un-named - Braint/Cadnant/Lleiniog catchment

River Moderate

Llyn Alaw Lake Moderate Cefni Reservoir Lake Moderate Llyn Coron Lake Moderate Cemlyn Lagoon Coastal Good The Skerries Coastal Good Caernarfon Bay North Coastal Good Anglesey North Coastal Good North Wales Coastal Good Cymyran Bay Coastal Good Conwy Bay Coastal Moderate Menai Strait Coastal Moderate Holyhead Bay Coastal Moderate

Holyhead Strait Coastal Good

Indicator 35a: River water quality - biological and chemical15 Key points: • The percentage of river lengths in Wales of good or fair

chemical quality has been consistently higher than 98 per cent since 1994. The percentage of river lengths of good chemical quality has remained fairly stable over the same period, peaking at 95.4 per cent in 2007.

• The percentage of river lengths in Wales of good or fair biological quality has consistently been 99 per cent or higher since 2002. The percentage of river lengths of good biological quality has generally increased over the same period, from 78.5 per cent in 2002 to 87.1 per cent in 2009.

Indicator 35c: Compliance with 'good status' under the Water Framework Directive16 Key points: • 75 per cent of coastal waterbodies assessed were given a

good or better ecological status in 2008. • 35 per cent of transitional waterbodies, 29 per cent of rivers

and canals and 20 per cent of lakes assessed were given a good or better ecological status in 2008.

Bathing Water Quality

Bathing water quality has been variable around Anglesey and is dependent on a number of factors including rainfall, diffused pollution and outfalls from sewage treatment plants. In 1996, at the formation of the Green Seas Partnership, Welsh Water made the commitment to carry out an extensive programme of capital improvements at their sewage treatment plants through Wales. These improvements on Anglesey have undoubtedly led to a general improvement in bathing water quality around the island, but there are pockets around the coast where bathing water quality is still poor or is variable. Areas of the island are unsewered and, as such, sewage from properties in these areas is disposed of by individual treatment plants, such as septic tanks or cesspools. In 2008, 13 EC identified beaches were sampled by the Environment Agency and 13 Non-EC identified beaches were sampled by the Isle of Anglesey County Council. On the whole, water quality has improved over time, with 73% of

Promote activities which are likely to sustain the high quality of bathing water.


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Water beaches achieving the guideline standard in 2008, compared with only 33% in 1992. The EC Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC) was intended to safeguard public health and the environment by reducing pollution of bathing waters and protecting bathing waters against further deterioration. Under the Environment Act 1995, the Environment Agency inherited the responsibility for carrying out the necessary monitoring programmes in relations to certain water-related directives, including the Bathing Waters Directives, in England and Wales17.

Environment Agency – 2008 Bathing Waters Report Wales (A)

When Directive 76/160/EEC was first adopted, only a limited number of bathing waters were identified by the UK Government. A large number of bathing waters has since been added to the initial list. A number of non-identified bathing waters have, in the past, been routinely monitored by one of the Environment Agency’s predecessor organisations, the National Rivers Authority.


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Water Environment Agency – 2008 Bathing Waters Report Wales (B)

Compliance of Non-EC identified bathing waters for the G Standard (the water standard quality required for Blue Flag and Green Coast beach awards) has proved to be more problematic with a high rate of failure recorded. Several locations have failed to meet the required G Standard. There are three locations (Traeth Bach, Porth Eilian and Beaumaris) that have recorded a 100% failure rate on this particular standard. The current Bathing Water directive specifies a range of water quality standards that should be achieved in designated bathing waters. These standards fall into two categories: mandatory and guideline (G) standards. Compliance with the guideline standards is not mandatory but the directive states that member states should ‘endeavour’ to observe them as guidelines. Guideline water quality is a requirement for Blue Flag and Green Coast beach awards. Compliance in one particular in one particular year is an unreliable indication of trends. Variation in compliance from year to year does not necessarily indicate genuine improvement or deterioration, owing to the statistical limitations of using such a small data set. There will always be some beaches that change their status as a result of marginal failures or passes.


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Water The revised Bathing Water Directive (rBWD) entered into European Law in March 2006 and was translated into UK Bathing Water regulations in April 2008. The new features of the revised directive will take longer to come into effect. The revised directive should be fully in operation by 201518.

Risk of Future Non Compliance with Guideline Standards of Current Bathing Water Directive


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Water Predicted classification under the revised bathing water directive

Blue Flag Awards19 To be awarded bathing water quality must meet the highest, recommended European guideline standards and the beach must be clean, well managed and promote sound environmental management.

There has clearly been an upward trend in Blue Flag awards for beaches on Anglesey with the first being achieved in 1995. Since this date more locations have won the award with a high level of consistency throughout the remainder of the 1990s into the following decade. However, there are a significant number of beaches that have never been awarded Blue Flag status. Despite the overall increase in Blue Flag awards there is still a significant scope for improvement before a 100% record of Blue


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Water Flag awards for all of Anglesey EC identified beaches is achieved. There is also one instance at Cemaes where it was awarded Blue Flag status in 2004 but lost it in the following year. Since this time it has failed to regain Blue Flag status. Six of the thirteen sites have never been awarded Blue Flag status during the period of 1988 to 2008. Seaside Award Beaches In March each year, the distinctive yellow and blue flag is awarded to beaches that meet mandatory standard water quality and are clean, safe and well-managed. In 2009, 26 of Anglesey’s beaches won this award. Green Coast Awards The Green Coast Award is unique in that it recognises Guideline water quality (Guideline is the EU designation for excellent water quality) as well as Best Practice in environmental management for rural beaches, which may not have the facilities associated with resort beaches. The following beaches in Anglesey were awarded a Green Coast Award in 2008:

• Traeth Mawr, Aberffraw • Traeth Llydan, Rhoscolyn

• Porth Trecastell, Llanfaelog

• Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn

• Porth Nobla, Llanfaelog • Porth Tywyn Mawr, Llanfaethlu

• Porth Tyn Tywyn, Llanfaelog

• Porth Trwyn, Llanfaethlu

• Traeth Llydan, Rhosneigr • Cemlyn • Traeth Lligwy, Dulas • Dewi Sant, Traeth

Coch, Red Wharf Bay • Traeth Lleiniog, Penmon

Water Resources

Environment Agency Wales is responsible for managing water resources in Wales. One of the ways this is done is through licensing water abstraction. Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) have been produced ‘to

A need to promote the sustainable use of water as


135


Water provide a framework for resource availability assessment and produce a licensing strategy which aids the sustainable management of water resources on a catchment scale.’ The Anglesey Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) area is approximately 716km2 and is wholly within the county council area. Some of the main river channels are the Cefni, Alaw, Braint, Wygyr and Goch. The island’s water is supplied mainly from Cefni and Alaw reservoirs, although some is piped across the Britannia Bridge from Cwellyn reservoir in Snowdonia. The map below shows the resource availability of water resources in Anglesey20.

CAMS Resource Availability Status21

a natural resource.

Water Supply

Currently water supply is provided to the majority of Anglesey by reservoirs located at: • Llyn Alaw (north west of Llanerchymedd) • Cefni Reservoir (north west of Llangefni)

Potential for reduced availability of water resources as a result of


136


Water • Llyn Traffwll (east of Cargeiliog and Llanfihangel in Towyn) • Llyn Cwellyn

Water supply is provided to Menai Bridge and Llangefni from Llyn Cwellyn in Arfon, Gwynedd on the main land via pipes that run across the Britannia Bridge. The North Eryri - Ynys Mon Water Resource Zone is identified as in deficit by the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) produced by Welsh Water principally due to the large uncertainty in the supply and demand balance resulting from climate change. Both planning scenarios considered in the WRMP are in surplus until approximately 2017/18. From that point onwards the deficit increases under the Annual Average scenario to a maximum of 1.63 Ml/d in 2024/35 and under the Critical Period scenario to a maximum of 3.19 Ml/d in 2029/30.

Annual Average and Critical Period Planning Senarios

To resolve the deficits in both the planning scenarios, the WRMP proposes the following Options: • Enhanced leakage detection • Upgrade of Mynydd Llandegai WTW with increased abstraction at Marchlyn Bach reservoir. The leakage option would be implemented in 2017/18 to save a maximum of 2.79 Ml/d. The option to upgrade Mynydd Llandegai WTW would commence in 2022/23 and provide a maximum of 0.43 Ml/d throughout the remainder

climate change. Ensure that new development incorporates water efficiency measures.


137


Water of the planning period22.

Groundwater Quality

Groundwater Vulnerability Maps provide information on how significant the groundwaters are likely to be and if they are vulnerable o pollution occurring at the land surface. The maps have descriptions on them to explain the different aquifer and soil types. Areas shown as ‘major aquifers’ have strategic significance for water resources, they often support large abstractions for the public water supply. Minor aquifers have a more localised significance to domestic, agricultural and industrial users (although they may still be used for drinking water). Non-aquifers do not store significant amounts of groundwater. However, in some areas, they can support local supplies e.g. small springs feeding individual properties23.

Groundwater Vulnerability (2009)24

A need to mitigate against the contamination of groundwater resources and drinking water supplies.


138


Water Groundwater Vulnerability Drift Map (2009)25

There are currently no licensed groundwater abstractions in the area as groundwater abstraction is exempt from licensing, but it is extensively utilised for small, private water supplies across the island. Minewater Parys Mountain in northern Anglesey has a long association with the copper and precious metals industry. As a result of this industrial heritage there is poor water quality associated with acidic run off and particular problems in the Afon Goch. Parts of Mynydd Parys also have SSSI designation.


139


Water Flood Risk Areas at risk from flooding in Anglesey26

Key to Legend: Flood zone 2 – the Environment Agency’s best estimate of the areas of land between zone 3 and the extent of the flood from rivers or the sea with a 1000 to 1 chance of flooding in any year. It includes those areas defined in flood zone 3. Flood zone 3 – the agency’s best estimate of the areas of land with a 100 to 1 chance (or greater) of flooding each year from the sea. The map above shows the main rivers and the flooding zones provides by the TAN15 advice maps. Zone B – Areas known to have been flooded in the past evidenced by sedimentary deposits Zone C1 – Areas of the floodplain that are developed and served by significant infrastructure, including flood defences Zone C2 – Areas of the floodplain without significant flood defence infrastructure. Holyhead - significant parts of land within the port are shown as being subject to flood risk this being due to tidal flooding. Further tidal flooding is indicated from Penrhos Beach and extends inland over part of the Anglesey Aluminium plant. The only other area of flood risk is a watercourse running from the west of Pentrefelin housing estate to the sea by Porthyfelin House.

Potential for increased flood risk as a result of climate change. Ensure that new development is directed away from high flood risk areas.

A need to introduce flood minimisation or mitigation measures to reduce the volume and rate of run-off in new development.


140


Water Therefore the majority of the settlement is not affected at present by flood risk. The significant factor for Holyhead is the role that the breakwater plays in protecting the inner harbour and the town and the work required to maintain the breakwater. Llangefni – The Afon Cefni runs through the centre of Llangefni although due to the topography of the town the area affected by flood risk is fairly limited. It also mainly involves commercial and industrial premises through the town centre and down the western side of the industrial estate.There are large parts of the settlement not affected by the flood risk although the location of the flood risk may impact upon the residential re-development potential of town centre sites. Amlwch – Afon Goch runs through the centre of Amlwch and whilst it mainly affects commercial and industrial sites it does also restrict the potential for residential growth and re-development in certain parts of the centre.

Percentage of properties in each Local Authority in a Flood Zone (2008)27


141


Water

Number of properties in each Local Authority in a Flood Zone (2008)28


142


Water Local Authorities in Wales ranked by the number of people at risk of flooding29.

Local Authorities in Wales ranked by the number of properties at significant risk of flooding30.


143


Water

1 Environment Agency Western Wales RBMP Available online: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/125095.aspx


144

2 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package: Anglesey 3 WAG: Key Statistics for Anglesey. Available online: http://www.assemblywales.org/anglesey.pdf 4 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package: Anglesey 5 WAG: Key Statistics for Anglesey. Available online: http://www.assemblywales.org/anglesey.pdf 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid. 11 Ibid. 12 Ibid. 13 Environment Agency Western Wales RBMP: Surface water bodies - classification status and objectives for Water Framework Directive Cycle 1 (updated January 2011). Available online: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/125095.aspx 14 Environment Agency Wales (December 2009) Western Wales River Basin Management Plan. 15 WAG (July 2010) State of the Environment. Available online: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/environment2010/100722/?lang=en 16 Ibid. 17 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package: Anglesey 18 Ibid. 19 Keep Wales Tidy www.keepwalestidy.org 20 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package: Anglesey 21 Ibid. 22 Welsh Water (2008) Water Resource Management Plan Main Report. 23 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package: Anglesey 24 Ibid. 25 Ibid. 26 Ibid. 27 Ibid. 28 Ibid. 29 Environment Agency Wales (2009) Flooding in Wales: A National Assessment of Flood Risk. 30 Ibid.

GWYNEDD BASELINE ANALYSIS


1

Biodiversity Gwynedd has a rich and varied biodiversity resource. The importance of this biodiversity is reflected by the number of designated sites, which includes 12 SACs, 4 SPAs, 1 Ramsar and 146 SSSIs. However, the integrity of many of the sites is under constant threat. Natur Gwynedd, the habitat and species action plan of the authority identifies a number of important species and habitats and outline the status of the habitat /species in question, the factors that affect them along with proposed actions to undertake to improve their status. In order to improve the condition of these species and habitats, there needs to be effective management of their features. (Note: ‘Gwynedd’ in this baseline refers to the county as a whole unless otherwise stated).



Biodiversity European Sites

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)1 There are 12 SACs within the Gwynedd LPA area and 6 outside the Council’s boundary but considered to be near enough to be potentially affected:

• Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC (146023.48ha) • Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC (26482.67ha) • Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites SAC (1832.55ha) • Glynllifon SAC (189.27ha) • River Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn SAC (114.29ha) • Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains SAC (27221.21ha) • Snowdonia SAC (19739.6ha) • Sea Cliffs of Lleyn SAC (1048.4ha) • Lleyn Fens SAC (283.68ha) • Corsydd Eifionydd SAC (144.32ha) • River Dee and Bala Lake SAC • Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt (outside Gwynedd LPA area) SAC (19968.23ha) • Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn (outside Gwynedd LPA area) SAC

(1062.57ha)

Indicator 21: Percentage of features on Natura 2000 sites in favourable or recovering condition in Wales2 Indicator status: Stable / No clear trend Species - key points: • 45 per cent of all species

were in favourable condition in the assessments from 2000 to 2009.

• There is large variation between species groups. For example, 80 per cent or more of marine mammals and birds were in favourable or recovering condition. However, 80 per

Protect designated and wider areas of biodiversity by minimising the impacts of development. Enhance designated and wider areas of biodiversity by maintaining and improving green infrastructure.


2



Biodiversity • Rhinog (outside Gwynedd LPA area) SAC (3144.53ha) • Abermenai to Aberffraw Dunes SAC (1871.03 ha) • Cadair Idris (outside Gwynedd LPA area) SAC (3785ha) • Afon Eden, Cors Goch – Trawsfynydd (outside Gwynedd LPA area) SAC

(284.29ha) • Coedydd Aber (outside Gwynedd LPA area) SAC (346.2ha)

SAC’s in Gwynedd

cent or more of amphibians, butterflies and fish were in unfavourable condition.

Habitats - key points: • Within most habitat groups,

between 40 and 50 per cent of features were in favourable or recovering condition in the assessments from 2000 to 2009. Outside of that range, 100 per cent of caves and 75 per cent of reefs and sea caves were in favourable or recovering condition. However, 76 per cent of lowland grasslands and 70 per cent of sandbanks, bays and lagoons were in unfavourable condition.


3



Biodiversity Special Protection Areas (SPA) There are 4 SPAs within the Gwynedd LPA area:

• Berwyn SPA (24187.53ha) (partly within Gwynedd LPA) • Glannau Aberdaron & Ynys Enlli SPA (505.03 ha) • Lavan Sands, Conwy Bay SPA (2642.98ha) • Mynydd Cilan,Trwyn y Wylfa & Ynysoedd Sant Tudwal SPA (373.55ha)

SPAs in Gwynedd


4



Biodiversity Ramsar Sites There is 1 Ramsar Sites within the Gwynedd LPA Area:

• Anglesey and Lleyn Fens Ramsar (624.9ha)

Ramsar Sites in Gwynedd


5



Biodiversity Sites of Special Scientific Interest

In 2009, there were 146 SSSIs with a combined area of around 57193ha within the Gwynedd Unitary Authority boundary.

SSSIs in Gwynedd

SSSIs in Wales - Current State of Knowledge (April 05 to March 06)3:

• 12% of Wales is designated

as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

• During 2005/6 Wales gained three SSSIs, an additional 399 ha

• 71% of SSSIs by area are also sites of international importance for wildlife

• One quarter of SSSIs can be reached within 1km of a town or city

• 62% of SSSIs by area are classed as open access land.

• From a sample of SSSIs, 47% of designated habitats and species were considered to be in favourable condition

• 25% of SSSIs by area are known to be owned or managed by conservation sector bodies

In 2009, 66 SSSI within

Protect designated and wider areas of biodiversity by minimising the impacts of development.


6



Biodiversity

Gwynedd were classed as being in an unfavourable condition whilst 72 were classed as being in a favourable condition. The status of the remaining 7 was unknown.


7



Biodiversity National Nature Reserves

There are 25 National Nature Reserves in Gwynedd, covering approximately 2% of the Gwynedd land area.

Whole Site Assessment4

Status of all NNR species and habitat features

Local Nature Reserves

There are 7 LNRs in Gwynedd covering an area of 1700 hectares5:

• Lon Cob Bach LNR • Parc y Borth LNR • Pen y Banc LNR • Traeth Lafan LNR • Y Foryd LNR • Parc Dudley LNR

Data Gap


8



Biodiversity Biodiversity Action Plans

Natur Gwynedd is the Local Authority’s Biodiversity Action Plan. The tables below shows the species and habitats which have action plans included in Natur Gwynedd along with their current condition

LBAP Species Current Status Included in Section 74 CROW Act?

Otter Otters have been returning to many river catchments in Gwynedd in recent years.

Yes

Pine Marten Unknown No Polecat Historically Gwynedd is a Welsh stronghold

for the polecat. Appears that they may have a high density in some localities.

No

Brown hare Distribution unknown. Yes Hazel dormouse Unknown Yes Water vole Recent surveys suggest that water voles are

likely to be widespread throughout Gwynedd. Yes

Barn Owl It is likely that the UK wide decline has been reflected in Gwynedd.

No

Lesser horsehoe bat

Unknown Yes

Chough 67 sites occupied by pairs in Gwynedd LPA in 2002 and the population is currently increasing.

No

Arctic Charr Unknown No Lampreys Unknown No Salmonids Catches of migratory trout and salmon are

declining in Gwynedd but brown trout still appears to be maintaining steady numbers.

No

Adder There are 11 confirmed 10km2 with adders present within Gwynedd LPA.

No

Marsh Fritillary Coloniesare in England and Wales estimated Yes

Summary of main results of the 2008 UK Biodiversity Action Plan Reporting Round: • Biodiversity Action Plan partnerships at UK and local

levels continue to deliver gains for some priority species and habitats, with the rate of decline slowing and in some cases halted or reversed. Nevertheless there is a lot more to do.

• 8 priority habitats (18%) and 40 priority species

(11%) were increasing or probably increasing. • 9 priority habitats (20%) and 144 priority species

(39%) were stable or probably stable. • 19 priority habitats (42%) and 88 priority species

(24%) were declining or probably declining but the rate of decline is slowing for 9 habitats (20%) and 28 species (8%).

• 8 species were reported to have been lost since the publication of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in 1994 and 11 were thought to have been lost before this date.

• The state of our knowledge of the conservation

requirements for priority habitats and species was reported as increased compared with 2002, but gaps still existed in our monitoring. Beyond 2010, the main gaps were identified as likely to be for marine, coastal and grassland habitats and for


9



Biodiversity to be disappearing at a rate of well over 10% over decade.

Hornet robberfly Recent records restricted to Cors Geirch. Yes Bluebell Locally abyndant in Gwynedd. No Floating water plantain

Gwynedd is a stronghold for floating water plantain in Wales.

Yes

Lapwing Breeding population has decreased greatly in recent years.

No

LBAP Habitat Current Status Included in

Section 74 CROW Act?

Upland Oakwoods Estimated total area in the Gwynedd LPA is 1100 ha2.Not known if the resource is declining.

Yes

Wet woodland Estimated total area in Gwynedd LPA is 1100 ha2.

Yes

Arable field margins

Proportion of arable land in Gwynedd LPA is 3% of total area. The soils of the Llyn Peninsula are consistently graded.

No

Cloddiau Cloddiau are particularly characteristic of the Llŷn Peninsula.

No

Mudflats In 2000 all estuaries in Gwynedd were given the highest classification (A/good) on their biological quality.

Yes

Maritime cliff and slopes

Gwynedd has 107km of coastline with Maritime cliff and slope habitat, a great proportion of which containing important habitats and species.

Yes

River corridors Unknown No Rhos pasture Gwynedd LPA has over 4% of the Welsh

resource. There has been a decline in rhos pasture in Gwynedd since the 1930s, with

No

groups of invertebrates and plants. • Progress on targets was mixed. For those aimed at

maintaining biodiversity (the timescale for these is 2010), 52% of species targets were met and 17% were not achieved, whilst on habitats, 26% were met and 30% were not achieved. The remainder were either not known or not reported. For targets aimed at making improvements, progress was behind schedule on the majority, but for some species, such as the Ladybird spider, Large Blue butterfly and Bittern, the progress was impressive.

• Habitat loss/degradation (particularly owing to

agriculture, changes in management practice or infrastructure development) and global warming continued to be the key threats reported for the highest proportion of priority species and habitats6.


10



Biodiversity much of it being replaced by rye-grass pasture.

Ancient Woodlands

Woodland Reserves in Gwynedd LPA:

• Bryn Meurig • Coed Doctor • Nursery Woods • Wern Mynach • Orielton Woods

There are large areas of identified ancient semi-natural woodland within the Gwynedd LPA.

Birds Bird population data is at an all-Wales level.

Short-term abundance of widespread breeding birds in Wales, 1994 to 20097

• Overall, in Wales, 16.9 per cent of species increased and 42.7 per cent decreased in range between 1968-1972 and 1988-1991. 40.3 per cent remained stable.

• Over half the species of birds of farmed habitats decreased in range over the 20-year period.


11

1 JNCC Protected Sites 2 WAG (July 2010) State of the Environment (Accessed on 06/04/11) Available online: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/environment2010/100722/?lang=en 3 CCW (Accessed on 06/04/11) SSSIs in Wales - Current State of Knowledge Report for April 2005 - March 2006 4 CCW (Accessed on 06/04/11) National Nature Reserves in Wales - Status of NNRs. Available online: http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our-landscape/special-landscapes--sites/protected-landscapes/national-nature-reserves/nnr-report.aspx 5 Gwynedd Council 6 JNCC - The UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Highlights from the 2008 reporting round. Available online: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=5398 7 Welsh Assembly Government http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/document.aspx?ReportId=5759


12

Communities Gwynedd is experiencing an ageing population with fewer children being born and more people living into older age which reflects the national trend. For a number of years there have been concerns about the out-migration of young people from north west Wales and evidence suggests it is a significant problem in the county. In terms of health, there is a need to reduce the incidence of a number of diseases and conditions such as high blood pressure. The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation has shown that the majority of small areas in Gwynedd are less deprived than the average for Wales. However, there are pockets of relative deprivation within the authority, most notable in terms of housing and access particularly in the more rural areas of the Llyn Peninsula. (Note: ‘Gwynedd’ in this baseline refers to the county as a whole unless otherwise stated).


Communities Population Composition and Population Change

In 2001, the total population of Gwynedd was recorded as being 116,843, which with 47 people per square kilometre is less densely populated than Wales as a whole (143 people per sq km)1.

Mid-year Population Estimates – 2003 to 20092 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Gwynedd 117,200 118,300 118,100 118,100 118,400 118,600 118,800Wales 2,918.2 2,928.8

2,943.5

2,950.1

2,961.9

2,976.1

2,990.1

Gwynedd and UK Population Pyramid by Age and Gender (2001)3

Steadily growing population over recent years. Between 2003 and 2009, the local authority’s population increased by 1.3% compared to a 2.4% rise in Wales overall

The effect of an ageing population will be an increase in the number of individuals of pensionable age and a decrease in the number of individuals of working age. This will lead to a large increase in the demand for health care, residential services, pensions and other services used by the elderly. In turn this will provide


13


Communities

Population by age group in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wales-% change between 1991 and 2009

-6

7

-8

18

9

-13

-19

-14

22 21

-6

1

-4

24

12

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 to 14 15-29 30-44 45-64 65+

Age Group

Per

cent

age

Cha

nge

Gwynedd Anglesey Wales

June 2009 Mid Year Estimates show that 23.7% of Gwynedd’s resident population was aged over 60/65 (retirement age) and was the 9th highest in terms of the percentage of people in this age group of all Unitary Authorities in Wales. Gwynedd has a slightly lower proportion of its population in the working age category (16-59/64 age group) compared to the national average – 58.7% compared to 60% in Wales overall (mid-year estimate 2009).

An examination of the changing age profile of Gwynedd’s residents over the period 1991 to 2001 shows evidence of an ageing population. The proportion in the 65+ age group increased by 9% in Gwynedd compared to 12% in Wales overall. The change in the proportion of young people was mixed with a -6 % decrease for the 0-14 age group; and a 7% increase in the 15-29 age group.

opportunities for employment in these fields.

Population Projections4

Based on the mid-2008 WAG population projections, the total population of Gwynedd is projected to increase by 4,600 (or 3.9%) by mid-2023. This is the sixth lowest population growth to mid-2023 of all local authorities in Wales. The population is projected to continue increasing for the last ten years of the projection period, reaching 126,000 by mid-2033. The most recent actual data shows that there have generally been more deaths than births in Gwynedd in the five years up to mid-2007/08, apart from a small positive natural change in 2005/06. Over the projection period, natural change is projected to increase in Gwynedd

If past trends continue, there will be a need to facilitate appropriate


14


Communities reaching around 130 more births than deaths in 2019/20. From here on natural change is projected to decline, becoming negative towards the end of the projection period, resulting from an increase in deaths and decrease in birth numbers. Without a positive net inward migration for these last few years of the projection period, the population of Gwynedd would decline.

Total Population

Natural Change and Net Migration

development to satisfy the needs of the growing population and consideration should be given to the future viability of services as a consequence of population growth


15


Communities Population change, key years and key age groups

2008 2013 2018 2023 Children 21,170 20,094 19,798 20,422 Ages 16-64 73,893 73,579 73,516 73,076 Ages 65+ 23,527 26,040 27,976 29,671 Total 118,590 119,713 121,290 123,170

The population of Gwynedd is projected to increase by 3.9 per cent from mid-2008 to mid-2023. This increase is predominately due to the increase in people aged 65+, projected to grow by around 26.1 per cent from 23,500 in mid-2008 to 29,700 in mid-2023. This increase in the number of older people is due to two factors; firstly increased expectation of life which results in more people living longer, and secondly the ageing on of larger cohorts, such as those born after the Second World War. Over the projection period, the dependency ratio in Gwynedd is projected to increase from around 610 per 1,000 people aged 16-64 in mid-2008 to 690 per 1,000 people aged 16-64 in mid-2023. This is predominately driven by an increase in the number of people aged 65+. In each year of the projection period, Gwynedd is projected to experience: • 5,290 people arriving in the authority from the rest of the UK; • 5,140 people leaving the authority for the rest of the UK; • A net internal migration of 150 people. Key Points: • The number of births in Gwynedd is projected to decrease to 1250 in 2010/11 before increasing to 1,360 by 2022/23. From here onwards births are projected to decline for the remainder of the projection period. • The number of deaths in Gwynedd is projected to decline until 2018/19 reaching 1,220, and then rise to 1,360 in 2032/33. The changes seen in the death figures are due to two factors: firstly the projected increases in life expectancy (hence the decrease in deaths in the early years of the projection); and secondly, a cohort effect, in that if people are living longer, in future years there will be more older people. The number of older people (age 65+) in Gwynedd is projected to increase from 23,500 in mid-2008 to 33,200 in mid-2033. The older age groups have a higher mortality rate, leading to more deaths being projected. • Over the projection period, natural change is projected to increase in Gwynedd reaching 130 more births than deaths in


16


Communities 2019/20. From here onwards natural change is projected to decline, becoming negative towards the end of the projection period, resulting from an increase in deaths and decrease in birth numbers. Net migration for Gwynedd is 250 in each year of the projection period. • Therefore by the end of the projection period, net change for Gwynedd starts to gradually decrease due to an increasingly negative natural change, resulting in the population increasing at a slower rate. • The number of people aged 65+ is projected to increase by 41% in Gwynedd by 2033 with continuous growth during the

projection period.

Ethnicity5 In 2001, 1.2 % of the population of Gwynedd were categorised as being in non-white ethnic groups compared to 2.1% in Wales overall. Of the ethnic groups, those of a Mixed background are the most predominant group (34.7%) with the Black or Black British ethnic group being the least prominent (8.6%)4.

Percentage of white people by local authority

97.9

99.3 99.2 99.2 99.1 99.1 99.1 99.1 99.1 99 98.9 98.9 98.9 98.9 98.8 98.8 98.8 98.6 98.6

97.8 97.8

95.2

91.6

86

88

90

92

94

96

98

100

WA

LES

Isle

of A

ngle

sey

Bla

enau

Gw

ent

Flin

tshi

re

Cae

rphi

lly

Car

mar

then

shire

Pem

brok

eshi

re

Pow

ys

Torfa

en

Mer

thyr

Tyd

fil

Con

wy

Mon

mou

thsh

ire

Nea

th P

ort T

albo

t

Wre

xham

Den

bigh

shire

Gw

yned

d

Rho

ndda

; Cyn

on; T

aff

Brid

gend

Cer

edig

ion

Sw

anse

a

The

Val

e of

Gla

mor

gan

New

port

Car

diff

The need to facilitate development which considers all sections of the community.


17


Communities Migration6 People move in and out of Gwynedd constantly for numerous reasons. Work, study, retirement and families ties are all reasons

why people move from one place to another to live.

Within the North Wales region, between mid-1999 and mid-2004, Conwy experienced the largest number of net immigrants, 27.7 per cent, with the Isle of Anglesey (7.5 per cent) the least. Conwy (32) and Denbighshire (31) had the two highest inflow rates. Gwynedd (24) had the highest outflow rate with Conwy and Denbighshire (both 23) close behind. Average annual migration movements with England by local authority, per year, based on estimates between mid-1999

to mid-2004 (thousands).

Average Rate (per 1000 population)

Region Inflow Outflow Net Inflow Outflow Isle of Anglesey

1.5 1.2 0.3 22 18

Gwynedd 3.5 2.8 0.6 29 24 Conwy 3.5 2.5 1.0 32 23 Denbighshire 2.9 2.1 0.8 31 23 Flintshire 3.7 3.1 0.7 25 21 Wrexham 2.7 2.3 0.4 21 18 North Wales 17.7 14.0 3.7 27 21

The scale and nature of in- and out- migration will have an impact on the population structure of the county. For a number of years there have been concerns about the out-migration of young people from north west Wales, and many economic and social initiatives have been attempting to keep young people in the area and to encourage those that have left to live elsewhere to return to the area. The figure below shows that a significant number of young people in the 20-29 age category moved out of Gwynedd during the year up to June 2009 period, whilst in-migration was higher than out-migration for the 45-64 age category. The high inflow of people aged between 15-19 can probably be attributed to the influx of students to the County.

The scale and nature of in and out-migration will have an impact on the population structure of the County. There is an ongoing need to address the out migration of young people and consideration should be given to the impact of the loss of working age people on the local economy


18


Communities Gross and net flows by age group (year up to June 2009)

-0.6

-0.4

-0.2

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

0-4

5-9

10-1

4

0-14

15-1

9

20-2

4

25-2

9

15-2

9

30-3

4

35-3

9

40-4

4

30-4

4

45-4

9

50-5

4

55-5

9

45-5

9

60-6

4

45-6

4

65+

65-6

9

70-7

4

75+

Age group

Net b

alan

ce (t

hous

ands

)

General Health In 2001, 69.2% of the population of Gwynedd described their health as ‘good’, which

exceeded the ‘good’ health rate for Wales of 65.1% and is the highest of all Unitary Authorities in Wales7 9.5% of the population of Gwynedd described their health as ‘not good’, compared with 12.5% of the Welsh population.

General Health (2001) Good Health Fairly good

health Not good health

All People

Number % Number % Number %

Gwynedd 116,843 80,910 69.2 24,781 21.2 11,152 9.5 Wales 2,903,085 1,888,849 65.1 652,769 22.5 361,467 12.5

There is a need to maintain the general health and well-being of residents and to encourage healthier lifestyles in order to reduce the incidence of high blood pressure and respiratory illnesses.


19


Communities

General Health by Ward (2001) All People % people who

described their health as ‘good’

% people who described their health as ‘not

good’ Highest Bethel (78.2) Llanbedrog (14.5) Second Highest Cwm y Glo (76.9) Talysarn (13.9) Third Highest Llandderfel (75.9) Hirael (13.3) Third Lowest Dyffryn Ardudwy

(60) Llanuwchllyn (5.6)

Second Lowest Tywyn (59.8) Menai Bangor (5.3) Lowest Llanbedrog (56.2) Bethel (4.8) Gwynedd 69.3 9.5 Wales 65.1 12.5

Limiting Long-term Illness8

In 2001, 24,122 people (20.6% of Gwynedd’s total population) had some form of limiting long-term illness (4th lowest out of all unitary authorities in Gwynedd and slightly lower than the all-Wales figure of 23.3%.

Limiting Long-term Illness (2001)

All People With a limiting long-term illness

Without a limiting long-term illness

Number % Number % Gwynedd 116,843 24,122 20.6 92,721 79.4 Wales 2,903,085 675,662 23.3 2,227,423 76.7

In 1991, 13.9% of the population of Gwynedd had a limiting long-term illness. By 2001, this figure had increased to 20.1%.The differences most likely reflect different attitudes or perceptions of illness/health


20


Communities Limiting Long-term Illness by Unitary Authority (2001)

23.328.3

2526.3

18.826.3

20.723.523.4

19.220.622.4

3019.1

29.421.622.3

20.4

27.224.724.8

19.921.5

76.771.7

7573.7

81.273.7

79.376.576.6

80.879.477.6

7080.9

70.678.477.7

79.6

72.875.375.2

80.178.5

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Wales

Blaenau Gwent

Bridgend

Caerphilly

Cardiff

Carmarthenshire

Ceredigion

Conwy

Denbighshire

Flintshire

Gwynedd

Isle of Anglesey

Merthyr Tydfil

Monmouthshire

Neath Port Talbot

Newport

Pembrokeshire

Powys

Rhondda; Cynon; Taff

Swansea

Torfaen

The Vale of Glamorgan

Wrexham

% with a LLTI % without a LLTI 13 of Gwynedd’s wards had a higher percentage than the Welsh average. The 5 wards in Gwynedd with the highest rates of Limiting Long-term Illness were Llanbedrog (31%), Talysarn (26.4%), Cadnant Caernarfon (26%) and Penygroes (25.6%).

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy9

1991-1993 1995-1997 1999-2001 2003-2005 Male Female Male Female Male Female Male FemaleGwynedd 73.6 79.7 75.1 80.4 76.0 80.9 76.9 81.0 Wales 73.3 78.8 73.8 79.1 74.8 79.8 76.2 80.6

For both men and women, life expectancy has on the whole increased steadily since 1991.


21


Communities Between 2003-2005, Gwynedd had the 4th highest life expectancy rate for both men and women in Wales. Between 2003-2005, life expectancy in Gwynedd was higher than for Wales, and England and Wales as a whole.

Health Gwynedd has a higher cancer rate than the national average (418 per 100,000, compared to 410 in Wales between 2004-2006)10. Gwynedd - adults who reported key illnesses, health-related lifestyle or service

use11

Gwynedd has a higher cancer rate than the national average. The county performs equal or better in terms of the incidence of other noted diseases compared to Wales.

The proportion of residents with some form of condition /illness is an issue. There is a need to maintain the general health and well-being of residents and to encourage healthier lifestyles.


22


Communities

(a) Includes those who reported ever being treated for a heart attack. (b) Adults who reported having any long-term illness, health problem or disability which limits

their daily activities or the work they can do. Adults were asked to include problems due to old age.

(c) Adults who reported smoking daily or occasionally. (d) In response to a question asking about the most units drunk on any one day in the last

seven days. Above guidelines means men drinking more than 4 units a day and women drinking more than 3 units.

(e) Binge means men drinking more than 8 units a day and women drinking more than 6 units. (f) Based on all adults (drinkers and non-drinkers). (g) Guidelines recommend adults eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables

each day. (h) Guidelines recommend adults do at least 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical

activity on five or more days a week. Respondents were asked to include physical activity which is part of their job.

(i) Reported Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25+. BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by squared height (m2).

(j) Reported Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30+. BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by squared height (m 2).

(k) Bases vary: those shown are for the whole sample.

Physical Health12

In 2005/06, 37% of the Gwynedd population reported meeting physical activity guidelines during the previous week, 7% higher than the rate for Wales and 2% higher than the figure recorded for Gwynedd in 2003/05 Gwynedd was ranked equal highest (with Ceredigion) of the 22 Unitary Authorities of Wales on this measure. In 2005/06, 51% of Gwynedd's population was considered overweight on this measure, 4% lower than the rate for Wales.

There is a need to maintain the general health and well-being of residents and to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Road Traffic Accidents13

Road Accidents 2006

Gwynedd Wales Accidents 11.9 25.5

Between 1999 and 2003, there was an overall decrease in the number of all casualties of road accidents and in the number of all car occupants killed


23


Communities Casualties 19.1 37.3 Casualties – slight 419.5 381.6 Casualties – killed or seriously injured

50.7 46.3

Road Accidents in Anglesey and Gwynedd

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

1994

-98

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Year

Acci

dent

s

Isle of Anglesey Gwynedd

The death rate by cause (direct standardised mortality rate per 100,000 population): road accidents (2004-06 average) – 24.8 – 3rd highest in Wales. Years of life lost by death due to motor vehicle accident, 2000 – 2004 = Gwynedd 17.9

or seriously injured.


24


Communities per 10,000 population; Wales 15.3 per 10,000 population.

Crime Recorded Crime 2006-07 (per 100,000 population)14

Gwynedd Wales Recorded Crime 73.5 87.5 Violence against the person 21.9 18.2 Burglary from a dwelling 1.7 3.6 Theft of a vehicle 1.3 3.8 Theft from a vehicle 3.5 8.6

Rate of Crime per 1,000 people 15

The crime rate in Gwynedd has gradually fallen in recent years with an overall reduction of 14% between 2006/07 and 2009/10. In 2009/10, Gwynedd had the 8th lowest crime rate in Wales

There is a need to promote the continuing reduction of crime rates by encouraging developments which improve the safety of communities.


25


Communities

Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police (April 07 – March 08)16

Violence against t he person30%

Wounding or Ot her Act Endangering Lif e

0%

Ot her Wounding10%

Harrassment10%Robbery

0%

Thef t f rom a Person0%

Criminal Damage 30%

Burglary Ot her t han a Dwelling5%

Thef t of a Mot or Vehicle2%

Burglary in a Dwelling2%

Common Assault7%

Thef t f rom a Mot or Vehicle4%

Housing Affordability in Rural Areas17

The housing affordability ratio in Gwynedd overall is 5.79 – higher than the comparative for Wales (5.01) (Jan 2010-Dec 2010). As can be seen from the maps below, house prices to income ratio and average house prices are higher in the more rural wards of Gwynedd. This is particularly true in the more rural wards of the Llŷn Peninsula and along the Meirionnydd Coast.

There is a need to facilitate the development of housing that satisfy the needs of communities, particularly in rural areas of the county.


26


Communities

House price to incomes ratio (median) –January 2010 – December 2010

Average price overall (current – 28/2/11) July 2010 – December 2010


27


Communities Economy18 A detailed spatial breakdown of benefit receipt in rural Wales is presented in the maps below. These maps clearly show an

east-west division within rural Wales in respect to the receipt of these three state benefits, with levels of receipt generally higher in the north-west and lowest in eastern areas. In addition, across rural Wales, benefit levels appear to be highest in those wards containing the larger towns. The most striking east-west spatial pattern is evident in the second figure below, which shows the proportion of people in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, with high levels of benefit receipt evident in most wards in Anglesey, the north-west of Gwynedd and south-east Ceredigion. It is also clear from the three figures that areas of Gwynedd and Anglesey exhibit similar benefit profiles to the Valleys. As with benefit and income levels there is a clear west-east divide evident in relation to unemployment rates, with Gwynedd, Anglesey and Pembrokeshire being the authority areas recording highest, and Monmouthshire and Powys having the lowest rate. Clusters of high unemployment rural wards are concentrated in Anglesey and north-western parts of Gwynedd.

Percentage of households claiming Income Support

in 2001, by wards

Percentage of households claiming Income-based Job Seekers Allowance in 2001, by ward

Considerable geographic variations in the unemployment rate which suggests a need to strengthen and diversify rural local economies within the county. The need to facilitate the development of community facilities and services in rural areas and to facilitate an improvement in local opportunities by improving the availability of quality employment as well as supporting local businesses. There is a need to encourage investment in


28


Communities

Percentage of households claiming Working Family

Tax Credit in 2001, by ward

Percentage of unemployed households in 2001, by ward

rural areas by providing an infrastructure of transport, communications and land that helps attract new business providing higher paid employment.


29


Communities

Percentage benefit claimant rates, 2001 by rural unitary authority Job

Seekers Allowance

Income Support

Council Tax

Benefit

Working Families

Tax Credit Carmarthenshire 1.9 14.8 22.1 2.5

Ceredigion 1.6 9.6 15.7 2.2 Conwy 2.1 15.1 16.8 2.9

Denbighshire 1.9 15.5 19.1 2.7 Gwynedd 2.8 12.6 12.4 2.9

Isle of Anglesey 3.4 13.7 35.0 2.8 Monmouthshire 1.2 8.4 13.4 1.8 Pembrokeshire 2.2 13.7 20.8 3.1

Powys 1.4 9.8 14.2 2.5 Rural 2.0 12.7 18.5 2.6

Urban * 2.3 14.8 23.0 2.4 * Cardiff, Newport and Swansea local authority areas

Within rural Wales, the four north-western and south-western local authority areas that recorded the lowest average incomes had the highest proportion of low-income households in 2003. Gwynedd recorded just below 22% of households on low-income and Anglesey had about 21% on low income. The spatial distribution of low-income households at ward-level can be seen in the map below with highest proportions of low income households evident in large parts of Gwynedd and Anglesey.

% households with annual incomes below £10,000 Area %

households Gwynedd 27.2 Denbighshire 27 Pembrokeshire 26.9 Carmarthenshire 26.5 Conwy 26 Anglesey 24.7


30


Communities Ceredigion 22.8 Powys 22.8 Flintshire 20.3 Vale of Glamorgan 17.5 Monmouthsire 16.5 Rural Wales average 24.8

Proportion of households with annual incomes below £10,000 in Wales in 2003, by ward


31


Communities Percentage benefit claimant rates, 2001 by rural unitary authority

Job

Seekers Allowance

Income Support

Council Tax

Benefit

Working Families

Tax Credit Carmarthenshire 1.9 14.8 22.1 2.5

Ceredigion 1.6 9.6 15.7 2.2 Conwy 2.1 15.1 16.8 2.9

Denbighshire 1.9 15.5 19.1 2.7 Gwynedd 2.8 12.6 12.4 2.9

Isle of Anglesey 3.4 13.7 35.0 2.8 Monmouthshire 1.2 8.4 13.4 1.8 Pembrokeshire 2.2 13.7 20.8 3.1

Powys 1.4 9.8 14.2 2.5 Rural 2.0 12.7 18.5 2.6

Urban * 2.3 14.8 23.0 2.4 * Cardiff, newport and Swansea local authority areas

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD)

WIMD 2008 shows that in Gwynedd (which has 75 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs)) 3 LSOAs (4%) fall within the 10% most deprived LSOAs in Wales. In the 10% most deprived LSOAs for Wales there are:

• Above average numbers of LSOAs in Gwynedd for Housing (41%) and Access (24%)

• Access to services deprivation is higher in small villages and rural areas. • Below average numbers of LSOAs in Gwynedd for:

• Overall Deprivation (4%) • Income (3%) • Employment (1%) • Education (4%) • Environment (1%)

There is a need to reduce deprivation particularly in terms of housing and access, especially in the most deprived areas.


32


Communities • Community (5%)

44% of LSOAs in Gwynedd were more deprived than the Wales average.19

The map below illustrates how rural areas such as Pen Llŷn have a generally higher overall deprivation index than the majority of Gwynedd.

Map Showing Overall WIMD Rankings of Wards in Gwynedd20

1 2001 Census (Table KS01)


33

2 Mid-Year Population Estimates, Office for National Statistics 3 Office for National Statistics: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/pyramids/pages/00nc.asp 4 WAG (2010) Local Authority Population Projections for Wales (2008-based) Local Authority Report. 5 Census 2001 (Table KS06) 6 Welsh Assembly Government: http://wales.gov.uk/cisd/publications/statspopulation/2006/0215migration/en.pdf?lang=en 7 2001 Census (Table KS08) 8 2001 s (Table KS08) 9 Gwynedd Council: A Demographic Overview 1801-2005 10 InfoBase Wales: http://www.infobasecymru.net/IAS/dataviews/tabular?viewId=49&geoId=1&subsetId= 11 WAG (2010) Welsh Health Survey 2008 + 2009: Local Authority/ Health Board Results. 12 Focus For Gwynedd 2007, Gwynedd Council 13 Office for National Statistics: Key Statistics for Gwynedd 14 Office for National Statistics 15 InfoBase Cymru 16 Office for National Statistics 17 Hometrack 18 Wales Rural Observatory 19 WAG - Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2008 20 Gwynedd Council


34

Climatic Factors Air pollution is not a significant problem in Gwynedd. However, as a result of climate change, annual average temperatures in Wales are projected to increase by 1.3°C by the 2020s, 2.0°C by the 2040s and 3.3°C by the 2080s, against the 1961 to 1990 baseline. Overall the county can also expect drier summer and more irregular/ extreme weather events, such as high rainfall/ wetter winters. Indicator Current Data Comparators and targets Status/ Trend Issues/Constraints/

Opportunities Climatic Factors Climate Change Projections1

The overall projected increases in the annual average temperatures in Wales are 1.3°C by the 2020s, 2.0°C by the 2040s and 3.3°C by the 2080s, against the 1961 to 1990 baseline. The projected increases in the summer averaged daily maximum temperatures for Wales are 1.9°C by the 2020s, 2.8°C by the 2040s 4.8°C by the 2080s. The projected increases in the winter daily minimum temperatures for Wales are 1.5°C by the 2020s, 2.1°C by the 2040s and 3.5°C by the 2080s. Overall the county can also expect drier summer and more irregular/ extreme weather events, such as high rainfall/ wetter winters.

Climate change adaptation measures will required as an integral element of new infrastructure and housing development.

Wales: Net CO2 emissions reduced by 80% compared to 1990 levels.

Wales Carbon Dioxide Tonnes per capita – 13. 1 (2007)2

Carbon Dioxide Emission by Sector Gwynedd (2007) (kt CO2)

Industry/ Commerci

al Domestic Road

Transport


Total Rank out of 22 LAs

Emissions decreased by 1.63% between 2005/2007

295 302 295 -115 777 16

Most significant CO2 emissions for Gwynedd arise from domestic sources whilst land use, land use change and forestry has a negative emission value.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions


35


Climatic Factors Carbon Dioxide Emissions per capita by sector Gwynedd (2007)

Industry & Commercial Domestic Road

Transport


Total

Gwynedd 2.5 2.6 2.5 -1.0 6.6

Wales 6.5 2.4 2.3 -0.1 11.1

Gwynedd has one of the lowest per capita emission levels in Wales

Greenhouse Gas Emission

Regional Data Gap

Total emissions of the six Greenhouse Gases in Wales for 2006 were 51.1MtCO2 equivalent. This represents a 3.9% increase on 2005 and a 7.4% decrease on base year emissions of the six greenhouse gases.

Total emissions of CO2 in Wales for 2006 were 42.5MtCO2 equivalent, which represents a 4.7% increase on 2005 and a 1.8% decrease on base year CO2 emissions.

These figures show a reduction in emissions when compared to the base year but an increase in emissions compared to 20053.

Opportunities to improve the trend for reduced CO2 emissions (e.g. through housing and transport measures).


36


Climatic Factors Air Pollution Air Pollution in Wales since 1990

Source: Welsh Air Quality Forum4 Air quality in Wales continues to improve year on year and both emissions and ambient concentrations of key pollutants are decreasing, though annual average concentrations across the country have started to level out in recent years.


37


Climatic Factors

Modelled Annual Mean Concentrations for PM10 (2008)5

The above map shows modelled annual mean concentrations for PM10 mapped to a 1km grid. The data is provided by NetCen and is based on modelled emissions to the atmosphere from UK sources from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) together with measured concentrations. The current UK National Air Quality Strategy objectives for PM10 are a concentration of less than 40ugm3 measured as an annual mean and 50 ugm3 measured as a 24 hour mean (not to be exceeded more than 35 time per year). The map shows that in 2008, PM10 concentrations were well within the national limits. The map also


38


Climatic Factors suggests that PM10 concentrations are lower in the more rural areas of Gwynedd.

WIMD Air Quality The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2008 (WIMD) is the official measure of deprivation for small areas in Wales. The physical environment domain of the WIMD index incorporates four indicators including air quality (concentrations of air pollutants) and emissions of air pollutants. The Air Quality indicator uses data on concentrations of pollutants (benzene, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, particulates, carbon monoxide and ozone).

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD): Population Averaged Air Quality Concentration Index

(2008)6


39


Climatic Factors


The above maps illustrates that air quality in Gwynedd in terms of population averaged air quality concentration is good when compared to the rest of Wales. Most LSOA areas in the County are amongst the least deprived in Wales. It is noticeable that the Llŷn Peninsula and northern areas of the county are particularly less deprived.

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD): Population Averaged Air Emissions Index (2008)


40


Climatic Factors


Concentration of gases subject to regulation / Air quality7

Nitrogen Dioxide Two Air Quality Objectives for nitrogen dioxide have been adopted by the Welsh Assembly Government: An annual mean concentration of 40 �g/m

3.

A 1 hour mean concentration of 200 �g/m3.

There is no AQMA (Air Quality Management Area) for this pollutant in Gwynedd. During 2007 Gwynedd Council continue to monitor this pollutant at 28 kerbside and intermediate locations throughout the county. As in all previous years tubes at the same 3 sites have shown the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide. These sites are; C2, located at a roundabout on the A487 at Caernarfon; B3, located on the A4087 at Caernarfon Road Bangor; and B4, located beside the A55 Dual Carriageway at Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor. However, the figures did not exceed the objective. Annual trends at the 3 sites are shown below.

Air quality is not a significant issue for Gwynedd, with the exception of identified ‘hot spots’ related to road transport, which are subject to regular monitoring.

The above maps illustrates that air quality in Gwynedd in terms of the population averaged air emissions index is generally very good when compared to the rest of Wales. The most deprived areas are centred around the main settlements of Pwllheli, Bangor, Caernarfon and Blaenau Ffestiniog. These are typically areas where more air pollution is generated via road transport and increased economic and industrial activity.


41


Climatic Factors

Annual trends in NO2 in ug/m3 at the 3 most polluted sites during 2007

Site Code

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

C1 34.81

34.56

33.42 38.38 32.93

36.03 35.27 34.03

B3 31.44

30.28

28.61 37.18 33.09

30.80 26.74 27.30

B4 18.91

21.19

24.70 37.76 29.11

32.73 28.64 29.94

Locally, there were no existing, new or proposed industrial sources of the kind listed in Annex 2 of the technical guidance likely to release high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. During 2007 there were no emissions from aircraft likely to release high concentrations of NO

2 within the

county. It was concluded that there was no need to progress to a Detailed Assessment for nitrogen dioxide in Gwynedd. Particles (PM

10)

The Welsh Assembly Government has adopted two Air quality Objectives for PM10

:

• An annual mean not to exceed 40μg/m3

• 50 μg/m3 as a 24-hour mean not to be exceeded more than 35-times a year.

During the summer of 2007 a study was undertaken to monitor PM

10 at a location at Cibyn

Industrial Estate, Caernarfon. This Service had received numerous complaints from the Management of Business Units within close proximity to a company called Gwynedd Skip Hire due to the levels of dust from the premises. The company operate a chipping machine and screener for processing waste wood at the site.


42


Climatic Factors The monitor was placed at an adjoining business at unit A15 to the north of Gwynedd Skip Hire (please see plan – appendix 1) and was put in place from 13/04/2007 until 02/07/2007. When calculated as a 24-Hour mean, none of the results exceeded 50 μg/m

3 objective. Elsewhere in

Gwynedd there has been no change in regard to sources that could substantially increase emissions of PM

10

In the Progress report for 2006 it is stated that further studies are to be carried out at Maes Padarn in Llanberis during 2007, where one previous study had shown exceedences in the daily mean air quality objective of 50 μg/m

3. Residents living in this part of the town have

lodged numerous complaints to the council because of the levels of smoke being emitted from the steam engine trains as they warm up before ascending Snowdon.

Acid Deposition8 Acid deposition includes both wet and dry deposition of pollutants from the atmosphere that have the potential to acidify soils and freshwaters. The pollutants include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and ammonia (NH3). Nitrogen deposition is the deposition of mainly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) from the atmosphere to land. Total deposition is the combination of both wet and dry deposition. Nitrogen refers to the pollutant dose that may lead to eutrophication. In order to decipher whether acid or nitrogen deposition is having a negative effect on an ecosystem, or an aspect of an ecosystem, critical loads are set for individual habitats, for example a woodland or a bog, and species, for example a moss or a freshwater plant. Critical load relates to the quantity of a pollutant deposited from air to ground. Where deposition is less than a critical load it can be concluded that deposition of a pollutant above which harmful indirect effects can be shown on a habitats or species. If deposition is greater than the critical load then it is deemed as an exceedance of critical load. The following maps show modelled prediction for acid depositions and nitrate depositions for 2010.


43


Climatic Factors Natura 2000 Sites Air Quality Impacts – Acid Depositions Modelled Predictions for 2010

Natura 2000 Sites Air Quality Impacts – Nitrate Depositions Modelled Predictions for 2010


44


Climatic Factors Ecological Footprint In 2003 Gwynedd’s ecological footprint was 5.3 - 5.46 global

hectares (gha) per person which is amongst the highest 6 local authorities in Wales.9

Stockholm Environment Institute estimates suggest that the average ‘earthshare’ is 1.8 gha per person.

The footprint of Wales has increased at an average rate of 1.5% per year between 1990 and 2003.

The need to reduce the ecological footprint of both local authorities, with a particular focus on the emissions arising from housing and transport.


45


Climatic Factors It was estimated that the total Ecological Footprint for Wales in 2003 was 5.16 gha per person. This is nearly three times greater than the average ‘earthshare’. When calculated on the same basis, the total ecological footprint of the UK in 2003 was 5.6 gha per person.

Renewable Energy Targets

WAG has set a target to 7 TWH to be produced by renewable energy in order to meet the UK’s target of producing 15% of energy from renewables by 2020 (supplement to TAN8).10

There is a need to facilitate the development of renewable energy schemes.

Installed renewable capacity

No regional/ plan area breakdown of capacity.

There are 143 sites in Wales generating electricity from renewable sources. Growth in capacity across Wales is primarily from wind energy sources (+157MWe).11

Gwynedd offers significant opportunities to increase installed renewables capacity (wind & tidal).

Climate Change Adaptation

No regional/ plan area data on adaptation progress/ measures.

Climate Change Strategy for Wales sets strategic framework. Changing Climate, Changing Places pilot project, practical actions in LAs to take forward adaptation12.

No established baseline of measures, current approaches focused on risk assessment including resilience of infrastructure, coastal management, land management.

Support/ facilitate the development of sector adaptation plans.

1 WAG (2009) Climate Change: its impacts for Wales (Nov, 2009). http://wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/policy/091101climateimpactsen.pdf ) 2 WAG http://www.assemblywales.org/09-037.pdf 3 WAG Written Statements 2008 http://wales.gov.uk/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2008/greenhouse/?lang=en 4 Air Quality in Wales (2009) Welsh Air Quality Forum 5 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package


46

6 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 7 Review and Assessment for Air Quality - Progress Report for 2007 (Gwynedd Council) 8 Environment Agency Local Evidence package 9 Wales’ Ecological Footprint - Scenarios to 2020 E. Dawkins, A. Paul, J. Barrett, J. Minx and K. Scott. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/sustainabledevelopment/publications/ecofootprint/?lang=en 10 Technical Advice Notes (TAN) 8 Renewable Energy http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/policy/tans/tan8/?lang=en 11 Department for Energy and Climate Change Energy Trends: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/publications/trends/ 12 WAG (2010) Climate Change Strategy for Wales. http://wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/publications/101006ccstratfinalen.pdf


47

Cultural Heritage Gwynedd is a strongholds of the Welsh language having the highest proportion of Welsh speakers in Wales. However, there are variations within the county with proportions tending to be higher in some urban areas as well as in former slate quarrying areas but significantly lower in many coastal areas. Gwynedd also has a rich historic environment which is reflected by the number of formal designations including 2505 listed buildings, 490 scheduled ancient monuments, 16 historic parks and gardens, 40 conservation areas and 1 world heritage site. (Note: ‘Gwynedd’ in this baseline refers to the county as a whole unless otherwise stated).


Cultural Heritage

Welsh Language1

Gwynedd has the highest proportion of people in Wales who can speak Welsh. In 2001, 69% of people in Gwynedd aged 3 and over spoke Welsh, significantly higher than the Welsh average of 21%.

Skills in the Welsh language (2001)

Population aged 3 and over

Speaks but does not read or

write Welsh

Speaks and reads but does not

write Welsh

Speaks, reads and

writes Welsh

Other combination

of skills

No knowledge of Welsh

% % % % % Gwynedd 112,800 5.75 2.31 60.63 1.50 23.89 Wales 2,805,70

1 2.83 1.37 16.32 2.98 71.57

The proportion of Welsh speakers varies considerably within Gwynedd. Welsh speakers account for at least 30% of the resident population of all but one ward in Gwynedd (the exception being, due probably to student numbers, Menai ward in Bangor (23%)). The highest proportions of Welsh speakers are to be found in and around Caernarfon. The proportion of Welsh speakers tends to be higher in some urban areas as well as in former slate quarrying areas, but significantly lower in many coastal areas of Meirionnydd.

A need to facilitate the preservation and enhancement of the Welsh language and culture as an important part of out cultural heritage. Take forward the provisions set out the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.2


48


Cultural Heritage Geographical variations in skills in the Welsh language (2001)

Ward % of the population aged 3+ who can speak, read and write

Welsh

% of the population aged 3+ with no knowledge of Welsh

Highest Penygroes(81.8) Menai Bangor (66.3) Second highest

Llanrug (80.4) Deiniol (58.5)

Third highest Bethel (79.5) Llangelynnin (50.5) Third lowest Tywyn (33.7) Penygroes (8.7) Second lowest Deiniol (24.2) Seiont (7.4) Lowest Menai Bangor (23.3) Peblig (6.0) Gwynedd 60.6 23.9 Wales 16.3 71.6

% Welsh speakers in wards in Gwynedd (2001)


49


Cultural Heritage The table below shows that the number of people in Gwynedd who could speak Welsh decreased from 76.2%% in 1981 to 72.1% in 1991 and to 69% in 2001. As Wales on the whole has seen an increase in the proportion of Welsh speakers between 1991 and 2001, there has been a decline of -3.1% in the percentage of Welsh speakers in Gwynedd.

Changes in % of Welsh Speakers in Gwynedd and Wales 1981-2001

Year Gwynedd Wales 1981 76.2 19.0 1991 72.1 18.7 2001 69 20.8

As well as this, between 1991 and 2001, the number of wards in Gwynedd with over 70% of the population able to speak Welsh decreased from 61 wards in 1991 to 41 wards in 2001 as shown in the figure below.

% change in the population aged 3+ who speak Welsh, 1991-2001


50


Cultural Heritage It can be noted that the proportion of Welsh speakers has declined in a number of areas between 1991 and 2001, in particular along the Meirionnydd coast and in extensive parts of the Llyn Peninsula. A significant decrease was seen in Bowydd a Rhiw (-14.7%), Botwnnog and Tudweiliog (-11.9%) and Llanengan (-10%) wards. On the other hand, a number of areas experienced an increase in the percentage of Welsh speakers and it is interesting to note that the number of Welsh speakers increased in many areas where a low proportion of Welsh speakers live (Abermaw, +4.8%), Menai Bangor, +30.5%; Tywyn, +10.1%). People Born in Wales Approximately 80% Gwynedd residents who were born in Wales are able to speak, write and read Welsh, with 5% of the residents born in Wales not having any skills in Welsh at all. Fewer residents born outside Wales are able to speak Welsh and there is more variation with age. 16.5% of people aged 3-15 do not have any skills in the Welsh language, rising to 79% of residents aged over 65.

% of the population born outside Wales and cannot speak Welsh (aged 3+), 2001


51


Cultural Heritage It is evident from the figure above that the higher proportions of people born outside Wales and unable to speak Welsh live along the Meirionnydd coast and in extensive areas of the Llŷn Peninsula.

World Heritage Sites

The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd which include Caernarfon Castle and Town Walls were added to the list of World Heritage Sites (WHS) as a cultural site of outstanding universal value in 1987.3

The Castle is managed by Cadw and open to visitors, a key historical asset and source of conservation/ tourism funding.

Key historical resource forming part of the cultural offering of Gwynedd.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

There are approximately 490 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Gwynedd. In the whole of Wales, in both 1996 and 2003, nearly 80% of scheduled ancient monuments were reported to be stable and around 10% improved or greatly improved. Over the period there was an increase in superficial disturbance, generally an increase in invasive vegetation and scrub encroachment, which was probably due to the less intensive agricultural regimes encouraged by agri-environmental schemes. This increase was offset by the reduction in the severe disturbance sometimes caused by intensive agriculture.4

Conservation Areas In 2010, there were 40 conservation areas in the Gwynedd Plan Area - the second highest number in Wales.5

Facilitate appropriate management practice to support good condition status and recognise the wider cultural and economic opportunities arising from historical assets and designations.

Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest

There are 16 historic parks and gardens in the Gwynedd LPA area that contribute greatly to the character, diversity and distinctiveness of its landscape6.


52


Cultural Heritage Sites/Areas in Gwynedd included in the register of historic landscape, parks and

gardens of special interest in Wales

Name of Historic Park/Garden

Community Council

Historic Park /Garden Grade

Abermaw:Panorama Walk

Abermaw II

Broom Hall Llanystumdwy II Boduan Buan II Bryn Bras Castle Llanrug II Caernarfon: Morfa Common Park

Caernarfon II

Cefnamlwch Tudweiliog II Glasfryn Llanystumdwy II Glynllifon Llandwrog I Penrhyn Castle Llandygai II* Plas Bodegroes Llannor II Plas yn Rhiw Aberdaron II Portmeirion Penrhyndeudraeth II* Rhiwlas Llandderfel II Tan yr Allt Porthmadog II Vaynol Pentir I Wern Dolbenmaen II*


53


Cultural Heritage Historic Parks and Gardens in the Gwynedd LPA Area

Listed Buildings There are 2505 listed buildings in the Gwynedd LPA Area (2nd highest in Wales). Of those

listed buildings, in 2007, 266 were classed as being ‘at risk’ which is 10.79% of the total – the 10th highest proportion of all Local Authorities in Wales. 17.1% of all listed buildings were classed as ‘vulnerable’ and 72.1% were classed as not being at risk.7


54


Cultural Heritage Listed buildings at risk by Unitary Authority

3.41

7.03

8

9.08

9.21

9.8

10.67

10.79

10.93

11.01

11.11

11.14

11.2

11.99

14.3

16.88

20.42

0 5 10 15 20 25

Cardiff

Conwy

Monmouthshire

Powys

Carmarthenshire

Merthyr Tydfil

Vale of Glamorgan

Gwynedd

Wrexham

Denbighshire

Rhondda Cynon Taff

Ceredigion

BBNP

Anglesey

Flintshire

Neath Port Talbot

Torfaen

Loca

Aut

horit

y

% at risk

1 1981, 1991, 2001 Census 2 WAG. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/welshlanguage/legislation/?skip=1&lang=en . Welsh Language Board. http://www.byig-wlb.org.uk/English/Pages/index.aspx 3 Gwynedd Council 4 WAG: Welsh Historic Environment: Position Statement 2007) 5 Gwynedd Council 6 Part 1 of the Register of Historic Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Interest in Wales) 7 Gwynedd Council).


55

Economy Economic performance varies considerably within Gwynedd. Claimant count rates have been lower than the whole of Wales over recent years. Employment is predominantly based around public administration, education and health which has seen the highest increase in GVA over recent years. In contrast the agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing industry has seen a steady decline over the past decade or so. In addition, average household earnings in Gwynedd are lower than the national average. The economic base is primarily focused on the public sector although other sectors in particular tourism is a key industry. However, there has been a recent decline in tourist numbers. (Note: ‘Gwynedd’ in this baseline refers to the county as a whole unless otherwise stated).


Economy Gross Value Added (GVA)

The Gross Added Value (GVA) for Gwynedd provides a measure of the value of production taking place within the County. Output from the Gwynedd economy was valued at £1.620 billion in 2008. The value of output from Gwynedd contributed 3.7% to the value of output from Wales as a whole, compared with 4.2% output from Powys, 5.9% from Conwy and Denbighshire combined and 1.6% from Ynys Mon. The average GVA per head in Gwynedd in 2008 was £13,664. which was lower than the average in Wales and the United Kingdom which possibly highlights the fact that the county’s economy isn’t very strong in terms of manufacturing industries, commerce and services of high financial value1.

GVA per head 1998-2006

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year

£ pe

r hea

d

Gwynedd Isle of Anglesey Conwy & Denbighshire Wales

A need to facilitate the continued promotion of investment in the local economy in order to support growth in local business particularly within the manufacturing and commerce industries.


56


Economy Economic Activity

The economic activity rate measures the percentage of the population who are in employment or unemployed, and is therefore a useful general measure of the labour market opportunities available to people. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the working age population. In June 2010, Gwynedd was estimated to have a higher economic activity rate (73.6%) than Wales as a whole (72.8%).2

Economic Activity in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wales (Jun 2010 Qtr)

Anglesey Gwynedd Wales % of working age people who are employees 58.6 54.8 58.0 % of working age people who are employed 69.7 69.5 66.8 % of working age people who are self employed 10.2 13.4 8.2 % of working age people who are economically active

73.7 73.6 72.8

% of working age people who are unemployed 5.5 5.6 8.3 % of working age people who are economically inactive – want a job

5.2 4.0 6.6

% of working age people who are economically inactive – do not want a job

21.1 22.4 20.6

It is also evident that Gwynedd has a higher proportion of self-employed workers but a lower proportion of employees compared to Wales overall. Unemployment is also substantially lower than the national rate.

At a ward level, within Gwynedd, economic inactivity rates vary from 62.7% of people aged 16-74 years of age in Menai (Bangor) (most likely due to the presence of a large full-time student population) to 26.8% in Bethel.

A slightly higher economic activity rate and a lower unemployment rate compared to the national average.

Unemployment The unemployment figures that usually command most attention are those released monthly and generally known as the claimant count. These refer to the number of people out of work and claiming unemployment related benefits, mostly Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). They are the main official sources of information about unemployment for small areas (Gwynedd and


57


Economy its wards).

Job Seeker’s Allowance (Jan 2011)3

Anglesey Gwynedd Wales Number of working age people who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

1,899 2,506 75,163

% of working age people who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

4.6 3.4 4

Number of people aged 17-24 who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

565 780 24,805

% of people aged 17-24 who are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance

29.8 31.1 33

Job Seekers Allowance Claimants (percentage)4


58


Economy Overall, claimant count rates have been lower in Gwynedd than the whole of Wales since around 2009. In January 2011, 2,506 of working aged people in Gwynedd were counted as being unemployed. This equated to 3.4% of the working age population, whilst the percentage for Wales was 4%. Unemployment varies dramatically between genders with 56% more men unemployed compared to women in Gwynedd during January 2009. Unemployment varies across Gwynedd. The table below illustrates the variations within the County.

Claimant unemployment at ward level (Jan 2011)5

% of estimated working age population

Claimant unemployed

Highest Peblig (8.2) Second Highest Marchog (7.3) Third highest Talysarn Third lowest Tudweiliog (1.0) Second lowest Llanuwchllyn (1.0)

Considerable geographic variations in the unemployment rate which suggests a need to strengthen and diversify local economies within the county.

Earnings CACI Paycheck is used to calculate earnings. This data is income data collected from various commercial sources which is continuously updated as further information is obtained. The median income in Gwynedd in 2009 was £23,050, which was lower than the North Wales and Wales median income (£24,750). Gwynedd ranked 17th of the 22 Unitary Authorities of Wales on this measure.

Earnings in 20096

Median Income (£)

% households below 60% of GB

Median Gwynedd £23,050 34.5% Isle of Anglesey £24,350 32.1% Conwy £24950 30.9%

The need to encourage investment by providing an infrastructure of transport, communications and land that helps attract new business providing higher paid employment.


59


Economy Denbighshire £24,700 31.6% Flintshire £28,300 26.4% Wrexham £25850 30% Wales £24750 28%

A further analysis of CACI Paycheck Data in 2009 showed the following key results:

• 64.8% of the county’s households had a household income of less than £30K. 14.6% of Gwynedd households had a household income which is less than £10K.

• 35.2% of Gwynedd households had a household income of £30K or more. • The ward with the highest mean household income is ward name missing? (£33,947)

and the ward with the lowest mean household income is Marchog (£22,773) • The ward with the highest median household income is Cwm y Glo (£31,800) and

the ward with the lowest median household income is Hirael (£17,700)

Ward Mean Household Income (2009)


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Economy Industry Some industries are more prevalent in Gwynedd than others. In 2008, public administration, education and health were the

greatest single employer of people in Gwynedd (32.9%). The second highest was distribution, hotels and restaurants (23.0%), which also reflects the pattern in Wales as a whole. For the same period, energy and water (0.5%) and agriculture and fishing (1.5%) were industries employing the least proportion of people in Gwynedd.7

Industry by sector in Gwynedd and Wales (2008) Industry Gwynedd Wales Number % Number % Agriculture and fishing 300 0.6 18,300 1.5

Energy and water 600 1.2 6,400 0.5 Manufacturing 3,700 7.6 161,500 13.7 Construction 2,200 4.5 61,000 5.2 Distribution, hotels and restaurants 15,000 31.2 272,500 23.0

Transport and communications 1,700 3.6 50,600 4.3

Banking, finance and insurance 4,100 8.6 166,500 14.1

Public administration, education and health

17,900 37.3 389,600 32.9

Other services 2,600 5.3 56,600 4.8 There are significant variations in the GVA performance of different industry sectors between 1996 and 2008 as % of all industries:

• Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing decreased by 78.4% • Production decreased by 19% • Distribution, transport and communication increased by 68.2% • Business services and finance increased by 64.8% • Public administration, education, health and other services increased by 110%

The agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing, and the production industry has declined over the past decade or so. There is, therefore a need to support the appropriate regeneration of these industries


61


Economy

GVA by industry, 1996-20088

0

200

400

600

800

1 000

1 200

1 400

1 600

1 800

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Agriculture, forestry and fishing ProductionConstruction Distribution, transport and communicationBusiness services and finance Public administration, education, health and other servicesTotal GVA

Occupations The structure of Gwynedd's economy will favour certain types of jobs more than others. In

July 2009-2010, the three occupations most likely to be found in Gwynedd were:

• Skilled trade occupations - generally manual work, these trades are mainly associated with men and see a difference of +5% compared to the figure for Wales.

• Elementary occupations - unskilled occupations such as plant and storage occupations, elementary and service occupations such as filing and cleaning. This occupation sees a difference between Gwynedd and Wales of +1.0%.

• Managers and senior officials – comparable to Wales as a whole with only +1% difference between Gwynedd and Wales figures.


62


Economy The 3 types of occupation less likely to be found in Gwynedd are:

• Process, plant and machine operatives – entirely manual, semi-skilled often involving routine work, mainly in factories. Gwynedd’s lack of manufacturing activities accounts for the relatively low incidence of occupations of this type compared with Wales as a whole (-1.5%).

• Sales and customer service occupations – a marginal difference between Gwynedd

and Wales of -1.1%.

• Administrative and secretarial occupations – a marginal difference between Gwynedd and Wales of -2.5%.

Occupations in Gwynedd and Wales (Jul 09-Jun 10)9

Occupation Gwynedd Wales Number % Number % Managers and senior officials 7,400 14% 169,500 13%

Professional occupations 6,100 11.6% 162,700 12.5% Associate professionals & technical occupations 6,100 11.6% 189,300 14.5%

Administrative and secretarial occupations 4,400 8.3% 140,200 10.8%

Skilled trades occupations 9,100 17.2% 158,200 12.2% Personal service occupations 6,300 11.9% 127,200 9.8%

Sales and customer service occupations 3,400 6.5% 99,100 7.6%

Process, plant and machine operatives 3,100 5.9% 95,000 7.3%

Elementary occupations 6,700 12.8% 153,200 11.8%


63


Economy Registered Businesses

Businesses by Industry (March 2010)10

% of all local business units


Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

21.1 19.7 12.4

Production 5.0 5.0 6.0 Construction 11.5 9.8 10.5 Motor Trades 3.0 2.6 3.4 Wholesale 3.4 3.0 3.9 Retail 11.5 12.6 12.1 Transport & Storage 3.4 2.7 3.5 Accommodation and Food Services

8.7 10.9 8.1

Information and Communication

1.8 2.9 3.3

Finance and Insurance

1.2 1.4 2.0

Property 1.9 1.7 2.5 Professional, Scientific & technical

6.0 5.4 8.4

Business Admin & Support Services

6.0 5.2 6.6

Public Administration & Defence

1.8 1.8 1.4

Education 3.0 3.2 2.9 Health 5.1 5.4 6.4 Arts, Entertainment, Recreation & Other Services

5.7 6.7 6.7

As can be seen in the table, the proportion of industries in the agricultural, forestry and fishing; and accommodation and food services are significantly higher than in Wales overall.


64


Economy Businesses by Size11

Education and Skills

A higher proportion of pupils in their final year of compulsory education achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C in Gwynedd compared to the figure for Wales – 63.8% in Gwynedd compared to 57.7% in Wales (2009-2010).12 In 2006/07, a lower proportion of pupils left full-time education with no qualifications in Gwynedd compared to Wales – 0.5% in Gwynedd compared to 1.7% in Wales13.

Education and lifelong learning in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Wales (2009-2010)14

Anglesey Gwynedd Wales Pupil teacher ratio (09-10): LEA

maintained primary schools 19.5 19 20.1


65


Economy Pupil teacher ratio (09-10): LEA maintained secondary schools 16.2 15.6 16.5

% achieving the expected level – key stage 1 (L2+) (09-10) 83.2 84.9 81.6

% achieving 5+ GCSE A*-C (09-10) 57.9 63.8 57.7 % of adult population with no qualifications, 2006 18.4 14.6 16.2

Percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSE grades A*-C15

There is considerable variation in qualifications of residents of different parts of Gwynedd as illustrated in the table below.

There are considerable geographical variation within


66


Economy Qualifications at ward level in Gwynedd, 2001 (Source: 2001 Census)

% of the

population aged 16 - 74

No qualifications

Highest Peblig (50.3) Second highest Marchog (42.0) Third highest Cadnant (39.1) Third lowest Deiniol (15.1) Second lowest Garth (11.5) Lowest Menai Bangor (5.3)

the county in terms of education attainment which suggests that workers from the disadvantaged areas will need training opportunities to adapt to a changing and diversifying local economy.

Tourism Analysis by Sector of Expenditure (£’s millions) 2007 2006 % change Accommodation 90.1 97.6 -8 Food & Drink 113.1 116.2 -3 Recreation 41.0 42.8 -4 Shopping 155.1 158.8 -2 Transport 54.8 56.5 -3 Indirect Expenditure

179.6 186.2 -4

VAT 79.4 82.6 -4 Total 713.0 740.6 -4

Revenue by Category of Visitor (£’s millions) 2007 2006 % change Serviced Accommodation

115.1 122.5 -6


447.9 466.1 -4

In response to the recent decline in some sectors of the tourism industry there is a need to facilitate the improvement in the variety and quality of tourist facilities, tourist accommodation and attractions.


67


Economy SFR 10.9 10.8 0 Day Visitors 139.1 141.2 -1 Total 713.0 740.6 -4

Tourist Days Thousands 2007 2006 % change Serviced Accommodation

1,449 1,493 -3


13,557 13,971 -3

SFR 435 434 0 Day Visitors 4,004 4,065 -1 Total 19,445 19,963 -3

Tourist Numbers Thousands 2007 2006 % change Serviced Accommodation

815 841 -3


2,057 2,116 -3

SFR 183 182 0 Day Visitors 4,004 4,065 -1 Total 7,059 7,204 -2

Sectors in which employment is supported (FTEs) 2007 2006 % change Accommodation 3700 3694 0 Food & Drink 2746 2821 -3 Recreation 1208 1260 -4 Shopping 3432 3515 -2 Transport 594 613 -3 Total Direct 11680 11903 -2


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Economy Employment Indirect Employment

2877 2984 -4

Total 14,556 14,886 -2 The total tourist expenditure in Gwynedd in 2007 was £713 million whilst the number of tourists that visited the local authority area was 815,000. In 2007, 14,556 were employed in the tourism industry. The sector which employed the most was the accommodation sector which employed 25.4% of the total in the industry, followed by the shopping sector (23.6%) and the food and drink sector (18.9%).

Tourism expenditure and tourist numbers in Gwynedd (£millions)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Total Tourist Expenditure (millions) Tourist Numbers (thousands)

There has been an overall increase of 13% in tourism expenditure in Gwynedd between 1999 and 2007, although since 2004, this increase has slowed. Tourist numbers increased between 1999 and 2005, but have since declined. Of all the tourism sectors, it is the accommodation sector which has suffered most since 1999. The accommodation sector is the only sector which has seen employment levels fall since 1999 – a 4.6% decrease since 1999.


69


Economy Total in employment in the tourist industry in Gwynedd and Anglesey16

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Empl

oyee

jobs

Anglesey Gwynedd

There has been a recent decline in the number of people employed in the tourism industry. The industry has seen an annual decrease in employment since 2003.

Agriculture People employed in Agriculture (2001)17

Gwynedd Wales All People 46,907 1,186,256

Agriculture, hunting, forestry

2234 29,125

Percentage 4.8 2.5

Gwynedd has a higher percentage of people working in the agriculture industry than the national average. Employment in Agriculture drops sharply in the more urban settlements such as Bangor and Caernarfon. The highest areas of agricultural employment tends to be situated away from major settlements.

Number of people employed in Agriculture, Forestry and Hunting (2001)18 Ward Number Ward Number Garth 0 Llanberis 27


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Economy Cwm-y-Glo 3 Tregarth & Mynydd

Llandygai 27

Diffwys and Maenofferen

3 Bethel 28

Hendre 4 Gerlan 28 Glyder 6 Llanbedr 29 Hirael 6 Waunfawr 29

Menai (Caernarfon) 6 Penisarwaun 30 Deiniolen 8 Groeslon 33

Dewi 8 Abermaw 34 Ogwen 8 Pentir 34 Deiniol 9 Llanaelhaearn 36

Menai (Bangor) 9 Porthmadog-Tremadog 37 Bowydd and Rhiw 10 Llanengan 40

Peblig (Caernarfon) 11 Corris/Mawddwy 41 Marchog 12 Morfa Nefyn 43

Dolgellau South 13 Clynnog 44 Porthmadog East 13 Harlech 44

Bontnewydd 14 Llanwnda 44 Cadnant 15 Tudweiliog 44

Abersoch 15 Arllechwedd 46 Seiont 15 Penrhyndeudraeth 46

Llanbedrog 16 Abererch 50 Talysarn 16 Tywyn 51 Llanrug 17 Bryncrug/Llanfihangel 52

Penygroes 19 Dyffryn Ardydwy 57 Aberdyfi 20 Dolbenmaen 63

Porthmadog West 21 Trawsfynydd 70 Teigl 21 Botwnnog 72

Y felinheli 21 Llanystumdwy 72 Criccieth 23 Efailnewydd/Buan 73

Nefyn 23 Aberdaron 78


71


Economy Pwllheli North 23 Llanuwchllyn 80

Llanllyfni 24 Brithdir and Llanfachraeth/Ganllwyd

83

Pwllheli South 25 Llangelynin 87 Bala 26 Llandderfel 137

Dolgellau North 27

The wards with the highest levels of employment in the agricultural industry are Llandderfel, Llangelynin, Brithdir and Llanfachraeth/Ganllwyd and Llanuwchllyn. These are all wards with relatively low populations and contain relatively small settlements. In the agricultural sector there have been significant changes between 2002 and 2007 in the number of full time farmers; a small increase in the number of part time farmers; a substantial increase in the number of regular workers and a small decrease in the number of seasonal workers as shown in the table below.

Welsh Agricultural Census – Small Agricultural Areas in Gwynedd, 2002 to 200719 Year and Change

European sized Units

Land farmed

Main farmers – full time

Main farmers – part time

Regular workers

Casual workers

2002 44,640 191,578 1,896 1,983 504 510 2007 45,558 187,230 1,722 2,081 790 486 Change 2002-07

918 -4,349 -174 98 286 -24

% change 2002-07

2.1 -2.3 -9.2 4.9 56.7 -4.7

The recent decline in the agricultural industry suggests that there is a need to promote and support the rural economy of Gwynedd.


72


Economy Employment by category in the Anglesey LPA area (2002-2008)20

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Wor

kers

CasualsRegular workersPart time main farmersFull time main farmers

Between 2002 and 2008, the number of regular workers and part time farmers increased whilst the number of casual workers and full time main farmers decreased. In 2008 53% of active holdings supported a full-time farmer, although only 23% of holdings hired regular workers. Both the number of regular workers and holdings increased steadily between 2002 and 2008. The number of active holdings in the study decreased during this period from 2272 to 2206. Livestock

The table below shows that while the number of active holdings in Gwynedd with sheep, goats, beef and pigs have decreased since 2002, the number of holdings with poultry and dairy has increased.


73


Economy Livestock holdings in Gwynedd21

Active

HoldingsWith

Sheep With

Goats With Dairy

With Beef

With Pigs With Poultry

2002 2272 1799 38 180 1067 34 441 2003 2200 1734 30 182 1035 20 428 2004 2115 1646 31 169 983 7 427 2005 2178 1703 32 177 992 17 462 2006 2169 1712 29 167 971 21 461 2007 2227 1698 27 205 1048 23 458 2008 2206 1699 28 190 992 25 493 % change

-2.9 -5.5 -26 5.5 -7 -26 11.8

Arable Land The table below shows that the total area farmed in Gwynedd has slightly decreased since 2002. Despite this, there has been a significant increase in the hectares of permanent pasture being farmed and a significant decrease in the area of new grassland being farmed. According to the survey data the average farm size in the Gwynedd LPA area increased from 84 to 86 hectares per holding between 2002 and 2008.

Agricultural land use (Hectares) – Gwynedd LPA Area22 Year Area


Pasture Rough Grazing

New Grassland

Crops and Horticulture

2002 191,578 182,804 87,694 82,355 10,801 1,871 2003 185,649 175,961 98,249 68,126 9,591 2,080 2004 178,022 168,317 97036 63,488 7,792 2,153 2005 184,705 174,642 100,387 64,443 9,810 1,808 2006 193,001 182,732 105,834 68,840 8,063 1,569 2007 187,230 166,393 102,403 63,990 8,227 1,861 2008 189,294 177,459 107,565 62,598 7,296 2,089 % change

-1.2 -2.9 +22.7 -24 -32.4 +11.7


74

1 WAG : www.statswales.gov.uk 2 NOMIS 3 NOMIS 4 InfoBase Cymru 5 NOMIS 6 CACI Paycheck 7 Welsh Assembly Government www.statswales.gov.uk 8 Welsh Assembly Government www.statswales.gov.uk 9 Annual Population Survey, NOMIS 10 InfoBase Cymru 11 InfoBase Cymru 12 InfoBase Cymru 13 Welsh Assembly Government: Key Statistics for Gwynedd 14 InfoBase Cymru 15 InfoBase Cymru 16 Gwynedd STEAM Report 2008 17 2001 Census 18 2001 Census 19 Welsh Agricultural Small Areas Statistics (WAG) 20 Source: Welsh Agricultural Small Areas Statistics (WAG) 21 Source: Welsh Agricultural Small Areas Statistics (WAG) 22 Source: Welsh Agricultural Small Areas Statistics (WAG)


75

Housing Housing deprivation is a major issue in Gwynedd and is linked with the age of dwellings. A large proportion of older dwellings in Gwynedd, particularly those built before 1919 are deemed unfit. Gwynedd, like the rest of the UK, has seen a dramatic rise in house prices over recent years, although house prices are now beginning to slowly decrease. However, house prices remain significantly higher than the Welsh average. The high proportion of vacant and/or second/holiday homes as well as the provision of affordable housing are also key issues in the county and is particularly problematic in some coastal and rural areas.


Housing House Tenure1

There are 49,237 households in the whole of Gwynedd, 66.6% of which are owner occupied compared to 71.3% in Wales.

Housing Tenure in Gwynedd and Wales

34.0%

36.8%

0.5%

13.7%

4.2%

7.4%

3.3%

38.2%

28.1%

0.3%

14.7%

3.6%

10.0%

5.0%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

Owns outright

Owns with a mortgage orloan

Shared ownership

Rented from Council

Rented from HousingAssociation/Registered

Social Landlord

Rented from privatelandlord or letting agency

Other rented

Wales Gwynedd

There has been a marked increase in the proportion of rented homes in Gwynedd. Nevertheless, the proportion is still relatively low when compared to the high proportion of owner occupied housing. There is a need therefore, to facilitate the development of affordable housing for those who need it most.


76


Housing Housing tenure – Key Changes

Tenure 1991 2001 Increase/

Decrease Totals 44,951 49,237 +9.5 Owner Occupied 30,911 32,660 +5.7 Rented Privately 4,300 4,927 +14.6 Rented from LA 7,917 7,235 -8.6 Housing Association rented

766 1,789 +133.6

Other rented 1,057 2486 +135.1 On a ward level, Bethel has the highest proportion of housing which are owner occupied with 83.5%. Deiniol ward has the lowest proportion in this respect with only 27.4% of housing being owner occupied – less than half the county average. Gwynedd has the 2nd highest proportion of rented homes of all the unitary authorities in Wales (33.4% of all households), and of these, 44% are rented from the local authority. With 55.4% of all housing, Peblig ward has the highest percentage which is rented from the Council. Gwynedd had the highest overall number of terrace sales compared to other local authority areas in 2003-2006. This corresponds with Gwynedd having the highest number of this housing stock type.

Household Composition

In 2001, 34.3% of households in Gwynedd housed married couples, which was slightly lower than the 37.22% figure for Wales.

Household Composition2

All Households

All lone parent

Married with and without children

Pensioner Cohabiting with and without children

Highest Marchog, Bethel (49.7%) Morfa Nefyn Gerlan,

The relatively high proportion of lone parent households in some areas means that more


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Housing

Lone parent households are much more significant in parts of Bangor, e.g. Marchog, as a percentage of all households than in towns on the Meirionnydd and Dwyfor coasts, such as Aberdyfi and Abersoch. These places have a much higher proportion of their populations in pensioner households, reaching almost 4 in 10 households (38.9%) in Morfa Nefyn, Dwyfor. By comparing the number of rooms and the number of occupants, the 2001 Census provides a score to represent overcrowding or under-occupancy. A value of -1 implies that there is overcrowding in the household, whilst an occupancy rating of +2 or more suggests there are 2 or more rooms more than are 'required' according to the definition. Within Gwynedd, 4.2% of households are living in overcrowded conditions. This is marginally lower than the national figure of 4.4% (table below).

Bangor (22.4%)

(38.9%) Bethesda (11.7%)

Second highest

Peblig Caernarfon (18.9%)

Llandderfel (45%)

Aberdyfi (38.3%)

Deiniolen (10.8%)

Third highest Cadnant Caernarfon (15.7%)

Groeslon (44.2%)

Llanbedr (38%) Y Felinheli (10.5%)

Third lowest Menai, Bangor (5%)

Hirael (19.5%) Gerlan Bethesda (16.5%)

Llanbedrog (4.4%)

Second lowest Aberdyfi (4.9%) Menai, Bangor (16%)

Marchog, Bangor (15.7%)

Tudweiliog (4%)

Lowest Abersoch (4.7%

Deiniol (11.8%) Bethel (15.4%) Llanbedr (3.8%

Gwynedd 9.8% 34.3% 27.5% 7.7% Wales 10.7% 37.2% 25.1% 7.5%

single person households will need to be accommodated along with housing designed specifically for the increasing elderly population.


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Housing Occupancy rating in Gwynedd and Wales3

Occupancy Rating % all

households +2 or more +1 0 -1 or less Gwynedd 58.9 24.2 13 4.2 Wales 56.4 24.7 14.5 4.4

On a ward level, Menai (Bangor) has the highest proportion of households which have an occupancy rating of -1 or less (11.7% compared to the county average of 4.2%). The average number of rooms per household in Gwynedd is 5.74 – the 8th highest of all unitary authorities in Wales and slightly higher than the national average (5.59).

Overcrowding is an issue in some parts of the county, whilst there is a relatively high proportion of households living in houses which have more room than is required also.

Household Projections4

Based on past trends, then number of private households in Gwynedd is projected to increase by 6,600 or 5.7% to 122,100 between 2008 and 20333. This is lower than the projected increase in Wales of 11% overall.

Projected households in Gwynedd 2008-2033

112

114

116

118

120

122

124

2008 2013 2018 2023 2028 2033

Year

Thou

sand

s

The projected increase in the number of households means that appropriate housing development should be facilitated to accommodate this increase.


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Housing In comparison, Ynys Môn and Conwy are expected to see a 5% increase in the number of households, and Denbighshire a 14% increase over the same period. Despite the projected increase in the number of households between 2008 and 2033, the projected average household size is expected to decrease from 2.23 in 2006 to 2.03 in 2003 – a 9% decrease. By comparison, the average household size in Wales is projected to decrease from 2.27 in 2006 to 2.02 by 2031.

Housing Stock

In 2001, it was estimated that there were 56,786 household spaces in Gwynedd, just less than 5% of Wales' total dwelling stock. More than 80% were with residents whilst 7.8% were holiday or second homes and 5.5% were vacant.

Household Spaces (1991 and 2001)5

Household spaces 1991 2001 Increase/Decrease Total Spaces 55,670 56,786 +2%

Occupied households

45,327 49,237 +8.6%

Unoccupied household spaces

3,475 3,112 -10.4%

Not used as main residence

6,868 4,437 -35.4%

7549 of all dwellings in Gwynedd were classified as not occupied by permanent residents, being either vacant properties or second homes/holiday accommodation – the highest rate of vacant housing space (13.3% of all household spaces) in Wales in 2001. On a ward level, Aberdyfi (in the National Park, outside the JLDP area) has the highest proportion of unoccupied second/holiday homes in Gwynedd (45.6% of dwellings), closely followed by Abersoch (44.9% of dwellings) and Llanengan.

The high proportion of vacant and second/holiday homes is a problem in certain parts of Gwynedd and limits the choice of houses for local people which in turn can have a detrimental effect on the sustainability of communities.

Condition of Housing Stock

Gwynedd has the second highest proportion of pre-1919 dwellings as a percentage of the occupied housing stock in Wales (1998). 46.9% in Gwynedd compared to 32% in England and Wales.6

Housing deprivation is a major issue in


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Housing % unfit dwellings by date of construction in UA (1998)

Pre1919 1919-44 1945-64 Post

1964 All

Anglesey 8.9 7.3 2.8 0.9 4.4 Conwy 12.7 2.9 2.8 0.2 4.8 Denbighshire 17.5 7.5 3.2 2.0 7.2 Gwynedd 16.9 5.5 7.4 2.6 10.5 Wales 14.9 9.3 8.0 2.4 8.5

In 1998, 4800 dwellings or 10.5% of the estimated dwelling stock in Gwynedd were categorised as being unfit – the 6th highest rate amongst Welsh Unitary Authorities. The rate of unfitness was more than double the rate of the adjoining authorities of the Isle of Anglesey (4.4%) and Conwy (4.8%).7 Gwynedd has the highest proportion of housing without central heating of all unitary authorities in Wales. In 2001, 21.6% of dwellings in Gwynedd did not have central heating (highest in Wales) compared to 7.5% in Wales.8

% of all households with no central heating

21.6

19.1

14.6 14.5

12.7 12.611.7

8.5

6.8 6.7 6.65.6 5.1

4.5 4.2 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.62.6 2.6 2.5

7.5

0

5

10

15

20

25

Gw

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Isle

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Conw

y

Cere

digi

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Pem

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Wre

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Denb

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Pow

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Carm

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Flin

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Car

diff

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Cyn

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Mer

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Brid

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Mon

mou

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Nea

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Sw

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Caer

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Blae

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Gwynedd. Housing deprivation is linked with the age of dwellings and a large proportion of older dwellings in Gwynedd, particularly those built before 1919 are deemed unfit. There is therefore a need to provide a range of appropriate housing which will satisfy the needs of all types of households so that everyone has the opportunity to live in a decent and affordable home either through new build by facilitating the improvement in existing housing.


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Housing Of all the unitary authorities in Wales, at 0.46% of all households, Gwynedd has the 2nd highest proportion of households without central heating nor the sole use of bath, shower or a toilet. This is more than double the proportion of households in Wales as a whole (0.16%). On a ward level, Aberdaron has the highest proportion of households with no central heating (37.1%) – almost double the national average. At 10.4% of all households, Glyder ward has the lowest proportion without central heating.

House Completions

House Completions by Local Authority9

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-07

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

Ave.Annual Completions

Anglesey 188 223 160 126 226 255 281 296 226 220 Gwynedd 203 151 210 292 196 164 250 187 149 158

An average annual house completion range that may not deliver the trend based requirement.

House Prices Average House Prices

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Ave

rage

Pric

e (£

)

Gwynedd Wales

Gwynedd, like the rest of the UK, saw a dramatic rise in house prices over recent years, although house prices are now beginning to slowly decrease. There is a need to facilitate the development of affordable housing in the county.


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Housing The average price of all houses sold in Gwynedd between 1997 and 2006 rose by 213% - higher than the 173% increase recorded for homes in Wales as a whole. Since 2006, however, there has been a gradual decrease in prices. The average house price in Gwynedd in 2006 was £159,452 - £7,275 higher than the comparative figure for Wales. 955 terrace properties were sold in 2003 in Gwynedd which was the highest number of terrace sales in Gwynedd, and in all the local authorities between 2003-2006. In 2003 the highest proportion of terrace sales sold in Gwynedd and Denbighshire were in the £50-£60k range. The former saw nearly 160 (16%) sold and the latter over 100 (20%).10

House Prices by Tenure11

House Type Date Gwynedd Wales Detached 2006

2005 2003 1997

£227,427 £215,080 £148,833 £70,049

£226,460 £212,411 £158,186 £81,815

Semi-detached 2006 2005 2003 1997

£151,222 £134,771 £93,233 £47,872

£140,930 £130,296 £90,576 £50,629

Terraced 2006 2005 2003 1997

£120,032 £112,112 £69,891 £36,871

£111,879 £103,481 £70,774 £39,451

Flats and maisonettes 2006 2005 2003 1997

£111,743 £114,473 £64,323 £32,377

£130,146 £129,335 £95,784 £43,899

All Types 2006 2005 2003 1997

£159,452 £148,845 £100,335 £50,954

£152,177 £141,560 £102,932 £55,688


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Housing

Volume of Sales12

Date Volume of sales – all house types

2006 1931 2005 1673 2004 1892 2003 2201 2002 2596 2001 2308 2000 2343 1999 2040 1998 1927 1997 1875

The table above shows that peak house sales occurred in 2002 whilst the least number of sales took place in 2005.

Housing Affordability

Using average house prices and median income details, it s possible to establish which areas that it was possible to for people to buy in. The table below shows the housing affordability ratio of selected wards in Gwynedd compared to the county overall and Wales.

Affordability Ratios (Jan 2010-Dec 2010)13

Area Affordability

Ratio Abersoch (Highest) 13.02 Llanbedrog (2nd highest) 10.72 Llanengan (3rd highest) 10.55

Affordable housing is a key issue in Gwynedd although affordability does vary geographically with some coastal and rural areas having high affordability


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Housing Aberdaron (4th highest) 10.38 Criccieth (5th highest) 8.76 Teigl (5th lowest) 4.06 Penisarwaun (4th lowest) 3.95 Trawsfynydd (3rd lowest) 3.49 Bowydd a Rhiw (2nd lowest) 3.34 Diffwys and Maenofferen (lowest) 2.52 Gwynedd 5.79 Wales 5.01

The five wards with the least affordable housing are located in the Llyn Peninsula where affordability problems have long been an issue.

ratios.

Housing Register

The table below shows details of applicants on the Gwynedd housing register:

Housing Register14 Town/ Community Council

No of applicants on LA Housing waiting lists

Number of long term empty props

Number of purchases under Homebuy scheme since 1999

Number of applicants on current Homebuy list (administered by CTEryri and based on home address of applicants)

Aberdaron 57 13 Nil 1 Aberdyfi 79 28 Nil 1 Abergwyngregyn 15 4 Nil Nil Abermaw 190 36 3 6 Arthog 45 5 Nil 3 Y Bala 77 15 1 3


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Housing Bangor 694 79 14 39 Beddgelert 13 7 Nil 1 Bethesda 241 40 18 24 Betws Garmon 6 7 Nil 1 Bontnewydd 164 6 1 2 Botwnnog 24 11 Nil 1 Brithdir, Llanfachreth a Rhydymain

29 6 Nil 1

Bryncrug 75 6 Nil 1 Buan 15 3 1 1 Caernarfon 519 98 38 26 Clynnog 9 17 3 3 Corris 22 12 1 1 Criccieth 128 37 3 8 Dolbenmaen 32 13 2 4 Dolgellau 159 37 9 8 Dyffryn Ardudwy a Thalybont

101 23 2 4

Ffestiniog 104 106 10 26 Ganllwyd 13 4 Nil Nil Harlech 91 17 2 2 Llanaelhaearn 24 13 6 4 Llanbedr 80 12 1 1 Llanbedrog 62 3 Nil 3 Llanberis 166 30 1 8 Llandderfel 34 9 Nil Nil Llandygai 130 14 2 7 Llandwrog 55 19 5 8 Llanddeiniolen 192 32 9 16 Llanegryn 35 5 Nil 4 Llanelltyd 49 7 Nil 3


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Housing Llanengan 58 19 1 4 Llanfair 45 1 Nil Nil Llanfihangel y Pennant 13 6 Nil 1 Llanfrothen 19 5 Nil 1 Llangelynnin 20 12 1 4 Llangywer NIL 5 Nil Nil Llanllechid 125 6 Nil 3 Llanllyfni 129 53 14 10 Llannor 115 22 2 4 Llanrug 137 22 12 10 Llanuwchllyn 75 9 Nil 2 Llanwnda 74 18 3 10 Llanycil 3 6 Nil Nil Llanystumdwy 75 24 3 2 Maentwrog 27 5 2 Nil Mawddwy 11 12 Nil Nil Nefyn 68 33 6 7 Pennal 21 4 Nil Nil Penrhyndeudraeth 114 20 6 9 Pentir 190 17 Nil 8 Pistyll 6 4 3 Nil Porthmadog 233 41 16 15 Pwllheli 276 39 20 18 Talsarnau 16 3 1 2 Trawsfynydd 21 15 3 1 Tudweiliog 22 17 Nil Nil Tywyn 180 27 10 15 Waunfawr 93 13 5 8 Y Felinheli 178 10 3 9 TOTAL 1,242

units 243 units 364 applicants


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Housing Homelessness decisions, 2005-06 (Eligible, unintentionally homeless and in priority need: Gwynedd - 7.1 per 1,000 households ; Wales - 6.3 per 1000 households

Housing Land Availability15

At the base date of the Joint Housing Land Availability Study , 1 April 2009, the total land supply on sites of 5 or more units within the Gwynedd LPA could accommodate 1301 dwellings. With the inclusion of sites of under 5 units, the total land supply in the Gwynedd LPA area increased by 506 dwellings to 1807. The 5-year supply totalled 1296 dwellings, an increase on the figure in the 2008 study of 1207 dwellings. The five year supply figure comprised 790 units on large sites and 506 on small sites.

Five Year Supply in Gwynedd

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

2005 2007 2008 2009

Year

Dw

ellin

gs

Outside the 5 year supply, category 3 contained 357 units, with a further 154 units in

The findings of the Joint Housing Land Availability Study will need to be considered during the formulation of the LDP.


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Housing category 3. A total of 135 units were under construction on large sites at 1st April 2008. This compares to a figure of 108 units under construction on large sites in the 2008 study. Sites allocated in the Gwynedd UDP added a further 1049 units to the land supply of which 1068 units were anticipated as likely to contribute to the five year supply.

1 Focus on Gwynedd 2007 – Gwynedd Council based on the 1991 and 2001 Census 2 2001 Census Table KS20 3 Focus on Gwynedd 2007” – Gwynedd Council based on the 2001 Census 4 Household Projections for Wales (2008-based)” (Welsh Assembly Government) 5 1991 & 2001 Census 6 Focus on Gwynedd 2007 – Gwynedd Council 7 Focus on Gwynedd 2007 – Gwynedd Council 8 2001 Census Table KS19 9 Gwynedd Council 10 North West Wales Local Housing Market Assessment : Baseline Report 2008 11 North West Wales house prices, 2006 : Gwynedd Council 12 North West Wales house prices, 2006 : Gwynedd Council 13 Hometrack 14 Gwynedd Council 15 Housing Land Availability Joint Study (April 2009) Gwynedd Council


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Landscape Gwynedd has a valued landscape resource which includes numerous designated areas including landscape conservation areas, historic landscapes and the AONB. However, these landscape features are under pressure from numerous factors related to development. These include new buildings and alterations, caravan and camping sites, roads, communication and telecommunication, quarrying and mineral workings, forestry, waste and waste disposal, natural processes and farming. (Note: ‘Gwynedd’ in this baseline refers to the county as a whole unless otherwise stated).


Landscape Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)1

In 1956, a large part of the Llŷn Peninsula was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The AONB encompasses around one quarter of the peninsula - a total of 15,500 hectares, mostly along the coast, but it also extends inland and includes prominent igneous protrusions. Llŷn, whose complex geology includes ancient pre-Cambrian rock formations, is a natural extension of the Snowdonia massif. The geology is typified by the wide variation of coastal landscapes, ranging from the steep cliffs of Aberdaron Bay and promontories to the sand dune systems in the Abersoch area. The highest point in Llŷn is the Eifl (564m) mountain range which levels out to a plateau that extends towards the sea and the black rocks of Mynydd Mawr at the tip of the Peninsula. The area is typified by narrow and winding roads, farms and whitewashed cottages and also includes open areas of ancient common land. The peninsula itself also boasts a rich heritage, with ancient monument sites dating from the Mesolithic and Iron Age era, such as the hill fort at Tre’r Ceiri. Tourism is vital to the local economy; the southern coastline has one of the prime yachting centres in the UK. Many of the coastal villages such as Abersoch and Nefyn are now popular tourist destinations. The area is also very popular for camping and caravanning.

LANDMAP has confirmed that overall, the AONB is of a ‘high’ standard with some areas being classed as ‘outstanding’.

A need to protect and enhance landscapes through appropriate high quality design and development which compliments local character and distinctiveness.


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Landscape

Heritage Coasts

The Llŷn Heritage Coast mostly covers the same section of coastline as the AONB. Special status was given to 55 miles the shoreline in 1974 to protect the historical, geographical, ecological, and geological richness of the area. The protected coastal link stretches from Penrhyn Du, Abersoch, around Ynys Enlli (Bardsey), northwards to Yr Eifl (Rivals) onto Aberdesach. This status is aimed at creating a balance between the tourism interest and that of the local communities.2

Nearly half the coast of Wales has been identified as Heritage Coast. This includes 14 different stretches of coastline and 11 of these are within National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Six of the Welsh Heritage Coasts are in Pembrokeshire, three are on Anglesey and the rest are in the Vale of Glamorgan, on the Gower peninsula, the Llŷn peninsula, on the Great Orme near Llandudno and in Ceredigion3.


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Landscape

(Source: Britain Express (Accessed on 07/04/11) Heritage Coasts. Available online: http://www.britainexpress.com/countryside/coast/index.htm )

Historic Landscapes

Landscapes included in Part 2.1 of the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Interest in Wales located entirely or partly within the Gwynedd LPA Area:

• Blaenau Ffestiniog • Dinorwig • Aberglaslyn • Llŷn and Bardsey Island • Nantlle Valley • Ogwen Valley • Northern Archellwedd • Mawddach


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Landscape Landscapes that are on Part 2.2 of the Register of Landscapes of Special Historic Interest in Wales:

• Bala and Tegid Shores • Dysynni Valley

Historic Landscapes in the Plan Area

Landscape Conservation Areas (LConA)4

LConA’s are locally valued landscapes in the Plan Area designated by the Council, and which have additional protection to ‘normal planning policies’ for the protection of the countryside. There are 11 Landscape Conservation Areas in the Plan Area:

• Western Area of Llŷn (outside the AONB) • Porthmadog and surrounds • Porthmadog-Penrhyndeudraeth • Rhosgadfan-Llanberis-Mynydd Llandygai

New development needs to be sympathetic to the existing landscape.


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Landscape • Bethesda-Rachub • Cwm Bowydd • Cwm Teigl • Penrhyn Estate • Vaynol Estate and surrounds • Country Park to the west of Groeslon • Area along the Menai Straits

1 Gwynedd Council 2 Gwynedd Council 3 CCW (Accessed on 07/04/11) Heritage Coasts – Wales’ Unspoilt Coastline. Available online: http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our-landscape/special-landscapes--sites/protected-landscapes/heritage-coasts.aspx


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Soils, Minerals and Waste Gwynedd has a high soil carbon density. However, there has been a gradual loss of carbon from soils in England and Wales which can be attributed to many factors including climate change. The amount of municipal waste throughout the UK is increasing year by year, and figures show that Gwynedd is no exception to this trend. Despite the fact that a high proportion of waste is being landfilled, the county is meeting Landfill Allowance Scheme Targets set by the government. However, recycling/composting rates in Gwynedd has been consistently lower than the Welsh average since 1998. (Note: ‘Gwynedd’ in this baseline refers to the county as a whole unless otherwise stated).


Soils, Minerals and Waste Agricultural Land

Agricultural Land Classification across Wales1

20% of the agricultural land in Gwynedd falls into category 1,2 or 3 (1 being the best land) whilst 80% of agricultural land falls into category 4 and 5 (5 being the poorest).2

There is a need to direct development to brownfield sites as much as possible so as to conserve high grade agricultural land.


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Soils, Minerals and Waste

Soil Quality Soil Carbon Density per 1km in Wales3

The above map illustrates the carbon density in Welsh soils. The distribution depends on soil type, with over 50% of total soil carbon located in an area equivalent to 23% of the total land surface. The majority of Welsh soil carbon is associated with upland soils and is particularly prevalent in Gwynedd.

Loss of soil organic matter can lead to soil erosion, loss of fertility, compaction and general land degradation. There is a need to protect and manage soil including maintaining soil carbon and should aim to avoid causing additional risk from pollution and contamination.


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Soils, Minerals and Waste Wales’ landscape and geology is extremely diverse, and contains a wide range of soil types that are reflected in land use throughout the country. Hard sedimentary rocks underlie the majority of Wales, which are then overlain by a characteristic suite of acid soils, characterised by a peaty surface horizon. Less than 5% of Wales’ land area is covered by thicker peat, organic material of at least 40cm in depth.

Soil Types in England and Wales4


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Major soil groups and their extent in Wales5 Major Soil Group Extent in Wales (%) Description

Terrestrial raw soils <0.1 Very young soils with only a superficial organomineral layer

Raw gley soils 0.2 Unripened young soils of saltmarshes

Lithormorphic soils 2.2 Shallow soils without a weathered subsoil

Pelosols 0.1 Clayey ‘cracking’ soils Brown Soils 30.2 Loamy permeable soils

with weathered subsoil Podzolic soils 32.3 Acid soils with brightly

coloured iron enriched subsoil

Surface-water gley soils 24.7 Loamy and clayey seasonally waterlogged soils with impermeable subsoil

Groundwater gley soils 3.4 Soils associated with high seasonal groundwater

Man-made soils 0.4 Restored soils of disturbed ground

Peat soils 3.4 Soils in deep peat. Unclassified land 3.0

Waste Facilities in Gwynedd

As of 2008, there were 33 Active Waste Management Licences in the whole of Gwynedd. This includes sites in the Snowdonia National Park as waste is transferred across LPA boundaries. These consist of 18 Transfer Sites, 6 Landfill Sites, 8 MRS Sites and 1 Treatment Site.6

Maintain a network of waste management facilities to deal


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Soils, Minerals and Waste Active Waste Management Licenses

The Gwynedd UDP safeguards/allocates 13 sites shown on the map below. Possible elements of infrastructure on these sites include: • Material recycling facility • In-vessel composting • Civic amenity site • Residual waste treatment facility (e.g. energy from waste facility) • Composting facility • Waste transfer facility • Landfill / landraise • Expanded C&D facility and waste transfer facility • Waste composting facility including in-vessel and open windrow

with the waste that is produced in the county in a sustainable manner.


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Soils, Minerals and Waste Waste Arisings Regional Waste Arisings in Wales 2007 (thousands of tonnes)7

Waste Type North Wales South-East Wales South West Wales Chemical wastes 26.29 29.08 33.16 Metallic wastes 44.65 176.65 45.33 Health care wastes 0.77 2.67 0.20 Non-metallic wastes

114.66 127.70 65.08

Discarded equipment

0.63 1.92 0.66

Animal and vegetable wastes

135.11 194.32 20.61

Mixed ordinary wastes

67.99 99.21 88.97

Common sludges 38.78 18.37 12.87 Mineral wastes 51.13 388.52 110.84

Since 2000 there has been an increase in the amount of municipal waste generated in Gwynedd. In 2005/06 a little more than 80,500 tonnes of municipal waste was generated in the county, equivalent to over 2/3rds of a tonne of waste per person in Gwynedd per year. It is recognised that municipal waste arisings throughout the UK are increasing year by year, with current annual growth for the UK as a whole put at 2.7% per annum. The figures on the following page depict waste arisings for Municipal Waste and Household Waste, respectively, up to the year 2020 for a number of growth rate scenarios.8

• Current growth rate for Gwynedd, calculated at approximately 2.2%; • 6% growth rate (average of last 5 years); • 3.8% declining growth rate (TAN21) ; • 1% growth rate.

Both figures depict a ‘Meet WAG Targets growth rate’ which aims to comply with the waste reduction and stabilisation targets, for household waste only, set out in ‘Wise about Waste’. These targets are:

• by 2009/10 waste arisings per household should be no greater than those in 1997/98; and • by 2020 waste arisings per person should be less than 300 kg/annum.

There are a range of factors that can affect the growth in the amount of waste produced including, population changes, changes to the number and size of households, consumer behaviour, effectiveness of waste minimisation strategies, and changes in the economic prosperity of a region. There is a need to reduce waste arisings from all sectors so that targets set by Europe and the Welsh Assembly Government are met.


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Predicted Municipal Waste Arisings in Gwynedd

Predicted Household Waste Arisings in Gwynedd


101


Soils, Minerals and Waste The figure above indicates considerable variances between the projected household waste arisings and the maximum tonnage to comply with the waste stabilisation targets noted above. In fact to achieve the waste stabilisation targets it will be necessary to reverse the growth trend, and achieve a decline in waste arisings of approximately 2.2% per annum. The ‘3.8% declining growth’ scenario is considered to be the most realistic, taking into account recent/current growth rates and the probability that growth is likely to decline over the strategy period due to the impact of waste minimisation strategies and the likelihood that current economic growth is unlikely to be sustained over the next 20 years. This is identical to the growth rate scenario used in the development of the North Wales Regional Waste Plan (TAN 21). The North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review (2009) forecast the following waste quantity arisings in North Wales by 2013.

Current and Forecast Waste Arisings for North Wales (2004-2013)

The figure below shows how the relative proportion of each principal waste stream is forecast to change between the years 2004 and 2013. Comparison of this data indicates that:

• Construction & demolition and Commercial & Industrial make up the majority of arisings in the region;


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Soils, Minerals and Waste • MSW will continue to be the fastest growing principal waste stream; and • The proportion of agricultural waste requiring external management remains insignificant compared to the other

principal waste streams.

Current and Projected Proportional Waste Split (2004/5 and 2012/13) in North Wales

The Consultation on a New Waste Strategy for Wales (‘Towards Zero Waste’ (2009)) notes the following targets for waste in Wales:

Waste Targets for Wales TARGETS FOR EACH YEAR Target for: 09/10 12/13 15/16 19/20 24/25

Minimum levels of reuse and recycling / composting (or AD)

40% 52% 58% 64% 70%

Minimum proportion of reuse / recycling/ composting that must come from source separation (kerbside, bring and/ or civic amenity (CA) site)

80% 80% 80% 80% 80%


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Soils, Minerals and Waste Minimum levels of composting (or AD) of source separated food waste from kitchens as part of the combined recycling/ composting target above.

- 12% 14% 16% 16%

Maximum level of residual household waste per inhabitant per annum

- 295kg 258kg 210kg 150kg

Maximum level of landfill - - - 10% 5% Maximum level of energy from waste - - 42% 36% 30%

Recycling There are 6 recycling centres or banks in Gwynedd. These are Caergylchu, Caernarfon, Y Bala Recycling Centre, Bangor Recycling Centre, Harlech Recycling Centre, Pwllheli Recycling Centre, Rhwngddwyryd Recycling Centre, Garndolbenmaen. Around 26% of municipal waste was recycled or composted in 2006-07. The percentage for Wales over the same period was slightly higher at 30%.

Percentage municipal waste recycled or composted 1998-99 to 2007-089

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1998-99 1999-2000

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Year

%

Gwynedd Wales

Trends show that the recycling/ composting rate of municipal waste in Gwynedd has been consistently lower than the Welsh average since 1998.

There is a need to contribute towards reducing the amount of municipal waste that is landfilled by facilitating in the provision of a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable network of new waste management facilities for treating and disposing of waste as an alternative to landfill.


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Soils, Minerals and Waste Municipal recycling/composting rates by unitary authority 2008-09 & 2009/10

The figure above shows that in 2009/10, the percentage of municipal waste arisings recycled or reused in Wales ranged from 29.2% in Blaenau Gwent to 52.5% in Denbighshire. The percentage for waste recycled or reused in Gwynedd was approximately 42.7% of municipal waste arisings – the 7th highest of all unitary authorities in Wales.10 The Welsh Assembly Government have set targets for the recycling and composting of municipal waste:

• By 2003/04 at least 15% of waste to be recycled and composted. Gwynedd achieved 17.7%.


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Soils, Minerals and Waste • By 2006/07 at least 25% of waste to be recycled and composted.

Gwynedd achieved 25%. • By 2009/10 the target for the amount of waste to be recycled or

composted is 40%.

Municipal Waste - Landfilled

Active Landfill Sites in Gwynedd (3/2/2009) (Environment Agency)

Following the closure of Cilgwyn Landfill Site, from January 2009, the Gwynedd Waste Authority began disposing residual municipal waste from Arfon and north Dwyfor at the Llwyn Isaf site which has planning permission for landfill and associated operations which expires in 2013. The residual municipal waste from Meirionnydd and south Dwyfor will continue to be disposed of at Ffridd Rasus for the foreseeable future.

A scheme has been launched in Wales to reduce the amount of domestic waste that we dump into landfills. The Landfill Allowances Scheme (Wales) Regulations 2004 (The LAS regulations) came into force in Wales on 1 October 2004, to reduce

Some of the waste which is landfilled is capable of being re-used, recycled, composted or treated in different ways to produce energy derived fuel.


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Soils, Minerals and Waste the amount of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) going to landfill sites.

Comparison of percentage of LAS Allowances used for last 3 years of the LAS scheme11

Local Authority


2006/7 (tonnes)

LAS Allowance

used in 2006/7 (%)


2007/8 (tonnes)

LAS Allowance

used in 2007/8 (%)


2008/9 (tonnes)

LAS Allowance

used in 2008/09 (%)

Isle of Anglesey 22,471 93.4 17,027 78.1 12,865 65.8

Gwynedd 35,588 91.7 31,808 89.6 28,920 89.7 Wales Total 754,582 79.9 680,912 78.6 599,703 76.1

Landfill Allowance Scheme Targets12

2010-11 2011-

12 2012-

13 2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

2018-2019

2019-2020

Isle of Anglesey 15,938 13,914 11,890 11,384 10,879 10,373 9,867 9,361 8,855 8,349

Gwynedd 28,909 25,238 21,567 20,649 19,731 18,814 17,896 16,978 16,060 15,143

Gwynedd achieved its Landfill Allowance Scheme target for 2008/09 but with a slightly reduced margin compared to 2006/07. In 2006/07, 73% of municipal waste arisings was landfilled compared to the Welsh average of 68.6%. This was the joint 3rd highest percentage of all Local Authorities in Wales. The statutory targets in the Landfill Directive relate to the reduction in the volumes of Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) which is sent to landfill. The statutory targets set by the EU Landfill Directive include:



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Current Performance Against Targets13

The performance of the north Wales region against the NWSW targets has been closely monitored throughout the review process. Whilst both the availability and quality of data across the various waste streams has improved over time, there remains a lack of data to fully establish the performance against a number of the targets. Of the targets for which sufficient regional data is available, the data shows a variety of significant challenges and met targets:

• Stabilisation and reduction of household waste – the latest figures show that household arisings per household in the region remains above that of the 1997/98 target figure for Wales. In addition, the region also faces the significant challenge of reducing household waste per person by approximately 40% per annum;

• Recycling and Composting of Municipal Waste – all North Wales

authorities achieved the combined recycling and composting target for 2006/0736.

• Landfilling of Biodegradable Municipal Waste – the data shows that for

the 2006/07 Scheme Year all authorities in the region achieved their respective landfill allowances. Powys was one of the top performing authorities, and Flintshire also performed well, remaining well below its allowance.

• Landfilling of Industrial & Commercial Waste – the data shows that the

region is already achieving the 2010 diversion target;

• Hazardous Waste Arisings – whilst acknowledging that in relation to the latest available data the target date is still 6 years away, the figures show that the region is generating approximately 30,000 tonnes over and above the 2010 target; and

• Facilities for Hazardous Household Waste – even though there has

The need to contribute towards reducing the amount of municipal waste that is landfilled by facilitating in the provision of a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable network of new waste management facilities for treating and disposing of waste as an alternative to landfill.


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Soils, Minerals and Waste been significant improvement with regard to the wastes specified in the target, the region is still failing to meet the target for providing facilities for the improved segregation of hazardous household waste.

1 Welsh Assembly Government 2 Gwynedd Council: ‘State of the Environment Report 2004’ 3 Bradley, R.I., Milne,R., Bell J., Lilly, A., Jordan C. and Higgins, A. (2005) A soil carbon and land use database for the United Kingdom. Soil Use and Management, 21, 4, 363-369. 4 National Soil Resources Institute 5 CCW : Startegic Environmental Assessment – A Guidance for Practioners 2007 6 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 7 North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review Core Document (2009) 8 Draft Gwynedd Waste Strategy 2004 9 WAG: StatsWales 10 WAG: StatsWales 11 North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review Core Document (2009) 12 North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review Core Document (2009) 13 North Wales Regional Waste Plan 1st Review Core Document (2009)

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Transport The amount of private cars is increasing on the county’s roads. However, the use of private cars by residents to travel to work is lower in Gwynedd than the national average as is the use of public transport. Lack of public transport for communities in rural areas makes access to private transport essential. The percentage of households with more than one car is significantly higher in rural areas than in urban wards. Indicator Current Data Comparators and targets Status/ Trend Issues/Constraints/

Opportunities Transport

Transport Routes1

The transport characteristics of North Wales are diverse - whilst it is largely rural, the larger population centres tend to be located along the coastal strip (Caernarfon, Bangor, Llandudno, Conwy, Colwyn Bay) and to the north east of the region (Mold, Flint, the Queensferry/ Connah’s Quay area, Wrexham). The A55 across North Wales forms the major strategic highway route linking the Port of Holyhead on Anglesey (and Ireland beyond) in the west, with the motorway network in North West England and is part of Euro Route E22. It has average daily traffic flows of up to 46,000 vehicles on sections of its length. Other key routes in terms of loading, are the A483 (south of the A55) with average daily flows of up to 48,000 vehicles and the A494 (through Queensferry) with average daily flows of 49,000 vehicles. (TAITH)

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Transport Principal Transport Networks and Infrastructure in North Wales

Rail services operate along the North Wales Coast Line with services operating from Holyhead and Llandudno. Services operate to London, Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham, with the majority of the Cardiff and Birmingham services operating via Wrexham. Services from Holyhead operate hourly as do services from Llandudno which gives a 30 minute frequency East of Llandudno Junction. Additional trains operate to London over and above this mainly standard pattern timetable. Despite this reasonably frequent level of service, there are times when capacity is an issue on

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Transport this line and overcrowding can be encountered. Journey times of the London services are much improved particularly between Chester and London, but the running time of services to Cardiff, Manchester, and Birmingham are constrained by single track section between Chester and Wrexham and low line speeds in the case of the Cardiff and Birmingham services and by an intensive stopping pattern between Chester and Manchester. The Birmingham trains extend to Birmingham International, but there are no direct rail services from North Wales to Manchester Airport.

The Cambrian Coast line which links Pwllheli via Barmouth and Dovey Junction to Machynlleth has an infrequent service (approximately two hourly), which is slow and severely constrained by pathing requirements at key stations in England.

Access to stations by other modes of public transport and by foot and cycle is poor at many stations, with lack of secure cycle storage deterring cyclists from leaving their bikes at stations without such facilities. Limited availability of car parking spaces at many key stations including Bangor and in some cases such as Flint where unmanaged parking at the station results in usage of spaces which could potentially be used by rail users, being used for non rail use.

Road Safety2

Collisions on our roads are a problem that needs constant attention. In North Wales there is a good record of accident reduction and the Region is on track to exceed Government Road Safety targets for the year 2010 compared to the 1994-98 average. These are shown below: ♦ a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road casualties - Achieved 39.9% by end 2006 ♦ a 50% reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured - Achieved 69% by end 2006 ♦ a 10% reduction in the slight casualty rate expressed as the number of people slightly injured per 100 million vehicle kilometres - Achieved 33.9% by end 2006 The figure below illustrates the progress being made with a clear downward trend across the

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Transport range.

Travel to Work

The proportion of households with more than one car or van is significantly higher in many rural areas which means extra fuel costs. In 2007 the cost of fuel to travel to and from work (rather for any other trip purpose) was calculated at ward level using data from the Census 2001.The table below shows that highest costs are incurred by those living in Pen Llŷn – a generally rural area of Gwynedd. In monetary terms this amounts to £43.02 per month for a person travelling to work in a vehicle with a consumption rate of 45 miles per gallon. Given the recent rises in fuel costs, the costs per month in 2011 will be considerably higher.

The need to facilitate the development of an improved sustainable transport network which will improve the accessibility of rural areas by different modes of transport. This would facilitate development that enables residents to live and work locally, particularly in the more remote rural areas.

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Transport Travel to work distance and the associated cost of fuel (based on 2007 prices)3

Average distance to and from work (miles

per day)

Cost of fuel per month (45mpg)

Abermaw 14.28 £27.84 Blaenau Ffestiniog

15.08 £29.30

Caernarfon 11.96 £23.00 Pen Llŷn 22.40 £43.02 Pwllheli 12.62 £25.12

The figure below demonstrates how drive times to populated settlements are generally higher in more rural areas such as Pen Llŷn.

Drivetimes to settlements of at least 10,000 persons (2001)4

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Transport

The proportion of households with no car decreased from 29% in 1991 to 23.9% in 2001, whilst the number of households with two or more cars increased from 23.6% to 29.3% in the same period. In 2001 63.7% of 16-74 year olds in employment travelled to work by car compared to 70.7% in Wales. The proportion of 16-74 year olds in employment who travel to work by public transport was much lower than the average for Wales – 4.7% compared to 6.5% in Wales overall.5 The figure below shows that there is less reliance on cars for journeys to work in Gwynedd compared to Anglesey and Wales.

Travel to Work

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Work fromhome

Bus Motorcycle Car Bicycle On foot Other

Mode of Transport

% p

eopl

e ag

ed 1

6-74

Anglesey

Gwynedd

Wales

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Transport

Commuting to and from Gwynedd to Work (2001)6

Gwynedd Residents Number of PeopleNumber of working residents 45,164Working on Anglesey 1,569Working in Gwynedd 40,907Working in Conwy 1108Working elsewhere in Wales 1540

1 Taith (Sept 2009) North Wales Regional Transport Plan 2 Taith (Sept 2009) North Wales Regional Transport Plan 3 ‘Living in Gwynedd’ – Gwynedd Council (March 2008) 4 Wales Rural Observatory) 5 2001 Census (Table KS15). 6 Detailed commuting patterns in Wales, by Welsh local authority (NS) (Welsh Assembly Government)


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Water

Overall, river quality in Gwynedd is good. In 2006, for example, the proportion of river lengths in Gwynedd which recorded significant failure was lower in 2006 than in the previous 9 years and the proportion of river lengths categorised as being Grade A higher in 2006 than in previous 12 years. Whilst trends show an improvement in overall bathing water quality, with a number of beaches and coastal areas achieving awards for quality and cleanliness it is also clear that there is a requirement for the overall standards of bathing water to be raised in order to ensure compliance with the revised Bathing Water Directive. The North Eryri-Ynys Môn, Tywyn-Aberdyfi and Bala Water Resource Zones have been identified as being in deficit by the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) produced by Welsh Water - principally due to the large uncertainty in the supply and demand balance resulting from climate change. There are numerous populated areas in the county which are susceptible to flooding including populated areas of Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Tywyn and Pwllheli. Between 10 and 20% of properties in Gwynedd are assessed as being at risk of flooding, which is likely to increase as a result of climate change.


Water River Water Quality

Current Ecological Status/ Potential of Surface Waters in the North West Wales Catchment1

A need to maintain and improve water quality by reducing the risk of pollution entering river watercourses. Incorporating Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems into new developments.


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Water General Quality Assessment (GQA) – Chemistry GQA chemistry describes the quality of rivers in terms of chemical measurements which detect the most common types of pollution. These are Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen and Ammonia. Rivers are divided into stretches and each of these is given grades A to F, where A is the best quality and F is the worst.

Chemical river quality in Gwynedd and Wales (2006)2

Grade % Length of River in Each Grade

Gwynedd Wales A – Very Good 93.78 77.87 B – Good 3.3 17.47 C - Fairly Good 2.38 2.13 D – Fair 0.54 0.64 E – Poor 0 1.64 F - Bad 0 0.21

Chemical river quality in Gwynedd (1990-2009)3


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Water The trends show an overall increase in the percentage of ‘grade A river lengths in terms of chemical river quality. The proportion of river lengths categorised as being Grade A was higher in 2006 than in the previous 12 years.

Chemical Quality of Rivers in Gwynedd 20094

General Quality Assessment (GQA) – Biology GQA Biology compares the number and variety of macro-invertebrates present on the riverbed compared to what would be expected for that type of physical environment. This can give an indication of pollution from a wide range of sources, including intermittent problems. The 2006 figures show that 79.7% of river lengths in Gwynedd have a ‘very good’ or ‘good’ biological river quality. This compares to the average in Wales of 80%.


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Water Biological river quality in Gwynedd and Wales.5

Grade % Length of River in Each Grade

Gwynedd Wales A – Very Good 11.35 28.71 B – Good 68.35 51.25 C - Fairly Good 20.29 14.29 D – Fair 0 1.94 E – Poor 0 0.83 F - Bad 0 0

Biological river quality in Gwynedd remained largely similar since 2000. The trends, however, do show an overall increase in the percentage of ‘good’ biological river quality from 75.4% in 1990 to t 80.2% in 2006.

Biological river quality in Gwynedd 1990 - 20096


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Water Biological Quality of Rivers in Gwynedd 20097

GQA Biology and Chemistry Recent Year Summary Table (2009)8


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Water The above table shows that 98.7% of river length in Gwynedd was of good or very good quality in terms of chemistry compared to 94.9% in Wales and 84% of rivers were of good or very good biological quality compared to 83.57% in Wales. Nitrates and Phosphates Two nutrients are assessed under the GQA scheme, nitrates and phosphates. A grade from 1 to 6 is allocated for both phosphate and nitrate. These are not combined into a single nutrients grade. In this respect it differs from the chemical and aesthetic classifications which combine factors into a single grade.

GQA Assessment – Nitrates (2009)9


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Water Phosphates trends in Gwynedd rivers (2009)10

GQA Nitrate and Phosphate Trends in Gwynedd11


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Water Trends show that Phosphate and Nitrate levels in Gwynedd rivers have remained largely the same since 2000.

GQA Nitrates and Phosphates Recent Year Summary Table (2009)12

In the North West Wales catchment there are 202 river water bodies and 33 lakes in the catchment. 26 rivers and 20 lakes are artificial or heavily modified. 25 per cent of rivers (350km or 31 per cent of river length) currently achieve good or better ecological status/potential, including the Dyfi upstream of Afon Twymyn, the Dwyfach and the Braint. 64 per cent of rivers assessed for biology are at good or high biological status now, with 27 per cent at moderate biological status. 27 per cent of lakes assessed currently achieve good or better ecological status/potential including Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Idwal. 30 per cent of lakes assessed currently achieve good or better biological status, with 43 per cent moderate and 26 poor biological status.13 Indicator 35a: River water quality - biological and chemical14 Key points: • The percentage of river lengths in Wales of good or fair chemical quality has been consistently higher than 98 per

cent since 1994. The percentage of river lengths of good chemical quality has remained fairly stable over the same period, peaking at 95.4 per cent in 2007.


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Water • The percentage of river lengths in Wales of good or fair biological quality has consistently been 99 per cent or

higher since 2002. The percentage of river lengths of good biological quality has generally increased over the same period, from 78.5 per cent in 2002 to 87.1 per cent in 2009.

Indicator 35c: Compliance with 'good status' under the Water Framework Directive15 Key points: • 75 per cent of coastal waterbodies assessed were given a good or better ecological status in 2008. • 35 per cent of transitional waterbodies, 29 per cent of rivers and canals and 20 per cent of lakes assessed were

given a good or better ecological status in 2008.

Bathing Water Quality

The current Bathing Water directive specifies a range of water quality standards that should be achieved in designated bathing waters. These standards fall into two categories: mandatory and guideline (G) standards. Compliance with the guideline standards is not mandatory but the directive states that member states should ‘endeavour’ to observe them as guidelines. Guideline water quality is a requirement for Blue Flag and Green Coast beach awards. Compliance in one particular in one particular year is an unreliable indication of trends. Variation in compliance from year to year does not necessarily indicate genuine improvement or deterioration, owing to the statistical limitations of using such a small data set. There will always be some beaches that change their status as a result of marginal failures or passes. The revised Bathing Water Directive (rBWD) entered into European Law in March 2006 and was translated into UK Bathing Water regulations in April 2008. The new features of the revised directive will take longer to come into effect. The revised directive should be fully in operation by 2015. The figure below shows the predicted classification of designated bathing waters under the revised Bathing Water Directive, based on 2006 to 2009 dataset.

Promote activities which are likely to sustain the high quality of bathing water.


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Water Risk of Future Non Compliance with Guideline Standards of Current Bathing Water Directive16

Predicted classification under the revised bathing water directive


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Water Blue Flag Awards 17

The European Blue Flag Campaign recognises those beaches and marinas which are clean, well managed and promote care for the environment. In order to be considered, a beach must have attained the guideline standard of the European Community Bathing Water Directive before being assessed on 24 other criteria. A marina must fulfil a similar range of criteria but does not have to fulfil the Bathing Water Directive Standards. Six of Gwynedd’s beaches had reached the required standard to receive this award in 2008: Abersoch, Barmouth, Dinas Dinlle, Friog, Pwllheli and Tywyn. Two marinas in Gwynedd were also awarded the European Blue Flag in 2008 Pwllheli Yacht Harbour and Victoria Dock, Caernarfon.

Blue Flag Award Beaches and Marinas in Gwynedd

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Beaches 6 7 9 9 6 6 Marinas 3 3 2 2 2 2

Seaside Award Beaches In March each year, the distinctive yellow and blue flag is awarded to beaches that meet mandatory standard water quality and are clean, safe and well-managed. In 2009, 11 of Gwynedd’s beaches won this award. Green Coast Awards 2006 - 2007 The Green Coast Award is unique in that it recognises Guideline water quality (Guideline is the EU designation for excellent water quality) as well as Best Practice in environmental management for rural beaches, which may not have the facilities associated with resort beaches. The following beaches in Gwynedd were awarded a Green Coast Award in 2006-2007:

• Porth Neigwl/Hell’s Mouth

• Machroes

• Harlech • Abererch, Glan Don • Bennar, Llanenddwyn • Llandanwg


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Water Water Resources

Environment Agency Wales is responsible for managing water resources in Wales. One of the ways this is done is through licensing water abstraction. CAMS are 6 year plans detailing how water resources in an area will be managed. CAMS relevant to Gwynedd Local Authority are: Conwy, Dee, Llyn and Eryri, Meirionnydd. The CAMS area consists of numerous independent rivers which flow directly to sea. In terms of catchment area, the largest rivers are the Afon Ogwen, Seiont, Dwyfor and Prysor. The map below shows the resource availability of water resources in Gwynedd.

CAMS Resource Availability Status18

A need to promote the sustainable use of water as a natural resource.


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Water Water Supply

There are over 300 surface abstraction points in Gwynedd licensed by the Environment Agency Wales.

The key water resources in Gwynedd are Lake Cwellyn, Lake Marchlyn Bach, Lake Ffynnon Llugwy, Lake Cwmystradllyn, River Dwyfor (Dolbenmaen), Lake Cwm Dulyn, Lake Tecwyn Uchaf, Lake Eiddew Mawr, Lake Bodlyn, Lake Cynwch, Lake Morwynion, Lake Arenig Fawr, River Fathew (Bryncrug, Tywyn), River Gwril and River Calettwr (Llwyngwril). There are no public drinking water supply sources abstracted from groundwater within the Authority.19

Welsh Water Resources Zones

North Eryri - Ynys Mon The zone is in deficit under both the Annual Average and Critical Period planning scenarios principally due to the large uncertainty in the supply and demand balance resulting from climate change which has been incorporated into the Target Headroom component. Both planning scenarios are in surplus until approximately 2017/18. From that point onwards the deficit increases under the Annual Average scenario to a maximum of 1.63 Ml/d in 2024/35 and under the Critical Period scenario to a maximum of 3.19 Ml/d in 2029/30.

Potential for reduced availability of water resources as a result of climate change. Ensure that new development incorporates water efficiency measures.


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Water

To resolve the deficits in both the planning scenarios, the following Options have been selected: • Enhanced leakage detection • Upgrade of Mynydd Llandegai WTW with increased abstraction at Marchlyn Bach reservoir. The leakage option would be implemented in 2017/18 to save a maximum of 2.79 Ml/d. The option to upgrade Mynydd Llandegai WTW would commence in 2022/23 and provide a maximum of 0.43 Ml/d throughout the remainder of the planning period. Bala Only the Annual Average planning scenario is reported for this WRZ. The zone drops into deficit in 2010/11 reaching a maximum deficit of 0.19 Ml/d in 2019/20. This is as a combined result of lower deployable output, since PR04, and an increase in demand forecast.


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Water

To resolve the deficit in the Annual Average planning scenario, the following Option has been selected: • Enhanced leakage detection The Leakage option would be implemented in 2010/11 to save a maximum of 0.19 Ml/d by 2019/20. Tywyn – Aberdyfi The zone is in deficit under both the Annual Average and Critical Period planning scenarios. Under the Annual Average scenario the zone is currently in deficit and reaches a maximum deficit of 0.48 Ml/d by 2034/35. Under the Critical Period scenario the zone drops into deficit in 2012/13 reaching a maximum of 0.44 Ml/d by 2034/35. The increase in deficit since AMP 4 has been driven by a general increase in demand, but also due to the large uncertainty in the supply and demand balance resulting from climate change which has been incorporated into the Target Headroom component.


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Water

To resolve the deficits, the following Options have been selected: • New groundwater abstraction to feed Penybont WTW • Enhanced leakage • Water efficiency – non-household capacity buy back Due to uncertainty around the options, the Target headroom component in the final planning scenario increased the deficits above those shown for the baseline scenario. Consequently, the new groundwater abstraction is not due to be implemented until 2012/13 and will deliver a maximum of 0.6 Ml/d from 2017/18 onwards. The leakage option will be implemented in 2017/18 and will deliver 0.055 Ml/d from 2018/19 onwards. The water efficiency scheme will be implemented in 2018/19 and deliver a maximum of 0.09 Ml/d in 2019/20. Although this zone is currently in deficit, because of the lead time associated with the new groundwater abstraction scheme it will not be implemented immediately to meet the deficit. However Welsh Water are planning to begin this scheme early and begin the investigation phase in AMP 4 so that it can start to deliver water earlier than 2012/13. The deficit cannot be met by any leakage or efficiency option or combination of these and only a resource option can deliver the required volumes of water. Blaenau Ffestiniog Only the Annual Average planning scenario is reported for this WRZ and it is in surplus throughout the whole planning period, reaching a maximum of 0.84 Ml/d in 2034/35.


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Water

Barmouth As can be seen from the plots below, both the Annual Average and Critical Period planning scenarios are not in deficit as supply is equal to demand throughout the planning period. This zone has moved out of deficit as Welsh Water have been funded in AMP 4 to complete a mains infrastructure scheme to link Lleyn-Harlech to Barmouth WRZ.


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Water Lleyn – Harlech Both the Annual Average and Critical Period planning scenarios are in surplus throughout the planning period. The maximum surplus under the Annual Average scenario is 4.29 Ml/d in 2008/09 and 5.41 Ml/d under the Critical Period scenario in 2008/09.20

Groundwater

The aquifers within the County require protection in terms of both the quantity and quality of water entering them. The figures below show the dominance of minor and ‘non’ aquifers across the County, other than the Carboniferous Limestone in the Bangor and Felinheli area, which constitutes a major aquifer. However it should be noted that even nominal ‘non’ aquifers may contain enough water to support small domestic well supplies and are therefore equally sensitive to pollution.

A need to mitigate against the contamination of groundwater resources and drinking water supplies.


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Water Groundwater Vulnerability (2008)21


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Water

Groundwater Vulnerability Drift Map


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Water Flood Risk

Areas at risk from flooding in Gwynedd22

Key to Legend: Flood zone 2 – the Environment Agency’s best estimate of the areas of land between zone 3 and the extent of the flood from rivers or the sea with a 1000 to 1 chance of flooding in any year. It includes those areas defined in flood zone 3. Flood zone 3 – the agency’s best estimate of the areas of land with a 100 to 1 chance (or greater) of flooding each year from the sea. The map above shows the main rivers and the flooding zones provides by the TAN15 advice maps. Zone B – Areas known to have been flooded in the past evidenced by sedimentary deposits Zone C1 – Areas of the floodplain that are developed and served by significant infrastructure, including flood defences Zone C2 – Areas of the floodplain without significant flood defence infrastructure. It appears from the figure above that the main areas at most risk of flooding are located in areas of Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Tywyn and Pwllheli. Wards in Gwynedd with the highest resident population at risk from flooding are Porthmadog East, Porthmadog West, Llanberis and Porthmadog-Tremadog.

Potential for increased flood risk as a result of climate change. Ensure that new development is directed away from high flood risk areas. A need to introduce flood minimisation or mitigation measures to reduce the volume and rate of run-off in new development.


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Water Population at risk from flooding23

Percentage of properties in each Local Authority in a Flood Zone


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Water

24


139


Water


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Water

1 Environment Agency Western Wales RBMP Available online: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/125095.aspx 2 DEFRA 3 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 4 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 5 DEFRA 6 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 7 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 8 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 9 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 10 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 11 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 12 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 13 Environment Agency Wales (December 2009) Western Wales River Basin Management Plan. 14 WAG (July 2010) State of the Environment (Accessed on 06/04/11) Available online: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/environment2010/100722/?lang=en 15 Ibid 16 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 17 Keep Wales Tidy www.keepwalestidy.org 18 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 19 Environment Agency 20 Welsh Water (2008) Water Resource Management Plan Main Report

21 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 22 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package 23 Environment Agency Local Evidence Package

The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) incorporating Strategic Environmental

Assessment (SEA)

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

Non-Technical Summary

July 2011

1

Introduction • This document is the non-technical summary of the Sustainability Appraisal (SA)

Scoping report produced as part of the Sustainability Appraisal for the Anglesey and Gwynedd’s Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP). The SA Scoping Report identifies the key sustainability issues for Anglesey and Gwynedd and how the remaining stages of the appraisal will be undertaken.

Background

• Anglesey County Council and Gwynedd Council are currently preparing a new

JLDP. The requirement for each Local Planning Authority (LPA) to produce a Local Development Plan (LDP) is set out in Part 6 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, 2004.

• A LDP is a land use plan that is subject to independent examination, which will

form the statutory development plan for a local authority area for the purposes of the Act. It includes a vision, strategy, area-wide policies for development types, land allocations, and where necessary policies and proposals for key areas of change and protection. Policies and allocations are shown geographically on the Proposals Map forming part of the plan.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

• Sustainability Appraisal for LDPs is mandatory under the Planning and

Compulsory Purchase Act, 2004. SA covers social and economic effects of the LDP as well as environmental ones.

• In addition to the requirement to undertake a SA of the LDP, under European

Directive 2001/42/EC, which is implemented in the UK via the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, Local Development Plans should also be subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). SEA is a process to ensure that the significant environmental effects arising from plans and programmes are identified, assessed, mitigated, communicated to decision makers and monitored.

The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

• The SA Scoping Report is the first document to be produced for the SA/SEA

process. It describes the current environmental and socio-economic situation in both local planning authorities, and sets up a framework of sustainability objectives for testing how both Councils will deliver sustainable development through future stages of LDP preparation. The SA Scoping Report involves the following tasks:

Task A1 - Identify other relevant plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives Task A2 – Collecting baseline information Task A3 - Identifying sustainability issues and problems

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Task A4 – Developing SA objectives Task A5 - Preparing and consulting on the SA Scoping report

Key Sustainability Issues

• The current sustainability issues that will affect the Plan Area have been identified

through a review of plans and programmes and through the collection of baseline data. A summary of these issues is provided below:

TOPIC AREA KEY ISSUES

Biodiversity • Threats to the integrity and continuity of biodiversity features

• The need to preserve Semi-Natural Woodlands

Communities

• An ageing population • Out-migration of young people • A relatively healthy and safe population but

variations apparent within the JLDP area • Social deprivation inequalities

Climatic Factors

• Maintaining good air quality overall • Greenhouse gases and the threat of climate change

Cultural Heritage

• Recent decline in the proportion of Welsh speakers • A rich and diverse cultural heritage and historic

environment

Economy

• Relatively low GVA particularly in Anglesey • Relatively high economic activity rate in the JLDP

area but above average unemployment in Anglesey • Decline in land based industries • Lower than average earnings • Education attainment • Improving the tourism industry

Housing

• Housing deprivation particularly in Gwynedd • Affordability and lack of affordable housing • Vacant homes and second homes

Landscape

• Pressures upon important landscape designations

Soils, Minerals, Waste

• Maintaining soil carbon density in Gwynedd • Limited amount of the best and most versatile quality

of agricultural land • Growth in Municipal Waste • Reducing reliance on landfill sites

Transport • Limited transport choices • High reliance on the private car for transportation

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TOPIC AREA KEY ISSUES

Water • Maintaining good river quality and improving standards where necessary

• Maintaining clean bathing waters and improving others

• Numerous populated areas at risk from flooding. • Reduced availability of water resources.

Sustainability Objectives and Indicators • A key output of the SA Scoping Report is the development of an appraisal

framework of proposed objectives, sub-objectives and indicators that will be used to identify, describe and evaluate the positive and negative environmental effects of a plan or programme. In all there are 11 proposed SA objectives covering environmental, social and socio-economic aspects:

Proposed SA Framework Objectives:

OBJECTIVE SEA TOPICS Maintain and enhance biodiversity interests and

connectivity

Biodiversity, Flora, Fauna, Soil

Promote community viability, cohesion, health and well being

Human Health, Population

Manage and reduce the impacts of climate change by promoting and supporting mitigation and adaptation measures

Climatic Factors, Air

Conserve, promote and enhance the Welsh language

Cultural Heritage

Conserve, promote and enhance cultural resources and historic heritage assets

Cultural Heritage

Support economic growth and facilitate a vibrant, diversified economy providing local employment opportunities

Population

Provide good quality housing, including affordable housing that meets local needs

Population, Human Health

Value, conserve and enhance the plan area’s rural landscapes and urban townscapes

Landscape

Use land and mineral assets efficiently and promote mechanisms for waste minimisation,

Material Assets, Soil

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re-use and recycling Promote and enhance good transport links to

support the community and the economy

Population, Human Health

Safeguard water quality, manage water resources sustainability and minimise flood risk

Water, Biodiversity

• Each sustainability objective is supported by a number of sub-objectives which

will facilitate the assessment of the JLDP's policies and proposals and assist in the interpretation of the overall main objective. A proposed set of indicators has been derived to monitor the performance of the LDP and these have also been included in the framework. These indicators are selected to focus on the key issues arising. The proposed indicators should be viewed as an evolving list that is focused on the key / significant environmental and socio-economic effects that are identified as the appraisal process proceeds.

Consultation

• Anglesey County Council and Gwynedd Council are consulting on the Scoping

Report for a period of 7 weeks (between 21/7/11 and 8/9/11). The Councils will be consulting the three environmental bodies – Cadw, Environment Agency and Countryside Council for Wales, as well as other key stakeholders. We also welcome views from the general public on the document.

• The full SA Scoping Report can be viewed on the Councils’ websites at

www.gwynedd.gov.uk and www.anglesey.gov.uk or copies are available from the Joint Planning Policy Unit. Consultation response forms are available from the same source.

Next Steps

The next stage of the SA/SEA process is the assessment stage of the plan (Stage B). During this stage, the predicted effects of the plan will be evaluated. The results of the SA/SEA will be used to inform the development of the plan to remove or minimise any adverse predicted environmental effects but also to maximise opportunities for environmental improvements. Strategic Options and alternatives for development will be tested against the Sustainability Appraisal Framework and the preferred strategic spatial options and site allocations for the JLDP will be informed by outcomes of the appraisal process.

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