Issue - meetings

That the presentation be noted.

The Head of Planning introduced a report on the recent extension of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and its implications for the Authority.  He provided background information and introduced Mr David Sheil, Countryside Officer from Denbighshire County Council, and invited him to give a presentation on the extent of the AONB, the management arrangements, and the implications for the Authority.  The main points of the presentation were:

·        CROW Act 2000

·        Governance

·        Sustainable Development Fund

·        Supporting Farming

·        Supporting Business

·        Loggerheads

·        Sense of Place – Tourism and landscape / Community and landscape

·        Landscape producing quality

·        Health and Wellbeing

·        Young Rangers

The Chairman thanked Mr. Sheil for an interesting and informative presentation and invited Members to raise questions.

The Chairman asked if any thought had been given to extending to the North East area and cited Halkyn mountain.  Mr. Sheil advised that HalkynMountain had not been part of the study which had resulted in the designation of the  extended area.  Mr Sheil also referred to the grants available for woodlands, etc. in response to a question raised by Councillor J.M. Johnson.

Councillor CA. Thomas expressed her thanks to Mr. Sheil for his detailed presentation.   The Chairman commented that the Authority was aware of its  responsibilities and the importance of the area.

            RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.