Agenda item

That the Committee note the progress of and support the work of the AONB.

The Chief Officer (Planning & Environment) introduced Mr. Howard Sutcliffe, Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Officer, and invited him to present the report on the work of the AONB since the introduction of new governance arrangements.

Mr. Sutcliffe highlighted the important relationship between the councils and the workings of the AONB and welcomed continued work with Flintshire into the future.  In explaining the involvement of each council on the Joint Committee and the AONB partnership, he thanked those Members for their support and referred to work underway to finalise the strategic management plan.  Information was shared on a range of activities being carried out, as set out in the report, which demonstrated the importance of the AONB in the local landscape.  Amongst these was the Young Ranger programme where an ex-pupil of Mold Alun School was undertaking seasonal work as a trainee Warden.  It was explained that the Welsh Government gave £55K to each AONB to spend on projects.  This project fund was called the Sustainable Development Fund and any organisation with a project related to the AONB could bid into the fund.

Councillor David Evans asked whether consultation had taken place prior to the path resurfacing in Nercwys forest due to complaints from horse riders.  Mr. Sutcliffe explained that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) resurfaced the forest paths to accommodate larger excavation vehicles and that other paths were available for horses.  He spoke about the need for different surfaces for different users and said that any comments raised by members of the public would be taken on board.

In respect of Loggerheads, Councillor Brian Lloyd asked if parking provision could be improved, particularly during peak times such as weekends.  Whilst Mr. Sutcliffe was in agreement, he pointed out that changes to Special Areas of Conservation required approval.  Although work was due to start over the Summer to convert nearby land into additional parking, this would not be enough to cope with demand at peak times.  The approach was to encourage visitors during other periods and discussions had been held with the Trunk Road Agency to consider other options to address the problem.  In response to a suggestion from the Chairman on potential use of land near to the Colomendy education centre, Mr. Sutcliffe explained the potential impact on the condition of the land and the need to discourage people crossing the road.

Councillor Paul Shotton welcomed the update and particularly commended the Health Walk initiatives.  In response to questions, Mr. Sutcliffe shared details of the volunteer programme including work by Coleg Cambria volunteers to develop rural skills.  In respect of promoting local businesses such as bed & breakfast establishments, the partnership worked with the Council’s Enterprise Manager on various initiatives and had introduced the AONB Badge scheme and the Clwydian Range Tourism Group to engage with local business and promote activities in the area.

Councillor Mike Peers shared the concerns on visitors’ parking and suggested that a Park & Ride facility could be introduced from County Hall for peak periods.  He spoke about the need to promote areas of the AONB through local libraries and for more circular walks which could publicise the facilities of local villages.  Mr. Sutcliffe referred to established links with local bus services and explained that there had been insufficient demand for a Park & Ride facility, although this could be looked at again to ascertain any renewed interest.  A number of circular walks had been introduced across the AONB, based on demand, with the objective of involving Town/Community Councils in promoting local villages.  Promotional leaflets were available at Hawarden and Mold libraries along with wider distribution in Chester and Wirral.

The progress in AONB work and enthusiasm of the AONB officer team was welcomed by Councillor Nancy Matthews.  In response to a query, Mr. Sutcliffe spoke about the introduction of livestock at Nercwys forest whilst safeguarding the welfare of animals as well as visitors.

Councillor Butler thanked Mr. Sutcliffe for his advocacy of the AONB and spoke about the aim to encourage visitors and publicise activities including the programme on cycling in the AONB.

In summarising, the Chief Officer said that Mr. Tom Woodall of the Council’s Countryside Service had provided good support to the AONB partnership.  He acknowledged the concerns around car parking and said that the Council was doing everything possible to promote the AONB.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Sutcliffe for his informative presentation.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note the progress of and support the work of the AONB.