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Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 1
Appendix A
Baseline Data and Review of Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 2
A INTRODUCTION TO MID WALES
Characterising the environmental and sustainability baseline, issues and context is an essential
part of developing the SEA and the basis for assessment. It comprises the following key
elements:
Characterising the current state of the environment within Mid Wales including some
social aspects; and
Using this information to identify existing problems and opportunities that could be
considered in the Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan (JLTP).
A review of other plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives that may affect the preparation of the Mid Wales JLTP has been undertaken in order to contribute to the development of both the SEA and the Plan. This includes:
Identification of any external environmental objectives, indicators or targets that should be
reflected in the SEA process;
Identification of any baseline environmental data relevant to the SEA;
Identification of any external factors that might influence the preparation of the plan, for
example sustainability issues;
Identification of any external objectives or aims that would contribute positively to the
development of the Mid Wales JLTP; and
Determining whether there are clear potential conflicts or challenges between other
identified plans, programmes or sustainability objectives and the emerging Mid Wales
JLTP.
The review includes documents prepared at international, national, regional and county scale
where relevant.
This Appendix details the findings of the above characterisation of the environmental and
sustainability baseline and the review of other plans, programme and environmental protection
objectives. These details are arranged into the following sections:
B – Population and Human Health
C – Material Assets
D – Soil and Contaminated Land
E – Air Quality and Climatic Factors
F – Water Features, Quality and Flood Risk
G – Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna
H – Cultural Heritage
I – Landscape and Townscape
Data have been collated for the whole Mid Wales JLTP area and in many cases have been
arranged into each of the constituent authorities, namely: Gwynedd (although only the southern
part is included in the plan), Powys and Ceredigion.
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B POPULATION AND HUMAN HEALTH
B1 Introduction
This section presents an overview of the key population and human health issues across
Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd. It presents the key plans, initiatives and environmental
protection objectives that should be considered during the SEA, a summary of baseline
environmental conditions and an overview of key issues and opportunities that the Mid Wales
JLTP and SEA should consider.
Sustainable transport can present a number of health benefits such as improvement to local air
quality, reducing energy consumption, increasing levels of health and fitness, reducing stress
and social exclusion. This topic is therefore focussed on the following areas:
Demographics;
Economic activity; and
Deprivation and human health.
Where data are available, this is related to transport.
B2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table B1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of population and human health in Mid Wales.
Table B1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
Aarhus Convention (Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and
Access to Justice in Environmental Matters), 1998
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
Europe 2020: Action on health inequalities in the European Union, Third Health Programme 2014-20
UK / Wales
The Equality Act 2010
HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing
Climate, July 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
Welsh Government, Our Healthy Future 2010-2020, 2009
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011
Welsh Assembly Government, Sustainable Tourism Framework, 2007
Welsh Government, Coastal Tourism Strategy, January 2012
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009
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Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, 2010
Technical Advice Note 11: Noise, 1997
Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004
Technical Advice Note 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space, 2009
Technical Advice Note 23: Economic Development, 2014
Welsh Government, One Wales: Connecting the Nation - The Wales Transport Strategy, 2008
Welsh Government, Road Safety Framework for Wales, July 2013
Welsh Assembly Government, A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales, December 2008
Welsh Assembly Government, The Physical Activity Action Plan: Creating an Active Wales, December 2009
Welsh Government, Statutory Guidance for the Delivery of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, May 2014
Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan, October
2010
Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places - New Regeneration Framework, March 2013
Welsh Government, The Strategy for Older People in Wales 2013 – 2023, 2013
Welsh Government, Community First Programme Guidance 2013
WAG Policy, ‘ Economic Renewal: a new direction’, July 2010
Mid Wales/Local
TraCC, Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan, September 2009
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Ceredigion Local Service Board, Ceredigion Single Integrated Plan 2013-2017
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Powys Local Service Board, One Powys Plan 2014- 2017
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Gwynedd Council, Improving Gwynedd Together- Gwynedd Community Strategy, 2011
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
Transport can have a significant effect on physical and mental health. The majority of the plans and
programmes above seek to promote sustainable development. The aim of sustainable development is to
enable people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without
compromising the quality of life of future generations. One of the guiding principles of the UK Sustainable
Development Strategy is: “Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society”.
The Equality Act 2010 covers nine protected characteristics – age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership which cannot be used, either directly or indirectly, as a basis for unequal treatment.
Plans and programmes relating to human health aim to provide a strategic framework to address health issues and tackle health inequalities. The European Health Programme seeks to help EU countries respond to economic and demographic challenges facing their health systems and enable citizens to stay healthy for longer.
The Wales Transport Strategy seeks to achieve “greater use of the more sustainable and healthy forms of travel” through outcomes including direct outcomes directed specifically towards health including encouraging improved access to healthcare and health lifestyles. The Road Safety Framework for Wales (2013) sets out the Welsh Government’s approach to road safety until 2020 and their commitment to improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on Welsh roads.
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The Welsh Government’s Creating an Active Wales (2011) strategy aims to improve health through activity and the vision is for “an active, healthy and inclusive Wales, where sport, physical activity and active recreation provide a common platform for participation, fun and achievement, which binds communities and the nation and where the outstanding environment of Wales is used sustainably to enhance confidence in ourselves.”
The Welsh Government’s strategic outcomes outlined in the Programme for Government are:
Growth and Sustainable Jobs – To strengthen the conditions that will enable business to create jobs and
sustainable economic growth;
Tackling Poverty – Reducing poverty, especially persistent poverty amongst some of our poorest people
and communities, and reducing the likelihood that people become poor;
Rural Communities – Ensure that rural communities remain vibrant and able to offer people an excellent
quality of life with access to high quality employment, affordable housing and public services and
sustained by reliable and effective infrastructure in terms of broadband, public transport and utilities;
Environment and Sustainability – To become a “one planet nation”, putting sustainable development at
the heart of government; and
Safer Communities for All – Make communities safer through reductions in anti-social behaviour, crime
(including the fear of crime), substance misuse and the incidence and impact of fires as well as effective
co-ordination of emergencies.
The Welsh Government published its Vibrant and Viable Places – New Regeneration Framework in 2013. National outcomes have been aligned with the Communities First programme and Welsh Government’s Programme for Government objectives. These are framed around the key headings of ‘prosperous communities’; ‘learning communities’; and ‘healthier communities’.
Throughout all of the documents there is recognition of the importance of raising levels of physical activity of the UK population to try and reduce mortality and morbidity that are typically linked to lifestyle factors. Sustainable communities are sought, and reflect the strategic outcomes as included in the Programme for Government. Accessibility for all is a key theme running throughout. In particular, the community strategies seek to encourage sustainable and prosperous communities throughout Mid Wales.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
The JLTP should consider health outcomes and determinants. HIA guidance1 links national transport and
national health issues. The links between transport and health are summarised below:
Health
outcomes and
determinants
Explanation
General Physical
Health
Accessible and affordable transport enabling good access to education, employment, fresh
food, friends and family, leisure and health services, can enhance health
Access to a car is linked to improved physical health through such factors as improved
access to essential services and health promoting amenities, reflection of socio-economic
status and raised self-esteem. A proportion of those who are at most risk of social
exclusion have to access to cars.
Physical activity Walking and cycling are physically active forms of transport – ‘active travel’
Physically active transport may lead to increases in overall levels of physical activity.
Injuries and
deaths
Road trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across all age groups. Reducing
the impact of road trauma has been a great public health success in the past 20 years,
however vehicle crashes and collision still produce a great deal of avoidable death and
disability.
1 Mainly based on Health Impact Assessment of Transport Initiatives A Guide, Health Scotland, MRC Social and Public
Health Sciences Unit and Institute of Occupational Medicine 2007
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The road users are highest risk of being killed or seriously injured are cyclists and
pedestrians.
The most commonly cited cause of a road crash is speed.
Air pollution The pollutants most associated with traffic are small particles (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
carbon monoxide (CO) and toxicants such as benzene.
Increased outdoor air pollution is associated with increased cardio-respiratory mortality and
morbidity. Some effects are more or less immediate and affect vulnerable groups (eg
children, people whose health is already impaired) in particular, whereas the effects of log-
term exposure are more widespread.
PM is the constituent most closely associated with adverse health incomes. Some evidence
shows that PM from traffic is more toxic (per unit mass) than PM from other sources.
Noise Pollution Motorised forms of transport are a common source of noise pollution, with road traffic being
the most common.
Noise pollution at the levels generated by traffic can lead to serious annoyance,
interference with speech and sleep disturbance.
Stress has been suggested as a possible mechanism though which noise may affect
mental and physical health.
Evidence suggests noise pollution may limit children’s learning.
Land blight Land blight caused by roads and other transport infrastructure reduces enjoyment and
discourages active recreation.
Stress/mental
health and
quality of life
Noise pollution generated by transport can lead to stress.
Where public transport passengers feel ‘overcrowded’ this may lead to stress but the
perceptions of overcrowding and related stress may be mediated by feelings of safety and
control.
Traffic jams can be a source of stress for transport users.
For low income families dependency on walking as a primary form of transport can impact
on their time for other recreational activity and may add to psycho-social stress within the
family.
Access to a car has been linked to improved mental health.
Increased levels of physical activity may have a protective effect on mental health.
Personal safety
and perceptions
of safety
Streets dominated by motorised vehicles with reduced numbers of people on the streets
may create a social environment that is conducive to increased crime, which then
discourages more people from walking, in particular women and children.
Fear of crime is an important factor influencing travel choices. Women’s fear is greater than
men’s, and women are more likely to avoid using public transport as a result.
Personal safety may also affect decisions to walk or cycle.
Social capital
and inclusion
and community
severance
There is an observed relationship between positive social capital and health. Good
transport planning, promoting less-car dominated environments, can enhance social capital
by increasing the number of people walking or cycling on the streets and making the streets
a place of social interaction.
Community severance results from the divisive effects of the provision and use of transport
infrastructure: major roads and railways running through an existing community.
Climate change Greenhouse gases from transport contribute to climate change, which in addition to their
global effects will affect the health of the population locally– particularly with an increase in
flooding, summer temperature, levels of solar radiation and frequency of extreme weather
events leading to increased levels of fatalities, injury, infectious diseases, heat related
deaths, skin cancer cases and cataracts.
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The JLTP should provide opportunities to achieve modal shift to more sustainable transport options,
minimise the need to travel and enable the provision of effective cycling and walking connections. The
JLTP should seek to promote road safety and safe and sustainable communities through the design of
transport infrastructure. It is important to recognise the wider indicators of health and wellbeing by giving
consideration to the needs of different community groups, e.g. different age groups, minority groups and
people with existing health issues when developing the approaches and actions within the JLTP. These
characteristics and factors should also be covered within the SEA process in order to inform the
development of an assessment approach and hence reinforce the messages through recommendations for
mitigation and enhancement.
B3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
B3.1 Powys
Demographics
The 2011 mid- year population estimate for Powys County Council was 133,100 (ONS, 2011)
covering around a quarter of Wales. It is the most sparsely populated county in England and
Wales, with just 26 persons per square kilometre in 2012 (the population density for Wales was
148 persons per square kilometre) (ONS, 2014). This represents an increase of 5.2% from mid-
2001 (with the increase across Wales being 5.3%).
It is estimated that 4,980 people moved into Powys from the rest of the UK and 4,820 moved
out of Powys to elsewhere in the UK between mid-2009 and mid-2010, a small net gain due to
internal migration of 160 people. However it is also estimated that 540 people moved out of
Powys to destinations outside the UK, whereas only 180 moved into Powys from abroad, giving
a net loss due to international migration of 360. Overall there was a net outward migration of
200 people between mid-2009 and mid-2010. This reversed the inward migration trend of the
previous decade, and contradicted the assumption of continued inward migration in the current
2008-based population projections from the Welsh Government.
The proportion of people aged 75 and over in Powys increased from 9.7% in mid- 2001, (Wales
8.3%), to 10.5% in the 2011 Census, (Wales 8.6%), due to the national increase in life
expectancy and the net out-migration of the student age group from Powys. It is anticipated
that the local population is expected to continue to age.
In the 2011 Census, Powys had an estimated 100 non-UK short-term residents, (Wales 7,200),
that is residents born outside the UK and staying in the UK for between three and 12 months.
In 2009, 97.2% of the Powys population identified themselves as white (Wales 95.9%) followed
by 1.06% Asian/Asian British (Wales 1.76%) (Table B2).
Table B2 Percentage Ethnic Groups in Powys and Wales
White Mixed Asian/Asian
British
Black/Black British Other
Powys 97.2% 0.70% 1.06% 0.70% 0.46%
Wales 95.9% 0.99% 1.76% 0.62% 0.75%
Source: Welsh Assembly Government StatsWales www.wales.gov.uk
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The main centres of population are the county towns of Welshpool, Newtown, and Llandrindod
Wells. Figure B1 illustrates the population distribution in Powys.
Figure B1 Population Distribution (Source: LDP)
Economic Activity
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The percentage of people who are economically active in Powys is higher than that of Wales
and Great Britain by 5.1% and 1.7% respectively (Table B3). The percentage of males in
employment is higher than the percentage of females in employment by 7.6%.
Table B3 Employment and unemployment in Powys Jul 2011- Jun 2012
Powys Wales Great Britain
Economically Active 78.3% 73.2% 76.6%
In Employment 74.0% 67.0% 70.3%
Unemployed (model-based) 5.1% 8.3% 8.1%
Source: ONS
The highest employment sector in Powys in 2008 (80.6%) was services, including; distribution,
hotels and restaurants, transport and communications, public admin education and health. Of
these, 33.1% were in public admin, education and health (Table B4).
Table B4 Employment sectors by industry in Powys (2008)
Powys Wales Great Britain
Manufacturing 13.1% 13.7% 10.2%
Construction 4.6% 5.2% 4.8%
Services 80.6% 79.1% 83.5%
Distribution, hotels and restaurants 25.1% 23.0% 23.4%
Transport and communications 4.3% 4.3% 5.8%
Finance, IT, other business activities 11.4% 14.1% 22.0%
Public admin, education and
health
33.1% 32.9% 27.0%
Other services 6.8% 4.8% 5.3%
Tourism 12.0% 8.6% 8.2%
Source: ONS
Deprivation and Human Health
The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation is the official measure of deprivation in small areas in
Wales. It is a relative measure of concentrations of deprivation at the small area level. It is
constructed from eight different types of deprivation. These are:
Income;
Housing;
Employment;
Access to services;
Education;
Health;
Community safety; and
Physical environment.
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The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2011 show that out of 80 Lower Super Output Areas
(LSOAs) in Powys, only 1% were in the bottom 10% and bottom 20% most deprived areas in
Wales meaning deprivation levels in Powys are low. Similarly income deprivation for Powys is
also low with only 1% in the bottom 10% and 4% in the bottom 20%.
The most deprived areas correspond with the largest towns of Welshpool, Newtown and
Llandrindod Wells (Figure B2).
Figure B2 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for Powys
Source: Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation www.wales.gov.uk
The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation also includes a specific domain for health deprivation.
This is illustrated in Figure B3 and it demonstrates that the areas of worst health are in
Welshpool, Newtown and Ystradgynlais.
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Figure B3 Welsh Index of Health Deprivation for Powys
Overall health levels in Powys are good, with male and female life expectancy being above the
Wales average at 79.8 years and 83.3 years respectively compared with 77.6 and 81.8
nationally (ONS 2010).
The Welsh Health Survey 2012-2013 showed that 34% of Powys’ population undertook
exercise or physical activity on 5 or more days of the week and 28% undertook no physical
activity during the week compared to 29% and 34% respectively for Wales.
56% of the population were considered to be overweight or obese compared with 57% for
Wales. 22% of the population were being treated for high blood pressure compared with 20%
for Wales and 8% compared with 11% for Wales were being treated for a mental illness.
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B3.2 Ceredigion
The latest Census states that the population of Ceredigion was 75,922 in 2011 making it the
fourth most sparsely populated county in Wales, with 43 persons per square kilometre.
Migration flows and rates for Welsh local authorities for the period mid 2005-06 to mid-2009-10
shows that Ceredigion had the highest volume of migration per thousand population (171), with
Cardiff being the next highest with 139 migrant movements per thousand inhabitants (Migration
Statistics Wales, 2010 – Revised November 2011, Welsh Government).
England accounts for the majority of cross border migration movements to / from Wales. On
average 47 people per thousand residents moved into Ceredigion and 47 people per thousand
residents moved out. These are the highest rates for any authority in Wales. However, the
relatively high proportion of students within the Ceredigion population who move in and out
each year is the reason for this.
The majority of the county’s population is located along the coast, with many fewer people living
in the upland areas inland. As previously stated the population was 75,922 in 2011 and
assuming that the long-term trend of in-migration continues, this figure is projected to increase
to around 86,007 by 20222, despite the higher number of deaths than births in the county. Life
expectancy at birth was the highest in Wales in 2006-8 (80.7 years for males and 84.2 years for
females) and is expected to continue to increase. Coupled with the bulge in the population
profile caused by the ageing post-war baby-boomer generation, the proportion of the elderly will
increase markedly (Ceredigion Local Development Plan, Deposit Version 2007 – 2022).
In 2011 96.6% of the Ceredigion population identified themselves as white (Wales 95.9%)
followed by 1% Asian/Asian British (Wales 1.76%) (Table B5).
2 Based on projections produced by Ceredigion County Council in 2010
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 13
Table B5 Percentage Ethnic Groups in Ceredigion and Wales
White Mixed Asian/Asian British Black/Black British Other
Ceredigion 96.7% 1% 1.4% 0.3% 0.5%
Wales 95.6% 1% 2.2% 0.6% 0.5%
Source: 2011 Census
The population of Ceredigion is largely centred within six main towns including Aberaeron,
Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Lampeter, LLandysul and Tregaron.
Economic Activity
The percentage of people who are economically active in Ceredigion is lower than that of Wales
and Great Britain by 7.4% and 10.8% respectively (Table B6). The percentage of males in
employment is higher than the percentage of females in employment by 4.5%.
Table B6 Employment and unemployment in Ceredigion Jul 2011- Jun 2012
Ceredigion Wales Great Britain
Economically Active 65.8% 73.2% 76.6%
In Employment 62.2% 67.0% 70.3%
Unemployed (model-based) 6.0% 8.3% 8.1%
Source: NOMIS
The highest employment sector in Ceredigion in 2008 was services (87.3%), including:
distribution; hotels and restaurants; transport and communications; public admin education; and
health. Of these, 41.5% were in public admin, education and health (Table B7).
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Table B7 Employment sectors by industry in Ceredigion (2008)
Ceredigion Wales Great Britain
Manufacturing 5.9% 13.7% 10.2%
Construction 5.0% 5.2% 4.8%
Services 87.3% 79.1% 83.5%
Distribution, hotels and restaurants 28.0% 23.0% 23.4%
Transport and communications 3.3% 4.3% 5.8%
Finance, IT, other business activities 8.8% 14.1% 22.0%
Public admin, education and health 41.5% 32.9% 27.0%
Other services 5.7% 4.8% 5.3%
Tourism 13.2% 8.6% 8.2%
Source: NOMIS
Deprivation and Human Health
The Welsh IMD for 2011 shows that out of 47 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in
Ceredigion, 0% were in the bottom 10% and 4% were in the bottom 20% most deprived areas in
Wales meaning deprivation levels in Ceredigion are low (see Figure B4). Similarly income
deprivation for Ceredigion is also low with only 1% in the bottom 10% and 4% in the bottom
20%.
Figure B4 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for Ceredigion
Source: Welsh Indices of Deprivation 2011
The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation also includes a specific domain for health deprivation.
This is illustrated in Figure B5 and demonstrates that the areas of worst health are in
Aberystwyth and Cardigan – although no areas are significantly deprived with regards to health.
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Figure B5 Welsh Index of Health Deprivation for Ceredigion
Source: Welsh Indices of Deprivation 2011
Overall health levels in Ceredigion are good, with male and female life expectancy (from birth)
being well above the Wales average at 80.4 years and 84.1 years respectively compared with
77.2 and 81.6 nationally (ONS 2009).
There are better than average levels of physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake in Ceredigion.
Nevertheless, over half of Ceredigion residents are either overweight or obese. Figure B6
shows that only 32% of the adult population of Ceredigion meet the physical activity guidelines
(Health, Social Care and Well Being Strategy for Ceredigion 2011 – 2014).
The Welsh Health Survey 2012-2013 showed that 36% of Ceredigion’s population undertook
exercise or physical activity on 5 or more days of the week and 28% undertook no physical
activity during the week compared to 29% and 34% respectively for Wales.
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Figure B6 Percentage of the population of Ceredigion achieving Physical Activity
Guidelines
Source: Health, Social Care and Well Being Strategy for Ceredigion 2011 – 2014
B3.3 Gwynedd
Demographics
Latest figures show that the population of Gwynedd was 121,900 in 2013 (NOMIS), ranking it
the 14th most populated county in Wales. In terms of population density, Gwynedd had 48
persons per square kilometre in 2012 (ONS, 2014).
Table B8 below provides a breakdown of the Gwynedd population by age group compared to
the rest of Wales.
Table B8 Percentage age groups in Gwynedd and Wales
Percentage 0-15 (%) Percentage 16-64 (%) Percentage 65 plus (%)
Gwynedd 17.2 62.3 20.7
Wales 18.1 62.5 18.3
Migration flow for Gwynedd for the period mid-2007 to mid-2011 between England had a net
migration total of 380 entering the area. This figure represents 10.3% of the 3,690 net migration
into Wales over the same period (Migration Statistics: Wales 2011).
Life expectancy at birth statistics for the period January ’07 – December ’09 show that, on
average, males are anticipated to live 0.1 years longer than the national average of 77.2 at
77.3. Conversely women’s life expectancy at birth over the same period was slightly higher (0.4)
compared to the Welsh average of 81.6 at 82. Figures also indicate that the County’s population
profile is somewhat ‘top-heavy’ as the proportion of Gwynedd’s population >65 is 2.4% higher
than the Welsh national average but has 0.9% fewer 0-15 year olds. Table B9 below provides a
breakdown of how the Gwynedd population identified their ethnicity.
Table B9 Percentage Ethnic Groups in Gwynedd and Wales
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White (%) Asian/Asian British
Mixed (%)
Black/Black British
Mixed (%)
Other
Gwynedd 96.5 1.7 0.3 1.5
Wales 95.6 2.2 0.6 1.6
Source: 2011 Census – Neighbourhood Statistics
Economic Activity
The percentage of people who are economically active in Gwynedd is lower than that of Wales
and Great Britain by 1% and 3.1% respectively (Table B10). The percentage of males in
employment is higher than the percentage of females in employment by 6.3%.
Table B10 Employment and unemployment in Gwynedd Apr 2013-2014
Gwynedd Wales Great Britain
Economically Active 74.3% 75.3% 77.4%
In Employment 70.1% 69.5% 71.7%
Unemployed (model-based) 6.1% 7.4% 7.2%
Source: NOMIS
The highest employment sector in Gwynedd in 2012 was services (86.4%). Of these services,
38.8% were in public admin, education and health (Table B11).
Table B11 Employment sectors by industry in Gwynedd (2012)
Gwynedd Wales Great Britain
Manufacturing 6.5% 11.4% 8.7%
Construction 4.3% 4.4% 4.5%
Services 86.4% 82.4% 85.5%
Wholesale and retail 16.5% 16.4% 16.1%
Transport storage 2.1% 3.3% 4.6%
Accommodation and food services 14.2% 7.6% 6.9%
Information and communication 1.8% 1.9% 3.9%
Financial and business services 7.7% 13.5% 21.5%
Public admin, education and health 38.8% 35.1% 28.1%
Other services 5.2% 4.6% 4.5%
Source: NOMIS
Deprivation and Human Health
The overall 2011 Welsh IMD shows that out of the 75 LSOAs in Gwynedd, three were in the
bottom 10% and three were in the bottom 20% most deprived areas in Wales (see Figure B7).
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With three LSOAs in the most deprived 10%, ranked 8th best out of 22 LAs, Gwynedd’s
deprivation is classed overall as low.
Housing and access to services are the two areas where Gwynedd is classed as most deprived,
ranking worst for housing deprivation and 4th worst for access to services, having 31 and 18 of
LSOAs in the most deprived 10% for each respective indicator.
Figure B7 Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation for Gwynedd
Source: Welsh Indices of Deprivation 2011
One of Gwynedd’s LSOAs in the 10% for health deprivation therefore it is considered that the
county is not significantly health deprived (Welsh Indices of Deprivation 2011).
The Welsh Health Survey 2012-2013 showed that 32% of Gwynedd’s population undertook
exercise or physical activity on 5 or more days of the week and 30% undertook no physical
activity during the week compared to 29% and 34% respectively for Wales.
B3.4 General
Access to NHS Hospitals for the Mid Wales Area have been mapped and this information
shows that whilst access by car is reasonable (generally less than 30 minutes), from most of the
core settlements, access by public transport between the hours of 10:00-12:00 is particularly
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 19
limited. Indeed, it is only Aberystwyth that has pockets of service with a journey time of less
than an hour. Moreover it should be noted that this is access to any hospital rather than those
with a full range of services.
Access to key employment centres in Mid Wales (defined as Aberystwyth, Brecon, Cardigan,
Lampeter, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown) is again variable. Access by car to key employment
sites in the South West is generally within 30 minutes, from all areas in the south west, whereas
journey times by public transport from areas away from the immediate catchment (such as New
Quay) is generally greater than an hour. Elsewhere, most of the core catchments fall within 45
minute journey time by car, with the exception of communities along the eastern borders and
communities within the central belt of Snowdonia National Park, including Bala, where journey
times to key centres by car is greater than 45 minutes.
Many communities do not have quality access to key employment centres or places of
education by public transport within the core AM peak hours of 07:00-09:00. Where services
are provided journey times of 45 minutes or more are commonplace. For example, access from
Welshpool to Newtown, a distance of 13 miles is greater than 45 minutes and 60-90 minutes
from communities further north such as Llangedwyn.
B3.5 Evolution of the Baseline
In 2010 the Welsh Assembly Government published population projections for the 22 local
authority areas in Wales. They are based on the mid-2008 estimates of population from the
Office for National Statistics and give projections of the population by single year of age and
gender, for a span of 25 years to 2033.
The population in Powys is projected to rise by 11.1% from 131,700 in 2008 to 146,300 in 2033.
This is the eighth highest projected growth rate among the 22 local authority areas.
The population of Ceredigion is projected to rise by 13.01% from 76,812 in 2008 to 86,800 in
2031. In addition, it is anticipated that the local population is expected to continue to age.
The population of Gwynedd is projected to rise by 5.0% from 121,500 in 2011 to 127,600 in
2026.
The ageing population is causing an increase in pressure on health care as well as a lack of
mobility. There are issues related to poorer health and age which may increase rural isolation
over the long term.
The national economy is reporting slow growth at present following a period of nationwide
recession. Government predictions are for slow growth to continue in addition to on-going
austerity measures.
B4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
B4.1 Issues
Population growth is creating a significant need for additional homes and employment
opportunities across Wales.
Poor levels of access to jobs and services.
Access to community services may become an issue for rural communities.
Dispersed settlement patterns has implications for accessibility and access to key
services, consequently there is a greater dependence on the private car.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 20
Moves to consolidate some NHS services likely to increase car travel and may isolate
some communities.
Lack of available affordable transport for some communities. Need to tackle the problems
many people encounter in accessing work, education and healthcare.
Mid Wales has a growing elderly population and there is a need for appropriate transport
provision. The elderly and infirm are more vulnerable to the effects of isolation.
Mid Wales is largely a sparsely populated rural county (outside of the main settlements)
which means more isolated communities can become more vulnerable.
Growth areas in Mid Wales are only likely to exacerbate current problems with transport.
B4.2 Opportunities
The protection and enhancement of human health and wellbeing should be considered
throughout the JLTP where appropriate.
The protection of the most vulnerable sectors of society should be prioritised.
Walking and cycling opportunities should be promoted through the JLTP to help deliver
public health benefits. These cycle opportunities should target all sectors of the
population including the elderly. The need to encourage greater levels of physical activity
is particularly important in view of the ageing population and the need to maintain healthy
lifestyles.
To reduce the poor access to services suffered by large swathes of Mid Wales by
improving and connecting transport infrastructure in the region.
The JLTP presents an opportunity to promote awareness of the benefits of walking and
cycling and to promote new opportunities for these activities across Mid Wales.
B5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
Deprivation maps for all domains for all authorities could not be readily obtained at the time of
preparing this baseline.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 21
C MATERIAL ASSETS
C1 Introduction
Infrastructure forms the physical basis for sustainable communities. Modifications to transport
provision should consider Material Assets as the two are inextricably connected, with changes
to one directly affecting the other. The following section provides a summary of the key Material
Assets within Mid Wales. These include:
The condition and extent of existing transport infrastructure and optimising its use; and
The use of natural resources for the construction and maintenance of transport
infrastructure.
C2 Review of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table C1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of material assets in Mid Wales.
Table C1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
EU Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC)
EU Biomass Action Plan 3 (2005)
EU Waste Framework Directive (91/156/EEC)
EU Waste to Landfill Directive (99/31/EC)
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
UK / Wales
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing
Climate, July 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011
Welsh Assembly Government, Sustainable Tourism Framework, 2007
Welsh Government, Coastal Tourism Strategy, January 2012
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, 2010
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 8: Renewable Energy, 2005
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space, 2009
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 21: Waste, 2014
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 23: Economic Development, 2014
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 22
Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 1: Aggregates, 2004
Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 2: Coal, 2009
Welsh Government, One Wales: Connecting the Nation - The Wales Transport Strategy, 2008
Welsh Government, Road Safety Framework for Wales, July 2013
Welsh Assembly Government, A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales, December 2008
Welsh Government, Statutory Guidance for the Delivery of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, May 2014
Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan, October
2010
Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places - New Regeneration Framework, March 2013
WAG Policy, ‘ Economic Renewal: a new direction’, July 2010
Mid Wales/Local
TraCC, Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan, September 2009
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Ceredigion Local Service Board, Ceredigion Single Integrated Plan 2013-2017
Ceredigion County Council, Ceredigion for All: Our Livelihoods, Our Economic Regeneration Strategy,
Consultation January 2014
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Powys Local Service Board, One Powys Plan 2014- 2017
Powys County Council, A Regeneration Strategy for Powys: A new approach, May 2011
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Gwynedd Council, Improving Gwynedd Together- Gwynedd Community Strategy, 2011
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Powys County Council, Brecon Beacons and Powys Visitor
Transport Plan, June 2012
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
The UK Sustainable Development Strategy aims to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their
basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations.
As a result of the 2004 consultation to develop new UK sustainable development strategy the following issues have been highlighted as the main priority areas for immediate action:
Sustainable consumption and production - working towards achieving more with less
Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement - protecting the natural resources on which we depend
From local to global: building sustainable communities creating places where people want to live and work, now and
in the future
Climate change and energy - confronting the greatest threat
The UK climate change adaptation programme has a vision for infrastructure, which states: “An infrastructure network that is resilient to today’s natural hazards and prepared for the future changing climate”. Within this, the following objective is included:
Objective 7: To ensure infrastructure is located, planned, designed and maintained to be resilient to climate change,
including increasingly extreme weather events.
The Wales Freight Strategy launched in 2008 and sets out high-level aims and policies for freight transport, and identifies a series of steps towards their delivery. The three principles of the strategy are to:
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 23
Minimise the demands on the transport system;
Promote more sustainable and healthy modes of travel; and
Make maximum use of existing infrastructure.
The purpose of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 is to require local authorities to continuously improve
facilities and routes for pedestrians and cyclists and to prepare maps identifying current and potential future
routes for their use. The Bill will also require new road schemes (including road improvement schemes) to
consider the needs of pedestrians and cyclists at design stage.
In relation to transport investment, the aim is to ensure that the existing road network is well maintained and
operates more efficiently by:
Prioritising investments which contribute to economic growth – addressing urban congestion and improving access
to key areas, and by improving the capacity and reliability of our key east-west routes; and
Being more agile in its approach to developing solutions to underlying problems.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
The JLTP should seek to ensure that the material assets of Mid Wales are protected and/or enhanced
through its outcomes. This will also include the need to ensure that the transport infrastructure within Mid
Wales is protected from the potential impacts of climate change and climate change is protected from
transport infrastructure through adaptation. Where possible, the JLTP should seek to promote energy
efficiency and optimise the use of renewable energy in order to minimise waste and carbon footprints. The
JLTP should also seek to promote the minimisation of waste, including that sent to landfill. This will include
ensuring that the use of existing infrastructure is optimised through improvement and maintenance schemes
as well as seeking to ensure that recycled aggregates are used wherever possible in the construction on
new infrastructure. Many of these issues are covered throughout the SEA under a number of interrelated
topics, such as the need to protect soil and contaminated land.
C3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
Material assets relevant to the Mid Wales JLTP include infrastructure within Mid Wales that that
could be potentially affected by the plan.
Infrastructure forms the physical basis for sustainable communities and one of the objectives of
Planning Policy Wales (2011) is to ensure that the vulnerability of infrastructure to severe
weather events is minimised and that infrastructure is designed to cope with higher average
temperatures and increasing risk of storm.
B3.1 Powys
Community Interests
Powys is a largely rural county with service provision focussed upon the historic market towns
such as Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells, Machynlleth, Newtown and Welshpool. All of which
provide a wide range of shops and services to residents, the wider community and visitors to
the area - Newtown is the largest retail centre in Powys.
In addition, given the rural nature of the County, local village shops, sub-post offices, pubs and
farm shops have an important role in supporting the vitality and viability of rural villages.
Providing easy access to basic provisions (especially for those with limited mobility) and provide
an important focal point for rural village life. Other important assets in Powys include:
Reservoirs / water infrastructure. Elan Valley serves Birmingham. Lake Vyrnwy – serves
Liverpool.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 24
Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground in Llanelwedd, where the Royal Welsh Show takes
place and encompasses the wider spectrum of farming and rural life and successfully
bridges the gap between town and country.
Gas pipeline – Milford Haven to Tirley.
Transport
Powys County Council is the highways and public transport authority for the administrative
county of Powys. Powys covers by far the largest land area of the Welsh unitary authorities. It
accounts for the highest proportion of all A Trunk roads (27%), B and C roads (21%) and minor
surfaced roads (12%), resulting in an overall 16% of the total road length of Wales (Powys
County Council www.powys.gov.uk).
Powys covers an area of around 5187 km² and has a total road length of 5,500 km. As a
predominately rural county there is a high percentage of car ownership. Due to Powys’ location
set in the heart of Wales, most traffic travelling to or from the coast generally has to drive
through it. Some of these roads run through main settlements like Newtown, Welshpool,
Rhayader and Builth Wells, causing traffic disruption, particularly during holiday periods. Of
particular strategic importance is the A470 (T) Cardiff to Glan Conwy trunk road. The busiest
roads in Powys such as the A470, A489, A483, A40 and a section of the A44 are Trunk Roads
managed and maintained by the Welsh Assembly Government. A partnership between Powys
and Ceredigion county councils has been appointed as the Trunk Road Agency for Mid Wales.
The highest levels of car commuting are found in the rural areas of Powys surrounding
Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes, where levels of car commuting exceed 90%. This is likely
to be a reflection of the relative lack of local work opportunities, as well as the lack of transport
alternatives that is a function of population density.
The Cambrian rail main line and the Heart of Wales rail line run through Powys, travelling
between Aberystwyth and Birmingham International (Cambrian Mainline) and Shrewsbury to
Swansea (Heart of Wales). These rail lines provide connections to not only the coast but also to
the east of the county, allowing for connections to the major cities.
The County also has a large number of public rights of way, open access land and national
trails. The highways and public transport duties include the following of relevance:
Managing and maintaining the county highways network (including roads, footways, signs,
bridges, culverts and streetlights).
Winter maintenance (gritting) and street cleansing.
Effective management of traffic – from HGVs and pedestrian crossings through to traffic
calming and other road safety design measures.
The provision of road safety education, training and awareness.
Highways development control – including securing developer contributions for new
infrastructure and services.
The County Council works closely with a number of key partners to secure improvements on
Trunk Roads running through Powys, improve rail services and facilities and provide community
transport.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 25
Natural Assets
The county has a wealth of natural assets including designated sites, the Brecon Beacons
National Park and the wider landscape and cultural heritage. Many of these are discussed in the
landscape, cultural heritage and biodiversity sections of this appendix.
C3.2 Ceredigion
Community Interests
Ceredigion is a largely rural county with Aberystwyth as the largest and most varied shopping
area - acting as a regional centre for the Mid Wales area. Cardigan and Lampeter also serve a
wide area, with Tregaron, Llandysul and Aberaeron also serving relatively large areas. Outside
the main centres shopping services are provided through a range of local and village shops,
plus mobile services. Nonetheless the majority (62%) of households are located more than
500m away from their nearest store selling food.
Retaining existing local facilities and encouraging the provision of new ones plays a key role in
sustaining the community. The rural nature of the County has a significant effect on the
provision and delivery of emergency services, health, social care and wellbeing, as the cost,
both in time and finances, of providing support/services in rural areas, is much greater and is
often dependent on private transport.
Other important assets in Ceredigion include:
Reservoirs / water infrastructure;
Various ports /marinas including those at Aberaeron and Aberystwyth;
Aberystwyth University; and
Transport
At present, there is a high level of reliance on the road network which services a high proportion
of both private and commercial motor vehicle journeys. Ceredigion has 114 km of trunk roads,
the A487 (T) Fishguard to Bangor coast road and the A44 (T) road from Aberystwyth to
Shrewsbury. The remainder of the county is served by a network of 158 km of principal county
roads, of which the A486 Llandysul-Synod Inn Ceredigion Link Road route is to become part of
the Trunk Road Network.
Rail-based public transport within the county is limited to the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury and
Birmingham Cambrian line and the Aberystwyth to Pwllheli Cambrian Coast line (with stations at
Aberystwyth and Borth only). In addition, there are two tourist railways operating, the Rheidol
Railway between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge, and the other at Henllan in the south east of
the county.
Public transport bus services link main towns to each other and to main towns outside the
county (Traws Cambria service) and more isolated areas and sectors of society are served by a
range of linked or coordinated public and community transport services to local service centres.
Walking and cycling are important travel modes not just for journeys of local residents to school
and work and local facilities, but leisure walking and cycling are important activities for the
county’s residents and are components of the tourism economy. There are some 2,500kms of
public rights of way in Ceredigion.
Ceredigion’s nearest ferry port is at Fishguard, approximately 60 km (40 miles) from Cardigan.
There is a small civilian airport, West Wales Airport, at Blaenannerch, Aberporth, approximately
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 26
6.4 km (4 miles) from Cardigan (Ceredigion Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Transport –
Submission Version, December 2011).
The highways and public transport duties include the following of relevance:
Managing and maintaining the county highways network (including roads, footways,
signs, bridges, culverts and streetlights);
Winter maintenance (gritting) and street cleansing;
Effective management of traffic – from HGVs and pedestrian crossings through to traffic
calming and other road safety design measures;
The provision of road safety education, training and awareness; and
Highways development control – including securing developer contributions for new
infrastructure and services.
The county Council works closely with a number of key partners to secure improvements on
Trunk Roads running through Ceredigion, improve rail services and facilities and provide
community transport.
C3.3 Gwynedd
Community Interests
Gwynedd’s main retail area and centre for community facilities is in Bangor. It serves the
majority of the main retail service requirements for Gwynedd as well as providing the nearest
major hospital and University. Bangor also benefits from good public transport links as it is
located along train routes that serve Wales and the remainder of Britain along with a good bus
system which links Bangor to the remainder of Gwynedd and further afield. Bangor is also has
good links with the A55 corridor to the east of Wales and to North-west England. There are four
smaller urban areas which provide local community assets such as local shopping, they are:
Blaenau Ffestiniog, Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Pwllheli (Source: Anglesey and Gwynedd
Joint LDP, 2013). Pwllheli on the south coast of the Llyn Peninsula is both a market town and
an important centre for sailing and hosted the One Ton Cup in 2001.
Transport
Gwynedd is served by the North Wales Coast Railway Line (22% of journeys on this line start or
finish at Bangor) and the Cambrian Coast Railway line which runs from Dyfi Junction along the
Meirionnydd Coast and terminates at Pwllheli. The Conwy Valley line provides rail passenger
services from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the North Wales Coastline at Llandudno Junction.
The A55 North Wales Coast Road passes through Gwynedd before crossing the Britannia
Bridge to Anglesey. Gwynedd Council administers the DBFO road scheme from Llandygai to
Holyhead on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government and is also the Trunk Road Agent for
North West Wales. The trunk roads in Gwynedd (particularly the A55, A470, A487 as the
Assembly core network) form both the main strategic road network within the County and its
principal links to the rest of Wales and the UK.
Gwynedd was the first rural authority to establish voluntary Quality Bus Partnerships with local
operators, and by means of those partnerships has greatly improved the provision of low floor
buses and dependable timetabling within the County. This initiative has been widely recognised
by the Government and the Assembly and is referred to in "New Deal for Transport: Better for
Everyone" and "Transporting Wales into the Future".
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 27
The County also has a large number of public rights of way, open access land and recreational
routes.
C3.3 General
The TraCC Mid Wales Regional Highways Strategy considered the nature of the road network in
Mid Wales and highlighted alternative routes can often be significantly longer and gave the
example of ‘a collision on the A487 south of Aberystwyth meaning traffic has to re-route via the
B-roads around Cross Inn.’ Therefore, if there is a particularly severe event this can isolate
residents, for example ‘the closure of the Dyfi Bridge due to flooding meaning the residents of
Meirionnydd are cut off from essential hospital services in Aberystwyth.’
Planned events, such as the Hay Festival and Royal Welsh Show, test the capacity and
resilience of the transport network due to the extra demand. The 2012 Mid Wales Regional
Highways Strategy highlighted planned events can cause significant congestion and bottlenecks
which require lengthy diversions. The Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan also noted that
congestion could become an issue at tourism ‘hot spots’ and larger towns such as Aberystwyth
and Newtown, which highlights the seasonality of traffic demand on the network.
C3.4 Evolution of the Baseline
Figure C1 shows proposed housing growth within Gwynedd, it indicates a large amount of
development in and around Bangor, with additional development on the Gwynedd Peninsula,
particularly at Pwllheli, but very little development in land, due to the development restrictions
applicable in Snowdonia National Park. Figure C2 shows the current proposed housing
allocations in Ceredigion. The Local Development Plan focuses growth on the six Urban Service
Centres of Ceredigion, which are Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Lampeter, Tregaron, Llandysul and
Aberaeron. There are then 22 Rural Service Centres, including New Quay; however these are
in total only to receive 24% of the housing allocation (6,000 units) over the plan period. Figure
C3 shows the proposed housing developments in Powys. This shows a large number of
proposed development sites located around the county, with the A473 corridor and towns such
as Newtown, Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells, a particular focus for development.
An increase in online shopping will be influential, especially in areas within delivery catchments
of larger superstores. Access to food stores is just one component in creating strong, vibrant
and sustainable futures notably for Ceredigion’s rural communities, as advocated by the
Ceredigion 2020 Community Strategy.
Potential climate change impacts on rail infrastructure at the coast north of Aberystwyth are
likely to be the subject of study at the request of the Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales)
to determine the most feasible infrastructure management measures for the future.
Figure C1 Housing growth within Gwynedd
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 28
Figure C2 Housing growth within Ceredigion
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 29
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 30
Figure C3 Housing Growth within Powys
C4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
C4.1 Issues
Transport provision, for all modes, is significantly better from east to west rather than north
to south.
There are high levels of car ownership across Mid Wales and high levels of car commuting
in rural Powys in particular.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 31
Whilst towns have bus provisions to neighbouring towns, journeys made to other locations
generally require interchange. In addition, bus services are concentrated on towns rather
than key employment areas which explains the very low level of public transport usage for
the journey to work.
Access to employment areas, health centres and education sites was considerably better by
car and sometimes the car was the only mode available.
Lack of evening and weekend bus provision.
C4.2 Opportunities
The JLTP should seek to develop the National and Regional Cycle Network to promote a
modal shift.
The JLTP should focus on providing better facilities to enable increased sustainable
personal travel use.
The JLTP should coordinate public transport options and extend their coverage to make
them both accessible and viable as a car alternative.
The JLTP should seek to optimise the use of existing infrastructure from both a safety and
modal perspective, to minimise the use of natural resources in the construction of new
transport infrastructure.
C5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
No significant data gaps identified.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 32
D SOIL AND CONTAMINATED LAND
D1 Introduction
Soils are irreplaceable natural resources that are a fundamental to many aspects of
environmental quality and human quality of life. They provide a wide range of essential
functions, including food production, storage of carbon, protection of biodiversity and they are
an intrinsic component of natural ecosystems. The construction and operation of the road
networks can also have an impact on the function of soil and geological properties of an area.
These impacts may arise through the physical removal or importation of soils and rocks or the
compaction and sealing of the ground during construction. Impacts may also arise during the
operation of the road by the effects of airborne pollution and spray.
Although roads can impact on soils, it can also impose limitations on road development. This is
typically the case where soils and geology in an area are designated a Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) or where previous industrial activities give rise to geotechnical or geo-
environmental constraints. However, many of the impacts of transport projects can be
minimised and sometimes avoided by appropriate design and careful operational planning. The
following topics have been included in this SEA:
Soil types and agricultural land;
Contaminated land; and
Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites (RIGs).
D2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table D1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of soil and contaminated land in Mid Wales.
Table D1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection (COM(2006)231), 2006
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
UK / Wales
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation)
Regulations 2009: Guidance for England and Wales, April 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing
Climate, July 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 33
Welsh Government, Technical Advice Note 21: Waste, 2014
Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 1: Aggregates, 2004
Welsh Government, Minerals Technical Advice Note (MTAN) Wales 2: Coal, 2009
Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan, October
2010
Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places - New Regeneration Framework, March 2013
Mid Wales/Local
TraCC, Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan, September 2009
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Ceredigion County Council, Ceredigion for All: Our Livelihoods, Our Economic Regeneration Strategy,
Consultation January 2014
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Powys County Council, A Regeneration Strategy for Powys: A new approach, May 2011
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
The Seventh Environment Action Programme, which entered into force on 17 January 2014, recognises that
soil degradation is a serious challenge. It provides that by 2020 land is managed sustainably in the Union,
soil is adequately protected and the remediation of contaminated sites is well underway and commits the EU
and its Member States to increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter and to
remediate contaminated sites.
The key messages that can be taken from the plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives
are:
Soils are a key natural resource responsible for supporting and sustaining life; and
Maintaining the quality and diversity of geology and soils is vital, particularly concerning protection from
insensitive development.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
The JLTP should seek to ensure that soils will be protected and managed to optimise the varied functions
that soils perform for society (e.g. supporting agriculture and forestry, protecting cultural heritage, supporting
biodiversity, as a platform for construction), in keeping with the principles of sustainable development.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 34
D3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
D3.1 Powys
Soil and Agricultural Land
The area of Powys is 5181 sq.kms and 17.2% of this is within the Brecon Beacons National
Park. 3950 km2 (76.2%) of land in Powys was farmed in 2010. 69.4% of Powys was grassland,
2.8% was used for crops and horticulture, 3.3% was used for farm woodland and 0.7% for other
agricultural purposes.
In 2009, land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) in Powys was responsible for the
local emission of 329 kilo-tonnes of CO2 and the removal of 468 kilo-tonnes, equivalent to a net
removal of 139 kilo-tonnes..
The type of soil that can be found within Powys has been identified and is described in Figure
D1.
Figure D1 Powys Soilscape
Source: Cranfield Soilscape viewer www.cranfield.ac.uk
Map Key Soil Description
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 35
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Contaminated Land
The County has approximately 10,000 potentially contaminated land sites, ranging from low risk
areas of unknown fill to former gas works. Contamination of land can occur as a result of
previous industrial use; although this is not exclusive as it can also arise from natural sources
as well as from human activity. The presence of contamination can represent risks to human
health, property and the environment, including long-term limitations on the use of soils.
Powys has a great diversity of potentially contaminated land sites. There are many former gas
works but they generally affect only a few houses. A number of previous industrial sites in the
local towns have been redeveloped; most notably Newtown and Builth Wells gas works.
Powys has around 110 private and Council owned closed landfill sites in both rural and
relatively urban areas with the Council responsible for around 80 of these. There are many
other unregistered landfills that effectively were not formally controlled meaning unknown
materials may be present. The only landfill site currently taking waste is Bryn Posteg near
Llanidloes operated by Potters Waste Management and monitored by the Environment Agency.
The Waste Management Section has produced a register of historical waste landfill sites in
Powys. Traditionally communities have been served by small tips located near to the
communities they serve. This being primarily because Powys is mainly a rural authority with
mostly minor road networks. The registers contain information on the type of material deposited
(where known) and a risk assessment score based on perceived risk with regard to leachate
and landfill gas. Where necessary remediation actions have been carried out or are being
undertaken.
To ensure the safe redevelopment of Brownfield land it is important that there is a close working
relationship between Planning and Environmental Health.
Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils
Slowly permeable seasonally wet acid loamy clay soils
Freely draining acid loamy soils over rock
Slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils
Very acid loamy upland soils with a wet peaty surface
Blanket bog peat soils
Loamy and clayey flood plain soils with naturally high groundwater
Slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage
Slowly permeable wet very acid upland soils with a peaty surface
Naturally wet very acid sandy and loamy soils
Sand dune soils
Freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soils
Shallow very acid peaty soils over rock
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 36
Table D2 A summary of the main types of contaminated land and their associated issues in Powys
Contamination
Source
Typical Issues
Gas works Ground contamination is likely to be associated with by-products and waste
products e.g. ammonical liquor. Landfills and lagoons may have adversely affected
watercourses, as a result of direct surface water run-off and migration of
contamination in groundwater. High risk for identified site and land adjoining or
adjacent depending on geology/hydrogeology.
Petrol filling
stations and
garages
Petrol, diesel, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and solvents are highly mobile
and may migrate over great distances. Free product may vaporise and diffuse
through the soil or accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces causing a health hazard.
Landfills Landfill gas may be present throughout a landfill and may vent to the atmosphere or
migrate into the ground around a landfill. Migration of landfill gas through waste is
determined by several factors, including the gas pressure within the landfill, changes
in atmospheric pressure, gas permeability of the surrounding strata and any
displacement of gas by changes in water levels.
Landfill leachates are generated in all sites and may continue to be produced long
after a site has been closed. The characteristics of leachate produced at a landfill
site and its impact on surface and groundwater is dependent on the permeability of
the wastes, the degree of infiltration of surface water, the depth of the water table,
movement of groundwater through the site and the permeability of the surrounding
geology.
Clay pits and tiles Typical contaminants include: Metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, lead,
mercury, nickel, zinc. Refractory bricks, inorganic compounds, Air entraining agents,
cement dusts, organic compounds, acids, oils and asbestos.
Unknown filled
ground i.e. ponds
Various potential contaminants associated with fill activities i.e. domestic,
commercial waste. Putrescible materials can cause landfill gas.
Made ground Can be found on any ground that has been previously used. It is possible to
encounter any contaminant listed above. A commonly occurring contaminant is
Benzo a pyrene – a known carcinogen.
Agricultural land i.e.
barn conversions
Various contaminants associated with agriculture could include hydrocarbons
(fuels), solvents / disinfectants etc.
Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites
Much of central Wales is made up of Ordovician and Silurian marine sedimentary rocks,
deposited in the Lower Palaeozoic Welsh Basin when Wales, as part of Avalonia, lay beneath a
shallow sea on the south eastern side of the great ocean of Iapetus. On its far side lay Scotland
and Northern Ireland, both part of the continent of Laurentia.
The rocks laid down in the Welsh Basin are dominated by sequences of sandstone, siltstone
and mudstone. Many of these sequences are referred to as turbidites, because they were
deposited from turbulent, sediment-laden submarine currents, which flowed off the shallower
shelf areas onto the deep floor of the basin.
Volcanic activity took place locally, notably in the Welshpool and Builth Wells areas. This activity
produced basaltic lava flows and dolerite intrusions, some of which have been quarried for
building stones and aggregates.
Powys has a wealth of interesting and important geological/geomorphological sites. There are
approximately 80 RIGS in the county.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 37
D3.2 Ceredigion
Soil and Agricultural Land
Agriculture has had a fundamental role in shaping the Ceredigion landscape. The pattern of
small fields, hedgerows, woodlands and upland pastures in the County has been moulded by
generations of farmers. Technical advances in agricultural practices, coupled with agricultural
support, have expanded agricultural production over the last 50 years (Local Biodiversity Action
Plan, Ceredigion Biodiversity Partnership 2002).
In addition, it should be noted that Ceredigion is home to Cors Fochno one of the finest raised
peat bogs in Britain.
The type of soil that can be found within Ceredigion is identified in Figure D2.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 38
Figure D2 Ceredigion Soilscape
Source: Cranfield Soilscape viewer www.cranfield.ac.uk
Map Key Soil Description
Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils
Slowly permeable seasonally wet acid loamy clay soils
Freely draining acid loamy soils over rock
Slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils
Very acid loamy upland soils with a wet peaty surface
Blanket bog peat soils
Loamy and clayey flood plain soils with naturally high groundwater
Slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage
Slowly permeable wet very acid upland soils with a peaty surface
Naturally wet very acid sandy and loamy soils
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 39
C
o
n
tamiContaminated Land
Industrial activity within Ceredigion has historically been limited to either remote areas
containing metal mines or to the larger towns, namely; Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Lampeter.
Figure D3 shows the land use types associated with potentially contaminated sites within
Ceredigion. Sites are classified as ‘potentially’ contaminated as the definition for contaminated
land relies on a pathway existing between the source of contamination and the receptor (for
example a human being). Consequently a detailed site investigation is required to identify if a
site is considered contaminated or not. The presence of contamination may not automatically
lead the site to be classified as contaminated. The Council compiled a comprehensive list in
2005 of potentially contaminated sites within the County - of which there are approximately
1,200 (Ceredigion County Council, 2005). To date there is no update to this figure (Ceredigion
Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Environmental Protection – Submission Version,
December 2011).
Sand dune soils
Freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soils
Shallow very acid peaty soils over rock
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 40
Figure D3 Land uses as a percentage of the total number of potentially contaminated
sites within Ceredigion
Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Environmental Protection – Submission Version, December
2011
Within Ceredigion metal mining has occurred in the north of the county from the 13th century
with the peak of activity during the second part of the 19th century. Of the top fifty former metal
mine sites across Wales in relation to their potential to contaminate water, 76 % occur within
Ceredigion (Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales), 2005).
There are no operational landfill sites within Ceredigion. All municipal solid waste collected in
Ceredigion is delivered to Private Waste Contractors for on forwarding. All residual waste from
Ceredigion is currently taken to the Bryn Posteg landfill site in Llanidloes, operated by Potters
Waste Management, where it undergoes further treatment before disposal to landfill (Ceredigion
Local Development Plan, Topic Paper, Waste – Submission Version, December 2011).
Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites
Ceredigion is home to 50 RIGS (Geology Wales).
D3.3 Gwynedd
Soil and Agricultural Land
In Gwynedd 20% of agricultural land is considered to be Grades 1, 2, or 3 whilst 80% of
agricultural land is considered to be Grades 4 and 5 (The Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local
Development Plan SA Scoping Report 2011).
The type of soil that can be found within Gwynedd is identified in Figure D3.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 41
Figure D3 Gwynedd Soilscape
C
o
n
t
a
m
i
n
a
t
e
d
L
a
n
d
H
i
s
t
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i
cally Gwynedd comprised a mixture of rural and quarrying communities. The main industrial
history of Gwynedd lies in the mountainous areas where slate and stone quarries were
Map Key Soil Description
Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils
Slowly permeable seasonally wet acid loamy clay soils
Freely draining acid loamy soils over rock
Slowly permeable seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy and clayey soils
Very acid loamy upland soils with a wet peaty surface
Blanket bog peat soils
Loamy and clayey flood plain soils with naturally high groundwater
Slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage
Slowly permeable wet very acid upland soils with a peaty surface
Naturally wet very acid sandy and loamy soils
Sand dune soils
Freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soils
Shallow very acid peaty soils over rock
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 42
prevalent. Non-ferrous metal mining has taken place for gold, arsenic, copper, lead, zinc,
cadmium and manganese has also taken place since the Bronze Age (Contaminated Land
Inspection Strategy, Gwynedd Council 2002).
Large areas in the county have been used historically for storage of slate and quarrying waste
and land used in this way can no longer be used due to the waste rendering the land unsuitable
for use.
Some former quarries within the county have been used for landfill and which presents risks to
controlled waters from landfill gas and leachate. There are several historic landfill sites around
Anglesey including Penhesgyn Gors Landfill near Penmyndd in the south east of Anglesey.
Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites
At the time of compiling this report the number and location of RIGS in Gwynedd could not be
sourced.
D3.1 Evolution of the Baseline
In the absence of the Mid Wales JLTP, the county’s soil resource is unlikely to change greatly.
The LDP and associated development are likely to be the biggest factor in the change in soil
condition in the future.
D4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
D4.1 Issues
Mid Wales is largely rural in nature and dominated by agricultural land.
There are a wide variety of soil types across Mid Wales.
There is a history activity largely related to mining which has resulted in present day
contamination.
The level of risk associated with each contaminated land site will vary.
Land stability issues may arise due to changing weather patterns.
Historic rail infrastructure has resulted in land contamination.
D4.2 Opportunities
Where transport development takes place, the planning process should deal effectively
with any land contamination so that the land is suitable for its intended use.
New transport infrastructure should seek to avoid development on best and most
versatile Agricultural Land (where possible).
Good quality agricultural land is important to the economy within each of the authorities
and there is a need to protect and enhance geological diversity where possible to ensure
the protection of the best quality soil and natural mineral resources.
D5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
There may be further contaminated land sites other than those identified by each local
authority.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 43
The level of contamination for land that is not formally controlled is unclear.
Grades of Agricultural Land
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 44
E AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATIC FACTORS
E1 Introduction
In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identified that it is now beyond
all reasonable scientific doubt that the Earth’s climate is warming, and that human activities are
very likely3 to be the cause (IPCC, 2007). The principal activity driving anthropogenic climate
change is the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs), which increase the effectiveness of the
Earth’s natural ‘greenhouse effect’. The major GHGs (CO2, CH4 and N2O) are emitted from the
combustion of fossil fuels, cement manufacture, agriculture and deforestation.
The EU Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe sets limit values for certain
pollutants which must not be exceeded. The aim of the Directive is the protection of human
health and the environment ‘as a whole’ and its purpose is to deliver good air quality across
Europe. Clean air is important for both human health and the health of the environment. Poor air
quality is still of concern for the UK and across much of Europe, despite air being cleaner now
than at any time since the industrial revolution. Vehicles using our road network are a source of
air pollution which can have an effect on human health and the environment. In addition,
construction activities on road networks can also lead to short term air quality effects which
need to be manages.
The following topics have been included in this SEA:
Climate change; and
Air quality.
E2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table E1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of climatic factors in Mid Wales.
Table E1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
UNECE Gothenburg Protocol (Amended May 2012)
Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) and Directive 2004/107/EC
EU National Emissions Ceilings Directive (2001/81/EC)
European Commission Floods Directive (2007/60/EC)
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
UK / Wales
HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing
Climate, July 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
3 According to the IPCC’s terminology, ‘very likely’ indicates a >90% probability of occurring
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 45
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in partnership with the Scottish Executive, Welsh
Assembly Government and Department of the Environment Northern Ireland, The Air Quality Strategy for
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, July 2007
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009
Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, 2010
Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004
Welsh Government, One Wales: Connecting the Nation - The Wales Transport Strategy, 2008
Welsh Assembly Government, A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales, December 2008
Welsh Assembly Government, The Physical Activity Action Plan: Creating an Active Wales, December 2009
Welsh Government, Statutory Guidance for the Delivery of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, May 2014
Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan,
October 2010
Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places - New Regeneration Framework, March 2013
Mid Wales/Local
TraCC, Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan, September 2009
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Ceredigion Local Service Board, Ceredigion Single Integrated Plan 2013-2017
Ceredigion County Council, Ceredigion for All: Our Livelihoods, Our Economic Regeneration Strategy,
Consultation January 2014
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Powys Local Service Board, One Powys Plan 2014- 2017
Powys County Council, A Regeneration Strategy for Powys: A new approach, May 2011
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Gwynedd Council, Improving Gwynedd Together- Gwynedd Community Strategy, 2011
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Powys County Council, Brecon Beacons and Powys Visitor
Transport Plan, June 2012
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
The plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives focus on a need for the mitigation and
adaptation to climate change.
The UNECE Gothenburg Protocol sets national emission reduction targets, including for fine particulate
matter, to be achieved by 2020. The EU ambient air quality directives set limits and targets for
concentrations of various pollutants in outdoor air for the protection of health and ecosystems. It includes
controls over fine particulate matter. The UK meets European air quality standards for nearly all pollutants.
The main challenge is in meeting nitrogen dioxide limits alongside roads in cities and towns.
The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland “sets out air quality objectives and policy options to further improve air quality in the UK from today into the long term. As well as direct benefits to public health, these options are intended to provide important benefits to quality of life and help to protect our environment.” The document relates largely to the proposal of national measures such as the
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 46
increased uptake of low emission vehicles; reducing emissions from ships and incentivising tighter European vehicle emissions standards. Local recommended measures include Smarter Choices (travel planning; public information; car sharing; cycling and walking; teleworking; car clubs).
The UK climate change adaptation programme has a vision for infrastructure, which states: “An infrastructure network that is resilient to today’s natural hazards and prepared for the future changing climate”. Within this, the following objective is included: Objective 7: To ensure infrastructure is located, planned, designed and maintained to be resilient to climate change, including increasingly extreme weather events.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
Transport is the biggest source of air and noise pollution in the UK. Surface transport for example is
responsible for around a quarter of UK emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) – a major contributor to climate
change.
The JLTP should seek to reduce the contributions to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through
encouraging a modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport, encouraging more efficient use of the
existing network and reducing the need to travel. Smarter Choices should also be implemented. Other
aspects relating to reducing contributions to climate change will be through measures such as the use of
sustainable construction practices to reducing contributions to landfill waste and reduce the need for primary
natural resource use.
The JLTP will also need to ensure that transport infrastructure can adapt to the changing climate, measures
for which may also help to reduce contributions to climate change. This may include aspects such as the
use of green infrastructure, which can provide walking and cycling routes whilst improving air quality and
reducing flood risk, improving resilience.
E3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
E3.1 Climate Change
The Welsh Assembly Government committed to an annual carbon equivalent emission
reduction of 3% a year by 2011 and further reductions of at least 40% by 2020.
In 1990, final user emissions from passenger cars accounted for 82.5 MtCO2e of UK emissions
(Final GHG emissions tables, DECC). Although car ownership and distance travelled has
increased since 1990, this figure has reduced to 79.1 MtCO2e in 2009 (IBID). Technological
improvements such as improved fuel consumption has assisted this, with the average mileage
per gallon improving from 34.5 to 43.6 in the same period.
Figure E1 shows the total CO2e emissions from Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Powys, with the
emissions reflecting the populations of each of the Local Authorities. There were a total of 802
ktCO2e emissions in 2008 within the three authorities, a reduction of 2.9% on the figure for
2005.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 47
Figure E1 Emissions from Road Transport by Local Authority
Figure E2 shows the emissions from road transport per person, with Gwynedd and Powys
having higher figures than the national average (2.3ktCO2 per capita in 2008). This is likely to be
due to both authorities being large rural areas where distances to services and facilities and to
work is generally high and public transport accessibility relatively poor, facilitating a dependence
on private vehicle use.
Emissions are lower on average in Ceredigion, which could be due to the influence of higher
sustainable mode use in Aberystwyth.
Over the time period of 2005 to 2008 emissions per capita have not changed in either Wales or
the three local authorities, with the exception of a fall in 2008 which could be due to the impacts
of recession and fuel prices rises.
Figure E2 Emissions from Road Transport per person by Local Authority
Source: Local and regional CO2 emissions estimates for 2005-2008, AEA (2010)
E3.2 Air Quality
Historically, the main air pollution problem in both developed and rapidly industrialising
countries has typically been high levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide emitted following the
combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels such as coal, used for domestic and industrial
purposes. The major threat to clean air is now posed by traffic emissions. Petrol and diesel-
engined motor vehicles emit a wide variety of pollutants, principally carbon monoxide (CO),
oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM10),
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 48
which have an increasing impact on urban air quality. In addition, pollutants from these sources
may not only prove a problem in the immediate vicinity of these sources, but can be transported
long distances.
Photochemical reactions resulting from the action of sunlight on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and
VOCs, typically emitted from road vehicles, lead to the formation of ozone. Ozone is a
secondary pollutant, which often impacts rural areas far from the original emission site as a
result of long-range transport.
Since December 1997 each local authority in the UK has been carrying out a review and
assessment of air quality in their area. This involves measuring air pollution and trying to predict
how it will change in the next few years. The aim of the review is to make sure that the national
air quality objectives will be achieved throughout the UK by the relevant deadlines. These
objectives have been put in place to protect people's health and the environment.
If a local authority finds any places where the objectives are not likely to be achieved, it must
declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) there. This area could be just one or two
streets, or it could be much bigger.
Then the local authority will put together a plan to improve the air quality - a Local Air Quality
Action Plan.
Within Mid Wales there is a single AQMA within Powys. The AQMA was declared in 2008
comprises an area encompassing two properties adjacent to the Dolfor junction on New Road,
Newton, Powys. It has been designated for exceedences in nitrogen dioxide. An Air Quality
Action Plan at the time of writing this baseline was not readily available.
E3.3 Evolution of the Baseline
Deleterious air quality has been an environmental and human health issue since the Industrial
Revolution. More recently, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that climate change
may result from the emission of certain gases (CO2, methane [CH4]), while others (sulphur
dioxide [SO2], NOx, nitrous oxide [NO], NO2) are known to be involved in acid deposition which
in turn may lead to acidification, crop and building damage and human health issues (Bell &
Walker 20054). It is known that high levels of NOx and NO2 are produced by transportation.
It is likely that over time driver/passenger mileage in the region will increase as its population
increases. This could put pressure on goals to reduce emissions across the area. However, it is
also likely that over time technology will improve which may reduce future impacts resulting from
transport emissions. The 2007 Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland states that exceedences of the strategy’s hourly and annual mean NO2 objectives are
still expected to fall in the future, but not as fast as had previously been expected.
The UK climate change impacts programme (UKCIP) published information in summer 2009
detailing a range of results taking into account variations between different global climate
models and uncertainties in global climate modelling. The medium emissions scenario for 2050
indicates:
Across Wales by 2050 average annual temperatures are projected to increase by 2.3ºC;
4 Bell M & Walker MJC (2005). Late Quaternary Environmental Change: Physical and Human Perspectives (2nd edition).
Pearson, London, 348pp.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 49
Rainfall is projected to increase in winter on average by 14% and decrease in summer by
16%. Overall, the total annual rainfall is predicted to remain the same; and
Sea levels around Wales are predicted to rise by approximately 20cm by 2050.
The Welsh Government's Climate Change Strategy (2010) indicates that the impacts that can
be expected from these changes to the climate are:
Hotter and drier summers;
Increase in extremely warm days;
Milder wetter winters;
Reduction in snowfall and frost;
Increase in frequency of intense rainfall events;
Decrease in groundwater levels; and
Increased flooding of low-lying coastal areas.
UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) produced key climate change projection graphs for Great
Britain depicting annual temperature change, winter and summer precipitation change. Figure
E3 indicates the average annual change under the medium emissions scenario in Wales. The
various lines indicate the minimum change for the confidence limits shown, where 10%
indicates that the change is very unlikely to be less than indicated and 90% very unlikely to be
greater. The annual mean change in temperature.
Figure E3 Average annual temperature change: medium emissions scenario (source: UKCP09 2009)
Seasonal differences in precipitation are set to become more marked.
Winter precipitation is set to increase by 2050 for each of the emissions scenarios. The
medium emissions scenarios are shown in figure E4. Potential increases are considered to
range from a minimum of 1% under the low emissions scenario to a maximum of over 35% with
the high emissions scenario.
Figure E4 Change in winter mean precipitation: medium emissions scenario (source: UKCP09 2009)
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 50
It is expected that Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Powys will all experience warmer annual
temperatures, wetter winters and drier summers. In addition to this the frequency of extreme
weather conditions is likely to increase. The change in weather conditions could have a
potential impact on local agriculture as well as increasing the stresses on people, ecosystems
and physical infrastructure due to changing weather patterns. The increase in flood risk will not
only pose a risk to human health and associated problems with agricultural land, it will also
create the risk of damage to the heritage assets inherent to Mid Wales.
E4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
E4.1 Issues
Climate Change is anticipated to produce stronger winds which will increase the
frequency of coastal road closures – leading to diversions and congestion.
Climate Change is anticipated to produce more intense precipitation events leading to
more frequent flooding – damaging transport infrastructure, particular in exposed coastal
Ceredigion.
Higher temperatures can result in drier, harder soils which will increase the risk of
overland flow.
More extreme events are predicted to occur at all times of the year.
Increased extreme weather events can restrict people’s ability to travel – this can lead to
isolation and, particularly for more vulnerable community members, can put be
dangerous for their wellbeing.
Higher temperatures may lead to soil shrinkage and water logging which can lead to
higher groundwater levels and increased groundwater flooding.
There are high levels of car ownership across Mid Wales and high levels of car
commuting in rural Powys in particular.
There is a designated Air Quality management Area within Powys. The authority contains
a number of major roads and pinchpoints within towns that can contribute to air quality
issues.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 51
E4.2 Opportunities
The JLTP should take the opportunity to promote the use of cleaner forms of transport to
reduce the areas impact on climate change
The JLTP should take the opportunity to promote the use of cleaner forms of transport to
improve air quality across the region.
New transport infrastructure should avoid areas identified as vulnerable to the impacts of
climatic change to improve the resilience of Mid Wales transport infrastructure network to
future change.
There is an opportunity to raise awareness across the region of the impacts of climate
change and how communities and individuals can help to mitigate and prepare for them.
Opportunities should be sought to encourage a modal shift away from the private car to
more sustainable modes of transport which would only benefit local air quality.
E5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
There are no significant data gaps and uncertainties relevant to the SEA at this stage.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 52
F WATER FEATURES, QUALITY AND FLOOD RISK
F1 Introduction
Water quality has improved significantly over the last two decades in the UK as a result of
tighter legislation and targeted investment to eliminate pollutants entering the water system.
However, water quality in Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd can still be negatively affected by
transport infrastructure and associated runoff.
Mid Wales is presented with greater challenges in tackling climate change, due to dispersed
settlement patterns, insufficient public transport provision and high levels of car ownership, it is
also one of the most susceptible regions in Wales to the impacts of climate change, such as
flooding.
The Environment Agency is the authority charged with implementation of the Water Framework
Directive (WFD) in England and Wales (now NRW in Wales). The Environment Agency has
recently changed the way they measure the quality of the water environment to ensure
protection and enhancement of the health of the public, animals, plants and habitats, in line with
the WFD. This topic includes:
The ecological water quality status of key rivers in Mid Wales;
Water features, resources and supply; and
Flood risk.
F2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table F1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of the water environment in Powys.
Table F1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
UK / Wales
HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing
Climate, July 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
Water Strategy for Wales: CONSULTATION, July 2014
Welsh Government, Our Healthy Future 2010-2020, 2009
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 53
Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009
Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004
Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan, October
2010
Mid Wales/Local
Western Wales River Basin District Management Plan (December 2009)
West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan 2 (2011)
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
The plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives collectively seek to maintain and improve
water quality (surface waters and groundwater). The enhancement of the status of the water quality and
prevention further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and associated wetlands, which depend on the
aquatic ecosystems, is highlighted.
The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) sets out a purpose to establish a framework for the
protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater which:
(a) prevents further deterioration and protects and enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with
regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on the aquatic
ecosystems.
(b) promotes sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources.
(c) aims at enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment, inter alia, through specific
measures for the progressive reduction of discharges, emissions and losses of priority substances and the
cessation or phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of the priority hazardous substances.
(d) ensures the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevents its further pollution.
(e) contributes to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts.
River Basin Plan is for the delivery of the Water Framework Directive. Its focus is to improve the ecological
qualities of water bodies (sea, rivers, streams, lakes, etc).
The Draft Water Strategy for Wales (Consultation, July 2014) is guided by four key priorities. These are:
driving green growth; using resources efficiently; enhance resilience and diversity; and tackling poverty.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
The JLTP should seek to reduce the risk of pollution to water resources through reducing congestion, as
well as promoting the use of sustainable drainage solutions, including the use of green infrastructure.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 54
F3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
F3.1 Powys
Water Quality
In Powys there are a total of 198 rivers and nine lakes. 79 of the rivers (40%) and four of the
lakes (45%) achieve a good ecological status which takes into account biology as well as
‘elements’ like phosphorus and pH). 96 of the rivers and four of the lakes achieve a moderate
ecological status and 21 of the rivers and one lake are considered to have a poor ecological
status.
There are 11 groundwater bodies within Powys and these are assessed under chemical status
(which assesses priority substances such as mercury). Five groundwater bodies are considered
to have good chemical status and the remaining six fail to achieve a good status. With regards
to quantitative status, which relates to the impacts of groundwater abstraction, nine of the
groundwater bodies achieve good status and one is classed as poor. There is one transitional
water body within Powys. Transitional waters are intermediate between fresh and marine water
and include estuaries and saline lagoons. The transitional water body achieves a moderate
ecological status.
Water Resources
The main rivers that flow through Powys include the Severn, Vyrnwy, Tanant, Wye, Usk, Irfon,
Ithon, Dyfi, Tawe and the Lugg.
Much of Powys receives high annual rainfall. Annual values range from typically 900mm in the
east of the County, to in excess of 1500mm in the higher areas in the west (Powys
Contaminated Land Strategy, 2002). Severn Trent supplies mains water to the north of the
County from three boreholes in river valleys where water is extracted from alluvial silts and
gravels. The main borehole for the North of the County is at Llandinam in the Severn valley, the
area around Machynlleth is supplied from the Llanwrin borehole on the Dovey, and North East
Powys is supplied from the Kinnerly borehole in Shropshire (River Severn). There is a major
aquifer along the Southern edge of Powys formed by Carboniferous Limestone outcrops, which
supply water to Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.
A number of source protection zones (SPZ’s) extend into Powys including the SPZ that serves
the Karstic spring source at Ffynnon Gisaen in Blaenau Gwent at Brynmawr.
Reservoirs in Powys are used to supply a number of large English towns and cities notably
Liverpool, which is supplied from Lake Vrynwy and Birmingham which is supplied by the Elan
Valley. Reservoirs in the Brecon Beacons serve the urban areas of South Wales. As a
consequence of the rural nature of the County and the sparse population many properties away
from the towns and larger villages have their own private water supply. In excess of 10,000
properties have their own private water supply in the County (Powys Contaminated Land
Strategy, 2002).
Flood Risk
The Environment Agency has overall responsibility for main rivers and riverine flooding. In some
areas fluvial flooding from these sources is the main source of flood risk; this includes the
settlements of Llanidloes, Newtown, Meifod and Builth Wells.
Changes in precipitation patterns could have implications for river flows which could affect
channel morphology, fluvial discharge and flood risk. Any effects on shoreline evolution are
considered likely to be localised. Climate change, in terms of increased flows and flood
frequency, will be fundamental to the Mid Wales JLTP.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 55
There have been few extreme flooding events in Powys caused by fluvial or surface water
flooding though some severe localised flooding incidents have occurred in the past. Main River
Flooding refers to flooding from defined main rivers.
In some cases the probability of a flood event occurring is reduced through the use of flood
defences. However a more sustainable approach that is being adopted through the Catchment
Flood Management Plans is that of making better use of floodplains. This includes the current
approach of avoiding the development of floodplains and actually using the floodplains for
increased water storage. The advantage of using floodplains for water storage is that it reduces
the risk of flooding further downstream.
Figure E1 Main Rivers in Powys
Source: OS Maps 2011
Surface water flooding describes a flood event that takes place with extreme rainfall where the
local circumstances and topography are unable to absorb the water. This results in a high
volume of surface runoff that can overwhelm sewerage / drainage systems and surface
watercourses preventing drainage.
Problems can be exacerbated by the development of greenfied sites if suitable mitigation is not
designed in to the schemes, for example, replacing agricultural land with impermeable surfaces
that increase the rate and volume of surface runoff. Towns within Powys that are susceptible to
this type of flooding include Welshpool, Talgarth and Newtown.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 56
Flood zone 3 refers to areas that could be affected by flooding, either from rivers or the sea, if
there were no flood defences. These areas could be flooded:
From the sea by a flood that has a 0.5 per cent (1 in 200) or greater chance of
happening each year; or
From a river by a flood that has a 1 per cent (1 in 100) or greater chance of happening
each year.
Flood zone 2 shows the additional extent of an extreme flood from rivers or the sea. These
outlying areas are likely to be affected by a major flood, with up to a 0.1 per cent (1 in 1000)
chance of occurring each year, see Figure E2.
Most new planning applications are encouraged to incorporate Sustainable Drainages Systems
(SuDS) within the design to compensate for the loss of permeable surfaces and increased
surface run off caused by the development. There will be a formal requirement for SuDS to be
incorporated within new developments and further consents that will be phased in in the future.
Figure E2 Areas susceptible to surface water flooding in Powys
Source: NRW GIS Flood Layers
F3.2 Ceredigion
Water Quality
In the Severn River Basin District 29% of surface waters meet good ecological status/potential
or better; 71% do not meet good ecological status/potential (619 water bodies). 75% of
groundwater bodies are at good quantitative status with the rest being poor status.
The majority of surface water bodies that fail to meet good status fail because of the diatoms,
fish, phosphate, invertebrates element(s) of classification. The diatoms and phosphorus
elements of classification helps to assess the impact of nutrient enrichment; the fish and
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 57
invertebrate elements helps to assess the impact of abstraction of water and morphological
alterations to water bodies.
In the Western Wales River Basin District 29% per cent of surface waters meet good ecological
status/potential or better; 71% per cent do not meet good status. 96% of groundwater bodies
are at good quantitative status with the rest being poor status.
In Ceredigion the Rivers Rheidol and Ystwyth are currently failing the WFD with regard to
chemical quality and this trend has also been predicted for 2015.
Water Resources
The highest point within Ceredigion is Pumlumon (within the Cambrian Mountains) where five
rivers have their source: the Severn, the Wye, the Dulas, the Llyfnant and the Rheidol, the last
of which meets the Afon Mynach in a 91m plunge at the Devil's Bridge chasm. The largest river
is the River Teifi which forms Ceredigion’s border with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire for
part of its length. Other significant rivers in the county include the River Aeron which has its
estuary at Aberaeron, the River Ystwyth and the River Rheidol both of which reach the sea in
Aberystwyth harbour.
The revised update of Welsh Water’s Water Resources Management Plan (2011) explains that
the Water Resource Zones (WRZ) for Ceredigion come from the Llechryd Water Treatment
Works, which is reliant on the run of river abstraction from the River Teifi and Strata Florida
Water Treatment Works.
Historically water availability in the South of the County has been an issue. The zone was
identified to be in a deficit to a maximum of 1.4 Ml/d. To resolve this a transfer scheme from
Claerwen Reservoir was put forward, however this was never undertaken. Although in 2008, the
zone was shown to have surplus requirements i.e. it was no longer in deficit.
The North Ceredigion Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy Consultation Draft (EA,
2007a) outlines how the EAW will manage water abstraction from surface water up until 2014.
The document sets out where water is available, and where, if any, issues of supply are
present. Of the three Water Resource Management Units within the North Ceredigion
Catchment Abstraction area, the Rheidol, Castell and Melindwr Water Resource Management
Unit is described as being over licensed and over abstracted. It is suggested that at low flows
no water is available for abstraction from this area. The Teifi Catchments Area Management
Strategies (CAMS) includes 12 Water Resource Management Units (WRMUs), of which two,
Clettwr downstream of Dolbantau and Dulas downstream of Lampeter are described as having
no water available. This means there is no water available for licensing (abstraction) at the
lowest river flows.
Within Ceredigion there are; three SPZs, which are established to protect groundwater sources
such as boreholes or springs used for public drinking water supply, two private water bottling
plants and approximately 2,400 private water supplies drawn from local water sources within
Ceredigion (Ceredigion County Council, 2005).
The Environment Agency’s (now NRW for Wales) Review of Consents (RoC) of the Teifi has
assessed the impacts of Welsh Water’s abstraction at its ‘recent actual’ rates – i.e. what has
historically been abstracted and on a worst case scenario (max licensed amount abstracted 365
days per year) and there were found to be no adverse effects on the Afon Teifi SAC from the
amount of water abstracted (Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales), 2007b).
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 58
Flood Risk
The Environment Agency (now NRW for Wales) has overall responsibility for main rivers and
riverine flooding.
A major impact of climate change on Ceredigion will be the increased risk of flooding. According
to the two Catchment and Flood Management Plans (Environment Agency (now NRW for
Wales), Lough to Taf Flood Management Plan 2007 and Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Flood
Management Plan 2010) that affect the area, flooding occurs from a number of sources
including; rivers, the sea, urban surface water runoff, inadequate land drainage and run off from
fields. Figure E3 shows the risk of flooding from rivers and seas within Ceredigion. Despite
plans specifying flooding hot-spots, with so many of Ceredigion’s major towns and settlements
partially or fully within fluvial or coastal flood plains, it is a matter that merits considerable
countywide attention. Work on Aberaeron’s sea defences are currently underway, to combat the
forecasted rise in sea levels, however the Cardigan Bay Shoreline Management Plan (SMP 1,
2004) has suggested 13 areas where a ‘retreat’ from the existing defence line should be
considered (Ceredigion Local Development Plan).
Figure E3 Risk of flooding from rivers and seas in Ceredigion
Source: NRW GIS Flood Layers
Changes in precipitation patterns could have implications for river flows which could affect
channel morphology, fluvial discharge and flood risk. Any effects on shoreline evolution are
considered likely to be localised. Climate change, in terms of increased flows and flood
frequency, will be fundamental to any new infrastructure.
Whilst there has been historical localised, isolated flooding within areas of Ceredigion, the scale
and extent of flooding witnessed in June 2012 was unprecedented, when over 200mm rain fell
on the night of Friday the 8th and the early hours of Saturday the 9th over most of Northern
Ceredigion. During the incident numerous residential and commercial properties were affected
as a number of rivers and watercourses were unable to cope with the level of rainfall
experienced during the previous weeks which had resulted in saturated ground conditions, and
in particular the rainfall in the preceding 24 hrs.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 59
In some cases the probability of a flood event occurring is reduced through the use of flood
defences. However a more sustainable approach that is being adopted through the Catchment
Flood Management Plans is that of making better use of floodplains. This includes the current
approach of avoiding the development of floodplains and actually using the floodplains for
increased water storage. The advantage of using floodplains for water storage is that it reduces
the risk of flooding further downstream.
Surface water flooding describes a flood event that takes place with extreme rainfall where the
local circumstances and topography are unable to absorb the water. This results in a high
volume of surface runoff that can overwhelm sewerage / drainage systems and surface
watercourses preventing drainage. However, the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment
undertaken for Ceredigion (2010) identified that there are no records of flooding from
groundwater within the county.
Most new planning applications are encouraged to incorporate Sustainable Drainages Systems
(SuDS) within the design to compensate for the loss of permeable surfaces and increased
surface run off caused by the development. From April 2012 there is a formal requirement for
SuDS to be incorporated within new developments and further consents will be required.
F3.3 Gwynedd
Water Quality
In 2009, 29% of surface water bodies were at least good ecological status and 51% were at
least good biological status. (Western Wales River Basin District Management Plan, 2009). In
2015 it is predicted that 36% of surface water bodies will be at least good ecological status and
59% will be at least good biological status.
In 2009, 33% of 132 artificial and heavily modified water bodies were classified as at good or
better ecological potential, compared to 28% of 657 natural surface water bodies at good or
better ecological status.
The overall standard of bathing water around the Gwynedd coastline is improving (The
Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan SA Scoping Report 2011). In 2008, six
beaches and 2 Marinas achieved Blue Flag Awards, 11 beaches won seaside awards, and six
won green coast awards in Gwynedd.
Water Features
There are over 30 rivers in Gwynedd. These include the River Eden, the River Mawddach, the
River Colwyn and the River Dee. The catchment area of the River Dee has an international
reputation for conservation and recreation. The River Dee itself is a particularly valuable
resource; it is reputed to be the most regulated river in Europe providing drinking water to over 2
million people.
Gwynedd is located within the Western Wales River Basin District. The district has a total of 682
natural water bodies and132 artificial or heavily modified water bodies.
The most significant SPZ within Gwynedd is the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water spring fed source for
private water supply at Nant Peris, which draws from a highly fractured near surface aquifer
system in the Ordovician Tuff, and because of its shallow nature is highly vulnerable to pollution
(Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy, Gwynedd Council 2002).
Flood Risk
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 60
There are areas in Gwynedd which are susceptible to flooding including Bangor, Caernarfon,
Porthmadog Tywyn and Pwllheli. Figure F2 shows the flood risk areas within Gwynedd.
F2 Flood Risk in Gwynedd
Source: NRW GIS Flood Layers
The most recent significant flooding in Gwynedd was in June and November 2012. Flooding
affected properties and local transport networks in Bryncrug, Pennal, Corris, Abergynolwyn and
Llanfihangel y Pennant, Dwyfor and Arfon, with the worst affected areas being Llanberis,
Deiniolen, Mynydd Llandegai, Talybont, Pwllheli and Nantlle.
Groundwater flooding is not considered to be significant source of flooding in Gwynedd,
although there may be local issues (Gwynedd Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2013).
The road network in the North Cardigan Bay area is comprised of the A497 coastal road and a
network of smaller roads running parallel to and interlinking with this main road. According to
the 2011 West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan, the risk to the road network was
considered to be localised to the south and where the roads cross the estuaries or run
alongside the estuaries. Meanwhile, in the north the Dwyryd Valley, the Cob, Pwllheli and the
main road to Abersoch were considered at risk. The rail network was also vulnerable to coastal
erosion and flooding. The West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan stated that there is a
significant risk in terms of flooding and failure of the major rail link across the Dyfi and south to
Aberystwyth. The line was also at risk north of Tywyn, north of Tonfanau, the valley behind
Morfa Harlech to Porthmadog, east of Criccieth, Afon Wen and Aberech. The Shoreline
Management Plan highlighted the risk that communities in the area could become isolated or
experience reduced accessibility and also identified the potential impact of sea level rise; for
example, a 1m sea level rise would lead to ‘increased food risk to the A487, overtopping of the
railway embankment and loss of the B4353’.
F3.4 General
When comparing the proportion of trunk roads susceptible to flooding, roads within Mid Wales
are considered to be more vulnerable than the average for Wales. The risk of flooding was
defined as ‘land assessed, ignoring the presence of flood defences, as having a 1% of greater
annual probability of fluvial flooding or a 0.5% or greater annual probability of tidal flooding’.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 61
The Shoreline Management Plan around Cardigan identified particular locations where
significant erosion could potentially occur: Cwm-yr-Eglwys, Newport, Poppit, Gwbert and north
of Aberporth. Furthermore, the main coastal road was considered to be at risk of flooding from
Goodwick to Lower Town Fishguard. At Goodwick, the main road effectively runs along a
causeway whilst at Lower Town Fishguard the road runs across the Gwaun Valley. The
Shoreline Management Plan around Ceredigion found the main risk to the transport network
was the main road to New Quay, minor road to Llanine and access to the centre of Aberystwyth.
The West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan identified the main transport routes which were
at risk without defence or adaptation measures and the following were mentioned from the Mid
Wales region:
Road access to New Quay and between Aberaeron and Aberystwyth; and
Road and rail network within the Dyfi Estuary, including the rail link to Aberystwyth
F3.5 Evolution of the Baseline
UK Climate Projections 2009 suggest that by 2050, rainfall is projected to increase in winter on
average by 14% and decrease in summer by 16%, sea levels around Wales are predicted to
rise by approximately 20cm and storm intensity in summer and winter will increase, leading to
more severe storms and larger waves attacking shores. Taken together these factors are likely
to increase the frequency and consequences of flooding and coastal erosion which will have an
effect on transport infrastructure across Mid Wales.
The quality of water in watercourses can be directly affected through urban diffuse pollution
from run-off as a result of the use and construction of transport infrastructure. Pollutants usually
enter watercourses through surface runoff, which contains organics such as oil, bitumen and
rubber originating from road vehicles, de-icing salt and impurities, metals from vehicle corrosion
and accidental spillage of toxic materials. The resulting impacts have the potential to generate
ecological damage in addition to adverse water quality.
Overall, in the last ten years, river water quality has improved in the UK. However, as road
traffic continues to increase, there is a risk that the amount of pollution entering the
watercourses (particularly within urban areas) via surface water will continue to put pressure on
water quality (including groundwater, i.e. drinking water supply).
F4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
F4.1 Issues
In general the quality of the water bodies in Mid Wales is good.
Deterioration in the condition and performance of existing drainage infrastructure can
increase flood risk and affect roads and transport.
Damage to transport infrastructure as a result of flooding reduces accessibility to
essential services.
Flood risk will be influenced by how the land has been developed / managed together
with agricultural practices and climate change.
There is a significant risk of coastal erosion/flooding and previous events have affected
the road and rail network, leading to communities becoming isolated;
Whilst weather and climate present a significant challenge to the networks resilience,
special events also test the networks resilience with extraordinary traffic flows on specific
routes within the network.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 62
F4.2 Opportunities
The JLTP should seek to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) into new
transport infrastructure.
The JLTP should where possible avoid any development within areas at high risk of
flooding where unavoidable appropriate mitigation measures should be implemented.
The JLTP should seek to improve drainage features where possible to reduce impacts on
transport infrastructure from flooding.
The JLTP should ensure that proposed schemes incorporate permeable surfaces,
soakaways or detention ponds in areas at high risk of flooding as design features where
relevant.
Opportunities should be sought where possible to enhance the resilience of critical
transport infrastructure including bridges and culverts against flood events.
F5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
No data gaps or uncertainties identified.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 63
G BIODIVERSITY, FLORA AND FAUNA
G1 Introduction
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms. It can be seen at a number of levels, in
terms of the diversity within individual species, between different species, and the diversity
between different ecosystems. High levels of diversity ensure habitats and species are more
robust and able to cope and adapt to changes in the environment, both in terms of natural
fluctuations and those caused by human activity, thus supporting their long-term survival. A
habitat that has already lost a number of its native species may be more vulnerable to other
additional changes because it lacks the diversity of seeds and plants with which to replenish the
original loss.
Climate change may mean that genetically diverse species may not have sufficient time to
adapt to changes in their environment but at least their chances of survival are likely to be
greater if their own diversity and that of their habitats is retained.
Ensuring the protection of biodiversity may in turn have benefits for the economic and social
health of an area. Conserving biodiversity therefore not only fulfils international and national
obligations, but could help to improve the quality of life for the residents of Powys, Ceredigion
and Gwynedd in the long-term. This topic includes:
National and internationally designated sites;
Local designated sites;
Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAP); and
LANDMAP Landscape Habitats.
G2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table G1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of biodiversity, flora and fauna in Mid Wales.
Table G1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020
UK / Wales
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (Commencement) (Wales) Order 2006
HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing
Climate, July 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 64
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011
Welsh Assembly Government, Sustainable Tourism Framework, 2007
Welsh Government, Coastal Tourism Strategy, January 2012
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009
Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, 2010
Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004
Welsh Assembly Government, A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales, December 2008
Welsh Assembly Government, The Physical Activity Action Plan: Creating an Active Wales, December 2009
Welsh Government, Statutory Guidance for the Delivery of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, May 2014
Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan,
October 2010
Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places - New Regeneration Framework, March 2013
Mid Wales/ Local
Western Wales River Basin District Management Plan (December 2009)
West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan 2 (2011)
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Our Natural World – a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for the
Brecon Beacons National Park in 2001 (as amended)
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
The Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) implements parts of the Birds Directive 2009 and the Berne
Convention (1979) into national legislation. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as
amended) (usually referred to as the ‘Habitats Regulations’) implement Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the
conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) into national legislation.
These form a backbone to EU policy on the protection of biodiversity. They provide for the creation of a
network of protected areas (“Natura 2000 Sites”) designated for particular habitats and/or species.
The majority of the plans and programmes above seek to protect and enhance biodiversity particularly at
internationally and nationally designated sites. Avoidance of activities likely to cause irreversible damage to
natural heritage should be sought. The healthy function of ecosystems should be sought and environmental
limitations and capacities be respected.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 aims to anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of significant
reduction or loss of biodiversity at the source, which will help both to reverse present trends in biodiversity
decline and to place species and ecosystems, including agro-ecosystems, at a satisfactory conservation
status, both within and beyond the territory of the EU.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
The JLTP should protect and enhance biodiversity particularly at internationally and nationally designated
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 65
sites and avoid the occurrence of activities which are likely to result in irreversible damage to the natural
environment. It should encourage and promote approaches which conserve the natural environment and
improve biodiversity and respect environmental limits and capacities whilst supporting the functioning of
ecosystems and maintain and enhance coherent ecological networks. Favourable conditions for priority
habitats and species should be achieved.
G3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
Figure G1 shows sites of national and local importance within Mid Wales. There are over 100
SSSIs and over 20 National Nature Reserves (NNRs). There are no Marine Nature Reserves
(MNRs) within mid Wales.
Figure G1 National and locally important designated sites within Mid Wales
G3.1 Powys
Internationally Designated Sites
There are a number of internationally designated sites in Powys as follows:
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) – 17;
Special Protection Areas (SPA) – Three (see Table G2); and
The SACs and SPAs are listed in Table G2. The sites are illustrated on Figure G2.
Table G2 SACs and SPAs within or partly within Powys
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 66
European Site Designation
Brecon Beacons SAC
Coedydd Llawr-y-Glyn SAC
Coetiroedd Cwm Elan SPA, SAC
Drostre Bank SAC
Granllyn SAC
Llangorse Lake SAC
Montgomery Canal SAC
Mynydd Epynt SAC
Rhos-Goch SAC
Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains SPA, SAC
Coedydd Nedd a Mellte SAC
Elenydd SPA, SAC
River Tywi SAC
River Usk SAC
River Wye SAC
Tanat and Vyrnwy Bat Sites SAC
Usk Bat Sites SAC
Source: (Draft Habitats Regulations Assessment, March 2012) Powys County Council www.powys.gov.uk
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 67
Figure G2 Internationally Designated Sites in and within 15km of Powys
Nationally Designated Sites
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 68
There are 259 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and eight National Nature Reserves
(NNRs) in Powys. NNRs are set up to conserve – and to allow people to study their fauna,
flora, and geological features of special interest.
Lake Park in Llandrindod Wells will be the first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Powys. The LNR
consists of a variety of different habitats including woodlands, grasslands, ponds and streams,
as well as the lake itself.
Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Powys launched its LBAP in September 2002 following the UK Government outlining plans to
develop biodiversity targets and the necessary mechanisms to achieve them in 1994. Thirty four
Powys LBAP Action Plans contribute directly towards achieving the UKBAP. The Powys LBAP
has a ten year plan which outlines the action required to protect 48 of Powys's most threatened
habitats and species.
The Powys LBAP area covers approximately 20% of Wales and encompasses all of Powys
apart from the Brecon Beacons National Park, which has its own LBAP. The LBAP is a
partnership between all organisations and individuals in Powys who care about safeguarding
the wildlife of Powys. The Powys Biodiversity Partnership is led by Powys County Council, the
Countryside Council for Wales, the county's three Wildlife Trusts in Montgomeryshire,
Radnorshire and Brecknock and the Elan Valley Trust.
There are 17 Habitat Action Plans and 31 Species Action Plans that make up the LBAP. They
are listed below.
Habitat Action Plans:
Species Action Plans:
Upland Oak Woodland Wet Woodland
Lowland Wood Pasture Scrub and Ffridd
Coniferous Woodland Rivers and Streams
Linear Habitats Lowland Raised Bog
Mesotrophic Waters Lowland Meadows
Rhos Pastures Upland Calc Grassland
Low Dry Acid Grassland Traditional Orchards
Upland Lowland Heath Garden Habitat
Farmland
Red Squirrel Brown Hare
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 69
The trees and woodlands in Powys are important for helping to combat and adapt to climate
change, for health and social welfare, biodiversity and the management of water and soil
resources. Powys has a significant number of trees and woodlands that are protected by tree
preservation orders (TPOs). In addition to this anyone wishing to carry out works to trees in a
conservation area must give the planning authority six weeks’ notice. Following this the council
may wish to protect the tree by designating it as a TPO.
LANDMAP
LANDMAP is a GIS-based resource produced by CCW in partnership with all of the local
planning authorities in Wales. The LANDMAP data is split into five layers called ‘aspects’. The
aspect under consideration in this topic is Landscape Habitats. Each layer is split into aspect
areas. For each aspect area that has been identified data is collected and a survey record
completed. These records describe and document the landscape character, qualities and
features, whilst also giving management recommendations and an overall evaluation score. The
evaluation score allows comparisons between areas and highlights areas of varying importance,
see Table G3.
Water Vole Hazel Dormouse
Lesser Horseshoe Pipstrelle Bat
European Otter River Jelly Lichen
Lapwing Curlew
Tree Sparrow Nightjar
Red Kite Great Crested Newt
Brown Trout Allis Shad Twaite Shad
River Lamprey White Clawed Crayfish
Fairy Shrimp High Brown Fritillary
Pearl Bord Fritillary Marsh Fritillary
Red Northern Wood Climb Corydalis Weevil
Globeflower Wood Bitter Vetch
Float Water Plantain Alien Plant Species
Pillwort Waxcap Grasslands
Slender Green Feather Moss
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 70
Table G3 LANDMAP Evaluation
LANDMAP Evaluation Level of Importance to the Evaluation Aspect
Outstanding International or National
High Regional or County
Moderate Local
Low Little or No Importance
Source: CCW (June 2008). LANDMAP Special Landscape Area Guidance Note.
There were 67 Landscape Character Areas (LCA) identified within Powys using LANDMAP
data. These are illustrated in Figure G3.
Figure G3 The Overall Evaluation of the Landscape Habitats layer in LANDMAP for Powys
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 71
Source: LANDMAP www.ccw.gov.uk
G3.2 Ceredigion
Internationally Designated Sites
There are a number of internationally designated sites in Ceredigion as follows:
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – 12;
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – two; and
Ramsar sites – two.
SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites within Ceredigion are presented in Table G4 and shown on
Figure G4.
Table G4 Internationally important sites located within Ceredigion
Site Name Designation
Afon Teifi / River Teifi SAC
Cardigan Bay/ Bae Ceredigion SAC
Coed Cwm Einion SAC
Coedydd a Cheunant Rheidol/ Rheidol Woods & Gorge SAC
Cors Caron SAC
Cors Caron Ramsar site
Cors Fochno SAC
Dyfi Estuary SPA
Cors Fochno and Dyfi Estuary / Aber Dyfi Ramsar site
Cwm Doethie - Mynydd Mallaen SAC
Elenydd SAC
Elenydd – Mallaen SPA
Grogwynion SAC
Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau/ Lleyn Penisular and the Sarnau SAC
Rhos Llawr Cwrt SAC
Rhos Talglas SAC
Source: The Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Ceredigion LDP, Screening Report, Deposit Version,
December 2010
The Dyfi Valley UNESCO Biosphere reserve (Wales only biosphere reserve) is also located
partially within Ceredigion’s boundary.
Nationally Designated Sites
Within Ceredigion there are over 100 SSSIs (see Figure G4) and six NNRs (the Dyfi, Coed
Rheidol, Llyn Eiddwen, Cors Caron, Rhos Llawr Cwrt and Coedmor). There are no Marine
Nature Reserves (MNRs) within Ceredigion.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 72
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 73
Figure G4 Statutorily protected sites within Ceredigion
Source: Ceredigion County Council www.ceredigion.gov.uk
Locally Designated Sites
Ceredigion has three LNRs (Parc Natur Penglais, Pendinas and Tan y Bwlch and Pendinas and
Coed Y Cwm), of which all are managed by the council. There are also seven other wildlife sites
managed by the council plus a further 20 Wildlife Trust nature reserves. As previously stated
there are also 50 RIGS across the county in addition to several other sites managed for
conservation across the county including RSPB sites. Ceredigion currently has no Sites of
Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) but these will be designated during the lifetime of
the Local Development Plan.
Priority Habitats and Species
The Ceredigion LBAP covers the area within the county of Ceredigion, including the inshore
waters and the seabed 12 miles offshore around the Ceredigion Coast. It provides the
framework for local biodiversity action that would contribute to the delivery of national targets for
key habitats and species, and the raising of awareness and understanding of the relevance of
biodiversity to Ceredigion’s residents. There are four Habitat Action Plans and four Species
Action Plans that make up the Ceredigion LBAP. They are listed below.
Habitat Action Plans:
Habitat Action Plans Species Action Plans
Upland mixed ashwoods Black grouse
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 74
Upland oak woodland Brown hare
Wet woodland Chough
Roadside verges Hornet robberfly
Trees and woodlands in Ceredigion are important for helping to combat and adapt to climate
change, for health and social welfare, biodiversity and the management of water and soil
resources. Ceredigion has a significant number of trees and woodlands that are protected by
TPOs. In addition to this anyone wishing to carry out works to trees in a Conservation Area
must give the planning authority notice. Following this the council may wish to protect the tree
by designating it as a TPO.
In addition to the above there are non-designated both rural and urban ecosystems that provide
essential services and resources. For instance the County’s peat land bogs aid water
purification and flood control. In fact the Cambrian Mountains make up over 20% of Wales’
organic soils, therefore providing a carbon sink of national importance (Land Use Consultants,
2007).
In 2006, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) was introduced of which
section 40 placed a duty on Local Authorities to have regard for biodiversity whilst exercising
their functions. Section 42 required the Welsh Government to produce a list of species and
habitats that were of principle importance for the conservation of habitats and species in Wales.
This list along with BAP habitats and species are often referred to as priority habitats and
species.
Ceredigion LBAP Partnership is currently reviewing the LBAP and this will incorporate seven
Ecosystem Groups in which relevant BAP and S42 Habitats will be incorporated. The
Ecosystems are as follows:
Woodlands;
Wetlands and Running Water;
Built up Areas, Open Space and Gardens;
Marine and the Coast;
Grasslands, heathlands and farmlands;
Uplands; and
Rock Habitats.
G3.3 Gwynedd
Internationally Designated Sites
There are a number of internationally designated sites in Ceredigion as follows:
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – 18;
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – seven; and
Ramsar sites – four.
SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites within Ceredigion are presented in Table G5 and shown on
Figure G5.
Table G5 Internationally important sites located within Gwynedd
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 75
Site Name Designation
Afon Eden - Cors Goch Trawsfynydd SAC
Afon Gwyrfai a Llyn Cwellyn SAC
Berwyn a Mynyddoedd de Clwyd/ Berwyn and South
Clwyd Mountains
SAC
Cadair Idris SAC
Clogwyni Pen Llyn/ Seacliffs of Lleyn SAC
Coedydd Aber SAC
Coedydd Derw a Safleoedd Ystlumod Meirion/
Meirionnydd Oakwoods and Bat Sites
SAC
Corsydd Eifionydd SAC
Corsydd Llyn/ Lleyn Fens SAC
Glynllifon SAC
Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC
Morfa Harlech a Morfa Dyffryn SAC
Pen Llyn a`r Sarnau/ Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC
Rhinog SAC
River Dee and Bala Lake/ Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid SAC
Eryri/ Snowdonia SAC
Y Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC
Y Twyni o Abermenai i Aberffraw/ Abermenai to
Aberffraw Dunes
SAC
Glannau Aberdaron and Ynys Enlli/ Aberdaron Coast
and Bardsey Island
SPA
Mynydd Cilan, Trwyn y Wylfa ac Ynysoedd Sant
Tudwal
SPA
Craig yr Aderyn (Bird`s Rock) SPA
Dyfi Estuary / Aber Dyfi SPA
Migneint – Arenig – Dduallt SPA
Berwyn SPA
Traeth Lafan/ Lavan Sands, Conway Bay SPA
Cors Fochno and Dyfi Ramsar
Llyn Idwal Ramsar
Llyn Tegid Ramsar
Anglesey and Llyn Fens Ramsar
Source: MAGIC
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 76
Nationally Designated Sites
Within Ceredigion there are over 100 SSSIs (see Figure G5) and over 20 NNRs.
Figure G5 Statutorily protected sites within Gwynedd
Source: MAGIC
Locally Designated Sites
Within Gwynedd there are seven LNRs which comprise:
Y Foryd LNR;
Parc Dudley LNR;
Parc y Borth LNR;
Pen y Banc LNR;
Lôn Cob Bach LNR and;
Traeth Lafan LNR.
In addition there are also seven Wildlife Trust Sites in Gwynedd, these are listed below:
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 77
Coed Crafnant;
Morfa Bychan and Greenacres;
Traeth Glaslyn;
Gwaith Powdwr;
Caerau Tan y Bwlch;
Abercorris; and
Cors-y-Sarnau.
Wildlife trust sites are designated for their key species and habitats and seek to conserve,
restore and protect wildlife and the environment.
There are protected areas of ancient semi natural woodland in the north of the county.
Priority Habitats and Species
The LBAP for Gwynedd identifies several priority habitats within the county for which species
and habitats are rapidly declining i.e. by more than 50% in the last 25 years. These species and
habitats present a local and national significance. Some of the many species listed include,
brown hare, lesser horseshoe bat, otter, curlew and chough. Some of the priority habitats listed
include, upland oak woodland, wet woodland, wood pasture and parkland and fens.
There are 14 habitat action plans and 19 species action plans within Gwynedd. These plans set
out to aid recovery of the most threatened species and habitats within the county. These are
shown below:
Habitat Action Plan Species Action Plan
Upland Oakwoods Otter
Wet Woodland Pine Marten
Arable Field Margins Polecat
Cloddiau Brown Hare
Mudflats Hazel Dormouse
Maritime Cliff and Slopes Water Vole
River Corridors Lesser Horseshoe Bat
Rhos Pasture Barn Owl
Lowland Heathland Chough
Upland Heathland Lapwing
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 78
Lowland Meadows and Pasture Arctic Charr
Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Lampreys
Lowland Wetlands Salmonids
Strandlines Adder
Marsh Fritillary
Hornet Robberfly
Bluebell
Floating Water Plantain
Waxcaps
G3.4 Evolution of the Baseline
Biodiversity indicators for the UK as a whole indicate that the long term decline in some species
such as farmland birds continues, but appears to have been stabilised for others, including
woodland birds, selected butterflies and selected bat species. Plant diversity is generally
declining. Many UK priority habitats and species have shown signs of recovery in the last ten
years5.
Indicators of the quality of many habitats, including biological river quality, are also generally
improving as a result of improved management practices and tighter regulation and
enforcement by the Environment Agency and others. However, biodiversity remains under
pressure from competing interests such as population growth, development and transport
expansion. Climate change is also a significant threat, notably through the expansion of
invasive and non-native species along with changes to transport infrastructure.
G4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
G4.1 Issues
Mid Wales has a wealth of valuable and varied ecology including large areas of nationally
and internationally important ecological designations.
There are both direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity caused by transportation.
There are issues associated with heavy metal deposition on roadside habitats along with
effects on biodiversity resulting from vehicle emissions to the air.
The growth of road transport can damage, fragment or result in the complete loss of
habitats, and can also create barriers to species movement.
5 http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-4231
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 79
G4.2 Opportunities
The JLTP should protect and enhance biodiversity (and habitats) and where possible be
consistent with the aims of the LBAPs.
Opportunities should be sought to compensate for loss of habitats as part of proposed
schemes.
The JLTP has the opportunity to create safe passages for species where connectivity
may be lost due to the development of new transport infrastructure.
The JLTP should encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport which could
help to protect biodiversity i.e. Green infrastructure.
Opportunities should be sought to ensure measures to improve sustainable transport
infrastructure includes habitat enhancement as part of the scheme design i.e. as part of
SUDs.
G5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
Due to resources, not all local and regional sites receive regular monitoring; this may
mean that additional survey work will be required during the candidate site process to
ensure that the features for which a site has qualified are still present.
The data on species and habitats is variable with some species and habitats being under
recorded. This can mean that the full extent of LBAP habitats and LBAP populations is
unknown. The consequences of this are that surveys need to be done on each site at the
candidate site and planning application stage.
The full extent of the impacts of traffic and transport on wildlife in Mid Wales has not been
quantified.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 80
H CULTURAL HERITAGE
H1 Introduction
Cultural heritage comprises archaeological remains, intact structures and landscapes
associated with past human activity, now referred to as heritage assets. The discovery of
archaeological remains improves knowledge and understanding of human and societal
development, and of the palaeo-environmental conditions. Many heritage assets can be
vulnerable to the effects of transport. This topic includes:
Historic Landscapes;
Listed Buildings;
Registered Parks and Gardens;
Scheduled Monuments;
Conservation Areas; and
World Heritage Sites.
H2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table H1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of cultural heritage in Mid Wales.
Table H1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
Council of Europe, 1992, European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised)
Valetta ETS 143 (Malta Treaty or Lisbon Treaty)
European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1992)
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
UK / Wales
Welsh Government, Historic Environment Strategy for Wales and Headline Action Plan, May 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Welsh Office Circular 60/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology
Welsh Office Circular 61/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation
Areas
Cadw, Welsh Government, Climate Change: Meeting the Challenge to Sustaining our Heritage Assets, 2013
Mid Wales/Local
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 81
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
The Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives ensure the conservation of the historic
environment, historic landscapes and cultural heritage, acknowledging and fostering local diversity.
The European Conventions highlight the importance of protecting such resources for reasons of collective
memory but also for historical and scientific study. A broad definition of the historic environment is used
highlighting that it is an asset that is able to contribute to much wider objectives including economic
development, tourism, leisure, recreation, cultural and community development and education.
It is recognised in many of the plans and programmes that a holistic approach to heritage management is
needed which relies upon the inputs of multiple stakeholders and not just those with a specific interest in
cultural heritage issues.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
The JLTP should help to benefit the conservation of the historic environment, historic landscapes and
cultural heritage and direct inappropriate measures away from these sites. Built development in the vicinity
of historic buildings could have implications for the setting and/or built fabric. It should also be ensured that
negative effects on all historical and cultural assets are avoided. Proposals to reduce the impact from
congestion and traffic should be encouraged in areas of cultural heritage importance.
H3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
H3.1 Powys
Powys has a rich archaeological heritage. The architecture of the county is varied, with most
towns and settlements having distinct characteristics in building forms or settlements that make
them easily recognisable. The architectural history ranges through all periods and all building
types, from the castles, ruined monasteries, large houses dating from the fifteenth century,
through to larger Georgian Country houses, Georgian town houses, industrial terraced workers
housing, and large Victorian villas.
The history of Powys has also played an important part in its architectural history, reflecting its
important location within the Welsh Marches. It is estimated that over 200 castles were built
within Powys and whilst some had limited impact, others resulted in planned “Norman” towns
such as New Radnor (c.1257) Montgomery (c.1223), Knighton (c.1260), Llanfyllin (c.1293),
Painscastle (c.1231), Old Radnor (1095 – 1100), Rhayader (c.1304) and Welshpool (1247-52)
which although the original buildings have been replaced, the street layout still retains its early
origins.
The Historic Landscape Layer as identified in LANDMAP is shown in Figure H1.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 82
Figure H1 Historic Landscape Layer in LANDMAP for Powys
Source: LDP Natural Heritage Topic Paper 2011
There are currently 3916 listed buildings within Powys, Table H2 lists these buildings and their
type and grading (Powys LDP Historic Environment Topic Paper). There are 45 Grade l
buildings, 242 Grade ll* buildings and 3629 Grade ll buildings. These are summarised by type in
Table H2.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 83
Table H2 Listed Buildings within Powys by type and grade
Building Type Grade Number
Castle I 3
Domestic including farmhouse I 11
II* 45
II 2167
Outbuildings including barns, stables and estate outbuildings II* 120
II 381
Garden structures I 7
II* 10
II 97
Schools including former schools II 26
Public and Civic Buildings including workhouse and hospitals I 1
II* 4
II 35
Church and Chapels I 19
II* 48
II 150
Structures/buildings in churchyards (excluding war
memorials)
I 1
II* 2
II 60
Commercial II 96
Bridges I 2
II* 3
II 110
Aqueducts II* 2
II 6
Canal Bridges II* 1
II 42
Canal locks and gear II 43
Limekilns II 8
Other canal structures II 17
Dams aqueducts and corporation water supply I 2
II* 6
II 23
Railway bridges II* 1
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 84
Table H2 Listed Buildings within Powys by type and grade
Building Type Grade Number
II 2
Other railway structures II 17
Public water fountains II 10
Private bridges and water features II* 3
II 16
Spa pumps and rooms II 4
Public memorial and war memorials II* 3
II 3
II 17
Clock towers II 3
Lampstandards II 3
Pillar boxes II 4
Telephone boxes II 39
Private stones II 11
Milestones and mileposts II 138
Industrial chimneys II 7
Workshops and smithy’s II 11
Warehouses II 9
Malthouse II 3
Saw Mills II* 1
II 2
Corn Mill II* 1
II 16
Textile Mills II* 1
II 16
Source: Powys LDP Historic Environment Topic Paper
22% of the grade ll listed buildings within Powys are either at risk or vulnerable (Powys LDP
Historic Environment Topic Paper) (Degree of risk levels 1 - 3 are those properties considered
to be at risk, and degree of risk level 4 being classed as vulnerable). Those properties assigned
a degree of risk level 5 and 6 are well maintained.
There are 37Registered Parks and Gardens within Powys, see figure H2.
The majority of Registered Parks and Gardens within Powys are gardens to large private
houses which are usually designated in order to prevent damage to significant features of the
sites such as historic layout, structure, built features and planted elements.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 85
Figure H2 Registered Parks and Gardens within Powys
Source: Powys LDP Historic Environment Topic Paper
Within Powys the following sites are contained on the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding
Historic Interest in Wales:
Tanat Valley; and
Middle Wye Valley.
Those sites within Powys listed on the Register of Landscapes of Special Historic Interest in
Wales are:
Elan Valley;
Caersws Basin; and
Middle Usk Valley: Brecon and Llangorse.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 86
There are currently 55 conservation areas within Powys County Council’s administrative area
(Figure H3), the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Some Conservation
areas were assessed when they were designated and a few have been assessed since,
however none have up to date appraisals.
Some conservation areas have been degraded in character because of widespread small scale
inappropriate changes to the external features of buildings, or larger scale new developments
that are out of keeping with the character of the area. Where this is the case, the emphasis of
policies and proposals should be to enhance the area by reinstating lost historic features,
remedying breaches of planning control and enhancing/replacing instances of inappropriate non
historic development with more compatible buildings/extensions.
Figure H3 Conservation Areas within Powys
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 87
Source: Powys LDP Historic Environment Topic Paper
There are 691 Scheduled Monuments in Powys (Figure H4) (excluding the Brecon Beacons
National Park which contains 357 Scheduled Monuments). Scheduled Monuments are
nationally important archaeological sites that are protected under the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The list of these is maintained by Cadw.
Figure H4 Scheduled Monuments in Powys
Source: Powys LDP Historic Environment Topic Paper
In 2011 Cadw consulted on the production of a Welsh Register of battlefields. In 2005 the Royal
Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) undertook
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 88
research on 165 known historic battles in Wales. The RCAHMW recommended 19 sites for
depiction, 13 of which they considered to be of primary historic importance and 6 of secondary
importance. However, this research focused on battlefields and did not include skirmishes,
sieges or ambushes. Warfare in Wales was historically different to that of England and Welsh
battles tended to be smaller and less formal than many in England, and as such the skirmishes
and sieges are of significance in Wales.
The Minister for Heritage’s 2009 Welsh Historic Environment Strategic Statement action plan
committed Cadw to undertake a consultation on the establishment of a Register of Battlefields
in Wales.
There are no World Heritage Sites in Powys.
The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust maintains the HER for southwest Wales. They currently
have over 43,000 sites of archaeological and historical interest listed on their recorded. The
HER plays a very important role in assisting with the management and presentation of the
historic landscape and is used on a daily basis by individuals, organisations and local
authorities to assess the archaeological implications of proposed developments in the area.
H3.2 Ceredigion
A large part of the built environment in Ceredigion is important in terms of its historic character.
However not all historic buildings will be formally listed or protected. Furthermore many modern
buildings will equally have a valuable contribution to make in contributing to the distinctive built
environment in Ceredigion (Local Development Plan Topic Paper Environment – Built
Submission Version December 2011).
In terms of historic environment /assets within Ceredigion there are approximately 425
abandoned metal mine sites and trial digs, 234 Scheduled Monuments (shown in Figure H5) ,
1,883 Listed Buildings (largely Grade II with 10 Grade I) and 13 Conservation Areas. There are
also two Heritage Schemes currently operational within the county within the County
(Aberystwyth and Llanddewi Brefi and Pontrhydfendigaid) (Ceredigion’s Local Development
Plan 2007 – 2022).
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 89
Figure H5 Scheduled Monuments in Ceredigion
Grade I Listed Buildings within Ceredigion include:
Cardigan Castle;
University Collage of Wales, Old College Building;
Aberystwyth Castle, New Promenade;
Llanercgaeron (including rear service courtyard ranges);
Church of St Pardarn;
Strata Florida Abbey Ruins;
Church of the Holy Cross, Mwnt;
Church of St Michael, Penbryn;
St Gwenog Church; and
Nanteos.
The Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales (an advisory and non-statutory
document) highlights what are considered to be the best examples of different types of historic
landscapes and gardens in Wales. The Register identifies four landscapes of Special Historic
Interest and twelve historic gardens of national importance in Ceredigion. Four areas in
Ceredigion have been identified as being historic landscapes, these are: Upland Ceredigion;
Lower Teifi Valley; Drefach-Felindre and the Tywi Valley. The largest of these is the Upland
Ceredigion Historic Landscape which covers much of the eastern and northern part of the
county. The Lower Teifi Valley Historic Landscape is located in the south-west, and is partially
shared with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The Drefach-Felindre and Tywi Valley
Historic Landscapes are located within Carmarthenshire, but part of it also falls within
Ceredigion’s southern boundary (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper –
Landscape, Submission Version 2011).
Parks and Gardens form a relatively minor part of Ceredigion’s landscape. In identifying sites for
the Register, many factors are taken into account, including the date of the site; its state of
preservation; whether it is a good example of its type; whether it was worked on by known
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 90
designers; whether it is associated with persons of note and whether it is unusual or rare in any
way. On the register, parks and gardens are scored in a similar fashion as listed buildings (i.e.
Grades I, II* and II). In Ceredigion, the parks and gardens are: Hafod (Grade I; Nanteos, Plas
Penglais, the Aberystwyth and Llanbadarn Campuses, National Library of Wales (Grade II*);
Alltrodyn, Coedmore, Derry Ormond, Llanerchaeron, Llanllyr, Lodge Park, Pigeonsford walled
garden, Trawsgoed and Cardigan Castle (Grade II) (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic
Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).
There are no World Heritage Sites in Ceredigion.
Four sections of the Ceredigion coast are designated as Heritage Coast. The Ceredigion
Heritage Coast was established in 1982 and comprises four separate sections of coast which
extend over 22 miles (35 km):
Borth – Clarach;
Monks Cave – Llanrhystud;
New Quay – Tresaith; and
Pen-peles – Gwbert (Ceredigion County Council).
The Dyfed Archaeological Trust Heritage Management maintains the HER for southwest Wales
(including Ceredigion). They currently have over 43,000 sites of archaeological and historical
interest listed on their recorded. The HER plays a very important role in assisting with the
management and presentation of the historic landscape and is used on a daily basis by
individuals, organisations and local authorities to assess the archaeological implications of
proposed developments in the area.
H3.3 Gwynedd
One of the three World Heritage Sites in Wales is found within Gwynedd, the Castles and Town
Walls of Edward I in Gwynedd at Caernarfon, Conwy, Beaumaris (Isle of Anglesey) and Harlech
in north Wales. All were begun and substantially completed within the period 1283 to 1330.
There are 2,235 Listed Buildings within Gwynedd, 40 Conservation Areas and 211 Scheduled
Monuments. Figure H6 shows the location of Schedule Monuments in Gwynedd.
Mid Wales Joint Local Transport Plan SEA Appendix A Page 91
Figure H6 Scheduled Monuments in Gwynedd
Grade I listed buildings within Gwynedd include:
Church of St Hywyn, Aberdaron;
Ruin of Abbey of St Mary, Aberdaron;
Cathedral Church of St Deiniol, Bangor;
Church of St Baglan, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon;
St. Mark's Church, Brithdir, Dolgellau;
Caernarfon Castle, Castle Hill, Caernarfon;
Caernarfon Town Wall, Caernarfon, Gwynedd;
Church of St Mary, Caernarfon;
Church of St Peblig, Constantine Rd, Caernarfon;
County Court (former County Hall), Caernarfon;
Police Station, including forecourt railings and gate piers, Caernarfon;
Royal Welsh Yacht Club (also known as Porth yr Aur), Caernarfon;
Church of St Beuno, with attached Chapel of St Beuno, Clynnog, Gwynedd;
Harlech Castle, Snowdonia National Park, Ffordd Pen Llech, Harlech;
Fort Belan, Llandwrog, Caernarfon;
Glynllifon, Llandwrog, Caernarfon;
Church of St Mary and St Egryn, Llanegryn, Tywyn;
Cymer Abbey, a 470 (N Side), Cymer Abbey, Llanelltyd, Dolgellau;
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Capel Newydd, Llanengan, Pwllheli;
Church of St Engan, Llanengan, Pwllheli;
Church of St Tanwg, Llanfair, Harlech;
Church of St Brothen, Llanfrothen, Penrhyndeudraeth;
Church of St Celynin, Llangelynin, Gwynedd;
Cochwillan, Llanllechid, Bangor;
Church of St Cawrdaf, Llannor, Pwllheli;
Penarth-fawr, Llanystumdwy, Criccieth;
Chapel of St Mary to N of Vaynol Old Hall, Pentir, Bangor;
Church of St Beuno, Pistyll, Pwllheli;
Church of St Gwynhoydl, Tudweiliog, Pwllheli;
Church of St Iestyn, Llaniestyn, Pwllheli; and
Church of St Cadfan, Red Lion St, Tywyn.
A high percentage of the County is registered as a landscape of Special Historic Interest. There
are two landscape areas on the Register of Landscapes of Special Historic Interest in Wales,
Bala and Tegrid Shores and Dysynni Valley.
There are 16 Historic Parks and Gardens identified in the Register of Historic Landscapes,
Parks and Gardens of Special Interest in Wales. These are: Abermaw : Panorama Walk; Broom
Hall, Llanystumdwy; Boduan, Buan; Bryn Bras Castle, Llanrug; Caernarfon: Morfa Common
Park, Caernarfon; Cefnamlwch, Tudweiliog; Glasfryn, Llanystumdwy; Glynllifon, Llandwrog;
Penrhyn Castle, Llandygái; Plas Bodegroes, Llannor; Plas yn Rhiw, Aberdaron; Portmeirion,
Penrhyndeudraeth; Rhiwlas, Llandderfel; Tan yr Allt, Porthmadog; Vaynol, Pentir and Wern,
Dolbenmaen.
The following sites in Gwynedd are listed on the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic
Interest in Wales:
Ardudwy
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Trawsfynydd Basin and Cwm Prysor
Vale of Dolgellau
Mawddach
In addition there are two sites which are recorded on the Register of Landscapes of Special
Historic Interest in Wales
Bala and Bala Lakeside
Dysynni Valley
Within the county of Gwynedd is the Heritage Coastline of Llyn Peninsula, a total of 55 miles in
length.
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H3.4 Evolution of the Baseline
Archaeological sites are perhaps the most vulnerable of Mid Wales’ historic assets, the majority
having no economic use. Many of the Scheduled Monuments are within or adjacent to
settlement boundaries and are at risk of development adjacent to the monuments either
affecting the adjacent archaeology or impacting on their setting. The low lying archaeological
sites are also at risk from flooding or agricultural improvements. The monuments on higher land
outside the settlement boundaries are less at risk from flooding, but are still vulnerable from
agricultural improvements, burrowing animals, and general erosion. The setting of these SAMs
is easily affected compared to those within the settlement boundaries.
H4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
H4.1 Issues
Insensitive development within or adjacent to designated heritage assets may harm the
historic and visual character of Mid Wales.
H4.2 Opportunities
The JLTP should seek to preserve and enhance the existing special character and features of the
historic environment of Mid Wales through the proposed schemes.
There are opportunities to enhance the setting of heritage assets through new infrastructure
e.g. reducing the number of private cars on local roads rather than hard engineering.
H5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
Many Conservation Areas have out of date Conservation Area Appraisals, assessment
documents and statements.
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I LANDSCAPE AND TOWNSCAPE
I1 Introduction
Although issues relating to landscape and townscape change are important, they are potentially
emotive and subjective, based around the individual perceptions of residents, visitors or tourists.
New developments and management practices may influence the landscape and townscape
character and associated views in different ways - depending on the type, size and number of
any structures, the type of movement and orientation, lighting, aspect and scale of change.
Attitudes of people observing the change and the resultant development typically also vary
widely. This topic covers the following elements:
National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB);
Local landscape designations; and
Landscape Character Areas.
I2 Summary of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
Table I1 presents the key plans, programmes and environmental protection objectives of
relevance to the consideration of landscape and townscape in Mid Wales.
Table I1 Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Environmental Protection Objectives
International
Council of Europe European Landscape Convention (2006)
EU Seventh Environmental Action Plan, 20 November 2013
European Sustainable Development Strategy 2006 and the 2009 review
UK / Wales
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
HM Government, The National Adaptation Programme – Making the Country Resilient to a Changing
Climate, July 2013
UK Sustainable Development Strategy: Securing the Future (2005) and the UK’s Shared Framework for
Sustainable Development, One Future – Different Paths (2005)
Welsh Government, Draft Sustainable Development Bill – White paper, 2012
Welsh Government, Programme for Government 2011-2016, 2011
Welsh Assembly Government, Sustainable Tourism Framework, 2007
Welsh Government, Coastal Tourism Strategy, January 2012
Welsh Government, Planning Policy Wales, Edition 7, July 2014
Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, 2009
Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities, 2010
Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk, 2004
Technical Advice Note 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space, 2009
Welsh Government, One Wales: Connecting the Nation - The Wales Transport Strategy, 2008
Welsh Assembly Government, A Walking and Cycling Action Plan for Wales, December 2008
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Welsh Assembly Government, The Physical Activity Action Plan: Creating an Active Wales, December 2009
Welsh Government, Statutory Guidance for the Delivery of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, May 2014
Welsh Government, Climate Change Strategy for Wales, October 2010 and Adaptation Delivery Plan,
October 2010
Welsh Government, Vibrant and Viable Places - New Regeneration Framework, March 2013
Mid Wales/Local
Ceredigion County Council, Adopted Ceredigion Local Development Plan, April 2013
Powys County Council, Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Deposit Draft, July 2014
Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area, Draft Joint Local Development Plan - Preferred
Strategy, June 2013 (due to be adopted April 2016)
Snowdonia National Park Authority, Eryri Local Development Plan 2007-2022, adopted 13th July 2011
Snowdonia National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Management Plan 2010-15
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan
2007-2022, Adopted 17th December 2013
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Landscape Character Assessment (August 2012)
Key Objectives and Targets of Relevance
The majority of the plans and programmes above seek to protect and enhance landscape (including
designated landscapes, townscapes, landscape character, distinctiveness and the countryside). The
different roles and character of different areas is taken into account. Promoting the vitality of main urban
areas, recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and supporting thriving rural
communities within it are recognised as important as well as promoting access/awareness and perceived
value/understanding of areas of landscape character and open/green spaces landscapes in sustainable
ways to enhance its enjoyment and value by visitors and stakeholders.
Outside of landscape protection afforded through the present legal system, the European Landscape
Convention (ELC) and associated initiatives target a move away from specifically focussing on ‘outstanding’
areas, to adopt a more general focus which looks at the quality and sustainability of all landscapes. The
ELC highlights the importance of developing landscape policies that are specifically dedicated to the
protection, management and creation of landscapes and establishing procedures for stakeholders to
participate in policy making.
Policies within national and local planning documents set out objectives for the protection of valuable
landscapes and townscapes. The intention is to ensure that new developments meet high standards of
design and avoid unacceptable impacts upon existing landscapes and townscapes.
Actions for the SEA and JLTP
The JLTP should seek to enhance valued landscapes wherever possible, seeking to reduce the impact of
transport wherever possible. This could include measures such as reducing congestion on existing routes;
ensuring that schemes do not negatively affect landscapes; or seeking to encourage walking and cycling
schemes which can enhance people’s enjoyment of valued landscapes.
I3 Overview of Baseline Conditions
I3.1 Powys
There is one National Park within Powys, The Brecon Beacons National Park. It is 269.67 ha in
area and covers 17.2% (890 square kilometres) of Powys total area. It is a cultural landscape,
which is the product of human activity over thousands of years. There is a rich industrial
archaeology found to the south and east of the Park, including coal and mineral mining,
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charcoal burning and iron making. The towns of Brecon, Crickhowell, Gilwern and Hay are all
within the Park boundary. Two-thirds of the area is made up of old red sandstone rock which
forms four distinct blocks of hills cut through by major river valleys. In the centre of the Park,
dominating the skyline beyond the town of Brecon, are the Brecon Beacons proper, rising to
886m at Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Britain. There are outcrops of limestone and
grit along the southern edge of the Park and underneath the surface are magnificent caves and
passages often adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. The rocks within the western Brecon
Beacons record 470 million years of geological history. The location of the National Park is
shown in Figure I1. This also shows that Snowdonia national park also forms the north western
boundary of Powys.
Figure I1 Location of Brecon Beacons National Park
There are no AONBs in Powys.
Powys has a rich and diverse historic built environment and there are a great number of older
traditionally constructed buildings that are not protected by listed status and do not have any
specific protection in planning terms. These buildings whilst possibly not worthy of listed status,
are still important to the character of Powys. Powys County Council does not at present have a
list of locally important buildings, however, it was an action point identified in the Powys Built
Heritage Strategy.
A Landscape Character Assessment Study was published in March 2008 by John Campion
Associates Ltd. The study consisted of a review of the CCW LANDMAP data which was used as
a common base, supplemented by further desk study and field work. This resulted in the
identification of 67 areas of common landscape character otherwise known as Landscape
Character Areas. For each Landscape Character Area the study identifies and describes the
key landscape characteristics present (LDP Natural Heritage Topic Paper 2011).
As referred to previously, LANDMAP contains five aspect layers:
Geological Landscapes;
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Landscape Habitats;
Visual and Sensory Landscapes;
Cultural Landscapes; and
Historic Landscapes.
Each of these is reproduced below:
Figure I2 LANDMAP Aspects Layers for Powys
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I3.2 Ceredigion
Ceredigion’s built environment is diverse and distinctive, offering a range of architectural styles
and distinctive rural and suburban character. In the past local materials and techniques were
used which has shaped the built environment we have today. While no two houses are exactly
the same, they have certain features in common which led to recognisable, regional
architecture. Many of the settlements within Ceredigion have evolved along the coast and its
associated economy. This is clearly seen in the coastal town of Aberaeron which is an example
of one of the first ‘planned’ settlements (the main architectural style is Georgian) (Ceredigion
Deposit Local Development Plan 2007 – 2022).
Ceredigion has a rich and diverse natural and historical landscape, encompassing large areas
of rugged coastline, rolling coastal planes and open upland hills and plateau. There is a distinct
difference between the pattern of the landscape in the east and west of the county. In the west
the countryside is more enclosed with small fields bounded by hedges and fields. The area
undulates rhythmically to form a series of rolling plateaux with valleys. These areas are much
affected by coastal exposure, and contain pasture fields enclosed by hedgebanks with low
uniform hedges, mechanically cut, often on stony or earth banks. In the north and east the
plateau like hill tops are of a more open nature. These exposed plateaus comprise expanses of
unenclosed, unimproved grassland and moorland, with cotton grass and other bog vegetation in
wet flushes and around pools.
Dissecting its countryside are several large rivers of local and regional importance including the
Rheidol and Ystwyth in the north and the Aeron in the centre of the county. The county’s longest
river, the Teifi, runs from the Teifi Pools in the east to Cardigan Bay in the southwest.
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The county is also home to the highest mountain in the Cambrian Mountains, Pumlumon Fawr
which reaches 752m and can be seen from as far as Snowdonia in the north and the Brecon
Beacons in the south. The landscape, particularly in the uplands, is predominately open
countryside given over to agriculture and is mostly considered to be of a high aesthetic value.
In the Unitary Development Plan (UDP), Ceredigion has two landscape designation areas in the
form of Special Landscape Areas (SLA). Although the designations have not been fully adopted
as part of Ceredigion UDP, the Council is applying significant weight to them in the
determination of planning applications. The first SLA covers the coastal region and has an area
of nearly 90 km2, the second covers over 660 km2 of the county’s upland hills. These two areas
combined cover over 40 % of the county’s land area (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic
Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).
There are no national parks within Ceredigion county, however, Pembrokeshire Coast National
Park and Snowdonia National Park do lie adjacent to the county. There are no AONBs within
Ceredigion county.
A high quality, picturesque, natural environment is also integral to Ceredigion’s character and
tourist economy. There is 35km of designated marine heritage coast along the western
boundary of the county. However, the coast is also where many larger settlements are located
and is an important area for tourism development.
According to the LANDMAP Visual and Sensory layer, only one out of a total of 82 aspect areas
in Ceredigion fail to reach an overall value of moderate or above (see Figure I3). Although, the
majority of the County is valued as medium in quality (according to the LANDMAP exercise),
large areas, particularly along the coast and in the Cambrian Mountains, are considered to be of
High or Outstanding value (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape,
Submission Version 2011).
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Figure I3 LANDMAP Visual and Sensory
Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011
LANDMAP also demonstrates how highly Ceredigion’s other landscape aspects are valued.
Geologically, only eleven of the three hundred and fifty aspect areas achieved an overall value
of less than moderate, with eighty nine achieving an overall value of high or outstanding. Most
of the highest valued aspect areas are found in the Cambrian Mountains (see Figure I4)
(Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).
Figure I4 LANDMAP Geological Landscape
Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper Landscape Submission Version 2011
The Habitat Landscapes layer shows out of the one hundred and thirteen aspect areas, 23 are
given an overall value of low, these mainly correspond with large areas of improved grassland
in the south of the county as well as relatively urbanised areas such as Cardigan and Lampeter.
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Aberystwyth has an overall value of moderate. Forty eight of the aspect areas have achieved an
overall value of high or outstanding, with the most valued by and large corresponding with areas
already protected by national or international legislation. Again the Cambrian Mountains claim
the bulk of these areas (see Figure I5 (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper –
Landscape, Submission Version 2011).
Figure I5 LANDMAP Landscape Habitats
Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper Landscape Submission Version 2011
The historic landscape performs particularly well, with two hundred and twenty one out of a total
of two hundred and fifty four achieving an overall value of high or outstanding. Only eleven
aspect areas have a overall value of low and these correspond with large areas commercial
coniferous forestry, mostly in the Cambrian Mountains (see Figure I6) (Ceredigion Local
Development Plan Topic Paper – Landscape, Submission Version 2011).
With the exception of two small aspect areas (Y Borth and Llanrhystud, which each achieve a
moderate overall value) the whole county is given an overall value of high or outstanding on the
cultural landscape layer (see Figure I7) (Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper –
Landscape, Submission Version 2011).
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Figure I6 LANDMAP Historic Landscape
Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper Landscape Submission Version 2011
Figure I7 LANDMAP Cultural Landscape
Source: Ceredigion Local Development Plan Topic Paper Landscape Submission Version 2011
I3.3 Gwynedd
Gwynedd boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes throughout the whole of the UK and
has evolved over thousands of years. It has been created by the interaction of the natural
environment and human activities, in particular the combination of physical, biological and
cultural influences.
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The natural environment of Gwynedd is regarded at a national and international level as an
environment of the highest quality. It is a unique environment and varies considerably
throughout the county.
There are a myriad of habitats throughout the landscape reflecting the coastal character and
agricultural land use, and a number of these are of national value and importance.
Gwynedd’s natural environment is recognised as being of a very high quality. The underlying
quality of the Gwynedd landscape is reflected in the number of landscape, ecological and
historical designations relating to the area.
The county is characterised by its low lying areas of Llŷn and Eifionydd in the west and most
notably its mountainous highlands of Snowdonia in the east. The county covers 2,548 square
kilometres with 63% of that falling within Snowdonia National Park. Historically the region was
home to the Kingdom of Gwynedd, overcome in AD 1283, and to the present day remains a
centre for Welsh national identity.
A substantial part of the County, 174,200 ha, is designated as a National Park (Snowdonia),
15,500 ha (5.6%) as Llŷn AONB and 88 kilometres of the coastline as Heritage Coast. The
AONB designations, along with other important national and international locations are shown in
Figure I8. Figure I8 also shows the location of proposed Special Landscape Areas within
Gwynedd.
Much of the landscape associated with roads and railways within Gwynedd is already managed
and maintained. This is particularly so of the trunk road network.
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Figure I4 Location of proposed Special Landscape Areas in Gwynedd (Source Review of Special Landscape Areas in Gwynedd)
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I3.4 Evolution of the Baseline
It is expected that Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd will experience warmer annual
temperatures, wetter winters and drier summers. In addition to this the frequency of extreme
weather conditions is likely to increase. The change in weather conditions could have an impact
on the landscape and townscape of Mid Wales particularly through a potential increase in
congestion and disruption to transport infrastructure from extreme weather events.
The European Landscape Convention (2007) requires policies on the protection, management
and planning of landscapes to be integrated into planning policy. The key issues identified that
are likely to impact on the Mid Wales landscape include renewables such as new infrastructure.
Such development would need to be incorporated within the landscape in a sensitive manner
that has regard to local landscape designated areas, LCAs and conservation areas.
I4 Key Sustainability Issues and Opportunities
I4.1 Issues
Changes to transport infrastructure which alter traffic flows may negatively impact upon
natural landscapes and their special qualities.
Within Mid Wales there are pressures on rural character from commuter presence.
Mid Wales is home to many important landscape designations such as: the Snowdonia
National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park and AONBs.
I4.2 Opportunities
The JLTP should aim to support protection and enjoyment of the landscape and where
possible promote green infrastructure.
The JLTP should ensure that consideration of light pollution and tranquillity is taken into
account.
Careful consideration must be given when designing new transport schemes.
Opportunities should be sought where practical to preserve and enhance the landscape and
visual amenity of the county such as the avoidance of inappropriate development.
Maintain and enhance the quality and character of the landscape, including its contribution
to the setting and character of settlements.
The opportunity should be taken to expand accessibility to the wide range of natural
landscapes for people to enjoy – whilst ensuring they remain safeguarded
The JLTP should seek to improve / develop footpath and cycle links between town and
country that benefit the local landscape.
Careful consideration should be given when designing new infrastructure to ensure the
special qualities of National Parks, AONBs and Special Landscape Areas are preserved.
I5 Data Gaps and Uncertainties
Individual LANDMAP aspect layers for the whole of Gwynedd could not be obtained at the time
of preparing this report.