In a Ministerial Statement given at a Plenary Session of the Assembly on 26th November, Sue Essex AM, Planning Minister, gave a very clear account of the results of the extensive consultations on a reformed system of Land Use Planning that has taken place during 2002 (see Rural Wales articles 'The Planning Reformation and Henry VIII' (Spring 2002) and 'Wales' Russian Dolls' (Summer 2002).

In the statement she points to the way that changes should take place over a period of at least five years with some requiring primary legislation (Westminster), some secondary legislation (Assembly) and some additional national guidance (Assembly).

This is a very ambitious programme that will have to cross many hurdles, such as elections at different levels and resource allocation under any particular regime. It is to be welcomed as a bold assertion from one part of the Assembly, at least, of mapping a way forward for Wales over a longer term further than the next election!

There are many details in the Statement and copies will be sent to Branch Secretaries and to others, on request.

The proposals are grouped under three main categories:

• Policies and Plans including the Wales Spatial Plan, national guidance and local land use plans - "to make these more integrated, strategic and inclusive"
• Decision Making and Development Control - improve efficiency and quality
• Resources - assess what is needed to bring about change.

Policies and Plans (selected proposals):
* Wales Spatial Plan to be developed and made statutory (as opposed to advisory)

* Local Development Plans (LDPs) - these will replace UDPs

* Look to integrate Planning Policy and Minerals Policy

* Annual report from local authorities monitoring their development plan and decision making

* Land Use Planning Forum - to be continued and developed.

Decision Making process: (many proposals here but these are some of the more significant ones)

* LAs to be able to refuse repeat planning applications and ones that are similar

* LAs required to give clear reasons for going against officer recommendation

* Find more effective means of scrutinising applications where LAs have an interest

* Major Infrastructure Projects - all subject to decision by the National Assembly.

Many general improvements to make the whole process work more smoothly including increasing use of -e-business systems and more opportunity for stakeholders to address planning committee. Also, of direct relevance to CPRW, there will be "further help [for] individuals and community groups to develop planning advocacy skills".

In addition to the above, there are a raft of new proposals for improving the process of creating a development plan.

A very significant move will be greater clarity in public participation: "Community involvement (participation and engagement rather than simply publicity)." LPAs will have to prepare a statement of community involvement (SCI) to say exactly how they will involve the local people in their development plan preparation.

There is much emphasis on the partnership between local government and the Assembly in the delivery of planning and before the LDP process begins there will be a 'delivery agreement' in place mapping out the process and its timing.

CPRW commentary:

This is a very ambitious and bold statement, which CPRW very much welcomes. It will mean a great deal of work for the organisation in the foreseeable future but it something that we can embrace.

It is not the definitive word by any means but it is certainly a very significant step towards a better, fairer and more transparent planning system - something which CPRW has campaigned on throughout its history.

The Welsh Assembly Government has released the final version of its new Technical Advice Note on Design, TAN 12. To be read in conjunction with Planning Policy Wales, its aim is to give detailed advice on how good design can be facilitated "in all development at every scale" in Wales within the planning system.

TAN12 will be circulated to all those holding the Branch Planning Files or can be obtained, free of charge, from the Assembly's Publications Centre, Pierhead Street, Cardiff CF99 1NA or can be downloaded from the planning section of the Assembly web site www.wales.gov.uk

The results of some important research studies can now be found on the Assembly website. Of special note is a study of second and holiday homes and the planning system.

Given the keenness of some councils to prevent new house building unless homes are for "local people", the conclusions of the report are significant. Rising house prices are seen as the consequence of a combination of factors, including weak economies and social exclusion. Permanent migration, the lack of social housing, and community development need to be prioritised, rather than restrictive housing prices. 'Second and holiday homes and the planning system' was researched by the Bartlett School of Planning at the University of London. The report can be downloaded from the planning section of www.wales.gov.uk

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) refers in Chapter 12 (Infrastructure and Services) to the fact that the Economic Development Committee (EDC) "is undertaking a review of energy in Wales. The review will explore the long-term scenarios for (non-transport) energy production"...."The targets which emerge from this review will form part of the Assembly Government's commitment to the delivery of the climate change obligations and inform future planning policy." (12.8.5)

The EDC decided to conduct its review in three parts - Part 1, Renewable Energy (RE): Part 2 Energy Efficiency; Part 3 Economic Drivers for Energy.

The procedure for the policy to emerge is as follows:

i. the EDC issues a Consultation Draft:

ii. a report of the consultation responses is submitted to the EDC

iii. a final draft is drawn up and agreed

iv. this is debated at Plenary

v. Minister considers the outcome of the debate (and may consult Cabinet Members)

vi. agreed document is then issued as WAG policy

In respect of Part 1 - Renewable Energy, we are now (November 2002) between stages iii. and iv.

The EDC decided to address RE because, as Christine Gwyther states in the accompanying letter to the Consultation Draft "because of the perceived urgency associated with planning issues".

The final EDC draft was discussed at the meeting on the 14th November; reference EDC 16 -02 (p.5)

The Introduction states:

"Wales has a potentially large renewable resource base and there are commercial and rural development opportunities associated with the development of several renewable technologies.

The whole thrust of the EDC's material is economic development, of course, but it pursues this so aggressively that social and environmental factors are barely considered. This is just as true for RE as it is with other subjects it addresses - in other words it deals with RE as it does with any other economic development i.e. it must happen ...at any cost?

Thus the Introduction goes on to say, how, in the context of RE, is, what may be termed, its naked economic ambition is going to be realised:

"In order to achieve this it is essential that the current barriers to development are addressed, in particular:

- a streamlining of the planning process;

- facilitating embedded generation;

- removing the current penalty applied to intermittent sources of electricity in the wholesale market;

-providing support for the development of local niches and industries.

A Briefing Note, confined to the two main areas of concern for CPRW - targets and the Planning System, has been prepared and will be sent, on request, to those wishing to lobby Assembly Members in time for the Plenary Debate currently scheduled for January 21st.

Cefn Croes, Ceredigion:

The Cefn Croes Group have been refused leave to proceed to a Judicial Review of the DTI decision to give approval to the 39 turbines at Cefn Croes in the Cambrian Mountains without the need for a Public Inquiry.

A revised Position Statement regarding other applications is attached.

Brian Wilson MP, the Minister for Energy and Construction has launched a consultation into the development of a Strategic Framework for the future of Offshore Wind Industry - 'Future Offshore'.

The consultation outlines how the off-shore renewables licensing process will be developed, current and proposed future arrangements, SEA proposals, timescales,

The new document proposes that:

* A strategic planning framework should be the basis for the expansion of the offshore wind industry.

* The immediate future of wind farm development should be focussed in three strategic zones which offer the best development potential-the Greater Wash, the Solway Firth down to North Wales and the Thames Estuary. This will not preclude other proposals, which should be notified as soon as possible.

* Strategic environment assessments (SEA's) of the three key areas will be made so that scale and location of development is environmentally responsible. This will be done before Crown Estate invite bids for the next round of site leases (expected in April 2003) and also before the European directive requires all member states to do so (July 2004)

* A new bidding process for wind farms should be introduced which will make the most efficient use of the sea-bed.

Copies of the consultation document can be received by telephoning the DTI Publications Orderline on 0870 1502 500 or on the DTI website at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/leg_and_reg/consents/future_offshore

Responses need to be submitted by the 18th of February 2002.

Rhydian Scurlock-Jones has started a volunteer placement with CPRW to undertake a review of wind turbine planning policies in Wales. The aim of the project is to collate existing and emerging policies in Unitary Development Plans and Supplementary Planning Guidance, leading to the development of a good practice guide.

A new handbook, 'Hedgerow Survey handbook - a standard procedure for local surveys in the UK' has been published by DEFRA. This standard procedure will make surveys of local hedgerows easier as it offers a consistent approach, which can be followed by everyone.

The handbook offers the opportunity for local hedge surveys to feed into the national picture of the status and condition of hedgerows. Whilst there is currently a fairly good picture of hedgerow change at UK level, this fails to identify local variations. A local survey could be useful for identifying locally distinctive hedgerows or hedgerows which fall under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, as well as provide information for landscape restoration strategies, landscape appraisals, habitat mapping or environmental impact assessment.

The handbook also contains details of potential sources of finance. To get the ball rolling, DEFRA has set aside �25,000 this year to fund hedgerow surveys throughout the uK. CCW also has funding available for surveys in Wales.

To receive a copy of the handbook contact DEFRA, Conservation Management Division, Area 4D, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3RJ or email farmland.conservation@defra.gsi.gov.uk

For further information about possible funding contact Clare Burrows (CCW) on 01248 385500 or DEFRA on 020 7238 5662/7 or on the e-mail address above.

Neighbours in dispute over garden hedges can now get advice from a new free leaflet published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

High hedges can block out sunlight, obstruct views and even cause damage. But the Regeneration Minister in London said: "People should try and settle their disagreements amicably before it gets to a point where councils or the courts need to intervene."

The leaflet 'Over the Garden Hedge' aims to advise people through all stages, from making the first move and talking to their neighbour through to finding the right answer and putting it into practice.

For a free copy of the leaflet, call 0870 1226236 

The Welsh Consumer Council has published a report 'Waste Not Want Not: Recycling and Welsh Consumer' which contains the results of primary research into public attitudes to recycling and examines ways of improving recycling performance among local authorities and consumers in Wales.

The Welsh Consumer Council has added its voice to the growing call on the UK Government for a Recycling Bill that would provide every household with a kerbside collection service for recyclable waste. Their research into consumer attitudes has shown that any substantial increase in recycling rates will have to involve the comprehensive provision of kerbside collection schemes. More than eight in ten people (84%) are keen to utilise such a scheme. Recycling is increasingly being seen as a duty of every good citizen but this research has revealed that a number of groups, such as the elderly and those without access to private transport, have difficulty reaching recycling facilities and cannot contribute unless they are served by a kerbside scheme.

For a copy of the report Tel. WCC 029 2025 5454  or see www.wales-consumer.org.uk

The International Ranger Federation Consultancy are undertaking a study for the Countryside Council for Wales to identify and catalogue the best practice in warden and ranger services in Wales and bench mark this against other good systems of warden and ranger management. The study will collate this information and provide an informed and supportive strategy for the future. If you would like to contribute information regarding the role of wardens / rangers within the countryside management industry please contact the office for a copy of the study aims and contact details.

Go into a restaurant in Wales and order oysters and you can be almost sure that they won't be native ones on your plate. The days when the Welsh oyster industry employed hundreds and fed thousands more in coastal towns are over. Over-fishing, pollution and poor reproduction has brought about a devastating decline in Wales' oyster population.

To start tackling the problem, divers for the Countryside Council for Wales have been surveying the only known remaining oyster beds in Wales - in Swansea Bay and Pembrokeshire. Aethne Cooke, the CCW Marine Biologist leading the oyster survey work commented: "By finding out more about the oysters we will improve our understanding of the status of native oyster stocks in Wales. This, in turn, will enable us to provide scientific advice for the future management of the remaining stocks."

Aethne continued: "The native oyster has been selected by the National Assembly and UK Government as a priority species for biodiversity action. This project is part of a UK-wide drive to conserve and enhance rare and threatened wildlife through a process called Biodiversity Action Planning."

For further information contact Aethne Cooke on 01437 771300 or 07876 398912

Environment Agency Wales is pleased that all designated European bathing waters in Wales have complied with the European Directive on Bathing Waters for the first time. This 100% record of compliance with the mandatory standards has also been accompanied by improved compliance with the tighter European Guideline standards, again reaching a record 82.7% during 2002.

All of the 75 Welsh bathing waters tested by the Agency met the mandatory bacterial standards and 62 out of the 75 met the guideline standards set out in the European Commission Bathing Water Directive.

Continued investment through Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water's investment programme and further pollution prevention work by the Agency, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, aim to achieve continued compliance with the Directive and maintain and, hopefully, improve compliance with the tighter Guideline standards.

Environment Minister, Sue Essex AM, has re-assured residents in the Usk Valley that the Welsh Assembly Government has no plans to promote sand or gravel quarrying in the Usk Valley - or in any part of Wales. (See Branch Bulletin 72)

Speaking at a face-to-face meeting with residents in November, Ms Essex said:

"I appreciate there is widespread concern in the Usk valley that the Assembly is promoting quarrying, but I can reassure residents that we are not encouraging any sand or gravel extraction in the area.

"What we are doing is merely identifying areas rich in sand and aggregate resources and we have told local authorities not to sterilise those areas through development."

The national volunteering charity CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is encouraging community and youth groups to get involved with Whitbread Action Earth in the new year, with hundreds of �50 grants available for local environmental projects. An annual national environmental campaign, Whitbread Action Earth starts on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December) and runs through to Tuesday 30 April. To receive one of the grants, which are to meet expenses including materials, seed or even hot soup for cold tired volunteers, projects must:

* Improve the local environment

* Involve volunteers

* Meet a local community need

For projects initiated and led by young people aged 16-25, there are ten grants of �100 available for those who register their projects early.

Examples of projects completed last year include:

* Planting up a wildlife area in a local school �

* Erecting bird/bat/hedgehog boxes in a nearby wood

* Cleaning up a local beach (with the grant being used to buy heavyweight gloves and rubbish sacks)

* Clearing and erecting signs on a local footpath.

CPRW Branches have in the past been involved in the planting of trees to improve the landscaping of an area and the cleaning up of areas blighted by rubbish. If you would like to receive a �50 grant towards work that will improve the environment, contact CSV Environment on Tel: 0121 328 7455 or go to the website www.csvenvironmnet.org.uk to get more information or to register a project.

The Adfywio grant scheme, set up by the Welsh Assembly Government, to revive rural tourism in the wake of the Foot and Mouth crisis, is attracting an excellent response from businesses and environmental groups. Over thirty projects throughout Wales have already received funding from Adfywio to finance schemes that integrate tourism, outdoor leisure and environment.

The projects include:

* Improving the historic environment of the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct, near Wrexham

* Helping a community group develop horse-riding trails in the Dyfnant and Vyrnwy area of north Powys

* Funding events and activities that will attract visitors to woodlands throughout Wales

* A painting competition on the Llyn Penninsula.

Many more businesses and environmental groups are set to benefit as Adfywio is expected to support over 145 projects. A new website www.adfywio.org.uk has been created to help more people decide whether their projects fit the bill or you can call 0845 602 4604 for an information pack.

The remaining meeting in 2002 will be in Bangor on 17th December.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and the meetings are expected to last just over 2 hours. After the close of each meeting and following a short break, the Chairman, Chief Executive and Senior Officers will be available to answer questions on agenda items discussed.

Copies of the agenda are available a week before each scheduled meeting and can be obtained from CCW Head Office on 01248 385629, Fax 01248 385506 e-mail b.roberts@ccw.gov.uk . You can request papers from selected agenda items in advance on the condition that they are kept confidential until the meeting. Please let CCW know if you will be attending in order that they may make the necessary seating arrangements and have an adequate supply of the papers.

Council, at its meeting in November, appointed Michael Griffith CBE DL as CPRW's President, to fill the vacancy created by Roger Jones' resignation following his appointment as Chairman of the Welsh Development Agency. Michael Griffith, former Chairman of the Countryside Council for Wales, will stand for election at the AGM in June 2003.

At the same Council meeting, Dr J.B. Hughes was re-elected to the Executive Committee for a three-year term.

Membership of the Executive Committee is now as follows:

President elect: Michael Griffith CBE DL 

Chairman: Morlais Owens (2001)

Vice-Chairmen: Eleanor James (2001)

Margaret Hunt (2002)

Treasurer: John Edwards (2001)

Other members:

Retiring 2003: Alun John Richards (1998)

Robin Simpson (2001)

Arthur Thomasson (2001)

Retiring 2004: Ivor Russell (1998)

Michael Skuse (2001)

Jill Whipp (2001)

Retiring 2005: Dr J B Hughes (March 2002)

The date in brackets shows the year when first elected in current continuous term. An incumbent can stand for re-election unless they have served, in one post, a continuous term of six years.

Elections to fill the two vacancies can take place at the March meeting of Council . Candidates must be voting members of Council - a full list of members will be sent, on request. Nominations should be received at Head Office by 7th February 2003 and should include the name of the candidate, the proposer and seconder. It is the duty of the proposer to ensure that the candidate is willing to stand.

Membership of the Executive carries certain responsibilities, as the members are the CPRW Charity trustees. An explanatory leaflet will be sent to any member considering standing for election.

The formula for calculating the dates to Executive Committee meetings has changed and is as follows:

Meetings of Executive Committee take place on the 2nd Thursdays in February, May and September and the 1st Thursday in November.

The formula for calculating the dates of Council meetings remains unchanged:

Meetings of Council take place on the 2nd Saturday in March, the 4th Saturday in June (same day as the AGM) and the 3rd Saturday in November.

Therefore the meeting dates for 2003 will be:

Would you prefer to receive the Bulletin by e-mail? If so, then please send us a message (if you have not already done so).

The following is a letter published in the Western Mail on 22nd November:

"Due to my interest in lake monsters and sea serpents I am looking for people who have seen something unexplained at Bala Lake, Gwynedd.

This lake is reputed to be inhabited by a mysterious creature that is affectionately known as Teggie or Teggy and is commonly regarded as the Welsh equivalent of Nessie, the infamous inhabitant of Lock Ness.

So, if you have been at Bala Lake and have seen something for which you can't find an explanation, please let me know. Every sighting will be taken seriously. Christian Ganzeboer, 2371 KW Oegst Geest, The Netherlands"

The most amusing spoof reply received at Head Office by the end of the year, will receive a year's free membership of CPRW's 400 Club. The Assistant Director's decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into!

The office will be closed on Tuesday 24th December and will re-open on Monday 6th January. A Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2003 to all our readers!

CPRW, T Gwyn, 31 High Street, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7YD 
Tel: 01938 552525/556212 Fax: 01938 871552 
E mail: info@cprw.org.uk     web site: www.cprw.org.uk