Part One of the Review of Energy Policy in Wales - Renewable Energy was issued for consultation by the Economic Development Committee (EDC) in April 2002. CPRW submitted an in-depth response to the consultation that accepted the need for a renewable energy target, but voiced its concern that many of the options canvassed by the EDC are not environmentally acceptable.

CPRW was disappointed that the overall Review did not start with what should be the most important aspect of any Energy Policy, demand rather than the supply. It is understood that energy demand will be addressed as the second part of the Review.

The focus of the consultation in the short term is to concentrate on wind power, and particularly on land-based projects, as a means of achieving certain targets. In its response, CPRW set out an alternative scenario, which reaches the UK target of 10% of electricity supply, but with significantly less emphasis on land based wind turbines.

CPRW was also disappointed that the Welsh Assembly Government's duty to promote sustainable development (Clause 121) was only referred to once within the whole document and it is questionable whether the Review of Energy Policy is based firmly and unequivocally within the Assembly's statutory duty under Clause 121.

It is important to note that it is the Economic Development Committee, and not the Welsh Assembly Government, that has undertaken the current review. The views of other committees within the Assembly must be considered and incorporated if a comprehensive Review of Energy Policy is to be developed, which should also address issues affecting land use and the environment, rather than being simply economically driven.

Although the Economic Development Committee issued this Review of Energy Policy, energy is a reserved power within the DTI and thus the primary role of the Assembly is to interpret and implement the overall UK policy. The DTI are currently consulting on key energy issues and copies of the consultation document are available from Head Office.

In May the formal decision letter was issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to proceed with the construction of the 50MW+ wind power station in the open uplands above Cwm Ystwyth (39 x 99.5m turbines). Despite huge efforts by CPRW involving hundreds of letters of protest and a joint letter from the National Trust, Ramblers' Association, Council for National Parks, Snowdonia Society as well as CPRW; despite lobbying in the House of Commons and the issue being raised in the House of Lords - despite all this - the decision to proceed without a Public Inquiry stood.

Immediately, CPRW called together a special meeting of its Renewable Energy Panel with outside advisors to consider whether the decision could be challenged through the courts. Further advice from QCs was sought and it became clear that, although there was general agreement that the decision, and the process leading up to it was flawed, the question remained whether the case was strong enough for CPRW, as a charity, to proceed.

The Human Rights dimension was something that many felt were the grounds for challenge - people being denied a legitimate expectation for their case to be heard before an independent and impartial tribunal.

CPRW looked at this very closely indeed and the Executive Committee, as Trustees of the Charity, met in two special sessions and felt that they wanted more information before making a final decision. This meeting was scheduled for July 6th.. However, during the week prior to the meeting, a member of the Cefn Croes Action Group, lodged a challenge in the High Court based on Human Rights.

In the event, it was decided that CPRW would await to see the outcome of the Cefn Croes Group challenge before making a decision, one way or the other, for the time being, but would look to see how it could actively support the Cefn Croes individuals.

This is how things stood as the Branch Bulletin went to press.

Details were given in Branch Bulletin No. 68 (September 2001) about the new 'Windworks' initiative that was to be developed by National Wind Power to assist farmers and land owners to submit planning applications for up to three wind turbines.

CPRW are now aware of at least two planning applications related to the 'Windworks' initiative, but many others may be waiting in the wings. CPRW are concerned about both of these applications and has been advising local opposition groups. Such is the strength of opposition to the Cefn Coed application in the Ceiriog Valley that around 500 people attended a meeting to discuss the proposal, addressed by Geoffrey Sinclair, CPRW's retained consultant.

We would be grateful if members could look out for 'Windworks' applications that may be submitted in their area, or indeed any other wind turbine station development, as we have no prior warning of applications before they are submitted and they may not necessarily be accompanied by an Environmental Statement. Please contact the office with details of any possible applications.

Grants to cover up to 50% of the total installation costs of solar electric power for offices, homes and schools throughout the UK were announced by the Government in March. The DTI funding will provide �20M over the next 3 years, which aims to provide a boost to the growing Photovoltaic Market and to demonstrate that there is enough sun in the UK for solar to actually work. There are a number of systems currently on the market and prices range from around �6,700 upwards, dependant on the type of system installed. For further details about the grant see www.est.org.uk.

In November 2001 the Welsh Assembly Government published Planning Policy Wales Technical Advice Note (TAN) 21: Waste. TAN 21 is welcomed by CPRW as a document that provides sound advice on waste related issues within the planning system. The advice note is based on the principles of sustainable waste management, the proximity principle, i.e. that waste should be treated and or disposed of as near to the source of origin as possible, aiming towards regional self-sufficiency. TAN 21 also confirms the National Government for Wales' subscription to the waste hierarchy of:

•  Reduction
•  Re-use
•  Recovery: composting & recycling
•  Recovery: energy from waste
•  Disposal.

Another important inclusion in TAN 21 is that local authorities should demonstrate that they have given consideration to the Best Practicable Environmental Option in decisions on planning applications for major waste management schemes in their development plan policies. Advice is also included on undertaking Health Impact Assessment as a means of assessing the impact of decisions on health, which will be of particular importance in the assessment of waste incinerator plants proposals. The proposed application for a waste incinerator plant at Wrexham will provide an opportunity to see how the good advice outlined in TAN 21 is translated into decisions.

Copies of TAN 21: Waste are available from the National Assembly, 02920 898688 www.wales.gov.uk

At the end of last year, CADW invited comments on proposals to encourage local planning authorities to apply for the power to deal with more applications for listed building consent related to Grade II (unstarred) buildings without reference to the Assembly Government.

The following categories of buildings and work are excluded from delegation:

•  Applications to carry out work internally and externally to buildings in receipt of grant aid under S4 of the 1953 Act or S77 of the 1990 Act, or where an application for grant under these sections has been made, although not yet decided;
  
  
•  Applications that involve demolition to the exterior of the building;
  
  
•  Applications from Local Authorities for listed building consent submitted under S12 of the 1990 Act.

In its response to the consultation paper, CPRW recognised the need for an effective process to deal with applications for consent and the benefit of those decisions being made locally. However, it also outlined a number of concerns regarding the proposed changes that included:

•  personnel and resource implications
•  long term monitoring
•  public consultation

The proposals to delegate listed building consent for Grade II (unstarred) buildings to Local Authorities has been strengthened following consultation to:

• include an audit of Local Authorities' capability to deal with the revised system, which aims to ensure that they have enough resources to support the programme, and
  
• a long term monitoring programme by CADW of local authorities that have been successful in securing delegation.

There is no current intention to consult stakeholders in the assessment of the ability of Local Authorities to deal with the delegation of Grand II (unstared) Listed Building Consent or in the long term monitoring of the effectiveness of the scheme.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)- new guidance for local authorites.

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) has launched new guidance to help local authorities draw up management plans to look after AONBs. There are 5 AONBs in Wales: Anglesey, Lln, Clwydian Range, Gower and the Wye Valley - an area of nearly 850km�. The new guidelines will ensure that local communities, landowners, statutory agencies and the government are all aware of the special qualities of the AONBs. The guidelines specify that:

• An assessment of the state of the AONB be carried out;
  
  
• A vision for its future and a strategy that will help 
  achieve that goal be set up;
  
  
• An action plan to develop the management plan;
  
  
• Followed by a full review of the management plan.

Carole Thornley, CCW's Protected Landscapes Officer commented; ' One key challenge identified by the Assembly is sustainable development - these plans will have to try and integrate economic, social and environmental interests that will protect and improve the environment.' Further information can be had by contacting the Enquiry Line on 0845 130 6229

Trunk Road Forward Programme

The National Assembly for Wales has published the Trunk Road Forward Programme 2002, outlining the programme of maintenance and improvements to the trunk road network in Wales. It seeks to improve access

Copies can be obtained from:

Transport Directorate
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Tel: 029 2082 5969 Fax: 029 2082 6306 e-mail: alan.powell@wales.gsi.gov.uk

The Fridge Mountain

Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation

'Domestic freezers and refrigerators account for 36% of all energy consumed by electricity appliances in the UK- and account for 2% of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions and over 62 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually'. (The Ecologist May 2002 Vol.32. No.4) Up until January 2002, a colossal 3.2 million refrigerators and freezers were being landfilled each year in the UK, containing 2,000 tonnes of CFCs or HCFCs.

From 1st January 2002, the insulation foam found in fridges and freezers has had to be removed prior to scrapping or re-cycling. To prevent the release of clorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or HCFCs into the environment, the EU published a Directive in 1998, four years ago, stipulating that CFCs and HCFCs had to be removed from refrigeration units before recycling or being sent to landfill. Confusion and uncertainty over the Directive had prevented the UK Government from setting up specific CFC reclamation plants. The subsequent lack of CFC/HCFC reclamation facilities has caused a growing mountain of fridges and freezers and currently the only plant in Wales capable of extracting CFC/HCFC is the Simsmetal plant in Newport, which will be able to process 400,000 units a year at full capacity.

The Government has had to provide �6 million to cope with the additional costs incurred in storing the fridge mountain, until proper recycling facilities are introduced later in 2002.

What can we do to reduce the fridge mountain and be more energy efficient?

•  Hold onto your old fridge until you really have to change it, don't be manipulated by consumerist trends! Then, when you do have to dispose of your fridge/freezer ensure your disposal site/agency is licensed.
  
  
•  When you have to buy a new appliance, buy energy efficient appliances, which can use up to 70 % less energy. Most models have energy - consumption rating ranging from A- the most energy efficient to the least efficient G rating. A useful web site that promotes the most energy efficient fridge-freezers on the market can be found at www.energy-plus.org
  
  
•  An excuse to do some dusting?- did you know that dust accumulating on the condenser coils can increase energy consumption by 30%
  
  
•  Fridge-saver plug. This clever device can sense when the compressor is not required to run at full power and can cut electricity consumption accordingly, it can reduce the energy used by over 20% and can give you a return of �140.00 over ten years. More information can be found at www.savawatt.com/savplug.htm
  
  
•  Keep an eye on the temperature of your fridge, use a thermometer to keep the temperature between 3-5 degrees centigrade.
  
  
•  Don't fill the fridge or freezer more than three quarters full, to allow for the circulation of cool air. Overfilling reduces efficiency and increases energy use.
  
  
•  Ozone friendly fridges are now available, they work on a mixture of propane and butane, which contains no CFCs, HFCs or HCFCs.

For further details see www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/icebox2.htm

New Aggregates Levy fund for Wales launched by Sue Essex A new �1.7 million fund aimed at reducing quarrying and the effects it has on local communities in Wales was launched by Sue Essex, Minister for Environment. The fund will encourage the use of recycled or secondary aggregates - such as sand, gravel and crushed rock, to reduce the amount of primary aggregates extracted. The Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund for Wales has been created to offset some of the environmental damage caused by quarrying in Wales. Communities within five miles of a quarry will be able to apply to the fund for environmental and amenity benefits.

Projects that conserve geological features that have been exposed, and the historic environments that have been created by the quarrying industry in Wales, will also be supported by the fund.

An interesting course has been set up at Emerson College. The college, based in East Sussex, is a centre for education, training and research dedicated to finding a sustainable relationship between peoples' community and the environment.

The Biodynamic Organic Agriculture course seeks to provide 'an opportunity for the next generation of farmers to learn to grow food to sustain our human future; to support sustainable agriculture with idealistic farmers who can put those ideals into practice; to train farmers who can work with the land and the landscape in a way that is healthy for us, wildlife and for the land itself.'

Forestry Commission's Bid to Stop the Tree 'Fella'

The Forestry Commission have issued a warning to landowners to be vigilant of a phantom tree 'fella' who has been illegally felling veteran oak trees in South and Mid Wales. In recent months, the so-called 'Phantom Tree Fella' has been combing the hedgerows and fields of Mid and South Wales, felling large veteran oak trees, some over 300 years old, and paying the landowners a fraction of the tree's worth. The 'Phantom Fella' may suggest to the owner that the tree is diseased or even claim to have the special licence required from the Forestry Commission to fell trees over a certain size. However, the owner remains liable and can face prosecution for the illegal felling, irrespective of who fells the tree. Landowners and tenants should be reminded that a special licence issued by the Forestry Commission is required for larger trees, even if the tree is not covered by a tree preservation order and is outside a conservation area. The Forestry Commission has issued a free booklet that explains the regulations governing tree felling 'Tree Felling - Getting Permission' available from local Forestry Commission Offices.

For enquiries relating to the felling of tree contact the local Forestry Commission Office or visit www.forestry.gov.uk

A classroom without walls or textbooks, lessons learned from mother nature - sounds idyllic! The Forest Schools Wales Association has already set up ten Forest Schools in Wales, to develop woodland projects which help broaden children's experiences and skills in a more fun and pragmatic approach. Supported by the Forestry Commission's Forest Education Initiative, it all links in nicely with the NAW's Woodlands for Wales strategy, to encourage the greater use of Wales' woodlands.

For further information contact hfox@groundworkcaerphilly.org

Forest Enterprise Wales' project, 'Forests in the Rural Community' is looking for real life stories to reveal the secret histories of Welsh woodlands, such as memories about abandoned quarries and mines and derelict farmhouses. Contact Caroline Earwood on 01691 671808

National Small Schools Week

'Small schools make an invaluable contribution to society' June 2002 saw the first ever National Small Schools Week. The event organised by the National Small Schools Forum the National Association of Small Schools and Human Scale Education was organised primarily to draw the attention of politicians, the media and the general public to the benefits and contribution to society a small school can provide. The aim was to get small schools involved in promoting the importance of the 'positive educational experience' they can provide. It has been proven, through the work of Janet Williams the secretary of CPRW's Wrexham Branch, that small schools are an invaluable asset to rural communities, both to the children and to other members of the community. The small schools in Janet's area were under threat of closure and only through a concerted effort were the Local Education Authority 'persuaded' to rethink their intentions.

The National Association for Small Schools can be contacted through:

Merfyn Benford, National Co-Ordinator, Cloudshill, High Street, Shutford, Banbury, OX15 6PQ

Tel. 01295 780225 e-mail:mbenford@bigfoot.com

New Access for Vehicles over Commons

The Open Spaces Society are dismayed at the Government plans to allow vehicular access over common land. Draft regulations have been laid before parliament that set out the procedures to enable property owners beside common land to obtain a legal right to drive over the common to their premises. The Open Spaces Society are concerned that the proposals will interfere with the rights of the commoners and the public, and that the inevitable increase in vehicular use will damage the commons. The new proposals will grant a statutory easement to property owners provided certain criteria apply and they pay the common-land owner a certain sum of money. The Open Spaces Society say that these driveways will destroy areas of common land that are unique, for their beauty, history, wildlife and opportunities for quiet enjoyment.

For further information contact the Open Spaces Society 01491 573535, www.oss.org.uk

A Prize for Poems with a Rural Theme

The Trewithen Poetry Prize is a competition that aims to encourage and promote the writing and reading of poetry with a rural theme and is seeking strong, well crafted work with a contempary approach that reflects, reports or comments on any aspect of nature, landscape, conservation or rural life in any country of the world. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2002. Application forms can be downloaded from the Trewithen Poetry Prize website, www.trewithenpoetry.co.uk.

For further information send a S.A.E. to Competition Secretary, Trewithen Poetry Prize, Chy-an-Dour, Trewithen Moor, Stithians, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 7DU. www.trewithenpoetry.co.uk

A New Organic Directory

The Soil Association has produced a new Organic Directory for 2002/03, which provides a comprehensive information for organic consumers which will help people to find local supplies, holiday accommodation, specialist restaurants and cafes in addition to eco-products, including toiletries, cosmetics and paints.

The directory, published by Green Books is priced �4.95 and can be ordered directly from the Soil Association, either by calling 0117 929 0661 or from the on-line shop at www.soilassociation.org.

The Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission have produced a state of the environment review. 'A Better Environment for Wales' provides an update on actions taken during 1999 and 2000 in response to key environmental issues outlined in the State of the Environment Report published in June 1999. 

Copies are available from the Countryside Council for Wales 01248 385500, Environment Agency Wales 0845 9333 111 and Forestry Commission Wales 01970 625 866.

Enclosed with this issue of the Branch Bulletin is an interesting leaflet from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, entitled Discovering Archaeology in the uplands of Wales. The leaflet gives a fascinating insight into the work of the Uplands Initiative, an archaeological survey which will target different areas of upland Wales every year. An update on the initiative can be accessed through their web site at www.rcahmw.org.uk/uplands/

CCW Enquiry Service

Have you got a query about environmental matters and are wondering who to contact?

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) has recently launched an Enquiry Service. The bilingual service aims to raise awareness of CCW's work and to promote interest in the environment. The service will offer information on National Nature Reserves, as well as current CCW policy, conservation and the Tir Gofal agricultural scheme. The Enquiry Unit can be contacted on 0845 1306 229 or via e-mail on enquiries@ccw.gov.uk

The Festival of the Countryside has recently undergone a revamp. 

The Countrywide (Wales/Cymru) magazine has now become the flagship magazine for the organisation. Following 15 years as a not-for-profit company they are now launching a trading company called 'Countrywise-supporting responsible tourism.' This reflects the range of activities the organisation is now involved in, including publishing books, producing videos, managing projects such as 'Kite Country' and providing training. The magazine also has a new 'Attractions' section dedicated to 'Food and Farming', which includes details of actual places where you can see food being grown or produced.

There is a Freephone number - 0800 085 6247 for information about events, or a web site at www.foc.org.uk

Trevor Dines has recently been appointed as the Plantlife Wales Officer, a post funded by the Laura Ashley Foundation and the Countryside Council for Wales.

The officer will be promoting the work of Plantlife through the Back from the Brink programme dealing with species recovery. The organisation is looking for Flora Guardians throughout Wales to assist in:

• Work Days - practical conservation tasks
• Survey Days - to monitor changes in plant populations at particular sites
• Adopting a Back from the Brink site - involving 5 visits a year to a site containing particular rare plants.
• Reserve Wardens - to visit a Plantlife Reserve approximately once a month.

Contact Trevor Dines, Plantlife Wales Officer for further information.

Tel: 01248 385445 e-mail: trevor.dines@plantlife.org.uk

The remaining dates for 2002 are:

24th September - Aberdyfi

12th November - Brecon

17th December - Bangor

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.

Meetings in 2002

The remaining meeting dates for 2002 are:

At the June 2002 Council Meeting, Ann West was elected to fill a vacancy on the Executive Committee.

The elections of the following took place at the AGM on 22nd June 2002:

Vice Chairman: Margaret Hunt

Members of Council: Jill Whipp and Michael Wynne Williams

The 400 club now has 237 members and has raised �4,130.

There are still vacancies in the Club and an application form is enclosed with this bulletin. You do not have to be a member to take part and you do not have to limit yourself to just one membership. If you do not wish to use the enclosed form yourself, then why not pass it on to a friend or colleague?

Could all Branch Treasurers please check that the words "Registered Charity" appear on the Branch cheques. If your bank will not print this for you, then please send the cheque book to Head Office and we will stamp it for you. We must ensure that this is done as it is a legal requirement.

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)

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 
Branch Bulletin Issue 71 August 2002