Wogaston, Pembrokeshire

 The National Assembly's Inspector, David Sheers, has dismissed the Appeal by the developer TXU Europe against the refusal, by Pembrokeshire County Council, to grant planning permission for three 74m (243ft) turbines. These turbines would have been larger than any yet built in Wales on the crest of the Angle peninsular at their closest 140m from the ridge road and boundary of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and within 1.5k of 18 residential properties.

CPRW was represented at the Public Inquiry in March by Geoff Sinclair who also gave three Proofs of Evidence covering landscape, visual impact and energy aspects and called as a witness the Chairman of the Friends of the National Park, Prof. John Ratcliffe. CPRW worked in tandem with a local objectors' group based on occupiers of potentially affected properties and other concerned local people. The County Council was represented by a barrister who called professional landscape and planning witnesses and an officer of the Park.

The Inspector found that the main issue was "whether or not the environmental effects of the proposed development, on the character and appearance of the landscape, including that of the National Park, and on the visual and residential amenities of the area, are such as to outweigh the need for the development of a renewable energy scheme on this site". Clearly he felt that they did not.

Jordanston, Pembrokeshire

This appeal has also been dismissed but in different circumstances. Again it was an appeal against refusal of permission by Pembrokeshire County Council but in this larger case the National Assembly made the final decision agreeing with the Inspector's recommendations. At the Public Inquiry, which was held in November last year, CPRW led a coalition of objectors and was represented by John Campbell QC . Our chief witness was Geoff Sinclair who covered landscape, visual impact and energy aspects. CPRW worked in tandem with the Council for National Parks and the local objectors' group JAWS (Jordanston Against the Windpower Station).

This proposal by National Wind Power (NWP) was for 17 turbines with a height of 60m. Following the decision, CPRW's Director Merfyn Williams issued the following statement:

"This is a significant victory, and the second dismissal of a wind power appeal in Pembrokeshire inside a month. The Inspector agreed with the local objectors that the impact on their amenity and the landscape of the National Park was unacceptably high in relation to the benefits which could be obtained elsewhere. The decision justifies CPRW's long-held view - supported by Pembrokeshire's MPs and AMs - that the finest landscapes in rural Wales should not be 'cherry-picked' by developers just because they may have higher than average wind speeds. It sends out a message that we should be looking to offshore locations for wind power, and developing other forms of renewable energy."

Following the Public Inquiry, members of JAWS, who wished to thank CPRW for its work by raising funds for the organisation, kindly organised a raffle with a splendid selection of paintings donated by local artists as the prizes. Despite the disruption to events caused by the Foot and Mouth crisis, a magnificent £2,300 has been raised by this to offset some of the costs incurred.

Tir Mostyn / Foel Goch, Denbighshire

The National Assembly called-in this application (25 x 75m turbines) for their own determination following Denbighshire Council approving it, against officers' recommendations, in November last year. The Public Inquiry is due to start in December and CPRW will be represented by John Campbell QC, assisted by Geoff Sinclair. Our evidence is currently being prepared and will include contributions from a coalition of objectors who currently are the local residents' group (DART), The Ramblers' Association, The National Trust, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Offa's Dyke Association, British Horse Society, the Joint AONB Advisory Committee and the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre.

Cefn Croes, Ceredigion (see Branch Bulletin 67)

We understand that the National Assembly is now preparing a report for the DTI and CPRW has been lobbying for them to recommend that a Public Inquiry be held which would have automatically happened if the Council had voted to recommend refusal. CPRW's President, Roger Jones, has written to the DTI Energy Minister and to Sue Essex, the Assembly Minister urging that a Public Inquiry be held.

Pen y Maen, Ceredigion

NWP has abandoned this 39MW scheme above Tregaron, citing likely objections from the MoD. Meanwhile there are persistent rumours of a much larger proposal above Strata Florida by an (as yet) unknown developer.

In August, NWP appeared to change emphasis by announcing a new scheme, 'Windworks', which was controversially launched by the Energy Minister, Brian Wilson. NWP will carry out all the work of commissioning and erecting a cluster of typically 3 turbines if the farmer or landowner has secured planning permission.

Although defined as 'small schemes', when those turbines can be 75 - 100 metres to the top of the blade, they can hardly be classed as 'small' especially when they are sited on the hills and ridges of Wales. This could lead to 'turbine sprawl' in the countryside equivalent to the urban sprawl of the late 1920s that stimulated the establishment of our sister organisation and ourselves whose lobbying helped to establish the Land Use Planning System in Britain.

CPRW continues to contribute to the revision of Technical Advice Note 8, and relevant sections of Planning Policy Wales. We have been invited to take part in a conference on October 5th designed to, hopefully, develop a more acceptable renewable energy policy for Wales.

CPRW is planning an Awareness Day to discuss the proliferation of planning applications for telecommunications masts. An expert in the field will explain recent and future developments in this rapidly expanding industry. The event will take place in the autumn in Cwm Bran. The meeting will be open to other interested bodies and it is hoped it will attract representatives from local authorities.

 Anyone interested in attending should contact Helen Mrowiec at Head Office and if you can suggest issues to be discussed, that would be appreciated.

"The Environment is fundamental to prosperity in Wales." This is the principal finding of a recent report, 'Valuing our Environment - the Economic Impact of the Environment of Wales', which was commissioned by a partnership comprising The National Trust in Wales, Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales, RSPB Cymru, Heritage Lottery Fund, Wales Tourist Board and the Welsh Development Agency.

A few facts from the report:

• £6bn GDP is directly dependent on the environment.
  
• The management of the environment and its sustainable use, contribute around £1.8bn in wages in Wales, and account for 1 in 6 jobs

• Over £6bn of business turnover in Wales, associated with over 117,000 jobs and £1.2bn of wage incomes, can be directly attributed to the management and use of the Welsh environment.

The full report can be viewed at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The new Directive on end of life vehicles (ELVs), which has recently become law in Europe, will have a profound influence on the future treatment of scrap automobiles and on how cars will be designed, assembled, sold and maintained.

The purpose of the Directive is to harmonise recycling of old cars in Europe as a whole. Across the fifteen countries of the European Union 17 - 18 million cars are sold annually. It is estimated that the number of ELVs in Europe will rise from eight million in 1997 to more than 12 million by 2015. The Directive stipulates that no later than January 1, 2005 for all ELVs, re-use and recovery must be increased to a minimum of 85% by weight per vehicle, rising to 95% in 2015. Re-use and recycling is to be increased to a minimum of 80% by weight per vehicle by 2005 rising to 85% by 2015. 

Further details and the implications of the Directive cab be found in the latest issue of Warmer Bulletin, a copy of which will be sent, on request.

CPRW's Transport Working Group has been reconvened to input ideas into the strategic development of Transport Policy in Wales. As part of the study, the group aims to identify key transport issues in Wales and possible solutions. The group would like to gather together examples of good practice in sustainable transport projects that could be adopted in Wales.

If you know of any such project or scheme, please send the details to Helen Mrowiec at Head Office.

Dr Des Turner MP has written to CPRW asking its members to support his Private Members Bill which, if successful, will "make further provision about conservation; make further provision about the eradication of fuel poverty; and provide for the establishment of a registration and licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation".

The Bill builds on the Warm homes Act and earlier Home Energy Conservation Act and has been drawn up by the All-Party Parliamentary Warm Homes Group together with the Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE).

Mr Turner asks that CPRW members:

• Urge Ministers to support his Bill - Please write to Lord Falconer at the House of Lords, London SW1A OPW and Michael Meacher at the House of Commons, London SW1A OAA.
  
• Write to their local MP asking her/him to support the Bill by being in the House of Commons on Friday 30th November when he needs to have 100 supporters present.
• Ask any colleagues and/or friends to do the same.

A full text of the Bill and further details about this campaign can be found in the latest issue of 'The Fifth Fuel' the newsletter of ACE available by telephoning 020 7359 8000.

Cydcoed (Woods for All) is a £4.5 million grant programme to help communities in the European Objective 1 areas of West Wales and the South Wales Valleys plant 12 new woods and improve 75 existing woods by December 2003.

Cydcoed will provide help and funding for community groups so that they can:

* Improve woods to promote healthy recreation, education and nature conservation

* Develop ecologically and economically sustainable commercial activities based on woodland

* Develop their own wooded green spaces.

Further details and an explanatory leaflet can be obtained from Tir Coed, PO Box 73, Aberystwyth SY23 2WZ, cydcoed@tircoed.org.uk

The Tree Council is designating the second Sunday in October as Seed Gathering Sunday, a time to encourage the collection of seed to grow the new trees of the future. This follows on from the successful use of this idea as a key part of the Trees of Time and Place Campaign. The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (Another ACE!) are to sponsor the event for the next three years. This ACE is an international group of companies that make paperboard and cartons and strive to protect the environment.

Further details can be obtained from Head Office or visiting the Tree Council's website www.treecouncil.org.uk and to get you started you will find enclosed with this bulletin a free seed gathering carton printed with advice on successful seed growing.

Gwynedd Council Planning and Economic Development Department operates a nursery at Glynllifon near Caernarfon whose aim is to grow and promote the use of local provenance stock. The Glynllifon nursery can supply native stock, offer training and can grow trees and shrubs from seed collected from a specific site for later return. These services are provided to farmers, landowners, conservation and environmental bodies, community groups and schools. Training days and produce information for those interested in growing trees and shrubs from locally collected seed will take place on October 18th , 23rd and 25th and on November 1st .

Further details from Geraint Jones Tel/Fax 01286 831061
 E. Mail geraintjones@gwynedd.gov.uk

The Great Nut Hunt is the largest national survey of its kind in Europe and the results will help conservationists develop a plan to save the dormouse - one of Britain's rarest animals - from extinction. The survey will run to March 2002 and all participants will receive a fact filled information pack and free magnifying lens to help find and identify dormouse-nibbled nuts.

To take part contact The Great Nut Hunt c/o Catrin Gwyn CCW Plas Penrhos, Ffordd Penrhos Bangor LL57 2LQ, phone her on 01248 385500 or register on-line www.greatnuthunt.org.uk

This scheme, run by Wales Council for Voluntary Action, and supported by the Baring Foundation, aims to help small community groups to increase their skills, knowledge and confidence by networking with other groups and learning from each others' ideas and experience.

Four kinds of activities are eligible for support from the scheme:

* Exchange visits to other projects and areas

* Hospitality funds to host visits from other groups

* Networking with other groups and projects

* Mentoring

Grants will normally be for up to £250 per community group, with £500 for networking projects. There are no deadlines for applications and the scheme is expected to finish in June 2002.

For an application pack, contact Rhia Smith, WCVA, Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FH Tel. 029 2043 1750 E.Mail rsmith@wcva.co.uk

The pilot stage of a community initiative that could pave the way for a £10 million investment in 500 communities throughout Wales was launched this month.

The Balchder Bro Initiative, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and managed by the Countryside Council for Wales and Wales Council for Voluntary Action is to run a pilot scheme over the next 18 months. Lessons learnt will help refine the scheme before a further application is made to the HLF for a £10 million grants programme that will be offered to communities throughout Wales.

Nine pilot projects, worth £18,000 each, will be based in the following areas: * Swansea * Upper Towi Valley (around Llandovery) * Dee Valley between Llandrillo (east of Bala) and Chirk.

Community groups and individuals that represent local groups in these areas are now being encouraged to come up with innovative and practical schemes that will leave a lasting impression on the quality of local life.

The National Assembly's priorities on promoting sustainable development, combatting social exclusion ensuring equal opportunities will be at the heart of the Balchder Bro selection process.

Mel ab Owain, the WCVA Balchder Bro project officer said:

"We are looking for practical projects which bring real community benefits across a wide range of issues. They may bring about improvements to local services, the environment, educational opportunities or any other good idea that has tangible benefits to the many varied groups that make up Welsh communities. It is important that people look at what is distinctive and special about their community and try to build on that."

Ideas for the pilot projects should be sent to Mel ab Owain, (Tel. 01492 539800) by January 2002. The projects will run until the spring of 2003 before hopefully being offered throughout Wales in the summer of 2003.

In small villages, the shop and post office is often the centre of social activity, alongside the church, school and pub, if you're lucky.

Shops are closing though for a variety of reasons. Often, it's only when it's gone, do local people sit up and realise how much they have depended upon it, most of all those who are constrained by lack of transport - the elderly, young parents and teenagers - those least able to help themselves.

VIRSA (Village Retail Services Association) Educational Trust is at hand to help those communities in England and Wales whose facilities are under threat. Contact them at The Little Keep, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1SQ Tel. 01305 259383 E.Mail virsa@ruralnet.org.uk or visit their website www.virsa.org

The Post Office in Wales has an officer dedicated to helping to save rural post offices from closure. She is Joy Passmore, Rural Transfer Advisor and can be contacted at Consignia, Archway House, 77 Ty Glas Avenue, Llanishen, Cardiff Tel. 02920393626
 joy.passmore@postoffice.co.uk

Please note that there have been changes since the last Branch Bulletin. The remaining meetings in 2001 are:

10th October 2001 Swansea

12th December 2001 Bala

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. Tel: 01248 385629 Fax:01248 385506 E-Mail: b.roberts@ccw.gov.uk You can request papers from selected agenda items in advance on 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.

In a break with the tradition of asking a well known artist to allow their work to be reproduced, the 2001 Christmas card is by a 19 year old engineering student, John Calveley Evans and is a reproduction of his water colour 'Moel Famau'. An order form and card catalog is available online.

CPRW purchased this painting and now plans to sell it to the highest bidder. If you would like to own this painting, send your offer, in writing, to CPRW Head Office by the end of 2001. CPRW will give student John the difference between what it paid and what the painting sells for.

Moel Famau lies within a Country Park, managed by Denbighshire County Council and is visited by many thousands of people every year. It forms part of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Meetings of the Executive Committee take place on the last Saturday in January, the 2nd Saturdays in May and September and the 1st Saturday in November.

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 remaining meeting dates for 2001 will be:

Executive Committee: Council: 3rd November 17th November.

At the November 2001 Council meeting, there will be 5 vacancies on the Executive Committee 3 x three year terms, 1x two year term and 1 x one year term.

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 19th October 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.

Nominations so far received:

Ivor Russell will stand for re-election and Michael Skuse for election.

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.

A reminder please to let Head Office have copies of the Agendas and Minutes of the Branch Committees. It is important that members the Executive Committee (as the Charity Trustees) can see these at any time so that they are fully aware of the work of the whole organisation.

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