Concern on Creation of National Park
Updated July 2025
The Welsh Government has outlined plans in its 2021-2026 Programme for Government to designate a new National Park in north-east Wales, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. If established, it would be Wales’ fourth National Park and the first since 1957. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is leading the evaluation process.
An initial Area of Search was shared in 2023. Public feedback was sought, and adjustments were made. The last consultation on the refined Candidate Area map ran from October to December 2024.
I was at the packed public meeting in Llanrhaeadr YM Village Hall last year, attended by over 250 people, and made my stance clear. Since the conception of the proposals, I have not been convinced that Montgomeryshire would benefit. Changes could adversely affect farm diversification efforts, limiting opportunities for rural businesses who are already under pressure. The overarching issue for me is that, despite a whole range of concerns and questions, no adequate assurances have been provided, and I remain opposed to the proposals.
The meeting the year, chaired by Alun Elidyr, farmer and S4C presenter, highlighted significant local opposition to the proposals to include parts of North Powys within the new National Park boundaries.
The overwhelming message from those that attended the meeting was clear: the proposals to create a fourth National Park in Wales, to include a large area of North Powys, are not welcome.
However, since the meeting there is now also a proposal for a windfarm development, Mynydd Mawr, within some of this designated area. There have been discussions around whether large windfarm developments can be built within a National Park.
I have examined all relevant planning policy around this matter, and my view and understanding is that Windfarm developments above 10 megawatts in size cannot take place in a National Park area according to Welsh Government Planning Policy. If the area for a windfarm development was outside the National Park but could be seen from the Park this is not as clear.
The timing is quite important for both projects. I have asked about the designation of the National Park, a decision will be made ahead of May next year, but this does not mean the National Park itself will come into being at that point, that would be later. Therefore, what is important is the timeline of both projects. A windfarm could be granted permission or be built, and a National Park could come into being in an area that includes a windfarm at later date. There is therefore the potential to have a large windfarm in a National Park, if the Planning permission was given before the park came into being.
There is still some way to go on these issues, but clearly the timings of both when the National Park would come into being (if the designation is confirmed) is still unknown.