North East Wales National Park Consultation Update
The consultations dates for the new national park in North East Wales have been released alongside the map. CLA Cymru would encourage our members affected to get involved and also answer our questionnaire.
The Welsh Government’s proposal to establish a new National Park in North East Wales is progressing, with the consultation period now open and set to run until 16th December 2024. This would mark Wales' fourth National Park, with potential areas encompassing parts of Denbighshire and Flintshire. As rural businesses, landowners, and communities are directly impacted by this proposal, CLA Cymru continues its commitment to ensure that the voices of our members are heard throughout this important process.
Key Details
- Consultation Opens: 7th October 2024
- Consultation Closes: 16th December 2024
- Consultation Document Access: Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space
- National Park Area Map and details: National Park Proposal Page
This consultation follows earlier feedback on the feasibility of the park, focusing on sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and rural land use. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is spearheading the consultation, which aims to shape the final decision on the park's designation. Stakeholder feedback will be crucial, particularly from those who live and work in rural communities affected by the proposal.
Upcoming Consultation Events
CLA Cymru urges all members to participate in the consultation by attending one of the public events organised across North Wales. These sessions provide an opportunity to voice concerns and gather information about how the proposed National Park may affect your livelihood. These consultation sessions provide an important platform for stakeholders to express their views, ensuring that the new National Park aligns with local economic needs while protecting the environment.
| Date | Time | Place | Event Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 10 October | 3pm – 7pm | Parkfields Community Centre, Ash Grove, Mold, CH7 1TB | Public Drop-in |
| Wednesday 16 October | 1pm – 7pm | Ceiriog Centre, New Rd, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen, LL20 7HE | Public Drop-in |
| Monday 21 October | 3pm – 7pm | Llanrhaeadr Village Hall, Back Chapel Street, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, SY10 0JY | Public Drop-in |
| Saturday 26 October | 10.30am – 4.30pm | Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Rd, Mold, CH7 5LH | Public Drop-in |
| Friday 8 November | 3pm – 7pm | Wrexham Memorial Hall, Bodhyfryd, Wrexham, LL12 7AG | Public Drop-in |
| Saturday 16 November | 10am – 4pm | Public Institute Committee, Park View/High St, Llanfyllin, SY22 5AA | Public Drop-in |
| Saturday 30 November | 10am – 4pm | Kings Hall Community Centre, Kings' Ave, Prestatyn, LL19 9AA | Public Drop-in |
| Tuesday 3 December | 3pm – 7pm | Cowshacc Centre, Berriew Street, Welshpool, SY21 7TE | Public Drop-in |
| Wednesday 4 December | 3pm – 7pm | Canolfan Ni, London Road, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 0DP | Public Drop-in |
| Wednesday 10 December | 3pm – 7pm | Llangollen Town Hall, Castle St, Llangollen, LL20 8NU | Public Drop-in |
| ONLINE TEAMS EVENTS: | |||
| Monday 14 October | 6pm – 7.30pm | Online (Microsoft Teams) | Public Online Event |
| Tuesday 12 November | 6pm – 7.30pm | Online (Microsoft Teams) | Public Online Event |
| Thursday 12 December | 6pm – 7.30pm | Online (Microsoft Teams) | Public Online Event |
For targeted groups, such as landowners, businesses, and agricultural stakeholders, several events are being held to address sector-specific concerns. These meetings offer a more focused discussion on issues relating to governance, land use, and planning.
| Date | Time | Target Audience | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday 7 October | 6pm – 7.30pm | Elected Members | Online (Microsoft Teams) |
| Thursday 24 October | 6pm – 7.30pm | Recreation and Access Groups | Online |
| Wednesday 6 November | 2pm – 3.30pm | Environment and Heritage Groups | Online |
| Monday 18 November | 2pm – 3.30pm | Renewable Energy Sector | Online |
| Wednesday 20 November | 3pm – 7pm | Agricultural Sector and Landowners | Llysfasi College, Ruthin |
| Monday 25 November | 2pm – 3.30pm | Utilities | Online (Microsoft Teams) |
| Wednesday 27 November | 2pm – 3.30pm | Environment and Heritage Groups | Online |
Next CLA Meeting
To support our members further, CLA Cymru is hosting a member engagement meeting on 14 November 2024, at Rhug Estate from 2-5.30pm.
This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the National Park proposal, clarify uncertainties, and prepare members for participation in the consultation. Your input at this meeting will be essential in shaping our official response to the Welsh Government.
This engagement session will also cover practical advice on how to submit feedback through the official consultation channels. We encourage all members, particularly those with concerns about land management and economic impacts, to attend.
Questionnaire
Since our first meeting in Ruthin in April, CLA Cymru has been actively collecting feedback and working closely with NRW and the Welsh Government to address members' concerns. We remain committed to ensuring that the governance structure of the proposed park, its funding, and its impact on planning and rural livelihoods are carefully considered.
We would encourage our members to complete our 5 minute online questionnaire to gather as much information as possible
Get Involved
Attend our North Wales Member Event: 14th November This event will provide a forum for discussion, and practical advice on how to engage with the consultation and our questionnaire. Please keep an eye on our ENews and Events page on the CLA website for details when released.
Respond to the Welsh Government Consultation: The consultation is open until 16th December 2024, and you can access the documents and submit your response via the Natural Resources Wales NE National Park Page once live
More Information
For more information and to get involved, please contact CLA Cymru at wales@cla.org.uk. Book events online here or call 01547 317085.
If you would like to sponsor or host future events then please contact our Events Manager – Sarah.Davies@cla.org.uk
