- Posts
The suggested new boundaries are making the proposed area even larger; I estimate adding c. 350 sq. km to the existing area of 1210 sq. km. Strategically, this does not seem sensible. At the moment c.25% of Wales is designated as a NP or AONB/NL. Enlarging the proposed Cambrian Mountains area would seem to make designation much more unlikely (bear in mind the decision on Glyndwr NP is still to be made and that could increase the size of the old Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB from 389 sq. km to 927 sq. km). In my view increasing the proposed area is potentially weakening not strengthening the case for designation. The area loses coherence, its sense of identity and becomes more unwieldy. The proposed new boundaries include a large area on the eastern side from Staylittle to Llanidloes to Rhayader. I think it would be better (quality of landscape and more cohesive) to retain the existing boundary by following the minor road through Hafren Forest and across on minor roads to rejoin the Wye valley west of Llangurig. The Afon Gwy can then be followed downstream to Newbridge on Wye. Yes, rivers change but not that much and so much better to follow a topographical feature. On the western side of the Cambrians, significant lowland areas have been included along the Teifi valley including Cors Caron. There doesn’t seem to be a good rationale for this. In the NW, the new boundary extends to include Capel Bangor and further N to include Tal-y-bont (but strangely avoids including Machynlleth). I am not clear what the rationale for this is and I think the original boundary (or as close as possible) can be followed using minor roads and/or PROWs. I could go on and make detailed comments on individual maps but I won’t. I believe any proposal for designation of the Cambrian Mountains needs to be tighter, more discrete not larger.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.