Testun llawn:
Why is there no mention of Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) in this LDP?
Carmarthenshire previously has had specific areas designated as an SLA, throughout the county.
The current plan, without mention of protecting SLAs, allows unwanted development - such as the new plan to install Pylons, espeically in the Tywi Valley - to go ahead more easily, without necessarily taking residents’ feedback into account, or considering environmental factors etc.
You say 'protect and enhance the distinctive landscape' but this is not specific enough. Allowing pylons and wind turines goes against everything you're saying here about protecting the character of this area. Not to mention the delicate balance of nature, the river floodplain, and movement of people etc.
From the Carmarthenshire 2014 Local Development Plan:
‘Inappropriate development continues to threaten the conservation of this outstanding landscape, hence the reason for its designation.’
This still applies, and these areas MUST be protected.
Cllr Ann Davies, cabinet member for rural affairs and planning policy says a new proposal will develop "a landscape character policy, which will strengthen the policy on landscapes whilst affording protection for the whole of Carmarthenshire under the new policy.”
• Can we see this policy?
• Where is this policy?
Below from the linked file:
https://naturalresources.wales/media/680613/landmap-guidance-note-1-landmap-slas-2017.pdf
4.1 Potential role of SLAs There may be more than one role for an identified SLA • To recognise and protect (through development management) locally valued landscapes important for their distinctive character, qualities and sense of place/bro Page 4 of 25 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk • To influence positive landscape planning. For example by producing design guidance to enhance landscape character or to target land management grants towards the conservation of special landscape features recognised within the SLA • To raise understanding and appreciation of the importance of local landscapes by communities, visitors and the wider public
I would like the 18 Special Landscape Areas to be reinstated as they were previously, instead of being a vague instruction without specific areas to be identified, which may allow the council to get away with allowing building of such structures that could damage the environment, and the quality of life for residents.
Removing the policy effectively tells developers and visitors that Carmarthenshire no longer considers these areas worthy of special designation and our communities no longer have special regard for these landscapes.
The SLAs are there for a reason, as mentioned above, and I believe it should be specified that any changes to the landscape such as pylons or wind turbines being installed down the Tywi Valley should be 100% disallowed and an alternative - if there must be one - should be in place. Ideally they should not be allowed at all and the offshore option should be the only one. This is how specific the SLA wording should be. It should be a legal status that no pylons, wind turbines or mobile phone towers should be added to the existing landscape, without a very good reason, and even then, absolutely nowhere near people’s homes, farms, schools, villages etc.
When we applied for planning permission to rebuild a derelict barn, we were instructed to use similar materials, as also for an extension we were told to use slate, to keep in the character of the area. That was because of the SLAs. Perhaps these ideas are not of importance to the council anymore. Attached supporting documents:
