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Eryri Local Development Plan

Background Paper 14

Spatial Development Strategy

May 2017

Background Paper 14: The Spatial Development Strategy: Updated Feb2017

Introduction The Eryri Local Development Plan (ELDP) and subsequent reviews must be founded on a thorough understanding of the needs of the area and its opportunities and constraints. It is important that the local community and organisations are involved in the plan preparation process and are able to have an influence on the formulation of plan policies. Since starting work on the ELDP the Authority has been involving local communities and other organisations interested in the National Park on a wide range of issues and options for the future. This revised and updated study is one of a number of papers providing an evidence base for the Eryri Local Development Plan Short Form Revision and its Key Strategy. It has been updated in response changes in the legislative framework which underpins the planning system in Wales which have occurred since the Plan was adopted in 20111 Purpose of research This updated study aims to provide a robust evidence base to support the spatial development strategy for the National Park and to continue to provide the overarching strategic direction to guide the scale and location of development. It helps to define the issues, characteristics and linkages which inform the spatial development strategy element of the Eryri Local Development Plan Short Form Revision. The study has investigated the environmental, social and economic characteristics of communities and how settlements work together. The relationship of the National Park and individual settlements with the wider area is explained and the Authority has considered inter-community linkages for services, facilities and movement patterns. The context for the study has been drawn from the wide range of existing policy documents and strategies. Requirements of the research Snowdonia’s population is comparatively small (25,702) and geographically dispersed. Each of the 74 settlements has a different social and economic profile and provides different services. Settlements have also got different capacities, the need for and ability to accommodate development and change. The distinct nature and characteristics of the Snowdonia National Park mean that a different approach is needed towards development. The spatial development strategy should enable the Authority to maintain the viability and vibrancy of local communities in a sustainable way appropriate to the National Park. It should also ensure that the heritage of the National Park is conserved, whilst also fostering the social and economic well being of local communities. The underlying aim of this development strategy therefore is to seek to accommodate locally generated needs. Evidence to support the Development Strategy This paper sets out the methodology used and the outcomes of the research to identify the issues, characteristics and linkages which inform the spatial development strategy element of the Local Development Plan Short Form Revision.

Contextual Information

In developing a suitable development strategy for Snowdonia National Park it has been necessary to undertake an analysis of policy context operating at national, regional and local levels.


Wales Spatial Plan It is important to understand how the approach being promoted by the Welsh Government has been progressed and to ensure that the Eryri Local Development Plan takes account of the Wales Spatial Plan and any related studies. The diagram below shows the Wales Spatial Plan Areas. The National Park falls into two plan areas i.e. Central Wales area and North West Wales area; these are highlighted in the diagram below. The Spatial Plan was updated in 2008 and accounts of any changes have been included in this paper.

The above diagram identifies the key features of the Wales Spatial Plan vision. Dolgellau has been identified as a cross-boundary settlement which is of particular importance for the development of the Central Wales and the North West Wales spatial plan areas. Its overall vision is to sustain communities by tackling the challenges presented by population and economic change. The Plan seeks to assist the less well-off areas to catch up on prosperity levels but at the same time to reduce environmental impacts. Natural and built environments, together with distinctive community identity, should be sustained. In particular the National Park Authority considers that the five Wales Spatial Plan themes are relevant to the area and have taken them into account in preparing the Eryri Local Development Plan. These themes are:-

• Building sustainable communities • Promoting a sustainable economy • Valuing our environment • Achieving sustainable accessibility • Respecting distinctiveness


Wales Spatial Plan- North West Wales Area - Eryri and Mon

In North West Wales the plan area identifies the Menai Hub as a strong focal point for economic activity and growth. Llandudno and Conwy have also been identified as a primary hub, recognised as a key economic driver connecting North West Wales and North East Wales. Both Llandudno and Conwy provide important retail, administrative and service functions for the Conwy valley rural hinterland. A secondary hub (Porthmadog – Pwllheli - Penrhyndeudraeth) to the west of the National Park, recognises these key growth settlements with the focus of providing services and employment and building on established strengths to support and spread prosperity to the wider rural hinterland.

Outside the hubs, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llanrwst are identified as important centres which are relevant to both Central Wales and the North West Wales areas. The Spatial Plan recognises that they perform a variety of functions relating to tourism, employment, outdoor activities, retail and services, providing important local employment opportunities. The plan also recognises their supporting role to the wider rural hinterland. Y Bala, Betws y Coed and Trawsfynydd (settlements wholly within the National Park) have been identified as cross boundary settlements, while Llanberis (which is partly within the Park) has been identified as a key settlement. The Wales Spatial Plan recognises that links with other spatial plan areas will overlap in some parts of the region which reflects the reality of how different communities look at variety of places to access employment, services and leisure activities. It also recognises the exceptional natural environment, heritage and strong cultural identity. Of particular relevance to the National Park is the need to capitalise on the outstanding environment and the ecological and historic heritage. At the same time, the strong cultural identity should be maintained and safeguarded by developing healthier communities primarily based on higher-value sustainable tourism. As the Spatial Plan identifies, realising the potential of marine leisure and outdoor activities will be important.


As the National Park is surrounded by larger towns which provide key services, larger employment and housing sites there is a reliance on these centres from residents living in the Park. In particular the Bangor and Menai hub has a regional influence which extends into the northern part of the Park. The spatial influence and role of these centres have been considered in developing the spatial strategy for the Eryri LDP.

Wales Spatial Plan - Central Wales Area

A priority for the Central Wales spatial plan area is to build on the important key centres, whilst improving linkages and spreading benefit and growth to the wider hinterland and rural communities. Dolgellau has been identified as being strategically placed as a ‘primary key settlement”, strategically placed for appropriate development1’ serving the surrounding communities and providing a link between the Central Wales area and the North West Wales area. Rural Meirionnydd and Conwy has been identified as a primary settlement cluster. The plan also recognised Y Bala, Betws y Coed and Trawsfynydd (settlements wholly within the National Park) as cross boundary settlements, while Harlech and Aberdyfi have been identified as key settlements.

National Development Framework The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 sets out a legal requirement for the Welsh Ministers to produce, and keep up-to-date, a National Development Framework (NDF), which will supersede the current Wales Spatial Plan. The National Development Framework will fulfil a number of functions, including setting out the Welsh Government’s land use priorities and providing a national land-use framework for Strategic and Local Development Plans. The NDF will mainly concentrate on development and land-use issues of national significance which the planning system is able to influence and deliver

1 Recognising the potential for developing the economy and service provision within the existing footprint


The NDF will set out a 20 year land- use framework for Wales and will:

• set out where nationally important growth and infrastructure is needed and how the planning system - nationally, regionally and locally - can deliver it

• provide direction for Strategic and Local Development Plans and support the determination of Developments of National Significance

• sit alongside Planning Policy Wales, which sets out the Welsh Government’s planning policies and will continue to provide the context for land use planning

• support national economic, transport, environmental, housing, energy and cultural strategies and ensure they can be delivered through the planning system

• be reviewed every 5 years

Strategic Development Plans The Welsh Government acknowledges that in some individual local planning authorities struggle to address cross-boundary, strategic and regional planning issues when preparing their Local Development Plans. The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 provides a legal framework for the preparation of Strategic Development Plans. This will allow for issues larger than purely local issues to be considered and planned for in an integrated and comprehensive way. It is envisaged that issues which cut across a number of local planning authorities, such as housing demand, search areas for strategic employment sites and supporting transport infrastructure could be addressed by the production of Strategic Development Plans by LPAs working together.

Welsh Government considers that it is not necessary to have a Wales wide coverage of Strategic Development Plans. The Act does not specify where Strategic Development Plans should be prepared to allow for future flexibility, although the most likely areas to benefit from this approach are the largest urban areas. Gwynedd and Anglesey Joint Local Development Plan Gwynedd Council and the Isle of Anglesey County Council have decided to work together prepare a Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP) for Anglesey and the Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Areas.This will supersede the Gwynedd Unitary Plan

The Joint Plan went through its Examination stage in 2016 and at the time of writing the Councils are currently consulting on a number of proposed changes to the Plan that have emerged as a result of matters arising from the Hearing Sessions. However until the Joint Plan is adopted the relevant Development Plan for Gwynedd is the Unitary Development Plan. Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan was adopted in July, 2009. It has established eight dependency catchment areas which are highlighted on the following map. These are based on the pattern of the communities’ use of the service centres on the transport within the county and links with the rest of Wales and the U.K. For a comprehensive assessment to be made, these areas of Gwynedd which lie within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park have been included.


Service centres have been split into sub-regional centres, urban centres and local centres. The table below summarises the role and function of the service centres identified in the Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan.

1 Dependency Catchment Area

Sub-regional Centres

Urban Centres Local Centres

2 Bangor Bangor Bethesda 2 Caernarfon Caernarfon Llanberis Penygroes

3 Llyn Pwllheli Nefyn 4 Porthmadog Porthmadog Penrhyndeudraeth

Harlech* Criccieth

5 Ffestiniog Blaenau Ffestiniog

6 Dolgellau - Abermaw

Abermaw Dolgellau*

7 Bala Bala* 8 Tywyn -

Machynlleth Tywyn

Aberdyfi*


* - Within the Snowdonia National Park

It is important to make sure that the Eryri Local Development Plan is consistent (as far a practical), with emerging neighbouring Local Development Plans. The Gwynedd and Anglesey Joint Local Development Plan (JLDP) is nearing the end of the public examination stage and will hopefully be adopted by Summer 2017. Within the JLDP settlements, within the Gwynedd Planning Authority area have been identified under different categories and the settlements which are partly within the National Park Areas are categorised below.

• Local Service Centres: Llanberis • Local Villages: Nantlle, Garndolbenmaen, Llanfrothen. • Clusters: Penmorfa, Llanllechid

It is worth noting that this categorisation of these settlements aligns with the Settlement Hierarchy set out in the adopted Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan (2001 – 2016). Llanberis is identified as a Local Service Centre in the JLDP, which aligns with the Eryri LDP’s definition of a Service Settlement. Local villages as defined in the JLDP share the same characteristics as a Secondary Settlements and Clusters share the same characteristics as hamlets, therefore the remaining settlements sit comfortably within or respective hierarchies. Eryri Local Development Plan and Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan/JLDP shared settlements: Llanberis, Nantlle, Garndolbenmaen and Llanfrothen will have housing development boundaries in both plans while Penmorfa and Llanllechid are classified as small villages or hamlets and therefore will not have housing development boundaries. The main recommendations from the Gwynedd Local Planning Authority meeting included: Llanberis: Only a small proportion within Snowdonia National Park. Environmental constraints within Snowdonia National Park mean that future community housing need will have to be addressed/outside Snowdonia National Park and inside Gwynedd Local Planning Authority. Nantlle: Potential windfall sites within Snowdonia National Park and potential exception sites in Gwynedd Local Planning Authority to meet future community housing need. Garndolbenmaen: Minimal scope within Snowdonia National Park. Potential small windfall and exception sites in Gwynedd Local Planning Authority to meet future community housing need. Llanfrothen:Some opportunities for small windfall/excption sites for shouing to address comminigyt need within Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Potential exception sites in Snowdonia National Park to meet future community housing need. Penmorfa: More opportunity for infill development in Gwynedd Local Planning Authority.


Llanllechid: Most of Llanllechid is inside Gwynedd Local Planning Authority, therefore there are more opportunity for infill development in Gwynedd Local Planning Authority.

Emerging Policy Context

Neighbouring Authorities It is important to make sure that the Eryri Local Development Plan is consistent (as far as practical), with emerging neighbouring Local Development Plans. Meetings were held with Conwy policy officers to discuss shared settlements to try to ensure that the emerging development plans are consistent. Officers evaluated how each village can be expected to develop in light of settlement hierarchy policies and other environmental constraints on each side of the settlement boundary Conwy Local Development Plan Conwy Local Development Plan’s draft proposed settlement strategy follows a four tier approach: Urban Areas, Main Villages, Minor Villages and Hamlets. The settlements that are partly within the National Park i.e. Dolgarrog, Dwygyfylchi, Trefriw and Tal y Bont have been categorised as main Villages. Nebo, Llanbedr y Cennin and Capelulo are classified as hamlets. Rowen lies almost completely within Snowdonia National Park except for a shop and a primary school which are within the Conwy Local Planning Authority area and therefore it hasn’t been classed by Conwy Local Planning Authority.

Eryri Local Development Plan and Conwy Local Development Plan shared settlements: Dolgarrog, Dwygyfylchi, Trefriw and Tal-y-Bont will have housing development boundaries in both plans while Capelulo and Nebo will be classified as hamlets and therefore will not have housing development boundaries. The main recommendations from the Conwy County Borough Council meeting included:

Trefriw: The need to acknowledge that capacity has been reached in Trefriw due to flood risk, topographical and county boundary restrictions. Conwy is currently exploring options for housing within thier boundaries in this settlement.

Dwygyfylchi: Only a small proportion within Snowdonia National Park. Future community housing need will have to be found outside Snowdonia National Park and inside Conwy County Borough Council.

Taly Bont: The likely need for Conwy County Borough Council to identify exception sites in Tal-y-Bont due to C2 flood zone constraints and minimal scope within Snowdonia National Park.

Dolgarrog: The likely need for Conwy County Borough Council to identify exception sites in Dolgarrog due to C2 flood zone constraints and minimal scope within Snowdonia National Park.


Capelulo: The need for Conwy to remove the settlement boundary for Capuelo and class it as a ‘hamlet’ for consistency with the approach taken for other hamlets and the approach in Snowdonia National Park.

Nebo: Snowdonia National Park to class it as a ‘hamlet’ for consistency with the approach taken for other hamlets and the approach in Conwy County Borough Council.

All the officers agreed to continue the close collaboration between authorities to aid in the process of the Local Development Plan and ensure consistency.

Identify the relationships between settlements and adjoining areas. The Eryri Local Development Plan spatial development strategy must enable the Authority to maintain the viability and vibrancy of local communities in a sustainable way appropriate to the National Park. In order to achieve this effectively the spatial strategy needs to be founded on creating and maintaining sustainable communities. There is a need to have regard to the spatial and functional relationships between settlements in terms of housing, community services, leisure facilities, employment and any informal support networks. Different parts of the National Park have different characteristics and linkages with other areas. The Authority has identified areas which have strong community links. It has been important to look at the collective service provision offered by a group of settlements as well as considering the services offered by settlements outside the National Park boundary. The list below identifies the variety of sources used to help identify these community links. It includes a wide range of plans, strategies and data.

• The Wales Spatial Plan and related studies • Neighbouring Development Plan • Housing Market Areas • Travel to work areas • School Catchment areas • Transport routes • Physical barriers • Employment Centres • Higher Education • Community groupings and linkages • Links to higher tier service centres • Economic Strategies

The maps below shows, Housing Market Areas, School Catchment areas, Travel to work areas and the main transport routes.


North West Wales Local Housing Market Assessment: Market Areas based on wards

Travel to work areas (based on 2001 Census) - Published 2006


Gwynedd Secondary School catchment areas


Main Transport Routes


Different parts of the National Park have different characteristics and linkages with other areas. The Authority has identified areas which have strong community linkages and the cross boundary links to larger towns outside the National Park where services and facilities can be accessed. The following map summarises the links between National Park settlements and local service centres within and on the fringes of the National Park.


Having had regard to the spatial and functional relationships between settlements the Local Development Plan has identified ‘Zones of influence’ which are within and straddle the National Park. This identifies the relationship and the influences of settlements outside the Park to inform the Spatial Development Strategy. The following map identifies all the key centres within and outside the National Park within each zone of influence, identifies links to higher tier service centres, key transport routes, key employment areas, further education and key services for each zone. More detailed assessment of each zone and an indication


of what will be included in the plan with regard to the main issues is contained in the Zones of Influence Background Paper.


Community Profiling Community profiles have been prepared to help gain a better understanding of the role of communities in the National Park. The Community profiles contain the following information:

• Demographics: Population, age structure • Economic activity: Economic activity / inactivity, part time / full time,

unemployment, industry of employment, occupations, • Travel to work method, distance travelled to work, • Household data: Type, tenure, household composition, second and

holiday homes • Education: Qualifications • Health • Welsh language data

To view profiles for each Community Council area, please click on the link below http://www.eryri-npa.co.uk/page/index.php?nav1=learning&nav2=12&nav3=3&lang=eng&view=graphic&contrast=1

Related work to inform the Spatial Development Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy and the preparation of detailed policies and allocations In developing a development strategy and the settlement hierarchy, it is important to investigate the potential of different areas in terms of environmental capacity, infrastructure constraints, availability of suitable sites and the housing needs of the local community. Settlement Capacity Study A Settlement Capacity study has been prepared for all the settlements within the National Park to assess the size of the settlement, their environmental capacity, the landscape character of the settlement and their potential to accommodate further development. The Settlement Capacity Study has been informed by the Snowdonia Landscape Character Area Assessment, the Snowdonia National Park Authority Joint Housing Land Availability Study 2016, Employment Land Study, Housing Need Assessment, Windfall study, Brownfield Land Assessment and an assessment of submitted potential candidate sites. Further details about the Settlement Capacity study are included in the Snowdonia National Park Settlement Capacity background paper. Initial Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal Report The initial Sustainability Appraisal Report (February 2008) recommended that the criterial based settlement strategy option, based on community services and facilities is taken forward. (The methodology and survey results are included in Appendix 1). The initial Sustainability Appraisal Report concluded that this option would be based upon up-to-date information about the facilities provided in each of the settlements and so should lead to more informed judgments about where development should occur. The report also noted that this option could potentially reduce travel distances

http://www.eryri-npa.co.uk/page/index.php?nav1=learning&nav2=12&nav3=3&lang=eng&view=graphic&contrast=1




and lead to greater use of public transport, if the location of new development carefully considers the existing facilities in each of the settlements. This option positively contributes to the objective ‘to provide housing to meet local need’ as it would potentially extend the range of development opportunities to the smaller villages and hamlets. Whilst the option would not directly lead to increased service and amenity provision, the option could provide indirect benefits by ensuring that new housing development occurs in locations where facilities are accessible. There are also issues associated with the viability of services in the smaller, very rural hamlets in the National Park. Increasing the population in some areas could actually help to maintain services and help to prevent the closure of some facilities e.g. Post Offices. This option has the potential to reduce the distance between homes and jobs by taking into consideration the accessibility of facilities and services when classifying settlements.

Proposed Spatial Development Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy Snowdonia’s population is comparatively small and geographically dispersed across many small settlements. This evidence paper demonstrates that the distinct nature and characteristics of Snowdonia National Park mean that a different approach is needed towards development. Each of the 74 settlements has a different social and economic profile and provides different facilities and services. Settlements have also got different capacity, ability and need for accommodating development and change. The proposed Development Strategy is founded on the traditional dispersed settlement pattern within Snowdonia National Park, and is intended to support development appropriate to meet local needs generated within the National Park in a sustainable manner. The proposed spatial development strategy is intended to enable the Authority to maintain the viability and vibrancy of local communities in a sustainable way in keeping with the statutory purposes of the national park and the socio economic duty placed on the Authority. Previous engagement on the issues papers and on the Preferred Strategy demonstrated that there is strong support by the local community and by stakeholders to develop a suitable framework for meeting locally generated needs within the National Park. Therefore, the underlying aim of this development strategy is to accommodate locally generated needs to a scale which is appropriate to safeguard the environment of a National Park..The emphasis is not on growth but on maintaining existing settlements and giving opprtunities for future generations to stay within their local communities.

The proposed settlement hierarchy are the outcome of the work undertaken to identify the characteristics of communities. This has involved looking at settlements which are closely linked to the services and facilities in neighbouring settlements as well as highlighting the relationship of settlements with the wider area. The study has also drawn on a wide range of policy documents and strategies available. A sustainable hierarchy of settlements is proposed as the organising basis for development and service provision within the National Park. The Sustainability Appraisal has demonstrated that organising and focusing development and services in this hierarchical way is the most efficient. The higher settlements are consistent with the Wales Spatial Plan and with neighbouring authorities’ development plans while the lower hierarchy of settlement reflects the rural context of Snowdonia. The Local Development Plan will require partnership commitment and involvement to build sustainable communities that have the housing, facilities and access to employment necessary to thrive. An analysis and ranking of settlements2 has been 2 2007 Settlement survey of local services and facilities and public transport provision (updated in February 2010)


undertaken, based on the availability of local facilities and services and public transport provision within settlements. The levels of the hierarchy are as follows:

Proposed Settlement Hierarchy in the Eryri Local Development Plan

It is proposed that the Eryri Local Development Plan should pursue a four-tier Settlement Strategy as follows: Although the settlement strategy is important to outline a clear order of preference for the location of development, this does not mean that the amount of development in settlements at each level within the strategy will be equal. Tier Characteristics Development

Criteria Settlement

Local Service Centres

These are market towns with a minimum population of 1,900. These settlements have all the key local facilities (primary and secondary school, doctor’s surgery, post office and a supermarket and food shop. They also have numerous community facilities and have employment sites allocated within them. The settlements also have good public transport provision. These are considered to have the ability to act as a service centre for surrounding settlements and hamlets. Dolgellau has been identified as being strategically placed as a primary settlement in the Wales Spatial Plan which provides a link between the Central Wales area and the North West Wales area, while Y Bala has been identified as a cross boundary settlement.

Open market will be allowed within development boundaries. Where evidence of need is shown a proportion of such development shall be affordable housing for local need. Development must be well related to an individual settlement capacity and need. Sites will be identified and allocated for housing and employment.

Y Bala Dolgellau

Service Settlements

These settlements typically have a population of over 500 with a primary school, doctor’s surgery, post office and local food shop. They also have a range of community facilities and good public transport service. These are considered to have the ability to act as a service settlement for surrounding settlements. Betws y Coed and Trawsfynydd have been identified as cross boundary settlements in the Wales

An appropriate level of development will be accommodated to meet affordable housing for local needs. It must be well related to an individual settlement capacity and need and well related to the scale and function of the settlement. Where there are

Aberdyfi Betws y Coed Harlech Llanberis (small proportion within the National Park) Trawsfynydd


Spatial Plan, while Llanberis (which is partly within the Park), Harlech and Aberdyfi have been identified as key settlements.

opportunities and evidence of need the authority will consider allocating small scale affordable housing sites.

Secondary Settlements

These settlements have one or more key local facilities or have a very strong relationship with a settlement which has these local facilities. The settlements also have a range of additional community facilities. The overall scale and settlement pattern has also been taken into account. These settlements have a range of poor to good public transport provision (bearing in mind the different circumstances of some rural communities). Some limited development in these villages will support their sustainability and the maintenance of existing services and facilities. These settlements are also considered to have the ability to provide some key local facilities for surrounding smaller settlements.

An appropriate level of development will be accommodated to meet affordable local needs. It must be well related to an individual settlement capacity and need and well related to the scale and function of the settlement. Where there are opportunities and evidence of need the Authority will consider allocating small scale affordable housing sites.

Abergwyngregyn Abergynolwyn Beddgelert Bontddu Brithdir Bryncrug Capel Garmon Dinas Mawddwy Dolgarrog Dolwyddelan Dwygyfylchi Dyffryn Ardudwy & Coed Ystumgwern Friog Frongoch Ganllwyd Garndolbenmaen Garreg Llanfrothen Gellilydan Llan Ffestiniog Llanbedr Llanegryn Llanelltyd Llanfachreth Llanfair Llanuwchllyn Llwyngwril Maentwrog Nantlle Parc Penmachno Pennal Rhydymain Rowen Tal y Bont Talsarnau Trefriw Ysbyty Ifan

Smaller Settlements

These settlements do not have any key local facilities with very few community facilities within the settlement. These settlements have a range of very poor to good public transport provision.

Smaller settlements will not have settlement boundary. Single units of affordable housing for local needs will be allowed.

Aberangell Arthog Betws Garmon Capel Curig Capelulo Croesor Cwm Penmachno Cwrt


Llanbedr y Cennin Llandanwg Llandecwyn Llangywer Llanllechid Llanymawddwy Llyn Penmaen Mallwyd Nant Gwynant Nant Peris Nantmor Nebo Penmorfa Prenteg Rhoslefain Rhosygwaliau Rhyd Rhyd ddu Rhyd Uchaf Tai Cynhaeaf Ynys

Implications for the Local Development Plan

This paper highlights the importance of creating and maintaining sustainable communities. The paper outlines the spatial and functional links between settlements within the National Park and also outside of the Park. These links include housing, community services, leisure facilities, and employment links between settlements within the National Park and also with settlements outside of the National Park. The paper also demonstrates that groups of settlements can provide a collective service and these will also include settlements outside of the National Park boundary. It is not considered that these links have changed significantly since the adoption of the Local Development Plan. A revised survey of Local Services and Facilities and Public Transport Provision (appendix 1) has been undertaken and this has demonstrated that the existing settlement hierarchy is still appropriate. Consideration has also been given to the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone and its potential impact on the plans strategy, it is not considered that the scale of the employment opportunities would result in an increase in housing demand significantly enough to result in a change in the existing plans strategy. Further information is contained in Background Paper 4: Assessment of Employment Land.


APPENDIX 1

Survey of Local Services and Facilities and Public Transport Provision An important component of the Eryri Local Development Plan Short Form Revision is that it needs to be responsive to the needs of local communities. Rural services such as local shops, post offices and schools are extremely important, however these services are very fragile and can be lost quickly, often as a result circumstances and because of choices made by others outside the Authority’s control. The loss of services and facilities could easily undermine the sustainability of local communities. All the settlements have been re-surveyed using the following methodology. Methodology The matrix looks at three elements - services and facilities, public transport provision and estimated population of the settlements. These were then brought together to give all settlements a score which forms the basis for the settlement hierarchy tiers. Services and Facilities The services and facilities available in every settlement were reviewed, this was done by a combination of computer based desk study, which inluded interrogation of the Authority’s GIS; information gathered for the settlement capacity study and research for the revised Retail Background Paper. The information for GP surgeries was gathered from http://www.wales.nhs.uk/directory.cfm. The services identified were then given a score based on the criteria below – Primary/ 3 Secondary school & higher education establishments 4 Doctors (not in settlement but within 5 miles)

2 1

Post office 2 Supermarket 3 Other food shop 2 Other shops 1 Bank/building society 1 Chemist 1 Public house 1 Restaurant /cafés 1 Church/chapel 1 Community hall/centre 1 Garage/Petrol station 1 Library 1 Hospital 1 Leisure centre 1 Other 1

Public Transport Public transport is very important to the sustainability of settlements. The availability of public transport was checked by using timetables for Gwynedd and Conwy Council and Traveline Cymru. Further information on public transport provision can be found in the maps shown in the Transport Background Paper.

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/directory.cfm


Bus Services For bus services the frequency of services for every settlement was then given a score as is shown below – Every 30 minutes to 2 hours 2 1-3 a day 1 1-3 days a week - 1 No service -2

Trains Train services are available in the National Park along the Cambrian Coast and the Conwy Valley.lines. The narrow gauge railways in Snowdonia have not been included as they are not suitable for regular travel and are generally a seasonal service/attraction for tourists. Further information on the train services available in the National Park can be found in the Transport Background Paper. The frequency of services were looked at for every settlement with a railway station and a score for the level of service given for every settlements based on the criteria below – Trains every 1 - 2 hours 2 Trains every 2 - 3 hours 1

Estimated Population of Settlements Data from the 2011 Census has been brought together to produce estimated population figures for settlements within the National Park by looking at the number of households within the settlement and the average household size for the community area. The size of the population of the settlement is an important factor in the sustainability of settlements and therefore these estimated populations were then multiplied with the combined score of the services, facilities and the public transport service to give a total score for the settlements. The scores were multiplied based on the population numbers shown below – 1500+ Multiply by15 500 - 1500 Multiply by10 100 - 500 Multiply by 5 0 - 100 Multiply by 1

This gave a total score for every settlement as show in Appendix 1. This then provides the basis to build different settlement tiers and build the hierarchy. The hierarchy is split into 4 layers –

• Local Service Centres • Service Settlements • Secondary Settlements • Smaller Settlement

The hierarchy broadly identifies which settlements lie in which tie,r however the matrix does come up with some anomalies. Some settlements appear within tiers that are not appropriate when local knowledge and common sense are applied. The


settlements of Capel Curig, Cwm Penmachno, Mallwyd, Frongoch, Parc and Ysbyty Ifan have been identified as being in the incorrect tier and below is the rationale to support this. Capel Curig Capel Curig sits in the secondary settlement tier in the matrix however it should be included as a smaller settlement tier due to the dispersed pattern of the settlement. The settlement has a number of services and facilities however these cater more for the tourist market. Cwm Penmachno This settlement has a relatively high population however due to its remoteness has very few services and facilities, and should be identified as a smaller settlement and not a secondary settlement as identified in the matrix. Mallwyd The settlement of Mallwyd has a score of 8 which places it in the secondary settlements tier however with only 17 dwellings and an estimated population of 19 it should be situated in the smaller settlement tier. The score for the settlement is inflated due to the number of services in the settlement however these services serve a function for the passing traffic along the A470 and the A458 as well as the settlement and its hinterland. Frongoch Frongoch with an overall score of 5 lies just under the margin of what is classified as a secondary settlement, however the distribution and pattern of the settlement corresponds with that of a secondary settlement, and the settlement also has a popular primary school. Parc Although the primary school has closed , Parc has a settlement distribution pattern characteristic of a secondary settlement it should remain in the secondary settlement tier. Ysbyty Ifan Ysbyty Ifan even though it receives a low score is quite a large settlement with an estimated population of 95 and a dwelling count of 53, it also has a distribution and settlement pattern of a secondary settlement and therefore should be placed in the secondary settlement tier. The information shown in the settlement matrix has been produced to inform the settlement strategy and settlement hierarchy of the Eryri Local Development Plan. Details of the 2017 settlement survey are included in the following table


Table 1: Settlement Survey of Local Services and Facilities and Public Transport Provision (updated February 2017)

Settlement Population of Settlement Key Local Facilities Scores

Public transport

Total Score

Settlement Tiers

Popu

latio

n of

Se

ttlem

ent

Popu

latio

n sc

ore

Educ

atio

nal

Esta

blis

hmen

ts

GP

Prac

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Post

Offi

ce

Supe

rmar

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Food

sho

p

Oth

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hops

and

se

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es

Caf

es,

rest

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& pu

blic

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Dolgellau 2484 15 11 2 2 6 6 56 15 12 128 2 0 2 1950

Local Service Centre

Bala 2121 15 10 2 2 6 6 41 14 8 89 2 0 2 1365

Local Service Centre

Harlech 1384 10 11 2 2 0 2 18 14 8 57 2 2 4 610 Service Settlements Aberdyfi 796 10 0 2 2 0 2 23 13 3 45 2 2 4 470 Service Settlements Llanberis 97 10 3 2 2 0 4 13 8 5 37 2 0 2 390 Service Settlements Trawsfynydd 669 10 3 2 2 0 2 9 1 4 22 2 0 2 240 Service Settlements Betws y Coed 407 5 3 2 2 0 4 31 15 5 62 2 1 3 325 Service Settlements Llanbedr 464

5 3 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 9 2 2 4 65 Secondary Settlements

Llan Ffestiniog 718 10 3 1 2 0 2 0 0 1 8 2 0 2 100


Trefriw 422 5 3 1 2 0 2 0 2 0 10 2 1 3 65


Dwygyfylchi 183 10 3 1 2 0 2 0 0 2 10 1 0 1 110


Beddgelert 212 5 3 0 2 0 2 4 5 1 17 1 0 1 90


Dyffryn Ardudwy 568 5 3 1 2 0 2 3 ? 3 14 2 2 4 90


Talsarnau 240 5 3 1 2 0 2 0 2 1 11 2 2 4 75


Dolwyddelan 339 5 3 2 2 0 2 0 0 2 11 2 1 3 70


Garndolbenmaen 79 5 3 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 11 2 0 2 65


Dolgarrog 285 5 3 1 2 0 2 0 1 2 11 2 0 2 65


Llanuwchllyn 361 5 3 1 2 0 2 0 1 2 11 2 0 2 65


Llwyngwril 508 5 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 1 6 2 2 4 50




Public transport

Total Score

Settlement Tiers

Popu

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Pennal 189 5 3 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 10 2 0 2 60


Rowen 266 5 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 7 2 0 3 50


Abergynolwyn 239 5 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 1 6 2 0 2 40


Bryncrug 491 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 6 2 0 2 40


Gellilydan 286 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 2 0 2 40


Tal y bont 466 5 3 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 7 2 0 2 45


Llanegryn 179 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 2 35


Llanelltyd 174 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 2 35


Nantlle 94 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 2 7


Friog 80 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 2 6


Abergwyngregyn 123 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 2 0 2 25


Maentwrog 158 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 2 0 2 30


Penmachno 294 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 2 35


Coed Ystumgwern

402 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 20


Llanfair 291 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 20


Cwm Penmachno

137 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 15 Smaller Settlements Capel Curig 79 1 0 1 2 2 3 3 1 12 1 0 1 13 Smaller Settlements Llanfrothen 74


Dinas Mawddwy 208 1 3 0 2 0 2 0 1 1 9 1 0 1 10


Brithdir 185 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 1 0 1 7




Public transport

Total Score

Settlement Tiers

Popu

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Capel Garmon 69 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 1 0 1 7


Mallwyd 40 1 0 0 2 0 2 1 1 6 1 0 1 7 Smaller Settlements Arthog 137


Bontddu 143 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 20


Ganllwyd 65 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 2 7


Croesor 34 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 1 0 1 6 Smaller Settlements Llandanwg 116 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 4 25 Smaller Settlements Llandecwyn 98 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 4 5 Smaller Settlements Llanfachreth 95 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 3 Smaller Settlements Rhydymain 97 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 2 6 Smaller Settlements Ynys 78 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 4 5 Smaller Settlements Frongoch 84 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 1 `1 8 -1 0 -1 7 Secondary Settlements Aberangell 109 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 3 Smaller Settlements Llangower 24 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 4 Smaller Settlements Nebo 9 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 3 Smaller Settlements Penmaenpool 58 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 2 4 Smaller Settlements Penmorfa 29 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 4 Smaller Settlements Rhoslefain 53 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 3 Smaller Settlements Ysbyty Ifan 99

1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 -1 0 -1 3 Secondary Settlement

Cwrt 61 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 3 Smaller Settlements Nantmor 54

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 2 0 Smaller Settlements Parc 72

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -1 0 -1 0 Secondary Settlements

Rhyd Uchaf 53 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 -1 0 -1 1 Smaller Settlements Taicynhaeaf 68 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 3 Smaller Settlements



Public transport

Total Score

Settlement Tiers

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Betws Garmon 31 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 Smaller Settlements Capeleulo 79 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 -2 0 -2 2 Smaller Settlements Nant Peris 128 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0 -2 5 Smaller Settlements Prenteg 103 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 5 Smaller Settlements Llanbedr y Cennin

20 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0 -2 1 Smaller Settlements Llanllechid 57 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -2 0 -1 -1 Smaller Settlements Nant Gwynant 30 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 -2 0 -2 0 Smaller Settlements Rhyd 32 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -1 0 -1 0 Smaller Settlements Rhyd Ddu 66 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0 -2 0 Smaller Settlements Llanymawddwy 27 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -2 0 -2 -1 Smaller Settlements Rhosygwaliau 46 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -2 0 -2 -1 Smaller Settlements

eryri local development plan - eryri - snowdonia...snowdonia’s population is comparatively small...

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