Gwynedd Structure Plan

THE COUNTY STRATEGY

STRATEGIC POLICY 1

Settlements in Gwynedd will be developed at a rate consistent with the needs of their communities for housing, work, leisure and community services, within a framework of policies which safeguard community life, and help conserve the environment

STRATEGIC POLICY 2

To maintain the role of those focal centres which provide concentrations of employment opportunities, larger leisure facilities and other services

STRATEGIC POLICY 3

To facilitate and promote employment opportunities at a suitable scale and at suitable locations throughout the County taking particular note of:

the economic development opportunities of the A55 improvements and other improvements in communication
the need for integrated development by local authorities and development agencies to find suitable opportunities across the whole County
directing attention towards the regeneration of a number of towns and other communities in the County

STRATEGIC POLICY 4

In considering development proposals, to have regard to the need to both protect and enhance the marine, coastal, terrestrial and atmospheric environments of the County

STRATEGIC POLICY 5

To recognise that the Welsh language is a material consideration in assessing the implications of development in Gwynedd. This will be implemented in a manner which ensures that the aim of safeguarding and nurturing the use of the Welsh language in Gwynedd is achieved

STRATEGIC POLICY 6

In the light of the other elements of this strategy, special consideration will be given to the scale, rate, and phasing of development. Other agencies will be encouraged to do the same, in order that existing communities are not 'swamped' by change

HOUSING

POLICY A l

SUFFICIENT LAND (INCLUDING THAT WITH PLANNING CONSENT) WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR HOUSING TO ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOME 9,070 ADDITIONAL DWELLINGS IN GWYNEDD DURING THE PERIOD 1991 TO 2006, DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS:

ABERCONWY	2,000
ARFON	2,000
DWYFOR	900
MEIRIONNYDD	1,000
YNYS MON	3,170

POLICY A2

HOUSING LAND TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF POLICY A1 WILL BE LOCATED WITHIN, OR ON THE EDGE OF, EXISTING SETTLEMENTS AT A SCALE WHICH REFLECTS THE SETTLEMENT'S EXISTING POPULATION AS A PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL POPULATION OF THE RELEVANT DISTRICT

POLICY A3

THE SCALE AND PHASING OF NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WILL BE EXPECTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT, AS AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:

THE SCALE AND CHARACTER OF EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
THE NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE
THE NEED TO PROTECT MINERAL RESOURCES
THE NEED TO PROTECT SITES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL, SCIENTIFIC OR NATURE CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE
THE AVAILABILITY OF SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
THE AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES, EITHER EXISTING OR CAPABLE OF BEING PROVIDED AT AN ACCEPTABLE COST
ACCESS AND TRAFFIC CONSIDERATIONS
ACCESSIBILITY TO EMPLOYMENT
THE NEED TO PROTECT THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND

POLICY A4

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING HOUSING STOCK TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF SUB-STANDARD ACCOMMODATION

POLICY A5

THE RENEWAL OF PLANNING PERMISSION FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED IF THE PROPOSAL IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

POLICY A6

NEW DWELLINGS IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, IN PARTICULAR WHERE A DWELLING IS ESSENTIAL TO HOUSE A FARM OR FORESTRY WORKER WHO MUST LIVE ON THE SPOT RATHER THAN IN A NEARBY SETTLEMENT

POLICY A7

A FIVE-YEAR SUPPLY OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR HOUSING WILL BE MAINTAINED IN EACH DISTRICT TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN POLICY A1

POLICY A8

CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE RELEASE OF LAND, ADDITIONAL TO THAT AVAILABLE TO MEET THE GENERAL HOUSING DEMAND, FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOCAL NEEDS IN APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS WITHIN OR ADJOINING EXISTING VILLAGES. FOR SUCH ADDITIONAL LAND TO BE RELEASED, THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL NEED TO BE SATISFIED AS TO THE ADEQUACY OF ARRANGEMENTS TO RESERVE THE HOUSING IN QUESTION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOCAL NEED, BOTH INITIALLY AND ON SUBSEQUENT CHANGE OF OCCUPANT. SUCH DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE SYMPATHETICALLY DESIGNED TO RESPECT THE LOCATION, SIZE AND PHYSICAL CHARACTER OF THE RURAL SETTLEMENT CONCERNED

POLICY A9

WHERE THERE IS A DEMONSTRABLE LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS, THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY MAY SEEK TO NEGOTIATE TO INCLUDE AN ELEMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NEW SCHEMES OF A SUBSTANTIAL SIZE ON LAND ALLOCATED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. CLEAR ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT SUCH HOUSING IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT

POLICY A10

SHELTERED HOUSING, RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND NURSING HOMES WILL BE PERMITTED SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONSIDERATIONS:

1. LEVELS OF PROVISION

THAT, TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING PRIVATE, LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HEALTH AUTHORITY ESTABLISHMENTS, THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS WILL NOT RESULT IN PROVISION IN EXCESS OF THE NEEDS OF THE LOCALITY

2. EFFECTS UPON LOCALITY

THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT:

RESULT IN LOSS OF SERVICED HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN THE PRINCIPAL RESORT TOWNS OR OTHER TOURIST CENTRES
CONFLICT WITH THE CHARACTER OR AMENITIES OF ITS LOCALITY EITHER IN ITS OWN RIGHT OR BY ADDITION TO EXISTING ESTABLISHMENTS OF SIMILAR CHARACTER

3. SITING

THE PROPOSED SITE SHALL BE WITHIN REASONABLE SAFE WALKING DISTANCE OF THE ORDINARY AMENITIES OF COMMUNITY LIFE

PEOPLE AND JOBS

POLICY B I

EMPLOYMENT GENERATING DEVELOPMENTS WHICH INCREASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, WHICH DO NOT CREATE UNACCEPTABLE CHANGES TO THE ENVIRONMENT, AND ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY IN TERMS OF LOCATION, SITING, SCALE, DESIGN, ACCESS AND LANDSCAPING WILL BE PERMITTED

POLICY B2

EMPLOYMENT PROVISION WILL BE ENCOURAGED BY ENSURING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF LAND AND/OR BUILDINGS AT SUITABLE LOCATIONS AS FOLLOWS:-

ABERCONWY:

PRESTIGE LOCATIONS:
LLANDUDNO/LLANDUDNO JUNCTION, LLANFAIRFECHAN
EMPLOYMENTESTATES:
CONWY MORFA, LLANDUDNO JUNCTION AND LLANRWST

ARFON:

PRESTIGE LOCATIONS:
PARC MENAI, GLYNLLIFON, LLANBERIS
EMPLOYMENT ESTATES:
CAERNARFON, BANGOR/OGWEN, PEN-Y-GROES/NANTLLE

DWYFOR:

PRESTIGE LOCATIONS:
PORTHMADOG
EMPLOYMENT ESTATES:
PWLLHELIIY FF6R, PORTHMADOG

MEIRIONNYDD:

PRESTIGE LOCATIONS:
PENRHYNDEUDRAETH
EMPLOYMENT ESTATES:
Y BALA, BLAENAU FFESTINIOG, PENRHYNDEUDRAETH, TYWYN, DOLGELLAU

YNYS MON:

EMPLOYMENT ESTATES:
LLANGEFNI, GAERWEN, AMLWCH, HOLYHEADIVALLEY, RHOSGOCH, MONA AIRFIELD

POLICY B3

PRESTIGE LOCATIONS AS IDENTIFIED IN POLICY B2 ABOVE WILL BE RETAINED FOR USES WHICH CLEARLY REQUIRE SUCH A LOCATION AND ARE INCLUDED IN CLASS B 1 IN THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (USE CLASSES) ORDER 1987

POLICY B4

SITES IDENTIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY B2 WILL BE PROTECTED FROM OTHER FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING HOUSING AND RETAILING

POLICY B5

THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITES AT SUITABLE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY TO MEET THE LOCAL REQUIREMENTS OF 'BAD NEIGHBOUR' ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE, BY THEIR NATURE, UNACCEPTABLE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO OTHER DEVELOPMENTS, BUT WHICH, NEVERTHELESS, PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THEY DO NOT CONFLICT WITH OTHER PLAN POLICIES ON LANDSCAPE, ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURAL LAND AND ACCESS

POLICY B6

EMPLOYMENT PROVISION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH SECTORS WILL BE PERMITTED WITH PREFERENCE BEING GIVEN TO LOCATIONS IN TOWN CENTRES OR IN PRESTIGE EMPLOYMENT LOCATIONS. OTHER LOCATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED PROVIDED THAT THERE IS NO UNACCEPTAP-LE CONFLICT WITH OTHER POLICIES IN THE PLAN

POLICY B7

IN CONSIDERING DEVELOPMENT WHICH HAS SPECIFIC LOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS NOT MET BY THE EXISTING SUPPLY OR ALLOCATION OF EMPLOYMENT LAND, THE FOLLOWING FACTORS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT:

THE TRANSPORT NETWORK IN THE AREA
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PROPOSAL AND THE LOCAL LABOUR FORCE
THE INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION AVAILABLE IN THE LOCALITY
THE EFFECT OF THE PROPOSAL ON THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING DESIGNATED AREAS
THE IMPACT UPON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
THE AGRICULTURAL QUALITY OF THE LAND INVOLVED

(THESE FACTORS ARE NOT IN PRIORITY ORDER)

POLICY B8

IN ADDITION TO THE LAND IDENTIFIED FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES, THE PROVISION OF SMALL SERVICED SITES AND BUILDINGS AND THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING AND REDUNDANT BUILDINGS WILL BE PERMITTED IN OTHER LOCATIONS INCLUDING RURAL AREAS PROVIDED THEY DO NOT CONFLICT WITH OTHER POLICIES ON LANDSCAPE, ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURAL LAND AND ACCESS

POLICY B9

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSALS WHICH EXPAND THE NUMBER AND RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE RURAL ECONOMY, SUBJECT TO SAFEGUARDS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

POLICY B10

FACILITIES WHICH SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL, FORESTRY AND INSHORE FISHING INDUSTRIES WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE EITHER AT EXISTING AND PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT CENTRES OR AT SITES RELATED TO THE SOURCE OF PRODUCTION, SUBJECT TO SAFEGUARDS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

POLICY B11

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY B12

PORT-RELATED DEVELOPMENT AT AN APPROPRIATE SCALE AT HOLYHEAD AND PORT PENRHYN WHICH HELPS SAFEGUARD AND EXPAND THEIR ROLE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE POLICIES OF THE PLAN WILL BE PERMITTED

POLICY B13

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

ENERGY

POLICY Cl

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY C2

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY C3

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY C4

DELETED BY 'THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY C5

PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION USING PUMPED STORAGE POWER STATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

POLICY C6

PROPOSALS FOR CONVENTIONAL THERMAL POWER GENERATION WILL BE ACCEPTABLE ONLY IF THE PROJECT INCORPORATES THE BEST AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY TO MINIMISE THE DISCHARGE OF HARMFUL WASTE GASES AND INCLUDES ACCEPTABLE PROPOSALS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE PRODUCTS

POLICY C7

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS, PROVIDED THAT THE IMPACT UPON THE LOCALITY IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY. WHERE APPLICABLE, THE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

POLICY C8

IN DETERMINING A PLANNING APPLICATION IT WILL BE A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION FOR THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WHETHER THE PROPOSAL MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO ENERGY CONSERVATION BY THE NATURE OF THE DEVELOPMENT ITSELF, ITS LOCATION AND THE DESIGN ELEMENTS, AND THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS USED

TOURISM AND RECREATION

POLICY CH 1

PROPOSALS FOR RECREATION AND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THEY ACCORD WITH THE POLICY FRAMEWORK OF THIS PLAN WHICH IS AIMED AT THE CREATION OF EMPLOYMENT, AND THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

POLICY CH2

THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HIGH QUALITY HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AND THE UPGRADING OF EXISTING HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE THEY DO NOT CONFLICT WITH OTHER POLICIES OF THIS PLAN

POLICY CH3

THE EXTENSION OR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PERMANENT FACILITIES AT EXISTING HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY, IS FUNDAMENTALLY INAPPROPRIATE FOR PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED

POLICY CH4

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST THE LOSS OF SERVICED ACCOMMODATION IN HOLIDAY RESORTS

POLICY CH5

NEW TOURING CARAVAN OR TENT SITES OR ADDITIONAL PITCHES FOR TOURING CARAVANS OR TENTS ON EXISTING SITES WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE:

SAFE ACCESS IS AVAILABLE
ADEQUATE WATER AND DRAINAGE IS AVAILABLE
THEY CAN BE UNOBTRUSIVELY ASSIMILATED IN THE LANDSCAPE
AREAS OF ECOLOGICAL, SCIENTIFIC OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST ARE NOT THREATENED
NEW SITES WOULD NOT BE IMMEDIATELY BY THE COAST

POLICY CH6

PROPOSALS FOR THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING TENT SITES OR PITCHES TO TOURING CARAVAN SITES OR PITCHES WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHERE:

SAFE ACCESS IS AVAILABLE
ADEQUATE WATER AND DRAINAGE IS AVAILABLE
THEY CAN BE UNOBTRUSIVELY ASSIMILATED IN THE LANDSCAPE
AREAS OF ECOLOGICAL, SCIENTIFIC OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST ARE NOT THREATENED

POLICY CH7

THERE SHALL BE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW STATIC CARAVAN SITES

POLICY CH8

AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNITS AT EXISTING STATIC CARAVAN SITES WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED. EXCEPTIONALLY SOME ADDITIONAL UNITS MAY BE ACCEPTABLE WITHIN A SCHEME WHICH CAN DEMONSTRATE SIGNIFICANT AND PERMANENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE SITE, AND A REDUCTION OF ITS IMPACT ON THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE AND WHERE:

THERE ARE NO ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE SAFETY OF THE SITE ACCESS
ADEQUATE WATER AND DRAINAGE IS AVAILABLE
AREAS OF ECOLOGICAL, SCIENTIFIC OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST ARE NOT THREATENED.

POLICY CH9

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FURTHER OUTDOOR PURSUIT CENTRES AND AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF BEDSPACES IN EXISTING CENTRES WITHIN SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK, AND IN LOCATIONS CLOSE TO THE PARK, WHICH WOULD DEMONSTRABLY INCREASE PRESSURE ON THE PARK'S NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED

POLICY CH10

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF VISITOR ATTRACTIONS AND COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION FACILITIES WHICH ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE CULTURE, HISTORY AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF GWYNEDD, OFFER ADDITIONAL ALL-WEATHER FACILITIES TO COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING NATURAL ATTRACTIONS OF THE COUNTY AND WHICH DO NOT HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL COMMUNITY

POLICY CH11

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT, AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS, OF ALL-WEATHER FACILITIES COMPATIBLE WITH THE OVERALL STRATEGY OF THE PLAN ESPECIALLY THOSE CAPABLE OF USE BY BOTH RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS

POLICY CH12

TO DEVELOP A NETWORK OF WAYMARKED PUBLIC FOOTPATHS BRIDLEWAYS AND CYCLEWAYS THAT CAN MEET THE NEEDS OF THE FOLLOWING:

INTENSE LOCAL USE OF LINKS AND CIRCUITS IN VILLAGES AND TOWNS
SHORT AND MEDIUM DISTANCE WALKS RELATED TO CAR PARKS, RECREATIONAL SITES AND PICNIC AREAS THEREBY ENHANCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INFORMAL RECREATION
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDIUM AND LONG DISTANCE WALKING, CYCLING AND RIDING ROUTES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCESS BY SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS, e.g. DISABLED AND HANDICAPPED
TO ENSURE THAT ALL RIGHTS OF WAY ARE SIGNED

POLICY CH13

THE COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR COASTAL BOATING FACILITIES IN GWYNEDD AS PART OF THE STRATEGIC PROVISION OF RECREATION FACILITIES FOR TOURISM. THE COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTS SUITABLE PROPOSALS FOR CONWY, BANGOR, HOLYHEAD AND PWLLHELI

POLICY CH14

THE COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTS PROPOSALS FOR THE RATIONALISATION, BETTER MANAGEMENT AND SMALL-SCALE DEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING BOATING FACILITIES IN ORDER TO EXPAND THE PROVISION FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS

POLICY CH15

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR BOATING FACILITIES, OTHER THAN AT LOCATIONS IDENTIFIED IN POLICY CH13

POLICY CH16

THE LOCATION OF FACILITIES FOR NOISY SPORTS, IN PARTICULAR POWER BOATING AND WATER SKIING, WILL BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER USERS AND TO MINIMISE DISTURBANCES TO AMENITY AND WILDLIFE. PROPOSALS WHICH THREATEN THE QUIET ENJOYMENT OF THE NATIONAL PARK ARE INAPPROPRIATE

POLICY CH17

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY CH18

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL, SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOLLOWING MAJOR RECREATION ROUTES:

NORTH WALES COASTAL FOOTPATH
YNYS M6N COASTAL FOOTPATH
DWYFOR COASTAL FOOTPATH
THE ROUTE OF THE FORMER WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY FROM LLANWNDA TO BEDDGELERT AND PORTHMADOG
TRAWSFYNYDD TO BALA
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES CONSISTENT WITH THE POLICIES OF THIS PLAN WHICH MAY PRESENT THEMSELVES

POLICY CH19

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF REST, PICNIC, TOILET AND INFORMATION FACILITIES ALONG THE STRATEGIC HIGHWAY NETWORK AND AT PRINCIPAL BUSINESS AND RECREATION DESTINATIONS ALONG THE NETWORK

POLICY CH20

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL FAVOUR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATIONAL RAILWAY ROUTES WHERE THESE CAN BE REINSTATED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE POLICIES OF THIS PLAN. THE COUNTY COUNCIL ACCEPTS THAT IN PLACES WHERE THERE IS CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PROPOSED RECREATIONAL ROUTES IN POLICY CH 18 AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF A RAILWAY, THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE RAILWAY WILL TAKE PRECEDENCE

ENVIRONMENT

POLICY Dl

IT IS THE POLICY OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT OF GWYNEDD AND IN PARTICULAR OF

THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK
LLYN AND YNYS MON AONBs
HERITAGE COAST

POLICY D2

WITHIN THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK WHERE THE TWIN PURPOSES OF THE PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF NATURAL BEAUTY AND THE PROMOTION OF FACILITIES FOR ENJOYMENT BY THE PUBLIC CONFLICT AND ARE IRRECONCILABLE, PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL BEAUTY

POLICY D3

OUTSIDE OF THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AND THE AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITIES WILL IDENTIFY LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREAS, INCLUDING THOSE SHOWN ON THE KEY DIAGRAM, IN ORDER TO CONSERVE THEIR ATTRIBUTES AND THEY WILL HAVE PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE SPECIAL CHARACTER OF EACH LOCALITY WHEN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT. IN ORDER TO MINIMISE ITS IMPACT, DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF IT IS CAPABLE OF BEING SATISFACTORILY INTEGRATED INTO THE LANDSCAPE

POLICY D4

CAREFUL LOCATION, SITING AND DESIGN WILL BE A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION IN THE DETERMINATION OF ALL APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. WHERE APPROPRIATE, PLANNING APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION

POLICY D5

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP SITES ALONG THE COASTLINE OUTSIDE THE MAIN SETTLEMENTS WHICH WOULD CONFLICT WITH ITS LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE

POLICY D6

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY D7

THE RETENTION IN FARMING USE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND WITHIN CLASSIFICATION GRADES 1, 2 AND 3A WILL BE ENCOURAGED THROUGH THE CONTROL OF DEVELOPMENT

POLICY D8

TO ENSURE THROUGH THE CONTROL OF DEVELOPMENT THAT THE LAND OF A HIGHER AGRICULTURAL QUALITY (CATEGORIES U I AND U2 IN THE HILLS AND UPLANDS SURVEY) IN THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK IS NOT TAKEN FOR DEVELOPMENT WHERE LAND OF A LOWER QUALITY IS AVAILABLE UNLESS ANY ALTERNATIVE SITE WOULD BE MORE DAMAGING ENVIRONMENTALLY

POLICY D9

WITHIN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS, DEVELOPMENT THAT DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE POLICIES OF THIS PLAN AND THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTER OF THE COUNTRYSIDE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED

POLICY D10

TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNTY'S HERITAGE OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA AND GEOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOGRAPHIC FEATURES ARE SAFEGUARDED, PARTICULARLY NNR'S, SSSI'S, RSPB RESERVES, WETLANDS, RAMSAR SITES, SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (UNDER EC BIRD DIRECTIVE 74/409), LOCAL NATURE RESERVES AND OTHER AREAS OF HIGH NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST

POLICY D11

THE NATURE AND QUALITY OF LINEAR LANDSCAPE AREAS SUCH AS RIVER VALLEYS AND ESTUARIES WILL BE PROTECTED

POLICY D12

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE PROTECTION AND THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF AND PROVISION OF ACCESS TO COMMON LAND. IT WILL OBJECT TO PROPOSALS FOR THE ERECTION OF INTERNAL FENCING, THE CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROADS, AND OTHER WORKS WHICH IN THE OPINION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL WOULD INHIBIT THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF AND ACCESS TO COMMON LAND AND LEAD TO DAMAGE TO ITS OPEN CHARACTER AND ECOLOGICAL VALUE. THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL RESIST PROPOSALS TO DEREGISTER COMMON LAND

POLICY D13

ANY PROPOSALS FOR NEW AFFORESTATION AND REPLANTING SHOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF AGRICULTURAL, LANDSCAPE AND NATURE CONSERVATION ISSUES, AND FUTURE PLANTING WILL BE GUIDED TOWARDS THOSE AREAS WHICH ARE MOST SUITABLE FOR AFFORESTATION

POLICY D14

THE PROTECTION, MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF BROAD LEAVED WOODLANDS WILL BE ENCOURAGED SO AS TO BENEFIT THE NATIVE WOODLAND FAUNA AND FLORA, AND TO CONSERVE THE QUALITIES OF THE LANDSCAPE

POLICY D15

IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT THE PLANNING AUTHORITIES WILL ENSURE THAT:

SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND THEIR SETTINGS WILL BE PRESERVED INTACT AND PLANNING PERMISSION WILL NORMALLY BE REFUSED
AREAS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE AND UNSCHEDULED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (INCLUDING THOSE IMPORTANT SITES WHICH ARE PRESENTLY UNKNOWN BUT WHICH MAY BE DISCOVERED DURING THE PLAN PERIOD) AND THEIR SETTINGS WHICH ARE CONSIDERED TO BE OF SUFFICIENT REGIONAL, LOCAL OR ACADEMIC INTEREST TO MERIT PRESERVATION, WILL BE PRESERVED AND PLANNING PERMISSION WILL BE REFUSED
FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES NOT MERITING PRESERVATION, PLANNING CONSENT WILL BE WITHHELD UNTIL PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE DEVELOPER FOR AN APPROPRIATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESPONSE BEFORE AND DURING THE DEVELOPMENT, EITHER THROUGH WRITTEN LEGAL AGREEMENT OR THROUGH THE ATTACHMENT OF CONDITIONS TO ANY PLANNING CONSENT
FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF UNKNOWN IMPORTANCE AND AREAS OF HICH ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR INVESTIGATION BEFORE AND DURING DEVELOPMENT
SCHEMES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF VISITOR AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AT AND MANAGEMENT OF APPROPRIATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES WILL BE ENCOURAGED PROVIDED THEY COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE

POLICY D16

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF RETAINING A REPRESENTATIVE SELECTION OF INDUSTRIAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND MONUMENTS WHICH WILL BE PROTECTED FROM REDEVELOPMENT AND DERELICT LAND RECLAMATION SCHEMES

POLICY D17

THE RECLAMATION OF DERELICT LAND WITHIN THE COUNTY WILL BE ENCOURAGED. IN RESTORING OR LANDSCAPING OF SITES OR AREAS OF DERELICTION PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHERE:

THERE IS A HAZARD TO HUMAN LIFE (e.g. DANGEROUS STRUCTURES, FLOOD RISK)
THERE IS A CONSTRUCTIVE AFRER-USE FOR THE RECLAIMED LAND
WHERE THE RESTORATION OF THE SITE CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE NATIONAL PARK, AONB, AND HERITAGE COAST
RESIDENTIAL AREAS COULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED

IN DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING SCHEMES EVERY CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO CONSERVE SITES OF INDUSTRIAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST AND CREATE INTERESTING NEW LANDSCAPES.

POLICY D18

THE COUNTY COUNCIL URGES WASTE DISPOSAL UNDERTAKINGS, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, TO USE WASTE DISPOSAL AS A MEANS OF RECLAIMING DERELICT LAND OR MINERAL WORKING SITES, AND TO ENSURE THAT A HIGH STANDARD OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IS CARRIED OUT AT BOTH NEW AND EXISTING SITES SO AS TO MINIMISE THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE NEED THAT:

SAFE ACCESS IS AVAILABLE
ADEQUATE DRAINAGE IS AVAILABLE
THEY CAN BE UNOBTRUSIVELY ASSIMILATED INTO THE LANDSCAPE
AREAS OF ECOLOGICAL, SCIENTIFIC OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE ARE NOT THREATENED

POLICY D19

THE COUNTY COUNCIL URGES THE NATIONAL RIVERS AUTHORITY, WELSH WATER AND OTHER APPROPRIATE BODIES TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE AND SAFE SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE SO THAT RAW SEWAGE DOES NOT POLLUTE THE COUNTY'S COASTLINE AND THAT ALL OTHER FORMS OF WATER AND MARINE POLLUTION ARE BROUGHT WITHIN INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

POLICY D20

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST DEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL:

DISCHARGE EFFLUENT IN A MANNER WHICH IS LIKELY TO IMPAIR THE QUALITY OF COASTAL, RIVER, INLAND OR GROUND WATER
INCREASE LEVELS OF AIR OR ODOUR POLLUTION
INTRODUCE MAJOR NOISE OR VIBRATION NUISANCE
OVERLOAD THE SEWER NETWORK BEYOND ACCEPTABLE LEVELS
OVERLOAD ANY EXISTING SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITY BEYOND ACCEPTABLE LEVELS

POLICY D21

ANY PROPOSALS TO ALTER, EXTEND, RENDER OR OTHERWISE CHANGE A 'LISTED BUILDING' SHALL RESPECT THE SETTING, FORM, SCALE, MASS, MATERIALS AND CHARACTER OF THE ORIGINAL

POLICY D22

ANY DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A 'LISTED BUILDING' AND HAVING A BEARING ON ITS SETTING AND CHARACTER WILL BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED

POLICY D23

APPLICATIONS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF ANY 'LISTED BUILDING' WILL BE GRANTED ONLY IF THE REASONS FOR DEMOLITION ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY AND ARE ACCOMPANIED BY FULL DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR THE AFTER-USE OF THE SITE WHICH MEET THE APPROVAL OF THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY. THE FOLLOWING FACTORS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT:

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BUILDING BOTH INTRINSICALLY AND RELATIVELY BEARING IN MIND THE NUMBER OF OTHER BUILDINGS OF SPECIAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
ARCHITECTURAL MERIT AND HISTORIC INTEREST
THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDING, THE COST OF REPAIRING AND MAINTAINING IT RELATIVE TO ITS IMPORTANCE AND WHETHER IT HAS ALREADY RECEIVED OR BEEN PROMISED GRANTS
THE IMPORTANCE OF ANY ALTERNATIVE USE FOR THE SITE AND IN PARTICULAR WHETHER THE USE OF THE SITE FOR SOME PUBLIC PURPOSE COULD ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT ESPECIALLY OF OTHER LISTED BUILDINGS IN THE AREA OR WHETHER IN A RUN-DOWN AREA A LIMITED REDEVELOPMENT MIGHT BRING NEW LIFE AND MAKE OTHER LISTED BUILDINGS MORE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE

POLICY D24

PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD INVOLVE THE DEMOLITION OF, OR WOULD OTHERWISE ADVERSELY AFFECT, ANY BUILDINGS WHICH ARE IMPORTANT TO THE CHARACTER OF A CONSERVATION AREA WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT'LISTED BUILDINGS'

POLICY D25

NEW DEVELOPMENT OR ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS IN CONSERVATION AREAS SHALL RESPECT THE SETTING, FORM, SCALE, MASS, MATERIALS AND CHARACTER OF THE VERNACULAR BUILDINGS TYPICAL OF THE CONSERVATION AREA

POLICY D26

ALL DEVELOPMENT IN PROXIMITY TO A DESIGNATED CONSERVATION AREA HAVING A BEARING ON THE SETTING OF THE AREA WILL BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED SO AS TO PROTECT THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THAT AREA

POLICY D27

THE CONVERSION OF NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TO BUSINESS OR INDUSTRIAL USE IF IT IS A MEANS OF PRESERVING A 'LISTED BUILDING', OR A BUILDING WHICH MAKES A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE RURAL OR URBAN SCENE WILL BE PERMITTED. APPLICATIONS WILL NEED TO SATISFY THE FOLLOWING TESTS:

THAT IN THE OPINION OF THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY THE ORIGINAL ROLE OF THE BUILDING IS NO LONGER VIABLE AND IF THE CONVERSION IS NOT PERMITTED IT WILL OTHERWISE REMAIN UNUSED, VACANT OR NEGLECTED
THAT THE BUILDING IS STRUCTURALLY SOUND AND CAPABLE OF REHABILITATION AND CONVERSION WITHOUT MAJOR EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS OR RECONSTRUCTION WHICH WOULD DESTROY THE CHARACTER OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING
THAT THERE IS A REASONABLE MEANS OF ACCESS TO THE BUILDING AND THAT ITS NEW USE WOULD NOT LEAD TO PROBLEMS OF HIGHWAY SAFETY

POLICY D28

IN THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AND IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTY WHERE NATURAL WELSH MINERAL SLATE IS THE TRADITIONAL ROOFING MATERIAL, THE ROOFING OF NEW BUILDINGS AND EXTENSIONS, AND REROOFING WHERE IT REQUIRES CONSENT, WILL BE IN NATURAL WELSH MINERAL SLATE OR EQUIVALENT MATERIAL WITH APPROPRIATE COLOUR, TEXTURE AND WEATHERING CHARACTERISTICS

POLICY D29

LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITIES WILL SEEK TO ENSURE THAT NEW DEVELOPMENTS OR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS EXHIBIT A HIGH STANDARD OF DESIGN AND ARE SUITABLY SITED IN THE TOWNSCAPE OR LANDSCAPE

POLICY D30

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY D31

THERE IS A PRESUMPTION AGAINST THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPEN SPACES WHICH ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CHARACTER, OR FUNCTION OF A SETTLEMENT

POLICY D32

ALL PLANNING APPLICATIONS SHOULD SHOW DUE REGARD TO THEIR SITE CONFIGURATION AND INCLUDE PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE FOR SUITABLE LANDSCAPING SCHEMES WHERE APPROPRIATE

POLICY D33

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSALS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND THE RAISING OF STANDARDS OF LOCAL AMENITIES IN OLDER RESIDENTIAL AREAS

POLICY D34

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF THE PROVISION OF WELL DESIGNED AND LANDSCAPED AMENITY OPEN SPACE, PLAY AREAS AND OFF-STREET PARKING IN EXISTING RESIDENTIAL AREAS

MINERALS

POLICY DD1

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY DD2

THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF GRANTING PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MINERAL EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION, WHERE SUCH ACTIVITIES DO NOT CONFLICT WITH POLICIES DESIGNED TO CONSERVE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OR THE AMENITY OF LOCAL RESIDENTS

POLICY DD3

THE FACT THAT PERMISSION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE SEARCH FOR, AND EVALUATION OF, MINERAL RESOURCES WILL NOT BE REGARDED AS PREDISPOSING THE COUNTY COUNCIL TO THE GRANTING OF PERMISSION FOR MINERAL EXTRACTION

POLICY DD4

AREAS IN WHICH POTENTIAL MINERAL RESOURCES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR DESIGNATION AS MINERAL CONSULTATION AREAS WITHIN WHICH THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST DEVELOPMENT PREJUDICIAL TO SUBSEQUENT EXPLOITATION OF THE IDENTIFIED RESOURCE. THE RECOGNITION OF THESE AREAS WILL NOT IN ITSELF GIVE RISE TO ANY PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF THE GRANTING OF PLANNING PERMISSION FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF SUCH MINERALS

POLICY DD5

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE USE OF RAIL AND SEA TRANSPORT, IN SO FAR AS IT LEADS TO REDUCED PRESSURE ON THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK, FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF BULK MINERALS OR MINERAL CONCENTRATES

POLICY DD6

PROPOSALS FOR THE WINNING AND WORKING OF MINERALS WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

THE IMPACT ON THE NATIONAL PARK, AONBS, HERITAGE COAST AND LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREAS
THE EFFECT ON FEATURES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC INTEREST
THE EFFECTS ON NEARBY TOWNS, VILLAGES, COMMUNITIES AND RESIDENTS
THE TRAFFIC GENERATED AND ITS IMPACT ON THE LOCAL HIGHWAY NETWORK
THE DEMAND FOR THE PROPOSED PRODUCT AND THE LOCATION OF OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPLY
THE EFFECT ON LOCAL AND COUNTY-WIDE EMPLOYMENT
THE EFFECTS ON FARMING ACTIVITIES
THE SUITABILITY OF THE SITE FOR RESTORATION TO AN ACCEPTABLE AFTER USE
THE AGRICULTURAL QUALITY OF THE LAND CONCERNED
THE POTENTIAL EFFECT ON WATER RESOURCES
THE IMPACT ON AREAS OF NATURE CONSERVATION INTEREST

(THESE CRITERIA ARE NOT IN PRIORITY ORDER)

POLICY DD7

PERMISSION FOR THE WINNING AND WORKING OF MINERALS WILL ONLY BE GRANTED WHERE IT CAN BE SHOWN THAT THE SITE IS CAPABLE OF RESTORATION TO A REASONABLE BENEFICIAL AFRER-USE. THE COUNCIL EXPECTS A SCHEME FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE SITE TO AN AGREED AFTERUSE TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF ALL PROPOSALS FOR SURFACE MINERAL WORKING. SUCH SCHEMES SHOULD FORM PART OF THE PLANNING APPLICATION AND SHOULD ADDRESS THE NEED FOR RESTORATION TO BE UNDERTAKEN ON A PROGRESSIVE BASIS

POLICY DD8

IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGGREGATE MINERAL WORKINGS THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL HAVE REGARD TO THE NEED TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE LANDBANK OF PERMITTED RESERVES CALCULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL AND REGIONAL GUIDANCE

POLICY DD9

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY DD10

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE USE OF LOCAL SECONDARY AGGREGATES, WHERE APPROPRIATE, AS ALTERNATIVES TO NATURALLY OCCURRING AGGREGATES OR OTHER MINERALS

POLICY DD11

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE SUPPLY OF MARINE DREDGED AGGREGATES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO LAND BASED AGGREGATES WHERE THE USE OF COASTAL LANDING SITES DOES NOT CAUSE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF MARINE ECOLOGY, COASTAL PROTECTION, LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION OF AMENITY, OR THE TRANSPORT OF AGGREGATES

POLICY DD12

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE PROTECTION OF THE PARTICULAR CHARACTER OF LIMESTONE AREAS WHEN ASSESSING PROPOSALS FOR THE WINNING AND WORKING OF LIMESTONE IN GWYNEDD. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE EFFECT OF MINERAL WORKING ON FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH AREAS WILL BE REQUIRED

POLICY DD13

PROPOSALS FOR THE LARGE SCALE EXTRACTION OF METALLIFEROUS ORES IN THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK, AONBS, HERITAGE COAST AND LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AREAS WHERE SUCH DEVELOPMENT WOULD CAUSE DEMONSTRABLE HARM TO INTERESTS OF ACKNOWLEDGED IMPORTANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED

POLICY DD14

LARGE SCALE EXPLOITATION OF PEAT RESERVES WITHIN THE COUNTY WHERE SUCH DEVELOPMENT WOULD CAUSE DEMONSTRABLE HARM TO INTERESTS OF ACKNOWLEDGED IMPORTANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED

POLICY DD15

DEVELOPMENT OF BORROW PITS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT THERE IS NO REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE SOURCE FOR THE REQUIRED MINERALS AND THAT THERE WILL BE NO DISBENEFITS IN TERMS OF THE CRITERIA SET OUT IN POLICY DD6

RETAILING

POLICY E1

NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS AND REDEVELOPMENTS IN EXISTING TOWN CENTRES WILL BE PERMITTED PROVIDING THAT SUCH DEVELOPMENT ENHANCES THEIR RETAIL STRENGTH AND DOES NOT OVERWHELM THE TRADITIONAL SHOPPING CENTRES

POLICY E2

LLANDUDNO AND BANGOR'S ROLE AS MAJOR SHOPPING CENTRES WILL BE SUPPORTED AND MAJOR RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS AND REDEVELOPMENTS IN LOCATIONS ACCEPTABLE TO THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL BE PERMITTED IN THESE CENTRES

POLICY E3

RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH, BY THE SCALE OF THEIR ACTIVITY, CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN EXISTING TOWN CENTRES, WILL BE PERMITTED IN LOCATIONS THAT, IN THE OPINION OF THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY, ARE ACCEPTABLE IN TERMS OF DESIGN AND SCALE, DO NOT HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE VITALITY AND VIABILITY OF ANY TOWN CENTRE AS A WHOLE AND DO NOT REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL USE

POLICY E4

SHOPPING DEVELOPMENTS AT SITES IN OPEN COUNTRYSIDE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED

POLICY E5

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

COMMUNITY SERVICES

POLICY F1

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY F2

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY F3

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY F4

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY F5

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY F6

PROVISION OF INDOOR FACILITIES TO REMEDY EXISTING DEFICIENCY OF LEISURE FACILITIES AT ALL FOCAL CENTRES IN THE COUNTY, AND AT OTHER SETTLEMENTS WHICH CAN SUPPORT SUCH FACILITIES, IS ENCOURAGED

POLICY F7

THE COUNTY COUNCIL ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOLS AND THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES ON SCHOOL SITES WHERE THIS DOES NOT IMPAIR THE EDUCATIONAL ROLE OF THE SCHOOL

POLICY F8

IN ADDITION TO MAINTAINING THE EXISTING PROVISION THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSALS WHICH EXTEND THE RANGE AND QUALITY OF FACILITIES FOR THE ARTS. THE COUNTY COUNCIL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH ABERCONWY BOROUGH COUNCIL, SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAJOR CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN LLANDUDNO

TRANSPORT

POLICY FF1

THE ROAD NETWORK IN GWYNEDD WILL BE IMPROVED AND MAINTAINED, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FUNCTIONAL IMPORTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING HIERARCHY

THE CATEGORIES IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE ARE:

CATEGORY 1 INTERNATIONAL CONNECTING ROUTE E22:

A55 FROM LLANDYGAI EASTWARDS TO CLWYD BORDER (MOCHDRE)
A5 FROM LLANDYGAI WESTWARDS TO HOLYHEAD (FERRY TERMINAL)

CATEGORY 2 OTHER TRUNK ROADS:

A4080 LLANFAIR PWLLGWYNGYLL UP TO, AND INCLUDING, THE MENAI SUSPENSION BRIDGE
A487 THE MENAI SUSPENSION BRIDGE TO TY NANT (GELLILYDAN)AND CROSS FOXES NEAR DOLGELLAU TO MACHYNLLETH
A5 FROM LLANDYGAI TO THE CLWYD BORDER (PENTREFOELAS)
A470 GLAN CONWY CORNER TO POWYS BORDER (MALLWYD)
A494 DOLGELLAU TO THE CLWYD BORDER (GLANRAFON) A5
A458 MALLWYD TO THE POWYS BORDER

TRUNK ROADS ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES. THEY LINK MAJOR SETTLEMENTS AND FOCAL CENTRES OF THE COUNTY AND PROVIDE CONNECTIONS WITH THE REST OF THE COUNTRY

CATEGORY 3 KEY COUNTY ROADS:

THESE LINK OTHER MAJOR SETTLEMENTS AND FOCAL CENTRES WITH EACH OTHER AND TO THE TRUNK ROAD NETWORK:

A5025 VALLEY TO AMLWCH AND MENAI BRIDGE
A5122 LLANDYGAI (A5/A55)/BANGOR/MENAI BRIDGE
A545 MENAI BRIDGE TO BEAUMARIS
A4087 FROM A487 (FAENOL) TO BANGOR
A4080 LLANFAIR PWLLGWYNGYLL TO TREBAN BRYNGWRAN (A5)
A5114 FROM THE A5 TO LLANGEFNI
A499 LLANWNDA TO ABERSOCH
A497 PWLLHELI TO PORTHMADOG
A498 TREMADOG TO PENYGWRYD
A4086 CAERNARFON TO CAPEL CURIG
A470 GLAN CONWY CORNER TO LLANDUDNO
A4212 TRAWSFYNYDD TO BALA
A496 BLAENAU FFESTINIOG TO BARMOUTH AND LLANELLTYD (NR. DOLGELLAU)
A493 DOLGELLAU TO TYWYN AND PONT AR DDYFI (NR. MACHYNLLETH)
B4366/B4547 LLANDYGAI TO LLANBERIS

CATEGORIES (1), (2) AND (3) MAKE UP THE ROUTES FORMING THE STRATEGIC HIGHWAY NETWORK SHOWN ON THE KEY DIAGRAM

CATEGORY 4 NON-KEY COUNTY ROADS:

THESE LINK FOCAL CENTRES WITH THE LARGER SETTLEMENTS AS WELL AS PROVIDING LINKS WITH STRATEGIC ROUTES

CATEGORY 5 MINOR AND LOCAL ACCESS ROADS:

THESE ROADS COMPLETE THE NETWORK FOR THE TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS PREDOMINANTLY OF A MORE LOCAL NATURE AND AS THE MEANS OF ACCESS TO FARMS, HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL SITES ETC.

ROADS FORMING THE STRATEGIC NETWORK (CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3) NEED TO BE OF A HIGH STANDARD. SAFETY AND THE FREE FLOW OF TRAFFIC WILL BE THE PRIME OBJECTIVES AND THERE WILL BE SEVERE LIMITATIONS ON ACCESS, PARKING AND CROSSING AND TURNING MOVEMENTS. ROADS IN CATEGORY 4 WILL GENERALLY BE OF A LOWER STANDARD THAN ON THE STRATEGIC NETWORK, WITH LIMITATIONS ON ACCESS, PARKING, CROSSING AND TURNING MOVEMENTS

POLICY FF2

THROUGH CAREFUL ALIGNMENT LANDSCAPING AND DESIGN DETAIL OF IMPROVEMENTS OF COUNTY ROADS, THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL SEEK AN OPTIMUM BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPEDITIOUS MOVEMENT OF TRAFFIC AND THE NEED TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE COUNTY, PARTICULARLY RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LANDSCAPE OF THE SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK, THE LLYN AND YNYS MON AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY AND SUBJECT TO OVERRIDING SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS. THE COUNTY COUNCIL URGES THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES TO APPLY THIS POLICY TO THE DESIGN OF TRUNK ROADS

POLICY FF3

THE FOLLOWING SCHEMES ARE PROPOSED IN THE WELSH OFFICE TRUNK ROAD PROGRAMME:

A5 PONT PADOG APPROACH

A5 BETHESDA BY-PASS

A5 HALFWAY BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION

A5 LLANFAIR PWLLGWYNGYLL TO NANT TURNPIKE

A5 NANT TURNPIKE - WEST OF BRYNGWRAN

A5 WEST OF BRYNGWRAN - TY MAWR HOLYHEAD

A5 HOLYHEAD RELIEF ROAD

A55 PEN-Y-CLIP (IN PROGRESS)

A55 ABER IMPROVEMENT (IN PROGRESS)

A470 LLANRWST BY-PASS

A470 LLEDR VALLEY IMPROVEMENTS

A487 PORT DINORWIG BY-PASS (IN PROGRESS)

A487 CAERNARFON - BONTNEWYDD BY-PASS

A487 PEN-Y-GROES - LLANLLYFNI BY-PASS

A487 PENRHYNDEUDRAETH - TREMADOG

THE COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE NEED FOR CONTINUED EXPENDITURE ON MINOR TRUNK ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE A5 AT PONT TY HYLL (NORTH OF BETWS Y COED)

POLICY FF4

DELETED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY WAY OF MODIFICATION

POLICY FF5

PRIORITY FOR IMPROVEMENTS ON KEY COUNTY ROADS WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE SECTIONS WHICH MEET ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA;

IMPROVED ROAD SAFETY
REMEDY PHYSICAL DEFICIENCIES IN THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD (ESPECIALLY RETAINING WALLS AND BRIDGES)
HAVE INSUFFICIENT WIDTH
HAVE POOR ALIGNMENT OR INADEQUATE OVERTAKING OPPORTUNITIES
REMOVE CONFLICT WITHIN SETTLEMENTS THROUGH PROVIDING A BY~PASS

SCHEMES IDENTIFIED AS PRIORITIES ARE:

A493	RHYS TERRACE, PENNAL
	COED Y MARCHLYN, PENNAL
	PENNAL BY-PASS
	HAFODTY - PENRHYN DYFI, PONT AR DDYFI
	BRYNHYFRYD ARTHOG
	NANT Y GWENLLI - BRYNIAU BYCHAN, PENNAL
	TAI NEWYDDION, PENNAL
	LLWYNGWRIL BY-PASS

A496	POST OFFICE, DYFFRYN ARDUDWY
	LLANBEDR BY-PASS/SARN HIR
	BARCDY, TALSARNAU
	TALSARNAU FOOTWAYS
	BORTHWNNOG-BWLCH Y GWYNT
	COES FAEN, BARMOUTH
	TALSARNAU-FUCHES WEN
	TYDDYN BACH - TY'N COED, DYFFRYN ARDUDWY
	TY'N COED - FFORDD YR EFAIL, DYFFRYN ARDUDWY
	PONT TALYBONT - PONT RHYDYSARN, MAENTWROG

A497	BROOM HALL - AFONWEN
	PONT AFONWEN - PANDY GARAGE
	BROOM HALL - ABERERCH

A498	ABERGLASLYN
	BEDDGELERT - PONT ABERGLASLYN

A499	HAFOD LWYD, PONTLLYFNI
	PENRHIWIAU - CAMFA'R BWTH, CLYNNOG FAWR
	ABERDESACH - CLYNNOG FAWR
	GYRN GOCH - PENLON TREFOR

A4086	HEN DYRPEG, NANT PERIS
	BODRUAL-PONTRUG
	EAST OF PENYGWRYD

A545	EAST OF GARTH LODGE

A5025	CEFN COCH - BODHEDD, LLANRHUDDLAD

POLICY FF6

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL CARRY OUT APPROPRIATE WORKS ON THE OTHER ROADS OF ITS HIGHWAYS NETWORK IN ORDER TO:

STRENGTHEN INADEQUATE RETAINING WALLS AND BRIDGES
UPGRADE THE NECESSARY SECTIONS OF CLASS 'A' AND SELECTED 'B' ROADS TO THE STANDARD OF EXISTING IMPROVED SECTIONS
REMOVE ACCIDENT BLACK-SPOTS AND PINCH-POINTS, IMPROVE JUNCTION LAY-OUTS, AND PROVIDE FOOTWAYS IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES

POLICY FF7

LAND FOR THE FOLLOWING BY-PASS ROUTES ON COUNTY ROADS WILL BE PROTECTED FROM DEVELOPMENT:

A496 LLANBEDR

A493 LLWYNGWRIL

A493 PENNAL

A499 CLYNNOG FAWR

(FOR TRUNK ROAD BY-PASSES SEE POLICY FF3)

POLICY FF8

THE LAND FOR THE LINES OF THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUSLY PROPOSED BY-PASS ROUTES WILL NO LONGER BE PROTECTED:

A499 Y FFOR

A496 TALYBONT

A5025 LLANFACHRAETH

A4080 BRYNSIENCYN

B4417 NEFYN

B4413 SARN MELLTEYRN

B4417 TUDWEILIOG

B5111 LLANNERCH Y MEDD

B5106 TREFRIW

POLICY FF9

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES THROUGH SCHEMES DESIGNED TO MINIMISE PEDESTRIAN/VEHICULAR CONFLICT AND TO ENHANCE THE VISUAL ASPECTS OF THE STREET SCENE

POLICY FF10

PROVISION BY DISTRICT COUNCILS AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE OF ADEQUATE OFF-STREET CAR, COACH AND LORRY PARKING IN THE SETTLEMENTS OF GWYNEDD WILL BE ENCOURAGED SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

POLICY FF11

DEVELOPMENTS WHICH GIVE RISE TO A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN TRAFFIC GENERATION WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE EXISTING HIGHWAYS ARE ADEQUATE TO CATER FOR INCREASED USE, UNLESS:

FUNDS CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS THAT FACILITATE LOCAL AUTHORITY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS
PRIVATE DEVELOPERS ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR NECESSARY ROAD WORKS

POLICY FF12

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL RELATE THE PARKING PROVISION TO BE REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH ALL FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT OR CHANGE OF USE TO THE APPROPRIATE CURRENT STANDARDS. THESE STANDARDS WILL BE RELATED TO THE TYPE AND DENSITY OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, ITS LOCATION AND THE ABILITY OF THE SURROUNDING HIGHWAY NETWORK TO CATER FOR INCREASED TRAFFIC FLOWS

POLICY FF13

WHERE ADDITIONAL OR EXTENDED CAR PARKS IN RURAL AREAS ARE TO BE PROVIDED, THEY WILL BE PERMITTED ONLY WHERE THE CAPACITY OF THE ACCESS ROADS IS ADEQUATE FOR THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN THE TRAFFIC FLOWS

POLICY FF14

WHERE CAR PARKS ARE PROPOSED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, POSITIVE MEASURES WILL BE ENCOURAGED SO AS TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR VISITORS IN THE AREA AND MINIMISE THE IMPACT ON THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE

POLICY FF15

THE REQUIREMENTS OF PEDESTRIANS, THE DISABLED, THE ELDERLY AND PRAM OR WHEELCHAIR USERS WILL HAVE TO BE ASSESSED IN NEW AND REMODELLED DEVELOPMENTS SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CONVENIENT AND SAFE ACCESS

POLICY FF16

THE OPERATIONAL NEEDS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND USERS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AND IMPROVED DEVELOPMENTS, REDEVELOPMENT OF TOWN CENTRES, PEDESTRIANISATION OF SHOPPING STREETS, NEW SHOPPING DEVELOPMENTS, NEW SUBSTANTIAL EMPLOYMENT GENERATORS, LEISURE CENTRES AND ANY OTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS THAT WILL GENERATE CUSTOM FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

POLICY FF17

THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES WILL BE AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT WHICH EITHER DEPENDS LARGELY ON ACCESS BY NON-CAR OWNERS OR COULD GENERATE SUBSTANTIAL LOADINGS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

POLICY FF 18

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF NEW RAILWAY STATIONS IN GWYNEDD ESPECIALLY AT EGRYN AND GAERWEN, AND WILL ENCOURAGE IMPROVEMENTS AT HOLYHEAD, BANGOR AND LLANDUDNO

POLICY FF19

THE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE INDUSTRIAL AND EXTRACTIVE ENTERPRISES TO USE THE RAILWAYS TO CARRY FREIGHT WHERE THIS IS PRACTICAL AND ECONOMIC THROUGH:

ENCOURAGING APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTION 8 OF THE RAILWAYS ACT 1974 TO PROVIDE NEW PRIVATE SIDINGS
ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENTS WHICH INVOLVE LARGE-SCALE FREIGHT MOVEMENTS TO LOCATE WHERE POSSIBLE NEXT TO RAILWAYS WHERE SIDINGS CAN BE PROVIDED

POLICY FF20

THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT FACILITIES AT THE PORTS AND HARBOURS OF THE COUNTY WILL BE ENCOURAGED

POLICY FF21

THE COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAERNARFON AIRPORT, (LLANDWROG) RAF VALLEY (HOLYHEAD) AND RAE LLANBEDR AS AIRFIELDS FOR THIRD LEVEL REGULAR, CHARTER AND PLEASURE FLIGHTS, AND THE RETENTION OF HOLYHEAD HELIPORT