Consultation announced on new National Park in Wales which could have major consequences for landowners and developers

The Welsh Government’s plans for a new National Park in Wales - the first to be established since 1957 – look to be coming to fruition.

Whilst Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been commissioned to evaluate and consult on “the case for the designation”, in its Programme for Government the Welsh Government said that it would create a new National Park, such that designation is likely a foregone conclusion.

NRW will be consulting on the proposal between 7 October and 16 December 2024, when several online and in-person events will be held. NRW’s evaluation will focus on the extent of the Park; the area proposed is significant, and includes the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty/Designated Landscape, as well as significant areas to the south of the AONB, including the Vyrnwy and Banwy Valleys in Mid Wales, as well as the Tanat, Llansilin and Ceiriog Valleys.

The designation of a new National Park would have significant consequences, particularly for those looking to carry out works and development on their land. A new National Park planning authority would prepare planning policies specific to the Park, which would almost certainly be more prohibitive of development. It is likely that tourism would increase as a result of the designation of the Park, but also that it would be more difficult to obtain consent for tourism related development such as chalets, cabins, and caravans. In addition, many permitted development rights, which allow a wide range of works without the requirement for a specific planning permission, are excluded or restricted in National Parks.

The designation of the Park could also lead to an increase in demand for holiday accommodation and second homes, as has been seen in other National Park areas. This could increase house prices and reduce availability for locals. The Park Authority would likely disapply rights which allow homes to be used as holiday or second houses without planning permission, which might go some way to minimising this issue.

Those who are currently considering seeking consent for development, or carrying out permitted development, are encouraged to proceed with haste, before designation takes place.