Councils object to ‘£4m ego project’ national park
All five local authorities that would host Natural Resources Wales’ proposed Glyndŵr National Park have now either formally opposed the plan or raised concerns about it.
If created, Glyndŵr National Park would cover 230,000 acres across Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Powys, and Wrexham.
Consultation on the project concluded yesterday. The final decision regarding the creation of Glyndŵr National Park will be made by the Welsh Government. Introducing a fourth national park in Wales had been part of the Labour Party’s campaign promises in 2021.
Wrexham County Council was the last local authority to vote against the scheme, with Cllr Trevor Bates describing the initiative as a “£4m ego project”.
The pound figure was a reference to the rough amount each of the three existing national park authorities in Wales receive in grants each year. Bates argued that the money would be better spent addressing issues around healthcare and education.
Powys County Council and Denbighshire County Council had both also voted to formally oppose the project.
Gwynedd County Council said it did not have enough clarity on the plan to have an opinion, while Flintshire County Council said the lack of detailed information around the park’s governance raised concerns over whether the proposal represented value for money.
The local authorities flagged that a national park will increase pressures on services and infrastructure due to greater visitor numbers.
The proposed boundaries for the national park. Credit: via National Resource Wales
This seems so shortsighted and backwards from the local Authorities. Whilst outside of the park boundaries, the proximity could be used to focus hospitality in areas such as Rhyl which already have the infrastructure but have been in relative decline in recent decades. This would allow for improvements in employment opportunities but it doesn’t really sound like they actually want to do anything to proactively address the needs of the people they supposedly serve
By Andrew
Well said Cllr Trevor Bates. I hope the Welsh Government listen to the Local Authorities irrespective of Labour Party campaign promises.Most locals are more concerned about housing, education and healthcare than throwing huge grants into new national parks. Read the room.
By Dafydd
Really disappointing nimby responses from the local authorities. With proper safeguards in place, this is a real opportunity that’s being missed.
By Jack Mary Ann
I don’t understand the outrage over this supposed “£4m ego project”, especially when that figure isn’t even specific to Glyndŵr, it’s a rough estimate based on what Wales already spends on other national parks.
We’re talking about a modest annual investment that would very likely pay for itself many times over through increased visitors, local spending in pubs, shops and accommodation, stronger business rates, and year-round jobs for local people – especially lower-skilled and seasonal workers who often have fewer options. That’s before you even factor in the long-term value of protecting landscapes, habitats and culture in this part of north Wales.
If anything, the real risk is not creating the park: missing out on profile, investment and a structured way to manage visitors and infrastructure. Calling it an “ego project” feels incredibly short-sighted.
It’s quite something when we’ve reached the point where even a new national park – jobs, nature, heritage and all – is treated as something to be resisted. What next?
By Jim
Hypocrisy abounds when Wreham CC can approve a £14m grant to Wreham FC (where’s the healthcare and education in that?) but won’t support this!
By Spike
If the government collected all the taxes due to it, closed some loopholes, and clawed back some of the dubious Covid-era spending / fraud, there would be more than enough to fund the proposed National Park and the issues the councils are concerned about? It doesn’t have to be one or the other, and investing in people and the environment will in time pay for themselves through a better economy and less demand on state services.
By Anonymous
Narrow minded view from sad little local authorities worried about losing a few planning powers. All the English NP were opposed by similar self-important local politicians.
By Peter Black
New national park surely should be a win win situation you would think
By Anonymous
As usual negativity and short termism is the only answer the councillors have. Look at the future employment and business opportunities but of course the local councillors find it easier to increase rates and waste money on vanity projects like electric dustbin carts and trolibox that double as water features.
By John Davies
This is really disappointing. The councillors aren’t representing anyone but landowners and their own interests. NRW research has shown that 53 percent of respondents are in favour and that’s despite the huge misinformation campaign
By Ian Papworth
I love Wales my grandfather grew up here & I have been visiting as often as I can manage. Since my first visit at 18m old. I think a new National Park is a great idea for the Welsh countryside, it needs proper legal protection. You want to see what they’re trying to do to our Moss & peatland & greenbelt around Manchester it’s disgraceful. Please grab this opportunity with both hands to preserve your beautiful Welsh countryside whilst you can
By Janet Breeze