Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED: That the minutes be agreed, as an accurate record.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the National Landscape Partnership meeting held on 13 March 2026 be received as an accurate record.
RESOLVED; That the update report be noted.
RESOLVED: Members noted the PowerPoint presentation.
RESOLVED: That the information report be noted.
RESOLVED; That the verbal update be noted.
RESOLVED: That the verbal update be noted.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The meeting was opened by Councillor Alan James (Chair of the joint Committee). The Chair introduced Emma Horan, Denbighshire’s Countryside and Heritage Manager to the meeting. Apologies were received from – Councillor Dave Hughes (FCC) and Ash Pearce (Designated Landscape Officer NRW). Keith Davies was in attendance from NRW. There were no declarations of interest.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes be agreed, as an accurate record.
The draft minutes of the previous meeting of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape Joint Committee held on 21 November 2025 were presented for approval. Matters arising – David Shiel (NL Area Manager) provided an update on the Management Plan 2025-30 stating a lot of work around stakeholder engagement had taken place. Workshops had taken place and further workshops scheduled with heritage partners and historic landscape partners. Further sessions on different areas were being arranged. Following the workshops a draft management plan would be formed and presented to the partnership in June. RESOLVED: That the minutes be agreed, as an accurate record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the National Landscape Partnership meeting held on 13 March 2026 be received as an accurate record.
The draft minutes of the National Landscape Partnership meeting held on 13 March 2026 were presented. Matters arising – David Shiel (NL Area Manager) stated the last meeting had been full, showcasing on work around climate change. Ian Grant from Heneb attended to discuss the work they were supporting. Members were informed of the level of funding which had been secured around Nature recovery and there were three projects which were progressing. The team had also been successful in developing further the work on darker skies and had secured funding just shy of £250k to continue that work, particularly around the impact of artificial light at night. The funding had been secured to work in partnership with National Landscapes and National Parks across North Wales. It was felt the work was extremely important. Members also heard about an application for a Moorland Project, in partnership with NRW, RSPB, Fire service and CADW a bid had been submitted to the Heritage Lottery. Officers would find out if the bid was successful in June and report back to the committee. The bid was for a 10yr project with around £8-10 million funding. The Chair congratulated all the officers on the work and positive updates provided. He stressed the good news and hard work around securing obtaining the funding. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the National Landscape Partnership meeting held on 13 March 2026 be received as an accurate record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED; That the update report be noted.
The Finance and Assurance Manager (DCC) introduced the report to the committee, He explained the report was the last papers and figures for 2025/26 financial year. There had been little change from the previous month. He highlighted slightly less reserves had been used than what had originally been budgeted for. The report presented was for information with no decisions being made. The report being presented in June would require a Members decision for approval. He offered his thanks to the Senior Finance Officer, DCC for her work in preparing the report. In response to Members questions regarding the difference in figures on the columns in the report the Finance and Assurance Manager explained when the budget was set officers did not know what the salary increase would be. When the increase in salaries was agreed additional funding was identified to cover that increase. That figure would not change further as the papers were reviewing the last year. The figures for 2026/27 had been made using estimates as the salary increase was unknown until a later date. Officers do conduct work around settlement figures and guides to estimate the figures of the budget, although they are likely to need amending. Members asked questions regarding the change in vehicle and travel with projections being different to the final figures. The Finance and Assurance Manager stated the millage was based on what employees claimed. The rate had not changed. Officers are reviewing the claims and the rate of millage which may impact the figure. Fleet costs included several aspects including maintenance, petrol and new vehicles. Close working with the Fleet Service continued to work towards the decarbonisation agenda. When vehicles reach the end of life they are replaced with electric vehicles. Officers were reviewing and looking at a range of alternatives with contribute to the decarbonisation agenda. The Countryside and Heritage Manager offered her thanks to the whole team and finance team. The work was challenging and often a lot of different aspects where being worked on. She acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all involved. RESOLVED; That the update report be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: Members noted the PowerPoint presentation.
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Officer for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Ffermio Bro Farming Scheme. During the presentation specific sections were highlighted to Committee:- • Farming in Protected Landscape scheme and Sustainable Farming Scheme with funding of £1.5 m for 2025/2026 • Information was provided on the allocation of £128,874 to spend in year 1 • Dafydd Roberts had been appointed to liaise with farmers and offer contracts. • Background to the Agricultural Act was also provided • Information on the collaborative working with farmers was also provided • An overview of the shows and events which had been visited to promote the scheme was given • 34 applications put forward from farmers requesting funding of £184k which left a deficit of £56k. • Details of an opportunity to secure further funding to support the deficit was provided. Stating an additional £216k of funding had been secured to support farmers. • It was highlighted 83% of applications received were from new interested parties. • Details of the work completed was provided with photographs of the completed work. • Work with Welsh Government had taken place to apply for the next two years funding. It had been agreed that a set budget of £253k for the following two years. • Details of the ongoing work and projects was provided. Members congratulated the Agriculture and Natural Resources Officer for the positive work and praised him on the dedication to support as many farmers as possible by gaining additional funding. In response to Members questions the Agriculture and Natural Resources Officer stated it was difficult to give an over all figure of the grants acquired. There were numerous grants and often ran over several years of work so was difficult to get a figure for each financial year. Members heard that of the farmers that had joined the scheme, they worked in clusters working collaboratively with officers. It was stressed that those that had applied for the scheme that were not eligible had not been forgotten and officers were working with the applicants to support and provide guidance for other streams or schemes. The Committee heard that a number of officers were looking for opportunities to apply to grants and funding. There were a number of different schemes that officer could apply to. Welsh Government will be informed of the success of gaining the additional funding. The budget had now been set for the next 2 years and was unlikely to change. Officers would continue to research and apply for funding opportunities. The Chair offered his thanks and congratulations to the team. He acknowledged the challenges faced and praise the work to date. RESOLVED: Members noted the PowerPoint presentation.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the information report be noted.
The Countryside and Heritage Manager (DCC) introduced the information report. She offered thanks to David Williams for the preparation of the comprehensive report. She reminded Members that all Planning responses continued to be handled under the scheme of delegation alongside the National Landscape Working group. There were no formal consultations had taken place during the reporting period. There were some unresolved issues relating to phosphorus in the Dee Valley, holding up some applications. Officers were awaiting the replacement Local Development Plan. Over the course of the year, reports on fluctuations in the economy which affected the planning consultations and applications that take place were slightly lower last year. She highlighted the positive change to preapplication engagement via the joint Committee had resulted in a greater say on the decision-making process, working alongside the Local Planning Authorities with an 86% improvement rate. She also highlighted the increasing influence in the decision-making process in dark skies, noise and disturbance. Fewer outright objections had been noted in the report, alluding to the work done in the pre application work working well. The Chair thanked the Countryside and Heritage Manager for the information update. RESOLVED: That the information report be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED; That the verbal update be noted.
The NRW representative, Keith Davies introduced himself and his role to the committee. He offered apologies on behalf of Ash Pearce the Designated Landscape Officer NRW who was unable to attend the meeting. He provided members with an update on the current situation and the potential work going forward. Members heard during the statutory notification period which ran from January and February 2026, Welsh Government received several representations and objections to the designation order. This included three objections from the Local Authorities. On the 26th March 2026, the Deputy First Minister that Welsh Government plan to order a public inquiry to consider the representations and objections received. In doing that it would allow careful consideration of all evidence and objections. An independent inspector would be appointed to co-ordinate all procedural stages of the inquiry. NRW role in the process would change to the promoting authority and would participate in the inquiry and present evidence and answer any questions and objections. Local Authorities and main parties would be invited to participate in the process. The Inspector would have the authority to decide who participated in the inquiry. Members heard at this time there had been no indication of when the inquiry would commence. The Chair thanked the NRW representative for the update. In response to Members comments the NRW representative offered further information on the process of the inquiry. Members heard there were three elements to the process: • The first stage would be discussions and a review of the objections received, with evidence being reviewed considering the objections. • Consideration of any detailed boundary considerations. • Discussions around the governance, including funding for the scheme. It would be the inspector’s role to obtain the relevant information and evidence to make recommendations. Members heard that from a NRW perspective, the primary considerations and evidence was to provide evidence in support of the designation project. Some of the issues raised by Local Authorities were discussed and reviewed at an inquiry stage. The inquiry would allow for extra information to be requested including funding and contributions required from parties. Funding for a National Park involved a 75% core funding from Welsh Government. The representative stressed that a higher level of detail and information would form part of the inquiry. Members stressed how difficult it was for Local Authorities to sign up and support the project with the lack of information and financing information and costs. Members noted to receive the level of information they requested the project would have always had to go to a public inquiry. Local Authorities had responsibilities to residents and had other financial commitments they had to balance so having all the information on the project would be required. The funding figures were always intended to be generated at a later stage to the initial notification period. It was hoped that following the inquiry all parties would have more information and be in a more informed position. The Chair concluded the project was currently in a holding position. All parties required further information including funding and potential income. Local Authorities were not in a position to support the project. The Chair offered his thanks to the NRW representative and thanked him for providing Members the status. RESOLVED; That the verbal update be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the verbal update be noted.
The National Landscape Area Manager and Team Leader confirmed he was in receipt of the legal agreement which was the basis of the work of the Joint Committee. It had been agreed and signed by all three local authorities. He offered his thanks to all involved in the process. The Chair thanked all involved in producing the agreement. RESOLVED: That the verbal update be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The committee’s forward work programme was presented for consideration. The National Landscape Area Manager and Team Leader guided Members through the upcoming proposed agendas. Members heard a positive meeting had taken place in relation to the Community Champion work in relation to the Legal Agreement. Support and guidance was offered to those in attendance providing information on opportunities for sustainable development funding and other sectors. A further Community Champions meeting was being arranged towards the North of the National Landscape to continue developing relationships and offering support. Several partnership group meetings were scheduled along with stakeholder engagement workshops having been arranged. Members were provided with assurance that work was ongoing on the areas that were appearing red on the FWP but communication and work was ongoing. Keith Davies (NRW) highlighted there was no mention of the Strategic Development Plan. He asked if officers were actively involved in the scoping work that was currently taking place. The National Landcape Area Manager was unsure if the team were involved in that plan but would ensure to review if it was an area that required officer involvement. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The next meeting would be held on Friday 26th June 2026 and would be hosted by Wrexham County Borough Council. The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and input today
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Dyw'r cyngor ddim wedi cofnodi presenoldeb ar gyfer y cyfarfod hwn.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.