Latest news with #SSSIs
South Wales Argus
24-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Cosmeston Aqua Park protestors to take fight to Senedd
This latest move follows two earlier demonstrations, one on June 9, where hundreds gathered at Cosmeston Lake voicing concerns over safety and environmental impact, and a second on June 14, where protesters formed a human chain around the lake in a powerful show of unity. Throughout the backlash, Vale of Glamorgan Council Leader Lis Burnett has publicly defended the development, rejecting accusations of rushed planning and insisting the Aqua Park trial followed all necessary procedures. The protest is scheduled for 3pm on Wednesday, outside the home of the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff Bay, and ten days before the Aqua Park is due to open. Organisers are encouraging participants to bring drums, saucepans, or any noisy items to make their voices heard during the 'Raise the Voice for the Voiceless' peaceful protest. The Aqua Park, which is set to operate at Cosmeston Lakes near Penarth over a trial period this summer, has faced growing backlash from environmental groups and local residents. Despite over 7,000 petition signatures in opposition, the plans have already been approved by Vale of Glamorgan councillors. Cosmeston aqua park protesters to rally at Senedd (Image: Nikita Singh) Campaigners argue that the Aqua Park poses significant risks to both public safety and the ecological integrity of the site, which includes designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The park, awarded nature reserve status in 2013, is home to rare and protected plant and animal life. The opposition group, Save Cosmeston and the Vale, part of the Vale Action Group, now says it is considering legal action as a last resort. They claim the council has not provided adequate consultation and that the ecological and water safety tests conducted were insufficient. The Aqua Park's operators, who previously ran the attraction in Cardiff Bay, were forced to relocate following water quality concerns at that site. Concerns also persist over the use of the Eastern Lake, which had a long-standing ban on swimming due to its past use as a quarry. The campaign group questions how it has now been deemed safe, stating they believe lives could be at risk. Protest organisers have thanked supporters for their contributions and encouraged continued participation. For more information, contact Nicola Ludvigsen at nicolalud@
Wales Online
23-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Aqua Park protesters to take their fight to the Senedd
Aqua Park protesters to take their fight to the Senedd 'The views of 7,000 people who have signed a petition against the Aqua Park are being blatantly ignored' Cosmeston Country Park is set to be the new location of an inflatable water park (Image: Mark Lewis ) Opposition to a planned inflatable water park at a nature reserve in south Wales is intensifying, with campaigners set to take their fight to the Senedd this week. The controversial Cardiff Bay Aqua Park is due to relocate to the eastern lake at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, near Penarth, with a launch scheduled for Friday, July 5. The trial attraction, which will run for eight weeks over the summer, has sparked fierce backlash from local residents, environmentalists and conservation groups who argue it poses a threat to both public safety and sensitive wildlife habitats. Cosmeston Country Park spans over 100 acres and is home to a range of rare species, including the critically endangered water vole. It was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2013 due to its rich biodiversity and is considered one of the Vale of Glamorgan's most tranquil and ecologically significant areas. A demonstration is planned outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay at 3pm on Wednesday, June 25, just ten days before the attraction's scheduled opening. Organisers from the Save Cosmeston and the Vale campaign, part of the broader Vale Action Group, say they are now exploring legal options to halt the development. Local councillors approved the temporary trial despite a petition opposing the project that gathered over 7,000 signatures. Article continues below The Vale of Glamorgan Council has previously defended the decision, stating there is a "local appetite" for the Aqua Park and describing it as a potential "great addition" to the park's summer offerings. Yet protesters disagreed, arguing that the installation will disrupt Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within the park and raise serious safety concerns. Swimming has long been banned in the lakes due to their industrial past as a quarry. On June 14, over 500 people, including families with children formed a human chain around the lake in a symbolic act of protest. Organisers say this was a powerful display of community opposition that transcends local boundaries. Protesters gathered around the lake against the proposals (Image: Mark Lewis ) For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Saar Lenaerts, spokesperson for Save Cosmeston and the Vale, emphasised that the group is not fundamentally against the concept of an aqua park but believes Cosmeston is the wrong location. "We continue to passionately believe Cosmeston Lakes Country Park isn't the right place for this attraction. We are not against the Aqua Park in principle but its location. There are far more suitable and less dangerous places for it to be situated," Saar said. "Swimming has been banned in Cosmeston lakes for years due to its past industrial use as a quarry. We simply cannot understand what has changed to suddenly to make it safe. We truly believe people's lives will be at risk." Saar also criticised the adequacy of ecological and water safety testing, which she claims was conducted by the company itself under the supervision of Natural Resources Wales. The campaign alleges the process lacked transparency and proper public consultation. "Some people have accused us of being NIMBYS, of being selfish and not thinking of young people, even maliciousness. This is simply untrue." she added. "Many of the protesters do not live in on Cosmeston's doorstep and the views of 7,000 people who have signed a petition against the Aqua Park are being blatantly ignored. The Vale of Glamorgan's responses have been divisive, dismissive, and derogatory." Protestors have cited the diverse wildlife that inhabit the lake (Image: Taite Johnson ) The protest group says it has received pro bono legal guidance and is considering legal action as a last resort. A Crowdfunder campaign to support their efforts has received significant backing. "I would encourage as many people as possible to join us outside the Senedd 3pm Wednesday to make some noise and voice our presence to Members of the Senedd who will be sitting in a plenary session that afternoon." The Aqua Park was previously located in Cardiff Bay, but its operators were forced to find a new venue after concerns were raised over water quality. If the trial at Cosmeston proves successful, the company may seek to extend its licence beyond the summer. Meanwhile, environmental groups and campaigners continue to call for a re-evaluation of the decision, arguing that short-term entertainment should not come at the expense of long-term environmental protection. Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Cardiff, said the company was "thrilled" to bring the attention to Cosmeston in partnership with the council. In early June he said: "We're thrilled to bring Aqua Park Cardiff to Cosmeston Lakes by partnering with The Vale of Glamorgan Council. 'The Country Park is a fantastic venue for our exciting watersport experience, perfect for supervised adventure and family fun. With an exciting new course of obstacles, we can't wait to welcome visitors to our incredible new home. 'We are also really excited to be playing our part in giving people and families much-needed access to active outdoor experience, in a controlled and supervised environment to help boost their physical and mental well-being.' Vale of Glamorgan councillor Bronwen Brooks - the deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable places - also previously defended the decision: "The Aqua Park will be another great addition to the already fantastic offer at Cosmeston Country Park as the Council continues to promote sustainable tourism and leisure activities in the area. "Consultation with residents through the council's placemaking work has shown there is appetite locally - particularly among young people - for more varied leisure activities, and the re-introduction of water-based activities at Cosmeston will help us to ensure that our Country Parks are for everyone. Article continues below "Trying new things is at the heart of what we do as an ambitious council, and this pilot could also enable further income opportunities for our Country Parks – especially in supporting the re-wilding and conservation work already underway at Cosmeston."
Powys County Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Former Powys MP takes up new position with Glandŵr Cymru
THE former MP for Brecon and Radnorshire has taken up a new position with Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales. Fay Jones-Poole, who was ousted as the MP by David Chadwick at the last general election, is taking up a new position as the new chair of the advisory board that oversees its charitable activity across Wales. Ms Jones-Poole, director of external affairs at the Crown Estate, joins the trust as it works to safeguard the 76 miles of canals it cares for across Wales. She joins Glandŵr Cymru as a volunteer on a three-year term. 'It's an honour to lead the trust's Welsh board,' she said. 'The canals have been part of Wales' story for more than two centuries and today they remain uniquely valuable as havens for wildlife, places to improve wellbeing and as contributors to the economy. Without our intervention, these manmade habitats simply would not survive. 'I'm passionate about securing the ongoing support our canals need and, in particular, I'll be looking for a timely solution for the Mon & Brec Canal, which runs a stone's throw from my home." An immediate focus for her and the trust is the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. The 'Mon & Brec' is a vital wildlife corridor that also contributes £29.5 million each year to the Welsh economy through boating and other activity. But it is now facing an existential threat due to new environmental regulations that limit the water the trust is permitted to put into the canal from its historic source, meaning it could run dry in future years. A temporary water supply has been secured from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water by the trust for 2025, but a long-term sustainable solution is urgently needed with the support of the Welsh Government. The network cared for by the trust includes 215 listed structures, five SSSIs, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and three Scheduled Monuments. But canals are facing rising pressures. More storms and floods are damaging historic structures, including towpaths, bridges and culverts. Droughts are causing brickwork to crumble and threatening key water supplies. Meanwhile, rising costs and reduced government support are stretching the charity's resources to the limit. Richard Parry, chief executive of Glandŵr Cymru, said: 'I'm delighted to welcome Fay to our charity. "Her political and commercial experience is important as she joins at a pivotal time, with the canal network delivering so much but constantly fighting the unrelenting passage of time and requiring investment to make it resilient to climate change. 'The future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is under serious threat due to new environmental regulations that limit the amount of water it can abstract from the River Usk. 'Our charity has secured a temporary emergency supply, but this is expensive and not sustainable in the long term. 'Fay and the Welsh board will help our charity as we seek a long-term solution, without which dry weather could force sections of the canal to close, threatening the local economy, environment and visitor experience.' At the same time as Ms Jones-Poole's appointment, the trust has published its first-ever 'Our Work in Wales' report, shining a spotlight on the significant contribution Wales' historic canals make to the nation's economy, communities, heritage and environment.
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Newport MS John Griffiths speaks out against solar farms
In a speech to the Senedd on Wednesday, Mr Griffiths highlighted the area's significance as a wildlife haven, describing it as "Wales's Amazon." He said: "Almost a fifth of Wales's most important site for wildlife is on the Gwent Levels—and a big chunk of the Gwent Levels is in my constituency of Newport East. "Across the landscapes and watercourses of the Levels, there is a rich assemblage of biodiversity, which is critical to the area and its future." Mr Griffiths praised the efforts of organisations such as the Gwent Wildlife Trust for their work in reintroducing species like the water vole to the area. He said: "The grips, ditches, reens, and main rivers provide a safe and thriving habitat for a whole range of different species, including the water vole, which I am pleased to champion here in the Senedd. "And through the work of organisations such as the Gwent Wildlife Trust, they have been successfully reintroduced back into sites such as Magor Marsh nature reserve, and have then spread outwards from that particular location." However, Mr Griffiths expressed concerns about the threats posed by large-scale solar farm developments. He said: "There are very real threats to the Levels, particularly at the moment, from developers looking to take forward large-scale solar farms, taking advantage of the area's topography and closeness to the grid. "This has caused a great deal of concern to the Wildlife Trust, local communities, and environmental groups in general." Research by the Gwent Wildlife Trust found that if all the current solar development proposals were built, up to 19 per cent of the total area of the Levels' Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) could be within development boundaries. This would amount to approximately 1,038 hectares. Mr Griffiths acknowledged the need for more renewable energy projects but stressed the importance of location. He said: "We all know, of course, and we all say it, and it's very true, we do need more renewable energy projects; we need very many more; and hopefully we'll be fully dependent on renewable energy in the UK and in Wales before too long; and solar energy will have a very important part to play. "But, you know, it's often said, but it's very true to say, and it needs to be said, that obviously, developments always have to be in the right place, and I believe very strongly that the Gwent Levels is not the right place." He pointed to the existing solar farm at Llanwern on the Levels, where the Welsh Government's post-construction monitoring report found declines in lapwing numbers, key bee species, and bat activity. Mr Griffiths concluded: "I think it's quite clear that if further solar applications are allowed to go ahead, we risk detrimentally changing the nature of this incredibly important area for biodiversity, for cultural heritage, and for unique landscape; changing it for good and destroying the vital biodiversity that we are so lucky to have on our precious Gwent Levels."
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Wales' most expensive property currently for sale for £15m is definitely not what you think it's going to be
If you come across a property for sale in Wales on Rightmove listed with a guide price of £15m you are surely going to be interested to see what you get for that eye-catching level of budget - it's going to be a rare opportunity and something special, isn't it? The sale of a substantial slice of the Nannau Estate, that is deeply rooted in Welsh and British history, presents a rare chance to acquire one of the most significant rural properties located within the Eryri Snowdonia National Park. The estate is an extraordinary and diverse mixed-use estate, boasting an established farming, forestry, and property business, complemented by a burgeoning holiday accommodation venture. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here READ MORE: You can buy half an entire Welsh hamlet and it's the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen Around 3,784 acres of the breathtaking landscape for sale is found within the coastal hills above the Afon Mawddach, just a short distance upstream from its estuary, Nannau offers a rich blend of mature woodland, pasture, ffrid and hill grazing. Throughout the mesmerising, undulating land there's a network of fresh water streams and three notable mountain peaks, offering every landscape characteristic of the region that you would hope to find, admire and enjoy. At the heart of the estate is a substantial farming and forestry operation, currently spanning around 2,837 acres, around three quarters of the total estate, with an additional 498 acres potentially available for inclusion from March 2027. The estate also boasts a collection of lodges and cottages, three of which are run as high-quality holiday rentals. Additionally, there are three let farms, several unique and traditional buildings providing further development and diversification opportunities, and considerable potential for delivering environmental benefits. The owners of Nannau have meticulously managed its residential, agricultural, and forestry assets. The estate, already providing superb temporary accommodation for owners, also presents several possibilities for constructing a grand main residence. Nannau strikes a balance between abundant diversification opportunities and extensive existing enterprises - a large-scale farming and forestry business, three holiday cottages, eight additional residential properties, commercial income, and numerous prospects for further development and the potential to further capitalise on Nannau's growing reputation as a hub for walking and other outdoor activities. The land is so special that it includes numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) including waterways, woodland and peatland. In addition, estate's topography, characterised by expansive woodland cover, provides excellent stalking and shooting opportunities. Further sporting potential is offered by the attractive section of the Afon Mawddach in the southwest. Under a mile southwest of Nannau sits Dolgellau, affectionately termed as the town of "music and mountains", holding the title of the largest town inside the national park. It provides numerous facilities, encompassing both independent and mainstream shopping outlets, eateries, and educational institutions, as well as representing a central site for the area's agricultural trade. This unique offering is on the market with a guide price of £15m, call Savills, Telford on 01952 239500 to find out more.
