Tywyn / Machynlleth Area Regeneration Plan (Part of the Gwynedd Regeneration Framework)

Transcription

1 Tywyn / Machynlleth Area Regeneration Plan (Part of the Gwynedd Regeneration Framework)

2 Document Content This Area Regeneration Scheme contains the following sections: Introduction What is an Area Regeneration Plan? Tywyn/Machynlleth Area Regeneration Plan Section 1 - Section 2 - Section 3 - Section 4 - Section 5 - Section 6 - Area Profile Introduction Geographical Boundaries Population Mobility and Migrating Environmental Features and Designations Deprivation Economy of the Area Economic Activity Housing Health Voluntary Activity Analysis of Local Circumstances Introduction CGBC Analysis Aspirations of the Area Tywyn/Machynlleth Area Regeneration Vision Main Aspirations and Community Impressions Main Aspirations and Impressions of Voluntary Organisations and Businesses Main Aspirations and Impressions of Services Thematic and Spatial Priorities Introduction Tywyn/Machynlleth Thematic Priorities Tywyn/Machynlleth Spatial Priorities Summary Action Areas Introduction Table of Action Areas Implementing the Regeneration Scheme Introduction Approving the Regeneration Plan Regeneration Plan Lead Bodies Regeneration Plan Partners Reviewing the Regeneration Plan 1

3 Introduction What is an Area Regeneration Scheme? The Gwynedd Regeneration Strategy sets the context and a clear direction for all the county s regeneration activities and its patchwork of unique communities from The Area Regeneration Schemes are working documents which implement the Regeneration Strategy. The areas are based on the definition of boundaries in the Unitary Development Plan, based on dependency catchment areas. Gwynedd Regeneration Strategy Llŷn Area Regeneration Scheme Porthmadog Area Regeneration Scheme Caernarfon Area Regeneration Scheme Dolgellau / Barmouth Area Regeneration Scheme Tywyn / Machynlleth Area Regeneration Tywyn / Machynlleth Area Regeneration Plan Bala Area Regeneration Scheme Ffestiniog Area Regeneration Scheme Bangor Area Regeneration Scheme This Area Plan was drafted by consulting with stakeholders in the area, including local residents, agencies that work in the area and organisations that serve the area. The Area Plan has taken other strategies into consideration which influence and contribute towards the regeneration field, including local strategies in the Tywyn / Machynlleth area. Stakeholders were consulted via participatory methods such as drop in meetings, focus groups, questionnaires and other techniques. Through these consultations a comprehensive picture was drawn up of the nature and substance of the challenge facing the area s communities together with drafting measures to respond to them. We wish to thank the stakeholders who took part in the consultation process. This Regeneration Plan identifies the main measures and projects for the regeneration field in the Tywyn / Machynlleth area for The purpose of these projects is to give direction to the efforts and activities of regeneration of all the Plan partners, be they voluntary agencies, public institutions, private business and/or community groups. The regeneration projects for the area are intentionally extensive in order to ensure that there is flexibility within the Regeneration Plan to respond to, and take advantage of any challenge that arises during the period in question. 2

4 SECTION 1 Area Profile Introduction The area of Tywyn / Machynlleth is in the south of Gwynedd. It is an area renowned for its coast, beaches, mountains, wonderful views, tourism and history. Geographical Boundaries The Tywyn / Machynlleth Area Regeneration Plan focuses on the area which surrounds the western boundary of the Llangelynnin ward, Tywyn and Aberdyfi, to the farthest ends of Corris and Pennal wards in the east; to the northern boundaries of Llangelynnin, Llanegryn, Llanfihangel y Pennant and Corris and the southern boundaries of Aberdyfi, Pennal and Corris. Therefore, the area comprises 8 wards and a catchment area of 8 community and town councils. The boundaries of this Regeneration Plan correspond to the boundaries of the Unitary Development Plan. Population According to the 2001 Census, the Tywyn / Machynlleth area had a population of 8,627 with the highest percentage of the population (54.22%) in the age group, and the minority of the population (4.43%) in the age group % of the population is 65 years and over. The population of the Tywyn / Machynlleth area represents approximately 7% of the population of the whole County. In 2001, 48.5% of the population were men and 51.5% women which corresponds to the county pattern. 3

5 According to the Census 48% of the population of Tywyn / Machynlleth had been born in Wales, however, characteristically over 48% of the population speaks Welsh, compared with the national average of 20.4%. Mobility and Migration Tywyn is the main town and the area s centre where many of the main stream services are based. Within the area, it is the wards of Tywyn and Llangelynnin that are most populated with Corris / Mawddwy, Bryncrug / Llanfihangel and Aberdyfi least populated. Car ownership figures in the 2001 Census indicate that mobility within and outside the area is dependent on private cars. 56.8% of working people travel to work by car which is a little lower than the Gwynedd average. The Census also notes that only 19% of Tywyn / Machynlleth households do not own a car which is lower than the Gwynedd average (24%) and the Wales average (26%). People move within, into and out of the area for various reasons, such as retirement, work, family links etc. This movement has an impact on the structure of the local population. In 2001, 3.1% of the population moved from the area within the boundaries of Tywyn / Machynlleth. This percentage was a good deal lower than the county average of 7.3%. However, looking at the migration pattern into and out of the area, it is evident that the Tywyn / Machynlleth area sees a more frequent population turnover than the county and national average. In the same year, 7.8% of the population had moved into Tywyn / Machynlleth and 5.9% had moved out of Tywyn / Machynlleth which is a turnover that is obviously higher than the Gwynedd average (4% and 3.5% accordingly) and Wales (3.5% and 3% accordingly). Characteristics and Environmental Designations The area has an unique and special landscape and this is reflected in the number of conservation and environmental designations in parts of the area. There is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designation on afon Dyfi, parts of Abergynolwyn and Talyllyn, Minffordd and Mynydd Pennant and Cardigan Bay in its entirety is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and as a Heritage Coast. There are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Tywyn / Machynlleth including parts of Llwyngwril, Llangelynnin, Rhoslefain, Tonfannau and Aberdyfi on Cardigan Bay, afon Dyfi, aber Dysynni, afon Dysynni near Castell y Bere, Mynydd Pennant, parts of Aberllefenni and Cadair Idris including Graig Goch, Talyllyn and Minffordd; and the Cadair Idris area is also designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), together with afon Dyfi and the Llangelynin area. The areas of afon Dyfi and Llangelynin are also designated as RAMSAR sites. The rivers of Dyfi and Dysynni near Castell y Bere are areas of special conservation. Tywyn beach has a blue flag award under the Keep Wales Tidy programme. The vast majority of the Tywyn / Machynlleth area is within the boundaries of the Snowdonia National Park, with Tywyn lying outside the boundary. The Future of 4

6 Eryri strategy sets a direction for the National Park developments over the next fifteen years; their strategic priorities for the coastline include protecting the coast from over-development, improving access and creating green wedges between dwellings to prevent them from joining (e.g. along the Ardudwy coast). Their strategic priorities for inland areas include encouraging innovation in agriculture, working to improve bio-diversity and planting woodland. The Dyfi Biosphere includes parts of the Tywyn / Machynlleth area; Aberdyfi is a core area of the biosphere and Pennal and Corris is part of the bridging area. The Dyfi Biosphere is the first UNESCO biosphere in Wales and it works to interweave conservation and sustainable development. Deprivation In the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005, Tywyn 1 ward is identified as the ward in the Tywyn / Machynlleth area which appears highest in the index due to its deprivation. Tywyn 1 has been identified as the 8th most deprived ward in Gwynedd. Tywyn 2 ward is most noticeable under the Income Zone of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation, as it appears in the worst/highest 25%. The count of Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance claimants notes that 1.6% of the working age population of Tywyn / Machynlleth were receiving this allowance in December 2005, which is lower than the average for Gwynedd, which is 2.4%. Within Tywyn / Machynlleth the highest percentage of claimants was in Tywyn ward (2.4%), with the lowest percentage of claimants found in Bryncrug/Llanfihangel ward (0.5%) and Llangelynnin ward (1.3%). Of the 1.6% of Jobseeker s Allowance Claimants in Tywyn / Machynlleth, over half belonged to the age group, and the vast majority of all claimants had been out of work for less than six months. The pattern in Tywyn/Machynlleth follows the county and national trends. According to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005, Llangelynnin/Corris/Mawddwy and Bryncrug/Llanfihangel have been identified amongst the highest/worst 25% in the Access to Service Zone; this corresponds to the information of the Regional Transport Consortium for Mid Wales (TraCC). The TraCC area has the poorest access to services in Wales, with 30 of the 70 areas identified as the areas furthest from services in Wales being in the TraCC area. Area s Economy The area s economy depends greatly on a small number of noticeable sectors, namely wholesale, retail distribution, hotels, catering / public administration, education and health sectors. In terms of employment opportunities, 27.5% of the population in employment (employed or self-employed) is employed in the sector first listed above, and 24.5% work in the second listed sector. The prominence and importance of these two sectors to the economy and to local employment and 5

7 income reflect the county and national trend of dependency on these sectors. Snowdonia National Park is looking to attract small scale tourism in specific places, which will feed into the above employment sectors. Of those in work, 12% work in the manufacturing sector, 9% in the construction sector and 8.3% in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and it can be seen that one of the strategic aims of the National Park is to encourage diversification in farming. Economic Activity According to the 2001 Census, 74% of the population of Tywyn / Machynlleth are Economically Active, and 69% are in employment. Although these trends reflect the pattern for the county, there is one obvious difference when looking at the Economic Activity features of Tywyn/Machynlleth. Of the 69% that are economically active and in employment, 49.1% are employed and 19.9% are self-employed. The self-employment rate is typically higher than the county average of 12.8%, and the national average of 8.5%. Unemployment levels in the area are slightly lower than in Gwynedd, with only 6.8% of the economically active population unemployed. The economic inactivity levels in Tywyn / Machynlleth reflect the county-based levels, with nearly 26.3% of all working age people having been identified as economically inactive. Housing 72.8% of the residents of Tywyn / Machynlleth are owner-occupiers of their houses, which is slightly higher than the County average. Local consultation with estate agents has indicated that there is a local need for 2/3 bedroom units for young families and also rental units for young people. There is a demand for rented accommodation because of the restriction in the ability of young people to get a mortgage for the first time. Affordable housing is an important issue in the Tywyn / Machynlleth area, and there are several schemes which form part of the Rural Housing Facilitator's work programme. There are schemes at different levels of development in the following villages; Llwyngwril, Llanegryn, Llanfihangel/Abergynolwyn, Corris and Bryncrug and with a scheme completed in Dinas Mawddwy to create 3 units. Affordable housing is one of the Snowdonia National Park Authority s thematic priorities over the next fifteen years. An objective within the National Park s Future of Snowdonia Strategy notes that 600 houses will be needed over a period of fifteen years within the Park. The National Park has a Housing Strategy that prioritises the location of new housing. 6.3% of the area s residents are on the Local Authority housing waiting list and there 6

8 are 100 long-term vacant homes that have been identified in the area. There are 28 affordable units which have been either completed, or are in the pipeline or have permission to be constructed in the area since One of the strategic objectives of the Gwynedd Children and Young People Today Strategy is to create a safe home and community for the county's children and young people; this will be achieved by ensuring a safe home and community which supports their physical and emotional well-being. Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd own 42 houses in Tywyn and they have no specific plans for the area. Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd have taken ownership of the Council s housing stock in April 2010, and this means that every property which was part of the Council's housing stock has been transferred to the new body in the Tywyn area; the transfer of Council housing is part of an investment programme of 146m over the next five years which will ensure that the houses reach the requirements of the Welsh Government's Housing Quality Standard. Health Gwynedd s Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategy seeks to assist agencies to respond better by planning and working in partnership, with improved health being a general aim. Three operational steps have been identified to ensure this; addressing the main causes of sickness by noting, controlling and preventing existing and future risks; collaborating to develop illness prevention programmes and addressing health and social care matters that are a priority, and, improving access to health and social care along with creating and developing new means of working. The priorities identified within the strategy are; older people, children and young people and young parents, circulatory diseases (stroke/diabetes), cancer (lung/breast/bowel), injuries and other population groups. Tywyn 2 ward is most noticeable under the Income Zone of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005, as it appears in the worst/highest 10%. One of the priorities noted in the Gwynedd Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategy is that emphasis should be placed on assisting the poorest communities due to the strong link between poverty and disease % of the population of the Tywyn / Machynlleth area have a long-term restrictive illness. The statistics of the Wales Transport Strategy (TraCC Department) show that only 25% of the people of mid Wales have access to an Accident and Emergency Hospital Department within an hour s travel by bus or on foot; the same strategy notes that 87% of car journeys to an Accident and Emergency Hospital take longer than twenty minutes. Voluntary Activity During the consultation on the Regeneration Plan the voluntary activities in Tywyn / Machynlleth were mapped. A total of 182 voluntary groups / organisations were 7

9 recorded, which were based in and operated within the area. This high number shows that there is a strong tradition of voluntary activity in the area s communities with each one making a social, environmental and economic contribution to the area s communities. Information about the area also leads to the conclusion that a large number of these groups / organisations attract first-time volunteers; a number of these are individuals who have moved into the area and who do not come from a volunteering background. Similarly, 326 of Mantell Gwynedd s registered groups have been designated as active groups in Meirionnydd, and are therefore likely to be serving a substantial part of the Tywyn/Machynlleth area. 8

10 SECTION 2 An Analysis of Local Circumstances Introduction to the section If this Plan is to make a difference to the area in the long term, it will need to respond to the area's needs, and also take advantage of opportunities that arise. The following section gives an analysis of the consultations with stakeholders and the statistical profile in the previous section, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the area along with the opportunities and threats to the area. The following is a summary of the analysis. Strengths The area's environment, coast and natural assets Good infrastructure links within the area (public transport links by train/bus in nearly every village/town) Exceptional natural resources for outdoor activities inland and coastal; and the potential to develop a prosperous outdoor sector in the area. The area s villages and communities are pleasant places to live in; demonstrated by the demand for houses there and local people s attachment to the area There is a broad range of social events, activities and opportunities available to everyone A strong community spirit in the villages A strong sports culture in the area with a large number of clubs offering opportunities for every age Scheme to upgrade Tywyn sea defences. Weaknesses Local employment reliant on a limited number of employment sectors e.g. public administration and education and the wholesale / distribution / retail / hotels and catering sectors. Lack of quality employment opportunities locally to keep young people from migrating from the area Lack of work and employment units within the area to attract investment and to allow businesses to expand. Lack of affordable housing and rented accommodation in the area Lack of services for some specific age groups such as older people and young people. Deprivation within the area. 9

11 Public transport provision. Number of local people dependent on the benefits system and find it difficult to move back into work. Lack of training opportunities and work experience for young people to learn new skills Underdevelopment at seafront in Tywyn. Road links and infrastructure make connections with other areas difficult. Distance from Caernarfon and Cardiff two centres of government. Restrictions on use of Pendre Business Park Units. Dependency on seasonal employment Deterioration in the hospitality sector resulting in a lack of high quality restaurants/hotels in Tywyn. Over dependency in the food processing sector which is now deteriorating and making the area vulnerable. Land with planning permission not developed preventing any new development. Lack of visitor attractions. Opportunities A potential to develop a higher quality tourism sector in the area, based on the local natural environment. There is a potential to develop empty and derelict buildings and sites for work/ business units, affordable housing units and rented housing units Green travel schemes could be developed (cycle routes / parking spaces for car pooling) to facilitate residents' movement / visitors access to the area and to improve safety.. The natural assets of the area offer themselves as a trigger to develop the outdoor activities sector. Opportunities to create value to empty/derelict buildings and sites by transferring them to a community use Use existing community assets/ organisations to provide social and educational opportunities and access to services A need to work on marketing methods for the area Wales Coastal Path and local walking and cycle paths will attract a large number of tourists into the area, along with creating new opportunities for local people Space available to build new Business Units at Pendre Estate. Office space in community ownership available to rent in Tywyn. Create an Area School in the vicinity of Bryncrug. 10

12 Threats Some sectors are at risk of continual decline e.g. the food processing sector, and health and care. Lack of land for work and employment purposes, housing purposes, roads and investment. The local income and employment rates remains low compared to local house prices. The distance of the market and suppliers from local businesses and industries. Demographic imbalance due to the ageing population and migration of young people. Threats to educational establishments in the area mean that greater distances must be travelled in order to receive education. The closure of public facilities causes grave concern in the local communities Young people leave the area to look for higher education/jobs and do not return A large number of second homes and house prices exclude local people from the housing market An increase in business rates place more pressure on small businesses in the area Services disappearing from the communities, e.g. toilets, tourist information centres, medical provision, schools, and post offices Lack of space for building land. A large number of older people retiring to the area Threat to Tywyn schools due to financial restrictions, staff cuts and increase in number of pupils. 11

13 SECTION 3 The Area s Aspirations Regeneration Vision for the Tywyn/Machynlleth Area The Gwynedd Regeneration Strategy notes that the vision for regeneration between is to develop and support sustainable communities that are healthy, lively and viable, and have the confidence to venture and the desire and ability to contribute their own solutions to the challenges and to take advantage of new opportunities. Main Aspirations and Impressions of the Community:- Better parking facilities in Corris Improve the housing stock for local people Youth café for Tywyn More facilities for youth Need business units without high rents/rates. No bus service after 10pm and private hire taxi services scarce Improve infrastructure to support the tourism industry Develop more of the business parks in Tywyn and Machynlleth Need to turn our culture into an economic resource Business rates are much too high Need to conduct a skills audit in the area and tailor courses to respond to the gaps Need to keep small schools open to save the Welsh Language 12

14 Main Aspirations and Impressions of Voluntary Organisations and Businesses:- Continue to encourage the Welsh Language but don t persecute those who cannot speak Welsh from employment and business opportunities Need to extend the tourism season start earlier etc. Need to renew the Tywyn seafront area Need to support people who venture as selfemployed and run a business Bring the Area Offices back Efforts should be made to attract entrepreneurs to use vacant buildings Main Aspirations and Impressions of the Services:- Need to create a future of training and raising the horizons of people Too much centralisation happening rather than decentralisation The one thing that could make the biggest difference to Meirionnydd would be developing the economy in keeping with the environment Need to develop tourism throughout the whole year rather than tourism dependent on the weather Need more local volunteers there is a lack of information regarding the opportunities for volunteering Need improvements to local roads - especially the A470 13

15 SECTION 4 Thematic and Spatial Priorities Introduction to the section The thematic and spatial priorities are introduced here for the Tywyn / Machynlleth area, following the definitions given in the Regeneration Strategy. Prioritising is a means of targeting regeneration efforts to the future, but it is not a means of disregarding a community and/or activity within the area should an opportunity and/or challenge arise that should be responded to. The following thematic priorities have been identified by collecting and analysing the findings of the consultation. These priorities are based on the statistical profile of the area, on the aspirations and impressions of various stakeholders and on the CGCB analysis in section 2. The thematic priorities will refer to regeneration activities within the Tywyn/Machynlleth area in order to ensure the largest benefit of the available resources and funding, and to continue to make the area a good place to live, work and venture in. The following spatial priorities have been identified through WIMD 2000 and WIMD 2005 and through regional and national development strategies such as the Spatial Plan. The spatial priorities will direct regeneration efforts to specific communities and areas within Tywyn/Machynlleth in order to secure a response to needs and take advantage of growth opportunities. Thematic Priorities of Tywyn/Machynlleth Area This Area Regeneration Plan has identified the following themes as the main priorities for the area in relation to regeneration. 1 - Disseminate economic growth and prosperity 2 Natural Environment and Assets 3 Vibrant Communities 4 Housing and Living Units 5 Local Services Spatial Priorities for Tywyn/Machynlleth Communities of Need. (a) Some communities display low income levels, high levels of long-term illhealth, and high numbers of people not in work either due to lack of jobs, lack of health or other barriers. 14

16 Tywyn (b) By using the Income Zone of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005 as a basis to identify those communities of need within the Tywyn/Machynlleth area, it can be noted that the following wards appear in the highest 50% of this zone:- There are other communities, mainly rural communities, where fundamental changes have occurred in their traditional industry (namely agriculture), and due to their distance from services, work opportunities and markets, that do not offer apparent new opportunities to young people. The marginal position of these communities leads to outward migration, a reduction in birth rates and a risk to the viability and survival of some of the county s most Welsh communities. By using the Access to Service Zone of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005 as a basis to identify those communities of need within the Tywyn/Machynlleth area, it can be noted that 3 out of the 7 wards in the area appear in the highest 25% of this zone, namely:- Bryncrug, Llanfihangel, Llangelynin Corris. Communities of Opportunity (c) Some communities and districts offer obvious growth opportunities due to their favourable location. These key communities and settlements are identified in the Wales Spatial Plan. Furthermore, Cardigan Bay, which contains the whole of the Meirionnydd coast, has been identified and designated as an area of opportunity in the Mid Wales Spatial Plan. Work is ongoing on developing the contents of the Spatial Plan and the role of the key settlements and centres. (ch) Other communities which contain sites that have already been identified as strategic sites offer and create substantial growth opportunities for broad districts. In addition, Cardigan Bay has been identified as a strategic area within the Wales Coastal Strategy. It will be essential to ensure that advantage is taken of these designations and lands/sites, whilst also bearing in mind the development restrictions and flood risks that face parts of the area. 15

17 Summary This means that the Tywyn/Machynlleth Area has the following spatial priorities:- 5 Communities of Need. (Tywyn, Bryncrug, Llanfihangel, Llangelynin and Corris). The following map shows the Spatial Priorities of Need:- 4 Communities of Opportunity The following map shows the Spatial Priorities of Opportunity:- 16

18 SECTION 5 Action Areas An introduction to the Section A list of the action areas for the regeneration field in the Tywyn / Machynlleth area for can be found below. The action areas are intended to give direction, in Tywyn / Machynlleth, to the regeneration efforts and activities of all the partners of the Plan, whether they are a voluntary agent, public organisation, private business and/or community group. These fields of work, along with the activities and plans of the Regeneration Strategy are a means of realising the vision of regenerating Tywyn/Machynlleth. The action areas outlined below respond to the thematic and spatial priorities. The table below is not an exhaustive list of everything that is required in the area, but rather, it identifies those areas that will secure and disseminate the greatest benefit to the area. The work fields are intentionally broad in order to ensure flexibility within the Plan to allow room to respond to challenges, and to take advantage of opportunities, as they arise during the period. Bodies, agencies and communities across the area have specific regeneration activities, plans and initiatives that are either currently being developed, or are being implemented. The following fields will not disregard those efforts, but will be a means of drawing similar activities together, and disseminating successful schemes and good practice in the area and beyond. 17

19 18 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Disseminate economic Tywyn Find use for development sites and Identify development options Gwynedd Council Cywaith, No. of hectares that will growth and prosperity land within the area for employment for strategic sites such Cyngor Tref come back to use. needs; and satisfy the needs of work as Pendre Industrial Estate Tywyn Town No. of work units/ units and local enterprise. and the centre of Tywyn Council, Tywyn enterprises/employment Partnership, provided. Tywyn CTC No. of jobs created. Meirionnydd Ensure the best possible IT Develop the broadband National Assembly infrastructure to facilitate the network and 'fibrespeed' growth of businesses in Meirionnydd Ensure the sustainability of rural Extend the provision of communities by creating a work units to enterprises provision for work units. and businesses in rural communities. Take advantage of the area's Identify opportunities to assets in order to strengthen the strengthen and add value outdoor sector/water activities. to the outdoor sector and water activities locally Aberdyfi Develop and upgrade the strategic Develop a programme of CARRP Gwynedd No. of maritime businesses infrastructure of Cardigan Bay. improvements in the area's Council developed/supported; no. of harbours in order to facilitate Aberdyfi jobs created sustainable use of the coast Community Council Aberdyfi Partnership Develop skills and enterprise to Develop a programme to Outdoor offer employment opportunities present and expand on the Partnership and water activities sector participation of local residents especially young people in the outdoor and water activities sector.

20 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Disseminate economic Bring the main attractions/tourist Develop a marketing growth and prosperity destinations in the area together programme that builds on for joint marketing in order to clustering attractions/ package a Meirionnydd 'offer' to activities/ destinations the visitor and raise awareness of together. the area's history and culture to tourists. Ensure that accommodation Promote and raise standards and tourist attractions in awareness of accreditation the area are of the best quality to schemes. attract visitors throughout the year Develop the renewable energy sector Give young people the UW Aberystwyth / relevant skills to gain access Coleg Meirion to the field (Llandrillo) Support the sector that Dulas / CAT / manufactures sustainable Bright Light energy materials and Solar technology Develop community energy schemes (e.g. biomass / hydro / wind) Develop the occupational sector to Ensure access for people to Coleg Meirion respond to local plans (e.e. occupational skills centres. Dwyfor (Llandrillo) construction, electrical) / Llysfasi 19

21 20 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Amgylchedd ac Meirionnydd Coast Improve accessibility and use of Develop a programme of Gwynedd Council Gwynedd asedau naturiol the coast. improvements physical, Council, interpretive, access to the CCW, DE&T, coast linked to the Coastal Community Path. Groups Tywyn to Bryncrug / Improve and safeguard transport Support and identify green TraCC, Police, Tonfannau / Tywyn and people's mobility within the and sustainable travelling Gwynedd Community to Aberdyfi area and into and out of the area schemes for mobility Council Groups amongst residents and visitors. Tywyn Prepare communities for the Upgrade coastal flood Assembly / EAW Prepare communities for the impact defences of climate change Pennal, Pantperthog, Take advantage of the Dyfi Raise awareness of the Powys Council, Ceinws, Aberangell Biosphere designation as the importance of the biosphere Gwynedd and Corris - bridging only biosphere area in Wales area to the area's Council, area Aberdyfi - communities Ecodyfi Core Area Develop a self sufficiency established around local resources, reduce our dependency on expensive oil and gas and respect and care for the Welsh Language as well as caring for a vulnerable habitat and rare plants. Develop a brand of PTCC, Gwynedd sustainable tourism linked to Council, Powys the biosphere. Council, Ecodyfi

22 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Vibrant Communities e.g. School Sites, Identify innovative methods to Identify possible options for Community Payments Offices, respond to vacant and under-used vacant buildings which Groups, assets on Gwynedd buildings and considering the become available for Gwynedd Council's list of social needs of the area's community use. Council, property for disposal. communities. Cywaith Promote and safeguard the use of Identify and coordinate a Welsh in the area's communities. series of packages to promote the Welsh Language in the private, voluntary and community sectors. Ensure access of vulnerable Identify suitable service Gwynedd persons to health and well-being providers to target Council, services especially in the Tywyn area. vulnerable groups in Tywyn Local Groups, Genesis Maximize the use and sustainability Target resources to upgrade and quality of current community. and develop buildings for assets community use Promote and use Sports and Try to attract new young Meirionnydd Social Clubs in the area to work members to join clubs Sports Council, against anti-social behaviour that exist in the area. Tywyn & District Sports Assoc, 5x60 Officer, Schools Develop a social enterprise sector Continue to support and Wales Co-op, offer service to social Gwynedd enterprises Council, Cywaith, Social Enterprises 21

23 22 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Vibrant Communities Identify gaps/local needs that Gwynedd may be satisfied by social Council enterprises (e.g. care, leisure, Social enterprise sector) Enterprises Gwynedd Council's Property Support groups that already Rationalisation Strategy control assets/grounds (e.g. village halls, play fields) Identify suitable bodies to take ownership of buildings/grounds and develop for community benefit Ensure the viability of community Assistance to Village Halls Gwynedd assets in the long term, and especially those where Council, prepare to be self-sufficient revenue payments from Mantell Gwynedd Council will end Gwynedd Assistance to social enterprises that have been dependent on grants in the past Housing and Living Units Rural Areas Ensure a varied and sufficient Assess housing needs in the Rural supply of housing in the area to area's rural and coastal Housing meet the needs of families and villages. Facilitator local young people Tywyn Assess housing needs in the area's towns

24 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Housing and Living Units Rural areas (Aberdyfi Provide affordable housing Facilitate the development of Rural initial / Pennal-none / units, based on need. affordable housing schemes. Housing Llwyngwril-discussions Facilitator Llanegryn-initial / Bryncrug-planning application/llanfihangelidentify a site / Corrisidentify a site) Tywyn Facilitate the development of affordable housing schemes in the towns Rural areas (Aberdyfi- Provide affordable housing Facilitate the development of Rural Housing initial / Pennal-none / units, based on need. affordable housing schemes. Facilitator Llwyngwril-discussions / Llanegryn-initial / Bryncrug-planning application/llanfihangelidentify a site / Corrisidentify a site) Tywyn Facilitate the development of affordable housing schemes in the towns Identify innovative ways to respond Identify possible options for to vacant buildings that takes into vacant buildings which consideration the housing needs become available for use of the area's communities as housing and living units. Ensure a supply of quality suitable Scheme to transfer housing Gwynedd Council social housing for the area's stock residents 23

25 24 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Housing and Living Units Act on the Welsh housing Cartrefi Cymunedol quality standards Gwynedd Identify opportunities to rationalise Organisation of schools?? property and maximise the use of sites/lands as they become available Tywyn Ensure a modern supply of living Identify the need for care units that meet with the housing in Tywyn?? requirements of the older population in the area Provide a supply of quality private Provide assistance to buy housing for residents Identify methods to satisfy needs Reduce the carbon footprint Insulation scheme?? /improve housing efficiency Here to Help Scheme?? Elderly Scheme (60+)?? Improve people's access to information of housing services, vacant housing, waiting list etc Local Services Communities of Reduce and eliminate the Coordinate advice and Opportunity:- obstacles individuals face when support service to get trying to return to work people back to work / training

26 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Local Services Ensure services for small rural Coordinate business advice FS4B / businesses in order to strengthen services locally. Business and safeguard their future Advice sustainability Support diversification efforts Respond to the end of Annog / FS4B / amongst the agricultural sector agricultural grants such Business as Tir Gofal / Single Farm Advice Payments Ensure access to mainstream Identify spaces in local services locally. service provision. Dolgellau Ensure access to people in the area's main administrative centre and promote services offered there. Promote access to post-16 education provided in Dolgellau. Develop new techniques to Identify different means of facilitate access to a range of gaining access to services services. and promote these amongst local residents Neuadd Dyfi - health Develop new and innovative Identify opportunities to Tywyn Library - TIC methods to provide main rationalise services and Youth Bus stream services locally develop and plan services (e.g. health, information, youth). jointly with opportunities for suppliers/local providers. 25

27 26 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Local Services Provide contemporary, accessible Identify means of bringing services to support and advise advice and support services advise the area's young people for young people together and develop these locally. Reduce the impact of child poverty Coordinate early years by ensuring access by vulnerable services and support families families to main stream services to reach the most vulnerable and target programmes. families

28 SECTION 6 Implementing the Area Plan Introduction The Area Plan is co-ordinated and led by Gwynedd Council under the Gwynedd Economic Partnership. Implementing the plan will be dependent on resources and funding, and also on the commitment and ability of all partners to contribute. Approving the Regeneration Plan The relevant Area Regeneration Officer will be responsible for leading the consultation and analysis work to create the Regeneration Plan. The Area Plan document will be formed by the Regeneration Officer, based on the 3 Step Model which has been designed as a tool for preparing the County s Regeneration Plans. Each Area Regeneration Plan will be submitted to the Key Stakeholders who have contributed to the plan, for their approval and commitment. Below is a flow chart of the approval process for the Regeneration Plan:- Consultation with Stakeholders Analysing the Consultation Creating the Area Regeneration Scheme Document Presenting the document to the local stakeholders Presenting the document to the Gwynedd Economic Partnership Report to Gwynedd Together Board 27

29 The Council will not be leading on all the individual projects and plans, since other partners are better placed and have better expertise to do so. The Lead Bodies are identified during the consultation period. Some bodies are already developing and/or implementing plans and there is no intention to undermine that work. The consultation process will also be an opportunity to identify Lead Bodies for projects that are yet to be developed by giving groups and partners an opportunity to express an interest in some fields. The Regeneration Officer will be responsible for recording this interest and for re-contacting those bodies to agree on their role. In cases where there are no lead bodies or other local drivers to develop a plan, the Regeneration Officer will be proactive in bringing individuals with various areas of expertise together. When a Lead Body is in place to proceed with the projects of the Area Plan, the Area Regeneration Officer will be available to offer it support. It is anticipated that the demand for support from the Regeneration Officer will vary amongst the various Lead Bodies. There will be clear and regular contact between the Lead Bodies and the Regeneration Officer in order to ensure that progress is reported upon and to monitor the achievement of the Area Plan against targets. Regeneration Plan Partners Each project and lead body will have its own partners. The role of the Lead Body is to bring together the partners in order to implement the plan. The Council, through the Area Regeneration Officer, will ensure support for the executive partners of the Area Plan to play a role in developing and delivering one or more of the Plan s projects. This support role will be most prominent among the community sector where the Regeneration Officer will be facilitating the contribution of community groups and ensuring the inclusion of smaller community schemes in the action fields. The time and support of the Regeneration Officer will be available to these smaller schemes and groups that contribute to the Action Projects listed in Section 5. Any other community schemes that do not contribute to the Action Projects will receive the support of the Regeneration Officer as time and resources permit. Reviewing the Regeneration Plan Each Area Regeneration Plan will be reviewed regularly in order to ensure progress, to report on targets and to update the Action Areas. The Tywyn / Machynlleth Area Regeneration Plan will be monitored by the Regeneration Officer every six months. During the monitoring and reviewing period, including the lifespan of the complete plan, local circumstances in Tywyn / Machynlleth can change. During the period, a new opportunity, challenge or project may arise, which will force the Regeneration Plan to look again at its priorities, and subsequently its action areas. The role of the Area Regeneration Officer is to identify these opportunities, challenges and projects. When a response to this change will be required, the Area Regeneration Officer will seek to ensure that this integrates with what is already happening through the Plan. However, some situations will arise that will not fall neatly into the Action Projects listed in Section 5 above. In such circumstances, the Officer will be expected to assess the effect of responding and of not responding to the situation within the local regeneration field, and then to bring together key partners to identify an action method and a Lead Body. 28