Dolgellau/ Barmouth Area Regeneration Plan 2007-2013 (Part of the Gwynedd Regeneration Framework) www.gwynedd.gov.uk
Document Content This Area Regeneration Plan contains the following sections: Introduction What is an Area Regeneration Plan? The Dolgellau and Barmouth Area Regeneration Plan Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Area Profile Introduction Geographical Boundaries Population Mobility and Migration Environmental Features and Designations Deprivation Economy of the Area Economic Activity Housing Health Voluntary Activity Analysis of Local Circumstances Introduction SWOT Analysis Aspirations of the Area Regeneration Vision for the Dolgellau and Barmouth Area Main Aspirations and Impressions of the Community Main Aspirations and Impressions of Voluntary Organisations and Businesses Main Aspirations and Impressions of the Services Thematic and Spatial Priorities Introduction The Thematic Priorities of Dolgellau and Barmouth The Spatial Priorities of Dolgellau and Barmouth Summary Action Areas Introduction Table of Action Areas Implementing the Regeneration Plan Introduction Approving the Regeneration Plan Lead Bodies of the Regeneration Plan Partners of the Regeneration Plan Reviewing the Regeneration Plan 1
Introduction What is an Area Regeneration Plan? The Gwynedd Regeneration Strategy sets out the context and a clear direction for all of the county s regeneration activities, with its unique patchwork of communities from 2007 2013. The Area Regeneration Plans are operational documents that implement the Regeneration Strategy. The areas are based on the definitions of the Unitary Development Plan, which are based on dependence districts. Gwynedd Regeneration Strategy 2007-2013 Llŷn Area Regeneration Scheme Porthmadog Area Regeneration Scheme Caernarfon Area Regeneration Scheme Dolgellau / Barmouth Area Regeneration Scheme Tywyn / Machynlleth Area Regeneration Bala Area Regeneration Scheme Ffestiniog Area Regeneration Scheme Bangor Area Regeneration Scheme Dolgellau and Barmouth Area Regeneration Plan This Area Plan was formed 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 into account other strategies that influence and contribute to the regeneration field, including local strategies for the Dolgellau and Barmouth area. Stakeholders were consulted through participatory methods such as public meetings, focus groups, questionnaires and other techniques. By means of these consultations, a comprehensive picture was compiled of the nature and scale of the challenge facing the area s communities, along with drawing up measures to respond to them. We wish to thank the stakeholders who were part of the consultation process. This Regeneration Plan identifies the main measures and projects for the regeneration field in the Dolgellau and Barmouth area for 2007 2013. The projects are intended to give a direction to all regeneration activities and efforts undertaken by all who have partnered the Plan, namely voluntary agencies, public organisations, private businesses and/or community groups. The regeneration projects for the area are intentionally broad in order to ensure that there is flexibility within the Regeneration Plan to respond to, and take advantage of, any challenge faced during the period in question. 2
SECTION 1 Area Profile Introduction The area of Dolgellau and Barmouth lies in South Gwynedd. It is an area renowned for its coast, its beaches, its mountains, its glorious views, its tourism, its buildings and its history. Geographical Boundaries The Dolgellau and Barmouth Area Regeneration Plan focuses on the catchment area that encompasses the western boundary of the wards of Llanbedr, Dyffryn Ardudwy and Barmouth, to the far end of Mawddwy ward in the east; the northern boundaries of Llanbedr, Ganllwyd, Brithdir and Llanfachreth and Mawddwy, and the southern boundaries of Arthog, Dolgellau, Brithdir and Llanfachreth and Mawddwy. The area therefore includes seven wards, and the catchment areas of nine community and town councils. The boundaries of this Regeneration Area correspond to the boundaries found in the Unitary Development Plan. Population According to the 2001 Census, the Dolgellau and Barmouth area had a population of 9,200 with the largest percentage of the population, 55.66%, in the 20-64 age group, and the minority of the population, 5.19%, in the 0-4 age group. 22.45% of the population are 65 years old and over. The population of Dolgellau and Barmouth represents approximately 8% of the population of the whole county. 3
In 2001, 52% of the population were men, and 48% were women, in contrast to the pattern for the county. According to the Census, 58% of the population of Dolgellau and Barmouth have been born in Wales, but more typically is that nearly 58% of the population speak Welsh, compared to the national average of 20.4%. Mobility and Migration Dolgellau is the area s main town and centre, where a number of mainstream services are located. Within the area, the wards of Barmouth, South Dolgellau, Dyffryn Ardudwy and Brithdir/Llanfachreth/Ganllwyd/Llanelltyd are the most populated, and the wards of Corris/Mawddwy, North Dolgellau and Llanbedr are the least populated. The car ownership figures of the 2001 Census show that movement within and outside the area is dependent on private cars. 56% of those who work travel to work by car, which is slightly lower than the average for Gwynedd. The Census also notes that only 22% of Dolgellau and Barmouth households do not own a car, which is lower than the average for Gwynedd (24%) and the Welsh average (26%). People move within, and in and out of the area for numerous reasons, such as retirement, work, family connections and so on. This migration affects the structure of the local population. In 2000, 2.9% of the area s population moved within the boundaries of Dolgellau/Barmouth. This percentage was considerably lower than the county average of 7.3%. However, from looking at the inward and outward migration patterns for the area, it is obvious that Dolgellau/Barmouth sees a more frequent population turnover than the county average and national average. In the same year, 6.78% of the population had migrated into Dolgellau/Barmouth, and 6.72% had migrated out of Dolgellau/Barmouth, which is an evidently higher turnover than the average for Gwynedd (4% and 3.5% respectively) and Wales (3.5% and 3% respectively). Environmental Features and Designations The area boasts a unique and special landscape, and this is reflected in the number of conservation and environmental designations given to parts of the area. Cadair Idris, Coed Derw and the bat sites of Meirion and Morfa Harlech/Morfa Dyffryn have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC); and the whole of Cardigan Bay is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and as a Heritage Coast. There are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Dolegllau/Barmouth which include the Afon Mawddach (Mawddach river), the Cadair Idris area and parts of the Meirionnydd coast; Cadair Idris has also been designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR). Fairbourne / Friog and Barmouth beaches are blue flag beaches under the Keep Wales Tidy programme. 4
Most of the Dolgellau/Barmouth area is located within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park, with Barmouth and Fairbourne / Friog lying outside the boundary. The Future of Snowdonia strategy sets out a direction for the National Park's developments over the next fifteen years; its strategic priorities for the coast include protecting the coast from overdevelopment, improving access to the coast and creating green wedges between settlements to prevent them from joining (e.g. along the Ardudwy coast). Their strategic priorities for inland areas include encouraging innovation within agriculture, working to improve biodiversity and planting coppices. A vast number of the buildings in Barmouth town centre have been designated as a conservation area under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Deprivation According to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000 (WIMD), Barmouth ward was designated as the most disadvantaged ward from Dolgellau/Barmouth. Due to its position in the index, this ward was designated a Communities First status. Communities First will evolve into a Communities First programme from 2009/2010 onwards, which will focus more on the work of the local Partnerships. Breaking the deprivation cycle in the areas is a priority within Communities First. According to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005, the wards of Barmouth 1 and Barmouth 2 are the two wards in Dolgellau/Barmouth which appear highest in the index due to their deprivation. Barmouth 2 has been designated as the 9th most disadvantaged ward in Gwynedd. Barmouth 1 ward is seen most prominently under the index s Income Zone, as, jointly with Barmouth 2 it appears in the worst/highest 25%. The count of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants (based on income) notes that 2.3% of the working age population of Dolegllau/Barmouth were receiving this allowance in December 2005, which is slightly lower than the average for Gwynedd, which is 2.6%. Within Dolgellau/Barmouth, the highest percentage of claimants was in Barmouth ward (3.7%) and South Dolgellau (3.1%), with the lowest percentage of claimants found in Llanbedr ward (1.4%) and the Brithdir/Llanfachreth/Ganllwyd/Llanelltyd ward (1.4%). Of the 2.3% of Jobseeker s Allowance Claimants in Dolgellau/Barmouth, over half of them belonged to the 25-49 age group, and the vast majority of all claimants had been out of work for less than six months. The pattern in Dolgellau/Barmouth follows the county and national trends. According to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005, Brithdir and Llanfachreth/Ganllwyd/Llanelltyd and Corris/Mawddwy have been designated 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 5
identified as the areas furthest from services in Wales being in the TraCC area. The Area s Economy The area s economy depends highly on a small number of noticeable sectors, namely wholesale, retail distribution, hotels, catering / public administration, education and health sectors. With regard to employment opportunities, 28.8% of the population in employment (employed or self-employed) is employed in the sector first listed above, and 28.2% work in the second listed sector. The prominence and importance of these two sectors to the economy and to local employment and 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. However, there is one sector, namely agriculture, forestry and fishing, which is very prominent in Dolgellau/Barmouth, compared to the rest of the county. 7.3% of the employed population belong to this sector in this area, which is a significantly higher rate that the county average of 4.9%. Encouraging diversification within farming is noted as one of the National Park's strategic objectives. The Future of Snowdonia' strategy also notes that there is a need to designate land for employment uses in towns such as Dolgellau; and supporting business development which is consistent with the National Park's functions, developing existing businesses and encouraging small scale, internet-associated growth are all priorities within its vision. The work of decommissioning the Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station will end in 2012, and this will have a negative impact on the economy of the Dolgellau/Barmouth area. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is attempting to reduce the impact through the following priorities in its Socio- Economic Policy: employment with emphasis on high value jobs, education and skills to support decommissioning and diversification into other sectors, economic and social infrastructure and economic diversification into new industries and sectors. The Meirionnydd area is a priority area for the NDA. Economic Activity According to the 2001 Census, 72.8% of the population of Dolgellau/Barmouth are Economically Active, and 66.8% of them 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 Dolgellau/Barmouth. Of the 66.8% that are economically active and in employment, 49.1% are employed and nearly 18% 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% of the economically active population unemployed. The economic inactivity levels in Dolgellau/Barmouth reflect the county-based levels, 6
with nearly 27.7% of all working age people having been identified as economically inactive. Creating income, addressing economic inactivity and increasing the role of social enterprises is a priority under the Jobs and Business theme within the aspirations of Communities First. Housing 70.1% of the residents of Dolgellau/Barmouth are owner-occupiers of their houses, which is slightly higher than the County average. The study of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005 shows that Barmouth 2 ward is amongst the highest/worst 10% in Gwynedd with regard to the condition and standard of housing. Affordable housing is an important matter in the Dolgellau/Barmouth area, and there are several plans which form part of the Rural Housing Facilitator's work programme. There are plans at different levels of development in the following villages; Dyffryn Ardudwy, Llanbedr, Arthog, Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy. Gwynedd Council intends to conduct an affordable housing survey in the town of Dolgellau. Affordable housing is one of the National Park 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 will prioritise the location of new housing; as an administrative centre, Dolgellau is a priority area. 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 accomplished by ensuring a safe home and a community which supports their physical and emotional well-being. 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 risks at present and in the future; collaborating to develop sickness 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. Barmouth 1 ward is most noticeable under the Income Zone of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005, as it appears in the worst/highest 25%. One of the 7
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. Child poverty is identified as one of the strategic priorities of the Communities First Programme. Over 22% of the population of the Dolgellau/Barmouth area has 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 of the Regeneration Plan the voluntary activities in Dolgellau/Barmouth were mapped. A total of 182 voluntary groups / organisations were recorded, which were based in and operated within the area. This high amount 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 high 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 Dolgellau/Barmouth area. 8
SECTION 2 An Analysis of Local Circumstances Introduction 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 and 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 for the area and threats to the area. Below is a summary of the analysis. Strengths The area's environment, coast and natural assets. Good infrastructure connections along the coast (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 sense of community. The Meirionnydd administrative centre is located in Dolgellau. The area s businesses are dependent on each other and work well together. The area s strong history and culture. Dolgellau is a strategically important location for business, the public sector, and educational establishments and agriculture. Dolgellau is located well on the A470. 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. 9
Lack of work and employment units within the area to attract investment and to allow businesses to expand. Lack of affordable housing in some of the area's villages. Lack of rented accommodation (that is not rented on a seasonal basis) in some villages in the area. Lack of services for some specific age groups such as older people and young people. There are pockets of deprivation within some communities. A lack of social activities for young people. A need for better leisure provision/facilities in the area. A need to review the public transport provision. The benefits system makes it difficult for seasonal workers to return to employment quickly. Recycling systems for businesses are viewed as ineffective. Opportunities A potential to develop a higher quality tourism sector in the area, based on the local natural environment. Upgrading works to the A470 will benefit the Dolgellau area. A potential to develop empty and derelict buildings and sites for work 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. The natural assets of the area offer themselves as a trigger to develop the outdoor activities sector. A potential to improve the coastal infrastructure through the Pont Briwet upgrading scheme. A potential to attract industry back to the area along with creating high value jobs locally. Dolgellau and Barmouth have been identified as local service centres in the Unitary Development Plan. 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. Investment in the area through the reopening of Llanbedr Airfield. Employment opportunities through new development - St David s Hotel and Coleg Harlech. 10
Good links exist between the coast and the Midlands. A need to retain the link between the area and the North West through the A494. A need to work on marketing in the area. 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 cause grave concern in the local communities. Young people leave the area to look for higher education/jobs and do not return. 11
SECTION 3 The Area s Aspirations Regeneration Vision for the Dolgellau and Barmouth Area The Gwynedd Regeneration Strategy notes that the vision for regeneration between 2007 2013 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:- Create micro-businesses that will feed the growth of the outdoor sector. A swimming pool in Barmouth! There is no point developing skills unless there is room for them to be used. Develop the coastal path. More flexibility in planning permission regulations Develop a comprehensive marketing plan for the area. Develop and improve the Barmouth Harbour Area. Prevent the right to buy. Young people move out of the area to attend University and do not return. Improved access to Dolgellau and Barmouth via Lôn Mawddach. Extend the holiday season by offering specialist holidays. Support for small rural employers to be able to take on young people. 12
Main Aspirations and Impressions of Voluntary Organisations and Businesses:- Need to coordinate resources and market the wider area. Need to use and promote the area's natural assets. Small improvements can go a long way, everyone must work together in order to make a difference. Need to try and attract high-technology industries to the area. Look at what the County can offer in relation to lands, the coast etc. sustainability. Provide long-term business support. Main Aspirations and Impressions of the Services:- Need to create a future of training and broaden people s horizons. Too much centralisation is happeneing rather than devolution. Need to develop tourism for the whole year rather than tourism that depends on the weather. Need improvements to the local roads especially the A470. The one thing that could make the greatest difference to Meirionnydd would be to develop the economy to complement the environment. Need more local volunteers there is lack of information about volunteering opportunities. 13
SECTION 4 Thematic and Spatial Priorities Introduction The thematic and spatial priorities are introduced here for the Dolgellau and Barmouth area, in line with 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 SWOT analysis in section 2. The thematic priorities will direct regeneration activity in Dolgellau and Barmouth in order to secure the greatest benefit from the resources and funding available, and to continue to make Dolgellau and Barmouth 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 Dolgellau and Barmouth, in order to ensure a response to needs and to take advantage of growth opportunities. The Thematic Priorities of the Dolgellau and Barmouth Area This Area Regeneration Plan has identified the following themes as the main priorities for the area in relation to regeneration. 1 - Spread economic growth and prosperity 2 Natural Environment and Assets 3 Vibrant Communities 4 Housing and Living Units 5 Local Services The Spatial Priorities of Dolgellau and Barmouth Communities of Need (a) Some communities highlight low income levels, high levels of long-term illhealth, high numbers of people not in work either due to lack of jobs, lack 14
of health or other barriers. By using the Income Zone of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005 as a basis to identify those communities of need within the Dolgellau/Barmouth area, it can be noted that the following wards appear in the highest 50% of this zone:- Barmouth (b) There are other communities, mainly rural communities, where fundamental changes have occurred in their traditional industriy (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 Dolgellau/Barmouth area, it can be noted that 3 out of the 7 wards in the area appear in the highest 25% of this zone, namely:- Brithdir & Llanfachreth / Ganllwyd / Llanelltyd Mawddwy Llanbedr 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. The town of Dolgellau is recognised as an important centre for services in the sub-region (mid Wales) according to the Mid Wales Spatial Strategy. This means that the Strategy acknowledges that the Dolgellau area is a southern focal point in South Gwynedd for providing service, employment and focus for this part of the county. 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. 15
Dolgellau, as the main centre within the Dolgellau/Barmouth area, which serves the area s communities, has a strategic role to play in developing growth opportunities for the wider area. In addition to this some other lands have been identified as lands for employment within Dolgellau, in order to stimulate further employment opportunities for the area. Also, Cardigan Bay has been identified as a strategic site within the Wales Coastal Strategy, and within the strategy, Barmouth has been identified as a destination where tourism is an elementary part of the local economy. 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. Summary This means that the Dolgellau/Barmouth Area has the following spatial priorities:- 4 Communities of Need. (Barmouth, Brithdir & Llanfachreth / Ganllwyd / Llanelltyd, Mawddwy, Llanbedr). The following map shows the Spatial Priorities of Need:- 16
The following map shows the Spatial Priorities of Opportunity:- SECTION 5 Action Areas Introduction Listed below are the action areas for regeneration in the Dolgellau/Barmouth area for 2008-2013. The action areas are intended to give direction, in Dolgellau/Barmouth, 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, will be a means of realising the vision of regenerating Dolgellau/Barmouth. 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 spread 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 2007-2013 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
18 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Increase Growth and Dolgellau Find use for development lands and Identify development The Welsh Gwynedd Number of hectares Economic Prosperity sites within the area for employment options for strategic Government Council that come back into needs, and to meet the needs of such as the Marian The use. Number of work units / local work units and initiatives. Industrial Estate and Iard Environment ventures / employment y Llew, Dolgellau. Agency opportunities provided. Number of jobs created. Increase Growth and Communities Ensure first class IT Develop the broad band The Welsh Economic Prosperity of need infrastructure in order to network and 'fibrespeed' Government facilitate growth of businesses. for Meirionnydd. Increase Growth and Ensure the sustainability of Expand the provision of Economic Prosperity rural communities by creating work units for enterprises a provision for work units and businesses in rural communities. Increase Growth and Take advantage of the area's assets Identify opportunities to Bic Innovation Dolgellau Economic Prosperity in order to strengthen the outdoor / strengthen and add value Tourism water activities sector. to the outdoor and water Group, activities sector locally. Barmouth Publicity Association, Communities First. Increase Growth and Dinas Mawddwy Develop skills and enterprises Menter Economic Prosperity based on the agriculture / local Mawddwy produce sector. Increase Growth and Barmouth Develop and upgrade the strategic Develop a programme of Barmouth Gwynedd Number of maritime Economic Prosperity infrastructure of Cardigan Bay. improvements to the Harbour Council, businesses developed area's harbours and marinas Improvement Barmouth Town / supported; number of in order to facilitate Group Council, jobs created. sustainable use of the coast. Arthog Community
Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Council, Snowdonia National Park, Countryside Council for Wales. Increase Growth and Promote attractions and offer the Create a joint marketing plan Mid Wales Gwynedd Council, Number of Economic Prosperity coast to target visitors to promote the coast as a Tourism Snowdonia National visitors to tourist destination. Partnership Park, Visit Wales, the area; number Community Groups of hits on the website. Increase Growth and Take advantage of the role of Coed Identify methods of linking Gwynedd Council, Mid Number of visitors. Economic Prosperity y Brenin as a national centre for cycling centres with outdoor Wales Tourism Partnership, mountain biking. activities within Meirionnydd. Dolgellau Partnership, Outdoor Providers. Increase Growth and Develop skills and entrepreneurship Develop a vocational skills Dolgellau Tourism Economic Prosperity to offer local employment development programme Group, Barmouth opportunities that are associated for the outdoor sector. Publicity Association. with the outdoor and water activities sector. Increase Growth and Develop a programme in Communities First Economic Prosperity order to deliver and expand or Outdoor on the participation of local Partnership residents, especially for young people in the outdoor and water activities sector. Increase Growth and Bring together the area's main Develop a marketing Mid Wales Tourism Gwynedd Council, Economic Prosperity tourist attractions / destinations in programme which builds Partnership Snowdonia National order to market them together and on clustering attractions / Park, Community package the Meirionnydd 'offering' activities / destinations Groups. to visitors. together. 19
20 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Increase Growth and Ensure that the standard of Promote and raise awareness Mid Wales Economic Prosperity accommodation and tourist of accreditation schemes. Tourism attractions in the area is of Partnership the best quality, in order to attract visitors throughout the year. Develop the renewable energy sector. Provide the relevant skills for Coleg Meirion young people to access the Dwyfor (Llandrillo) field. Support the renewable Dulas / CAT energy materials and technologies production sector. Increase Growth and Dinas Mawddwy Develop community energy Economic Prosperity schemes (e.g. biomass / hydro / wind). Develop the vocational sector to Ensure that people have Coleg Meirion respond to local plans (e.g. access to vocational Dwyfor (Llandrillo) construction, electrical). skills centres The Environment Dolgellau Protect the built heritage and Identify a programme of Snowdonia Gwynedd Council, and Natural Assets numerous listed buildings within activities to sustain, protect National Park Dolgellau Partnership, the area. and upgrade the heritage DE&T, Heritage Lottery. buildings of Dolgellau town (including private buildings). The Environment Improve accessibility and use of Develop a programme of Gwynedd Council, and Natural Assets the coast. physical, interpretative and Countryside Council for and coastal access Wales, DE&T, improvements in relation to Community Groups. the Coastal Path.
Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets The Environment Improve transport and people's Support and identify green and Natural Assets movement within the area, and in and sustainable travel and out of the area. schemes for movement amongst residents and visitors. The Environment Take advantage of expertise within Co-ordinate business and Natural Assets the area in the outdoor sector (e.g. advice services locally. cycling, walking, mountaineering, water activities). The Environment Llanymawddwy, Dinas Take advantage of Dyfi's biosphere Raise awareness of the and Natural Assets Mawddwy, Mallwyd, designation as the only biosphere importance of the Aberangell - bridging area in Wales. biosphere area to the areas. communities of the area. Develop a self-sustaining economy which is established around local resources, reduce our dependency on expensive oil and gas, and respect and care for the Welsh language as well as care for vulnerable habitats and rare plants. Develop a brand of sustainable tourism based on biosphere. Vibrant Communities Dolgellau / Prepare communities for climate Upgrade flood defences. Fairbourne / Friog change. Vibrant Communities Identify advanced methods to Identify possible options for respond to derelict buildings which derelict buildings which give consideration to the social become available for needs of the area's communities. community use. 21
22 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Vibrant Communities Promote and protect the use of the Identify and coordinate a Welsh language in the area's series of packages to communities. promote the Welsh language in the private and voluntary sectors, and in communities. Vibrant Communities Barmouth Ensure that vulnerable people have Identify suitable service Communities First access to health and welfare providers to target services, especially in the vulnerable groups in Barmouth area. Barmouth. Housing and Maximise the use and sustainability Target resources for Residential Units of existing community assets. upgrading and developing buildings that are for community use. Housing and Secure a supply of suitable and Provide HomeBuy support. Residential Units high quality private housing for residents. Barmouth Identify methods of meeting needs. Housing and Communities of Secure an adequate and varied Assess affordable housing Residential Units Opportunity:- supply of houses in the area to needs in the area's rural and meet the needs of local families coastal towns. and young people. Barmouth / Dolgellau Assess housing needs in the area's towns.
Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Housing and Brithdir & Llanfachreth Provide affordable housing units, Develop a package of Residential Units identify a site / Llanelltyd based on need. schemes by local & Bont Ddu - planning application impending / Identify advanced methods to Identify possible options for Ganllwyd - initial / Arthog respond to derelict buildings which derelict buildings which - planning application give consideration to housing become available for housing refused / Mawddwy 3 needs of the area's communities. and living unit use. units / Barmouth - no units. Secure a supply of suitable and Promote the Wales Housing Gwynedd Council high quality social housing for the Quality Standard amongst area's residents. council houses in the area. Housing and Reduce carbon footprint / Insulation schemes Residential Units improve efficiency of houses. The 'Here to Help' plan? Elderly scheme (60+)? Housing and Secure a supply of suitable and Housing Stock Transfer Plan. Gwynedd Council Residential Units high quality social housing for the area's residents. Act on Wales Housing Quality Gwynedd Standard Community Homes Housing and Improve people's access to Residential Units information on housing services, empty houses, waiting lists etc. Local Services Barmouth Respond to homelessness needs. Local Services Communities of Reduce and eliminate the Coordinate advisory and Opportunity:- obstacles that individuals face support services for people when attempting to return returning to work/training. 23
24 Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Local Services Secure services for small rural Coordinate business advice businesses in order to strengthen services locally. and safeguard their sustainability to the future. Local Services Support diversification efforts Respond to the termination amongst the agricultural sector. of agricultural subsidy payments such as Tir Gofal / Single Farm Payment. Local Services Barmouth Ensure access to mainstream Identify gaps in the provision services locally. provision of services locally. Local Services Take advantage of the role of the Coordinate and raise town of Dolgellau as a service awareness of the local centre for the wider area for service provision residents, visitors and local available in Dolgellau. businesses. Local Services Dolgellau Develop Dolgellau as an educational centre for the south of the county. Local Services Develop new techniques for Identify different methods of facilitating access to a range of accessing different services services. and promoting them amongst local residents. Local Services Develop new and innovative Identify opportunities to methods for providing mainstream rationalise services, and services locally e.g. business develop and plan services advice / TIC / youth bus. jointly with opportunities for local suppliers / providers.
Thematic Priorities Spatial Priorities Action Aims Action Steps Leading Body Partners Targets Local Services Develop modern and easily Identify methods of bringing accessible services in order to advice and support services support and advise the young for young people together people of the area. and develop them locally. Local Services Reduce the effects of child Coordinate early years and Integrated Family poverty by ensuring access for family support services to Teams vulnerable families to mainstream reach the most vulnerable services and targeted families, especially in programmes. Barmouth. 25
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 scheme 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 Community 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 scheme, 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 26
The Regeneration Plan s Lead Bodies A Lead Body will be responsible for driving each individual plan forward, which could be a public/private or voluntary sector body. The Lead Body may vary from one project to another, depending on its expertise in a specific field, its resources and its suitability to the project. The Council will not be leading on all the individual projects and plans, since other partners are in a better situation 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. The Regeneration Plan s 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 Dolgellau/Barmouth Area Regeneration Plan will be monitored by the Regeneration Officer every six months. 27
During the monitoring and reviewing period, and the duration of the entire plan, local circumstances in Dolgellau/Barmouth could 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