Uproar in Snowdonia over ‘crazy’ decision to flush railway scheme …

Railway enthusiasts were left aghast by a planning decision that could have profound implications for tourism in Eryri (Snowdonia) and other parts of Wales. A proposed extension to one of North Wales's "great little trains" was rejected this week, a key reason being its potential impact on river pollution. In a statement, Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake Railway) Trust explained why the scheme was refused. "In simple terms, the more tourists to the town, the more it will increase the sewage levels," said Trust chairman Julian Birley.

With tongue slightly in cheek, project supporters suggested holidaymakers may one day need to visit the toilet before visiting North Wales. Writing on social media, one said: "I've heard of some pathetic excuses for refusing planning but saying too many people will be taking a dump takes the biscuit." Over the past nine years, more than GBP1.4m has been spent on buying land and drawing up plans for the scheme.

Bala Lake Railway is already a popular attraction but the trust is hoping to extend the track to a new terminus close to Bala town centre. Mr Birley said this week's rejection of the scheme by Snowdonia[2] National Park Authority (SNPA) was a source of "immense disappointment" to the railway's volunteers. In recommending refusal, SNPA planners cited several reasons including the potential impact on road traffic and pedestrian safety.

But Mr Birley said one "fundamental reason" sank the proposal.

He said: "There can be no certainty that, with additional tourists coming to Bala, and riding on the train, consent would not contravene Welsh Government[3] legislation regarding additional phosphates discharging into the river Dee." Tighter planning guidance introduced by Natural Resources Wales[4] (NRW) has halted developments across the country. Among those hit are housing schemes in Wrexham[5] and Flintshire[6].

Across Wales, more than 10,000 properties are thought to be on hold, along with schools and ambulance stations. Planners have labelled the guidance a moratorium on new development, critics complain it has "brought Wales to a standstill"[7]. As new developments produce more sewage, NRW is concerned by the potential impact on phosphorus-sensitive rivers in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

Sewage and agricultural run-off can raise phosphate levels in rivers, lowering drinking water quality and harming aquatic wildlife. As parts of the River Dee SAC are not currently meeting phosphate targets, including Llyn Tegid, developments there must prove they won't increase phosphate levels in rivers. It's left Mr Birley scratching his head.

He told Rail Advent[8]: "So while Visit Wales is encouraging tourists to come to Wales, there should be a caveat saying, "come to Wales but don't come to the Dee Valley[9]"." More sewage plants needed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.[10]

Train buffs and scheme supporters were equally baffled. Taking to Facebook[11], one said: "This is a strange decision given that the major industry in this part of Wales is tourism." Another labelled the outcome "absolutely crazy" given Bala's tourism[12] appeal. A former councillor suggested a legal challenge might be possible.

He added: "Perhaps the planning committee needs to introduce a bylaw that all potential tourists must do big poos BEFORE arriving in the district." Some people smell a rat. In recent years, Wales' visitor economy has come under fire for "over-tourism" and its contribution to the country's housing crisis.

Extra regulation has been imposed on holiday lets and second homes, and the Welsh Government is pressing ahead with its planned visitor levy[13], dubbed a "tourism tax". Referring to the Bala[14] decision, one man wrote on Facebook: "So are they now regulating the number of tourists in every way?" Although SNPA's hands were tied by NRW planning guidance, some people wondered if it could have been more accommodating. "Yet another example of Snowdonia National Park's attempts to derail - forgive the pun - the tourist industry and the local economy," said one person. Other phosphorus-sensitive rivers in North Wales SACs include the Eden, Gwyrfai and Glaslyn in Gwynedd[15].

All are currently meeting their phosphate targets but if this changes, other parts of the county will fall under stricter development rules.

With huge support for the Bala railway project, Mr Birley is disappointed it was rejected for reasons apparently unrelated to the merits of the application itself. Despite this, he pledged the proposed railway extension is "not over". He said the project had widespread political and business support as well as backing from Bala's residents.

SNPA committee members were, in principle, in favour, he claimed. Some 300 letters of support were sent in to the National Park. Mr Birley said Bala Lake Railway Trust will now re-apply for planning consent.

A new fundraising campaign is being launched on the trust's website[16] to underwrite the application. "For all those people (who supported us), we are going to apply again and the town of Bala will get its railway," he said. "That day of a train arriving back into Bala will happen. But in keeping with the nation's railways, it has been delayed!"

In a statement this week, SNPA said it recognised the economic benefits the scheme would have brought to Bala[17]. But as aspects of the application did not satisfy regulatory requirements, it was "impossible" for planning officers to recommend approval, said the authority. The statement added: "Planning officers support the principle of this development, and are of the opinion that there is potential for this development to be approved in the future, provided that all the required information is submitted."

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References

1. ^ The Biker's Cafe and other best bistros, pubs, restaurants and takeaways in Wales that made 2023 shortlist (www.dailypost.co.uk)
2. ^ Snowdonia (www.dailypost.co.uk)
3. ^ Welsh Government (www.dailypost.co.uk)
4. ^ Natural Resources Wales (www.dailypost.co.uk)
5. ^ Wrexham (www.dailypost.co.uk)
6. ^ Flintshire (www.dailypost.co.uk)
7. ^ "brought Wales to a standstill" (www.dailypost.co.uk)
8. ^ Rail Advent (www.railadvent.co.uk)
9. ^ Valley (www.dailypost.co.uk)
10. ^ More sewage plants needed?

    Share your thoughts in the comments below. (www.dailypost.co.uk)

11. ^ Facebook (www.dailypost.co.uk)
12. ^ tourism (www.dailypost.co.uk)
13. ^ pressing ahead with its planned visitor levy (www.dailypost.co.uk)
14. ^ Bala (www.dailypost.co.uk)
15. ^ Gwynedd (www.dailypost.co.uk)
16. ^ the trust's website (www.balalakerailwaytrust.org.uk)
17. ^ Bala (www.dailypost.co.uk)
18. ^ or click on this link if you can't see it (data.reachplc.com)