A FIERCE war of words has broken out over a controversial plan to extend an area of outstanding natural beauty in Denbighshire and Flintshire.
The plan to add vast areas of moorland around Llandegla, Ruabon and Esclusham, the Dee Valley, and Llangollen to the Clwydian Range – approved by the Welsh Government – has won the full backing of Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and Clwyd West Tory AM Darren Millar.
But, it has been condemned by North Wales Conservative AM Antoinette Sandbach, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW)
Wales’ Environment Minister John Griffiths announced in the Senedd he has agreed an area of about 230 square kilometres in the counties of Wrexham and Denbighshire to be officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The decision follows the minister’s consideration of an order by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).
Mr Griffiths said: “The natural environment is crucial to the Welsh economy and it is vital it is protected and managed as effectively and efficiently as possible to ensure the best outcomes for Wales.
“AONB status for this area will help safeguard its natural beauty and promote sustainable development.”
Mr Skates said: “Extending the current range to include Llangollen and the Dee Valley is a project that has been in the pipeline for some time and could help give a real boost to the tourist economy in the area at a much needed time.
“The extension will allow us to manage the area in a sustainable way.”
Darren Millar - who has campaigned for the AONB to be extended to National Park status also welcomed the plan.
‘It’s been a long time coming, but I’m delighted that the extension of the Clwydian Range AONB has finally been confirmed,” he said.
"The unique landscape, the history and the natural heritage of the Range draws tens of thousands of people into North Wales every year.
“It is incredibly important to our local economy and local businesses should benefit from this news.
"The Welsh Government must now work with local businesses, tourism partners and other key stakeholders to ensure that the Range is widely promoted both nationally and overseas.
"It is a national treasure and deserves to be marketed as such."
He added: "I still believe that the Clwydian Range should be designated as Wales’ newest National Park and I will be continuing to campaign to this end."
But Ms Sandbach, who is her party’s rural affairs spokesman, hit back saying: “It is deeply disappointing that the designation will be extended against the wishes of the local communities.
“The Clwydian Range’s landscape has been shaped by the hard work of generations of farmers.
“The Welsh Labour Government needs to realise that the countryside is not just a leisure destination.
“There is no compelling evidence that extending the designation will improve the environment, but there is every likelihood that it will add red tape and bureaucracy to farming families.”
A NFU Cymru spokesman said: “The union has argued consistently against the unnecessary proposal by the Countryside Council for Wales on the grounds that the ensuing strict planning policies will mean farmers are unable to grow their businesses and take advantage of improvements in technology.”
The Farmers' Union of Wales also expressed its disappointment with the Welsh Government's decision to extend the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.
FUW Denbighshire and Flintshire counties executive officer Marian Jones said members would be disappointed that the union''s objections and concerns over the impact the designation would have on farming and local communities within the area had been ignored.
"It has long been recognised that farming has helped to create and maintain the landscape in this area of Wales,” she said.
"We are naturally very disappointed that despite the majority of respondents objecting to the plans outlined in the draft designation order consultation, the Welsh Government will allow the Countryside Council for Wales to pursue its proposal to extend the Clwydian Range AONB.”
Elsewhere the decision to extend the AONB has been widely welcomed.
Carolyn Thomas chairwoman of the Clwydian Range AONB JAC, said: “I am delighted that this area has been designated an AONB.
“This designation recognises that it is one of the finest landscapes in the United Kingdom.
"The achievement of designation comes from the endeavours of the three county councils together with the Countryside Council for Wales and other partners.”
Denbighshire County Council leader Hugh Evans, said: “I welcome this decision as it recognises the good work that’s already being done on the AONB.
“This announcement sees the extension of the AONB beyond Denbighshire and will benefit all of the communities and landscapes that fall within the new region. “