2nd Report Slams National Park

1.45.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 29th Apr 2008

Following on from the devastating Gilestone Report a second independent review has strongly criticised Brecon Beacons National Park Authority on its planning procedure. An extract from Powys County Council's Audit Report has been released to the public highlighting systemic failings. Only pages 10 and 11 have been made available to the public, the full report has not yet been released.

The Report highlights problems including:

• Missing documents from files

• Undue influence of members on planning officers

• Reports produced before the close of consultation

• Lack of documented policies and procedures

• Poorly worded conditions

• Lengthy application processes

• Undocumented site visits

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon & Radnorshire said: "If this report related to a school or social services department it would be put into special measures immediately. It is time for a radical overhaul of how the Park's planning system is run and for those responsible to be properly held to account. Senior Managers, more than ever, must consider their position.

"Concerns about Brecon Beacons National Park Authority's systemic failings are refusing to subside; and this latest independent report highlights flaws within planning procedure across the board. I will be calling upon the Minister to take immediate and grave action to ensure that lessons are learned and fundamental improvements are made."

Kirsty Williams will tomorrow hold an Assembly debate on National Parks: Delivering on their duty and their democratic deficit.

Kirsty commented: "Many residents come into direct contact with the park over planning issues and the park's decisions in this area can affect their own homes as well as the public services they use. With such a powerful role it is all the more scandalous that we continue to see an absence of directly elected members on Park Authority boards and yet do see councillors whose wards are outside Park boundaries.

"Those sitting on the boards have a huge influence upon the lives of those living within the Park - they have a statutory duty to foster the economic and social well-being of the communities living within the National Park whilst protecting the local environment and promoting it to visitors.

"I will be calling upon the Minister to address this democratic deficit on Wednesday."

Notes:

Powys Audit report extract:

The short debate is tabled for Wednesday 30th April.

Kirsty Williams AM has submitted a proposed Legislative Competence Order calling for the Assembly to seek powers to amend Schedule 7 of the Environment Act 1995, which deals with the membership, status and constitution of National Park Authorities.