Following the Welsh Government’s rejection of the M4 relief road, CALM (the successful campaign against the new road) is to continue in order to counter any revival of the proposal. It will also aim to safeguard the Levels from other development, perhaps by a higher protective designation, and to ensure that land already acquired for the road is returned to suitable uses. The group will also engage with the Burns commission in favour of a sustainable transport infrastructure and seek to add more power to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.

If you would like to play a part in this interesting new approach by CALM please email catherinelinstrum@me.com

Do you have an interest in public rights of way and countryside access?  Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) is searching for new members for the Monmouthshire Local Access Forum.  The forum provides advice on the improvement of public access in the county for open-air recreation and enjoyment and it advises and assists with the implementation of the council’s Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan.  Members of LAFs are volunteers and include a range of people from the local community, including landowners and land managers, access users and those representing other interests, such as health and conservation.  MCC is hoping to find members who will be able to contribute to the forum for the next 3 years.

For more information and application forms can be downloaded from http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/monmouthshire-local-access-forum/  Completed forms are required by 18 September.

The Welsh Government has published its consultation on a National Development Framework and related documents at https://gov.wales/draft-national-development-framework. Comments are required by 1 November. The introduction starts thus: The NDF is a 20-year plan for Wales up to 2040. It covers the big issues important to Wales’ success, including housing, energy, economy, transport and the environment. It identifies where nationally significant developments should take place, where key growth areas are, what infrastructure and services are needed and how Wales can contribute to the fight against climate change. It is about making the best use of resources, creating accessible healthy communities and protecting our environment. The NDF is not about local matters which are normally dealt with at local authority level – but rather takes a broader look at what Wales, as a whole, needs in order to achieve prosperity and well-being now and in the future.

You have until 29 August to comment on the Brecon Beacons National Park Local Development Plan Preferred Strategy and other documents, including Candidate Sites for development. The draft documents are available at https://www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/planning/draft-strategy-and-policy/local-development-plan-review/

The opportunity to comment on Monmouthshire’s LDP Options has now ended and their Preferred Strategy consultation is expected in the autumn.

MCC are inviting the public to have their say on plans to make Agincourt Square and Monnow Street more pedestrian-friendly, but still open to traffic.  Engagement sessions will be held at the Shire Hall on Tuesday, 16 July (9am – 7pm) and Saturday, 20 July (9am – 1pm).

Congratulations to Monmouthshire Meadows Group for winning this year’s main prize in the Wye Valley AONB Farming Awards, which is for land owners and managers in the AONP who contribute to conservation and make an outstanding contribution to the landscape.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is consulting on its Preferred Strategy for its new Local Development Plan: https://www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/planning/draft-strategy-and-policy/local-development-plan-review/.  You have until Thursday, 29 August to comment on this.

County planners are consulting on strategic Growth and Spatial Options for their revision of the Local Development Plan: https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/planning-policy/planning-policy-current-consultations/.  The new plan covers the years up to 2033 and the options range from no economic growth to over 8,000 new jobs, with a variety of options including dispersal around the county, concentration in the south and even a new settlement.  Responses are required by Monday, 5 August, and there will be consultation on their Preferred Strategy in the autumn.

The final minuted resolution following the meeting on 16 May reads:

That this council will strive to reduce its own carbon emissions to net zero in line with the Welsh Government target of 2030.

That this council will develop a strategy and associated action plans to aim to deliver these targets as soon as practicable.

That this council will continue to review the Corporate Plan, Well-being plan, Local development plans and other relevant plans and policies to support the above.

Publicise this declaration of a climate emergency to residents and businesses in the county and encourage and support them to take their own actions to reduce their carbon emissions in line with a 2030 target. 

Work with partners across the county and other councils and organisations to help develop and implement best practice methods in limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees C.

The Town and County Councils have appointed the Arup consultancy to work with them to develop a masterplan for the development of the town.  A priority will be making the town’s main street more pedestrian friendly with better air quality.