The Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a unique area which was the first of its kind to be designated in the uk.  Its special features: the rich natural environment, beautiful landscape and areas of cultural heritage are widely recognised. Traditionally, landscapes such as this (AONB's) are protected, under both national and local policy. Under the current definition “responsibility of care is assumed by local authorities and the rural community.” “AONB status provides a context for low key, long-term action, which relies upon partnership with local people.” 

Threat to Gower AONB

However, due to recent pressure for available land for new housing, there have been suggestions of major changes in policy at Swansea Council which will directly affect planning policy in the Gower AONB.  It was reported to Members on 24 September 2015 that the "need to address the housing land shortfall is increasingly acute".

This identified shortfall, it is said, could lead to sites being considered for development that would previously have been protected, such as those in the AONB, and alarmingly, it has been said, this can also include Greenfield sites.

Developer Guidance - Council Meeting Nov 10th 2015:

4.6 "The latest needs assessment has identified significant shortfalls in provision, in particular Swansea West, Gower Fringe and Gower AONB."

1.1"...the Council is currently unable to meet its statutory requirement to maintain a minimum 5 year supply of housing land. 

1.2  The Council recognises that a failure to maintain a 5 year supply of housing land could result in increased numbers of planning applications being submitted for housing development that are contrary to adopted UDP policy."

2.2 "it is anticipated the planning authority will be faced with determining numerous ‘departure’ planning applications in advance of the adoption of the LDP .... Departure applications (i.e. those that do not accord with UDP policies or allocations) are likely to include Greenfield sites that may be subject to particular sensitivities. Even if the Council refuses planning permission for such departure applications, prospective developers may anticipate these will ultimately be allowed on appeal as a result of the significance that a Planning Inspector would give to the need to provide land for housing development."

Read report here: Council report Nov 10th 2015

It is of great concern that an area such as this AONB might no longer hold the protected status that it has had for so many years and strongly object to this change of planning policy.  Gower is much loved for its natural landscape and while a certain amount of development may be required within the wider area, we question the decision to consider greenfield sites and sensitive sites within the protected AONB.  We ask that before areas such as this are considered, brownfield sites should be the priority.  The shortfall of land should be addressed well in advance of future developments, but where it has not, this mistakes should not be a reason to build on the greenfield sites of the Gower AONB.

The Gower has few jobs and the need for new homes should not be so pressing as in urban areas. In addition it is not appropriate to urbanise the natural landscape of the AONB, thus changing it irreversibly, and taking away something which is enjoyed not only by local inhabitants, but people all over the world.

An example of this can be seen in Pennard, part of the AONB.  Site PN0001 is a greenfield site lying in the open countryside on the eastern edge of the village, which has been put forward as a candidate site for between 60 and 80 homes.  The site is on the right hand side as you approach the village, and is part of open countryside.  There is permission granted in principle to be used for development, despite local opposition.  We, the undersigned, object to this development, which as a greenfield site and part of the AONB should be considered protected, as well as the fact that it does not have the infrastructure to support this new development - considering the limited access, the potential of 200 extra cars passing through this small estate where children play will create a bottleneck and potentially highly dangerous.  Utilities and facilities in Pennard are not fit for purpose. The main road accessing the village is overcrowded. The sewage system is under strain and the school and doctors surgery are already over capacity.