The Farmers’ Union of Wales today called for an urgent review of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s (BBNPA) role after a BBC Wales TV programme highlighted major failings involving its planning department.
Speaking after the “Week In, Week Out” documentary was aired on Tuesday evening, the union’s Brecon and Radnor county chairman Brian Bowen said: “The programme reiterates numerous concerns raised by the FUW over the years and highlights the fact that our concerns are shared widely by residents and organisations within the National Park.
“There is a real feeling amongst members that the Park Authority does little for those people who live and work here and the documentary provides yet further evidence of the need for a review of the park’s role and whether its planning duties should be taken away from it.”
FUW county executive officer Aled Jones said he had encountered numerous examples of problems experienced by members.
“In one case a farmer was told an old barn could only be converted to holiday accommodation, and not for habitation by a farm worker and local residents, which is hardly supportive of local communities and employment.
“In another, an officer of the park authority gave a member permission to complete work, only for another officer to write to him eight months later after the work was complete stating that she disagreed with the original decision, and that that the development was a breach of planning control and could be demolished.
“Our member took the case to appeal at a cost of more than £20,000, while the BBNP used public money to employ the services of a barrister to fight a case which they ultimately lost.”
Mr Jones said that communication within the planning department seemed to be severely lacking. On several occasions he had written, telephoned and e-mailed them but received no reply.
“When dealing with planning enquiries with Powys County Council I have had a far better experience and have often found officers to be helpful, informative and willing to make site visits when requested.”
