On Tuesday 13 October the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution, Dafydd Trystan Davies SM, made a statement to the chamber announcing a hold on any plans to designate a new National Park in North East Wales.
Addressing his colleagues during plenary, the Minister said:
“I have reached a provisional view in respect of the question of whether to confirm, confirm with modifications or to reject the designation Order. I am currently minded not to confirm the designation Order, and consequently minded not to proceed with a public local inquiry at this stage. Not confirming the designation Order and not proceeding with a public local inquiry will mean that no new national park is established at this time.”
The previous Welsh government tasked Natural Resources Wales (NRW) with assessing the case for a new national park. NRW undertook extensive work gathering evidence, engaging with the public and then going out to a public consultation before concluding that “Glyndŵr National Park” passed all the necessary tests for a designation.
The proposals were, however, met with anguish by local landowners and residents who feared stricter planning rules, house price rises and the potential diluting of the Welsh language, among other concerns. Significant objections were submitted, including from every one of the five local authorities in the area.
Those who supported the proposals trumpeted increased tourism opportunities and greater protection for habitat and landscape, and are as expected bitterly disappointed with this week’s announcement.
Plans may be on hold but the proposal for a new National Park is still on the table.
Concluding his statement, the Minister said:
“Looking ahead, I believe there will be further opportunities to secure these outcomes through the Welsh Government's work, through our climate and nature action plan, our culture strategy, our proposed rural-proofing and environmental sustainability duty, which will strengthen the consideration of environmental sustainability, climate resilience and rural impacts across public sector decision making.
“I will also consider whether existing arrangements for national landscapes can be further strengthened, alongside other integrated approaches that support nature recovery, sustainable land management and thriving rural communities.
“Having said all that, I do recognise the significance of this proposal in front of us today and the strong interest it continues to generate. My responsibility is to reach a reasonable conclusion on the basis of all the relevant information. It's for that reason that I am not making a final decision today. Instead, I invite any party to submit further representations before reaching a final decision.
“This is therefore an opportunity for local authorities, representative organisations, businesses, community groups and members of the public to present any additional evidence, arguments or material considerations that they believe Welsh Ministers should take into account.”
The four-week period for final representations means the matter is not yet settled, with a definitive decision expected by Christmas. All interested parties now have an opportunity to make their voices heard.
This four-week engagement period will run from 13 October to 11 November 2026 and provides an opportunity to submit any additional evidence, information or material considerations that you believe Welsh Ministers should take into account before reaching a final decision.
Please submit any relevant information by 11 November 2026.
By email to either:
parciau.cenedlaethol@llyw.cymru
National.Parks@gov.wales
By post to:
Parc Cenedlaethol Glyndŵr / Glyndŵr National Park
Welsh Government
Sarn Mynach
Llandudno Junction
LL31 9RZ