P-05-1079 Safeguard Kenfig Nature Reserve using compulsory purchase powers
P-05-1079 Safeguard Kenfig Nature Reserve using compulsory purchase powers
P-05-1079 Safeguard Kenfig Nature Reserve using
compulsory purchase powers
This
petition was submitted by Steven Preddy having collected a total of 8,435
signatures.
Text of Petition:
One of the finest nature
reserves in Wales is under threat.
The internationally
important sand-dune habitats at Kenfig need to be managed, otherwise they will
lose their exceptional value. Bridgend council carried out this work for many
years but has had to withdraw due to financial pressures.
The site's owner, a
secretive and unaccountable body called the Kenfig Corporation, has not been
prepared to agree any future plans. Compulsory purchase may be the only option
left.
Additional Information:
Kenfig's sand-dunes are recognised as a Special
Area of Conservation, Europe’s highest nature conservation designation.
The Kenfig Corporation has charitable status and so
is required by law to take decisions in the public interest. Natural Resources
Wales, the country’s public nature conservation agency, has been trying to
negotiate with the corporation to secure the site’s future but these
discussions have reached an impasse. The corporation has not been willing to
agree to any of the proposed options, for reasons that are unclear. It is time
for the decision to be taken out of their hands.
In exceptional cases, where there is a clear public
interest, the Welsh Government has the power to undertake compulsory purchase
to protect a site like Kenfig. Compulsory purchase need not be costly: the site
has no commercial value and so there is no reason why the Kenfig Corporation
could not sell it to the Welsh Government for a nominal sum.
Status
This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 16/03/2021.
The Committee noted the further responses received and the satisfaction of NRW with the steps that have been taken to establish a Management Agreement and the recent appointment of a Reserve Manager. Given this, the Committee concluded that compulsory purchase does not appear to be an appropriate solution at this time and agreed to thank the petitioner and close the petition.
Full details of the consideration of this petitions by the
committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above.
It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 26/01/2021.
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Business type: Petition
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
Status: Complete
First published: 03/12/2020