Dear Supporter,
Here is an update on the situation with regard to Go Ape’s plans for Zip Wild on Moel Famau and our opposition to their proposals.
No Planning Application has yet been made but we hear that Go Ape have started their Environmental Impact Assessment on the site. A true EIA can take 1 – 2 years so it’ll be interesting to see long they give it!
We know that it is essential that any objections are factual and valid within Planning Law so we’re seeking professional advice and looking at the costs of possible legal representation and that of any our own Surveys – this may be needed if we disagree with Go Ape’s evidence. We are also in contact with other Action Groups that have opposed Go Ape – some successfully – and learning from their opposition.
Many of you may not have seen the article in the Chronicle stating that ‘Go Ape is Coming to Moel Famau’ and a Forestry Commission Press Release (March 12th) says that ‘they are seeking the public’s views’ so we would suggest that we all let them know our view. We can do this by contacting Steve Crosby of the Forestry Commission at Steve.Crosby@forestry.gsi.gov.uk and by adding our views to the Go Ape Discussion wall at http://moelfammau.openforum.zipwild.com.
We need to let them know we don’t want Go Ape on Moel Famau!
Three committee members went down to the Wyre Forest Go Ape site on the 8th April to meet with Tristram Mayhew, one of the directors of Go Ape. He made it quite clear that the company fully intend to pursue this project and were investing money in noise and environmental impact studies together with traffic surveys etc to back up their planning application. He seemed little impressed by our AONB status, and objections to change in the status quo, pointing out that the company had various facilities in other protected sites such as National Parks. He has never visited Moel Famau! He felt that in the end, it would be up to the planners to balance the argument between economic gains versus environmental and visual impact and to measure the strength of local objection.
This month there will also be a meeting with Brynle Williams one of our local AMs and a meeting with our MP is also planned. So far, they have all been really helpful and supportive.
It is possible that one or two local businesses may benefit from Zip Wild and we respect this. However, during a visit to the Go Ape site at Delamere, we noted that the local pub had closed down and the well known Station Café was up for sale with apparently very few customers – everyone seemed to be down at the Visitors Centre Café……..Is that what’s planned for the Forestry Car park area????
We’re all working hard at spreading opposition to the Zip Wild proposal and are pleased that we’re also getting lots of support from regular visitors to the area too. Please keep up the good work!
The next Save Moel Famau Committee meeting is on Monday 26th April at 8.30pm. Do get in touch if you’d like to attend or have any specific items for discussion.
SMF Committee
Posted in Supporter's Letters | No Comments »
We’ve just come back from a reccy of the Delamere Go Ape. The first thing that struck us is that Delamere is a vast forest, like Grizedale, and that it would be easy to walk there without going anywhere near the Go Ape site – not so if here on Moel Famau!
Access is just off a two lane A road, down a short (we assumed Forsetry owned?) track – just two houses and no-one walking along it. Not so on the Moel Famau lane!
While the site itself did seem reasonably ‘in keeping’ the first sounds we heard, from about 1/4mile away, were those of the Zip Wire followed by the shouts of the couple people using them. Multiply that by five, add on another 58 people an hour – horrible!
Chatting to a helpful member of FC staff we asked if there were any problems with the Go Ape site, no, was the answer, the only complaints are about the traffic and the shouting…….
Finally, we thought we’d see how local business’ have fared, after all, that is one of Go Ape’s selling points. Ah, the Delamere pub has closed down and the little cafe at the station up for sale, not many customers in there either. Oh, but the Forestry Commission cafe (on site) is buzzing! The locals must be delighted……….
Posted in Save Moel Famau | 2 Comments »
Go Ape’s intentions for Moel Famau are all the more concerning because of the Country Park’s status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This is Go Ape’s first foray into an AONB. If they succeed here than it will potentially open the proverbial flood gates, allowing them to explore possibilities in the UK’s 46 other AONBs.
But are Go Ape’s plans compatible with the AONB’s protected status?
Areas of Outstanding National Beauty are considered to be some of the country’s most valuable landscapes and are protected and managed by law to maintain their special character for now and for future generations.
The intended development by Go Ape will not maintain Moel Famau’s special character – it will change it beyond all recognition.
A guide for AONB partnership members has been published by the Countryside Agency and highlights that the primary purpose of AONB designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty. However, in pursuing the primary purpose account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry, other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities. Particular regard should be paid to promoting sustainable forms of social and economic development that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment. It also clarifies that recreation is not an objective of designation, but the demand for recreation should be met so far as this is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.
Introducing the Go Ape brand of recreation into this protected area is not consistent with the needs of its current usage.
Go Ape have a great product and undoubtedly bring a lot of pleasure to many people. However, we do not believe that such an important AONB is a suitable location for their venture.
(Extracts from CLWYDIAN RANGE AONB SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN)
Tags: AONB, Countryside Agency, Law, Tourism
Posted in AONB | No Comments »
A lot of people have been wondering just how much of a problem five zip wires can be. Take a look at the Cwm Bach page to gain an understanding of the sheer scale of Go Ape’s intended intrusion into the Moel Famau Country Park.
Tags: BIG, Cwm Bach, Location
Posted in Save Moel Famau | No Comments »
Please visit us again real soon.
We hope to have the site up and running and reporting on the latest developments with Go Ape within the next week.
Until then, find out a little more about us here.
Tags: Go Ape, Moel Famau, Save Moel Famau
Posted in Save Moel Famau | 2 Comments »