Farmers have voiced concerns over plans for a new national park in north-east Wales, which could cover a large part of North Powys.

Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) Montgomeryshire officials met with Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr MP, Steve Witherden, to discuss the proposed park.

The meeting took place at Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.

FUW county executive officer, Emyr Wyn Davies, and FUW county chair, Wyn Williams, expressed concerns about the potential park.

These included additional bureaucracy, planning regulations, and the impact on local infrastructure and communities.

The national park is part of a Welsh Government commitment to designate a new park in Wales, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If approved, it would be the fourth national park in Wales and the first since 1957.

The proposals are currently in the second round of consultation under Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The proposed boundaries include Lake Vyrnwy, the Tanat Valley, and towns and villages such as Llanfyllin and Meifod, extending as far north as Trelawnyd in Flintshire.

At the meeting, concerns were raised about over-tourism at Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, which causes significant traffic delays and blockages during the summer months, affecting local residents and farmers.

There are fears that national park designation would lead to more visitors, worsening the problem.

 Steve Witherden MP and Wyn Williams  join Wales Young Farmers Clubs' members, including Wales president Sarah Lewis, following a meeting at Wynnstay Arms, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant to discuss proposed north-east Wales national park  (Image: FUW)

Mr Williams, FUW Montgomeryshire county chair, said: "We were very grateful for the opportunity to meet Steve Witherden MP and relay the many concerns that have arisen locally regarding the proposed north-east Wales national park designation - which could incorporate a huge proportion of Montgomeryshire.

"Whilst we welcome visitors and recognise tourism’s key contribution to the local economy, it’s clear there’s very little appetite locally for this designation.

"In areas of Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog, we’ve already seen the detriment over-tourism can have on local communities – from additional bureaucracy and planning restrictions, increased strains on diminishing amenities and infrastructure, to surging house prices.

"Furthermore, such a huge expense at a time when so many other public services are threatened with cuts or closure is bewildering."

Following the visit to the waterfall, a meeting was held between the FUW and Mr Witherden at the Wynnstay Arms, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.

This provided local farmers and organisations, including the Young Farmers’ Clubs an opportunity to discuss the national park proposals, as well as wider concerns.

Those concerns included the proposed changes to inheritance tax outlined in the UK Government’s recent Budget.

Mr Witherden said: "I welcomed the opportunity to meet with FUW Montgomeryshire and hear first hand about the concerns and scepticism surrounding a national park designation that would include north Montgomeryshire.

"From planning to parking to the wider context of pressures on public finances, the concerns are understandable, and I would encourage the public to both get in touch with me and voice any concerns or comments in Natural Resources Wales’ ongoing consultation, which closes on December 16, 2024."

A further meeting was held at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant on the same evening, which saw more than 200 members of the community, local authority and businesses attend.