HAPPY NEW YEAR

I still think it is all about oil
Rumsfeld 'offered help to Saddam'

Thought you would all like The Elephant!Sorry about the crap that comes with it

And even RS has spoken. Go there!!

So should you really want to know what happened in the last 12 months
Here is the year
(VEUILLEZ PATIENTER!! IT IS A VERY LONG DOC!!) but it does download!
Not entirely a pretty story and as of today not nearly finished.The girl struggles on and the National Assembly struggle...it is now 15.00 ....to meet their 17.00 deadline.....'oh! we will make an early decision as we have most of the information' sure, sure!......while at Penguin.......!!
STOP PRESS! National Assembly decide not to decide. Sounds like TVU Academic Board...but then they are all ex-teachers and FE lecturers..........Experts have not had time to investigate Prof. Brunsden's report....I bet.......! January 8 new deadline!!
Happy Christmas
Gwydion, Rhodri, Kunjana, Elodie

As from Sarn Y Plas, Rhiw Pwllheli Gwynedd LL53 8AA

Telephone: 00 66 55 643 534 Mobile 00 669 158 2355/ 00 666 164 7017
Email rainhammer01@yahoo.com

Ms. Sue Essex
Minister for the Environment
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff CF99 1NA
United Kingdom

November 25 2002

sue.essex@wales.gov.uk

Dear Ms. Sue Essex

Planning Application by Gwynedd CC: Road at Rhiw REF CO2D/0382/30/R3

Further to correspondence: (a hard copy of this email message has been sent)

I do understand that it is not usual to Call-In planning decisions. But I do think this is NOT a usual decision.

It is now widely and publicly understood that Gwynedd Council itself knows that this application flouts National Assembly policy (indeed at the meeting of the Dwyfor Planning Committee where the application was approved one councillor spoke for approving the application 'never mind the Assembly'),

It would appear that, far from it being appropriate that this matter is left to Gwynedd CC, they themselves are challenging the Assembly to declare whether you are serious in supporting your policies.

It is contradictory, to an Alice in Wonderland extent, to have policies in respect of ancient woodland, the environment, bio-diversity, and cultural and historic heritage, many of which you were instrumental in designing and instituting, and that when a planning decision is made by a Local Authority that totally contradicts both National Assembly Policy and the Planning Authority's own Structure and Local Plans, the Assembly takes the view: (and I quote from Bob Evans's letter) :

"that the development is not likely to be in conflict with national planning policy", when it clearly is!

When, too the Local Authority's own planning manager says that the application is in conflict; and the very fact that the Planning Authority have had to notify you confirms this.

The decision to grant planning permission can additionally be construed as totally contrary to some 20 of the policies of the Gwynedd Structure Plan and the Dwyfor Local Plan.

Indeed the Gwynedd CC application clearly states: "The decision to permit the development is in conflict with national planning policy (re ancient woodland), "

In respect of one of the central issues which is Para 5.2.8 of PPW Gwynedd CC says:

"The loss of broadleaved trees and impact on the semi natural Ancient Woodland are unavoidable as a result of the proposed scheme. However, it should be noted from the consideration of alternatives that on balance the proposed alignment is least environmentally damaging" .

However this is the view of the Gwynedd Engineering and Highways Department. The Dwyfor Planning Manager has established conclusively that quite insufficient information re alternative routes or the replacement of the old road was gathered and provided by the applicant and indeed the Local Authority has sought to mislead the public about both the cost and lifespan of repairing the existing road.

Interestingly at the same meeting of Dwyfor Planning Committee that the Local Authority's Planning Application was approved an application by a private individual to build a new house, as his existing one was being threatened by the same landslip as the road, was declined on the grounds that there was no point in building a new house in the landslip zone; the same area as that one the road would be built in!

You are, of course, thoroughly cognisant of both PPW and what Gwynedd CC has proposed. I have however, for the record, enumerated in an annex to this letter the detail of why I urge you to Call-In the application.

In this case, consonant with PPW, there are two considered and feasible alternatives to the development, which will allow the sustained development of the community and the conservation and preservation of both the natural and the historic environment without the irreparable damage that the proposal will entail:

To repair the existing road on its line, which, in spite of misleading reports from Gwynedd CC in the press, will have a minimum lifespan of 40 years, the same as that of the sections of road to which the proposed road will connect
or
To enhance existing roads, the feasibility of which has also been agreed by Gwynedd CC but they have failed to provide the same level of detail to enable their own councillors to judge the appropriateness of this option

Gwynedd CC is seen to be biased in favour of one alternative; and Dwyfor Planning Committee have been seen to connive with the Planning Authority in rejecting the professional advice given to them; positions which diminish public credibility in the processes of local government

If the application is not Called-In the Local Authority will enter into a protracted wrangle with the National Trust over the release of inalienable land which will be publicly damaging to both parties as well as The National Assembly.

A Call-In decision will enable the issues to be widely and publicly aired so I reiterate the requests that have been made to you to Call-In this planning application and to demonstrate that PPW Wales is being supported in an open and even handed way by The National Assembly


Yours Sincerely


Gwydion Thomas
ANNEX

I understand that The National Assembly's position is that Call-In will be effected where Planning Decisions:

 are in conflict with national planning policies;

Gwynedd CC asserts that the proposed scheme either aids or is neutral to the majority of planning policies contained in the Development Plan, and that "there are a number of policies that it would "hinder", ie be in contravention. Gwynedd lists these as:
D10 (Gwynedd Structure Plan) protected species, D14 (Gwynedd Structure Plan) broadleaved woodland E9 (Dwyfor Local Plan) protected species, E17 (Dwyfor Local Plan) ancient woodland,
E30 (Dwyfor Local Plan) registered park and garden

Such an interpretation of the data is not tenable. In fact the scheme hinders or is contrary to at least 14 of the policies listed below, neutral to perhaps 6 and only favours F3, F5 and F6 which relate to road building and improvement!

Gwynedd Structure Plan (adopted November 1993)

D1 Protection of the environment, D4 Siting and design, D5 Siting and design, D7 Retention of agricultural land, D9 Environmentally sensitive areas, D10 Safeguarding nature conservation interests, D14 Protection of broad-leaved woodlands, D15 Protection of Scheduled Ancient Monuments and archaeological sites, D20 Presumption against development having adverse environmental impacts, D22 Setting of Listed Buildings,
Dwyfor Area Local Plan E9 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance, sites of geological interest and protected species, E13 Protecting agricultural land, E17 Ancient and Semi-Ancient Woodlands E18 Broadleaved trees,E25 Development in close proximity to Listed Buildings or historical buildings, E27 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, E28 Archaeological sites, E30The negative impacts of the proposal will have to be weighed against its benefits F3 New road development , F5 Highway improvements , F6 Improving second and third class roads

PPW also says that Call-In will be applied where planning decisions

 1. could have wide effects beyond their immediate locality;
It has been pointed out that nodding this application through will damage the Assembly's credibility in respect of supporting its policies. The Assembly has nothing to lose by a public hearing, establishing the best way forward, with the conclusions of which everyone would have to be satisfied.

 2. may give rise to substantial controversy beyond the immediate locality;

 This application has already given rise to substantial controversy, in the national press and radio and in the international literary world, beyond the immediate area, by virtue of the association with R S Thomas, one of Wales’ most notable poets of the 20th century

 It has already given rise to substantial controversy as part of the proposed route requires the compulsory purchase of inalienable land owned by the National Trust

 3. are likely significantly to affect sites of scientific, nature conservation or historic interest or areas of landscape importance;

 The Assembly's policy is that inappropriate development in statutorily designated areas such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty . A planning application that involves the breaches of policy of which you have been notified can hardly be called appropriate.
 The Assembly's primary objective for designating AONBs is their conservation and enhancement of their natural beauty. UDP policies and development control decisions affecting AONBs should "favour conservation of natural beauty, although it will also be appropriate to have regard to the economic and social well-being of the areas. Local authorities, other public bodies and other relevant authorities have a statutory duty to have regard to AONB purposes." In this case complete disregard for the AONB has been shown.

Listed Buildings
The Assembly requires that applications for listed building consent which Cadw advise would adversely affect the preservation of a building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest it possesses are inappropriate .If Cadw have not advised that the planning application adversely affects the setting of Plas Yn Rhiw and Sarn Y Plas I believe this in itself merits enquiry.

The Assembly's Policy in respect of Listed buildings requires that

 Where a development proposal affects a listed building or its setting, the primary material consideration is the statutory requirement to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building, or its setting, or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses

No regard has been taken to preserve settings in this case. Indeed the setting of Sarn Y Plas with all its cultural and historic character will be irreparably damaged.

 The Assembly Government has objectives in this field are to preserve and enhance the historic environment, recognising its contribution to economic vitality and culture, civic pride and the quality of life, and its importance as a resource for future generations; and specifically to ensure that the character of historic buildings is safeguarded .

In this case we are faced with the degradation of a field, wood and garden that is central to the cultural and literary heritage of Lleyn. Gwynedd CC appears totally ignorant of the historical significance of both the Grade II listed building that is Sarn Y Plas and its setting by virtue of being the home of R.S.Thomas and M.E.Eldridge, among the foremost artists of 20th Century Wales

The Assembly has prepared a non-statutory ‘Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales’ It requires Local Authorities to

 set out the factors relating to the historic environment to be taken into account in assessing planning applications
I see no evidence of this in the case of Gwynedd CC's application and it is clear that The National Trust Property of Plas Yn Rhiw, which is on the register will be degraded.

Clogwyni Pen Llyn SAC and The Heritage Coast

The Assembly requires that Planning Authorities

 ensure that statutorily designated sites are properly protected
and that
 The Assembly, on the advice of CCW, will normally call in, for its own determination, planning applications which are likely to have a significant effect on sites of more than local importance, for example, SSSIs, SPAs, candidate or designated SACs

While the Clogwyni Pen Llyn Natura 2000 site is not directly affected, the proposed planning application will cause degradation and irreparable damage within 100 metres of the SAC. The EU Publication Managing Natura 2000 Sites makes it quite clear that under such circumstances development should be appraised with regard to its effect on the SAC. As the contingent microclimate and habitats of the SAC and the adjacent land will be degraded if this application is approved this should clearly be reconsidered by CCW let alone the Assembly.

Biodiversity
The Assembly Government’s objectives for the conservation and improvement of the natural heritage are to:
 promote the conservation of landscape and biodiversity, in particular the conservation of native wildlife and habitats;
 The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) includes objectives to conserve, and, where practicable, enhance:
 the quality and range of wildlife habitats and ecosystems;
 the overall populations and natural ranges of native species; ;
 species, habitats and natural and managed ecosystems characteristic of local areas; and
 the biodiversity of natural and semi-natural habitats where this has been diminished over recent decades.

This application is contrary to these objectives

Back to Roads!!

Ms Sue Essex
Environment Minister 26 Tachwedd / November 2002
Welsh Assembly Government
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff CF99 1NA


Annwyl Sue Essex

Llythyr ar y cyd yn annog galw i mewn cais cynllunio CO2D/0382/30/R3 am lôn newydd trwy Goed y Rhiw, Gwynedd, a fuasai’n achosi niwed parhaol i etifeddiaeth naturiol a diwylliannol



Fe fyddwch chi’n gwybod am y niwed a achoswyd i lôn gyhoeddus y Rhiw bron i ddwy flynedd yn ôl am am y gofynion cwbl resymol a wnaed gan y gymuned leol ac am ffordd newydd. Fe fyddwch chi’n gwybod fod Adran Beirianyddol Cyngor Gwynedd wedi argymell NID codi’r ffordd newydd ar hyd y llinell bresennol, ond ei dargyfeirio trwy Goed y Rhiw, sef coedlan hynafol ar dir annieithr yr Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol. Fe fyddwch yn gwybod hefyd y buasai’n ffordd newydd yn pasio o fewn rhai llathenni i Sarn-y-Plas, sef adeilad cofrestredig Gradd ll lle treuliodd y bardd R S Thomas y rhan fwyaf o ddyddiau diweddaraf ei fywyd, ac yn torri trwy’r goedlan lle cerddodd o bron bob dydd a’r ardd y gofalodd o a’i wraig M E Elridge amdani am 30 mlynedd ac a fu’n ysbrydolaeth i lawer o’i waith.

Mae’r unigolion a’r mudiadau sydd wedi llofnodi’r llythyr hwn wedi cael eu synnu a’u hysgwyd gan bleidlais y Cynghorwyr i ddiystyru argymhelliad clir eu Swyddogion Cynllunio nhw eu hunain, a chymeradwyo’r cais cynllunio hwn, a hynny heb ofyn am ragor o wybodaeth am ddichonoldeb ailgodi’r lôn bresennol ar-lein, a gwelliannau i nifer o ffyrdd presennol, fel yr argymhellodd y Swyddogion. Roedd peirianwyr ymgynghorol y Cyngor ei hun wedi cydnabod y buasai’n gwbl ymarferol i ailgodi’r ffordd bresennol trwy ei hangori yn y craigwely. Ar hyn o bryd nid yw’r cofnodion sy’n esbonio’r penderfyniad ar gael.

Rydym yn nodi fod y penderfyniad i roi caniatâd cynllunio yn mynd yn groes nid yn unig i argymhellion y swyddogion, ond hefyd i Bolisi Cynllunio Cymru. Mae’r ddogfen hon yn datgan ym mharagraff 5.2.8: “Mae coetiroedd hynafol a lled-naturiol yn gynefinoedd na ellir eu hadfer sy’n werthfawr iawn am eu bioamrywiaeth a dylid eu diogelu rhag datblygiad a fyddai’n achosi difrod sylweddol.” Y cais hwn yw’r achos prawf cyntaf i ddangos a fydd y polisi yn cael ei ddilyn mewn gwirionedd, neu a fydd pob achos lle mae coedlan o dan fygythiad yn cael ei drin fel “eithriad”, gan danseilio’r polisi newydd yn llwyr.

Felly, rydym yn erfyn arnoch i ddefnyddio’ch pwerau i alw’r cais hwn i mewn, ac i ddiogelu’r goedlan hynafol unigryw hon. Rydym yn nodi fod y cyfrwy benderfyniad yn gyson â pharagraff 4.2 o Bolisi Cynllunio Cymru oherwydd:
 Mae’r penderfyniad i ganiatáu’r datblygiad yn mynd yn groes i bolisi cynllunio cenedlaethol (parthed coetir hynafol)
 Fe fuasai’r penderfyniad yn cael effaith eang y tu hwnt i’w gyffiniau, gan mai hwn yw achosi prawf cyntaf paragraff 5.2.8 o Bolisi Cynllunio Cymru ac
 Mae o wedi arwain at gryn dipyn o ddadlau y tu hwnt i’w gyffiniau oherwydd y cysylltiad ag R S Thomas, un o feirdd mwyaf Cymru yn yr 20fed ganrif.
Mae pawb sydd wedi llofnodi’r llythyr hwn yn datgan yn glir ein cefnogaeth am ofynion cwbl resymol pobl y Rhiw am fynediad derbyniol ar y ffyrdd yn dilyn colli’r hen lôn. Rydym yn cytuno fod rhaid darparu’r mynediad hwn cyn gynted â phosibl, ond rydym yn awgrymu mai parodrwydd Adran Beirianyddol Cyngor Gwynedd i ddargyfeirio’r ffordd trwy ardal mor hynod o sensitif, sef coetir hynafol ar dir annieithr yr Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol sydd mor bwysig yn ddiwylliannol, sydd wedi arafu’r broses gynllunio.

Yn olaf, rydym yn hyderus y bydd hi’n dod yn glir mewn Ymchwiliad Cyhoeddus fod yna ffyrdd eraill i gwrdd ag anghenion trafnidiaeth yr ardal, ac y gellir gwneud hyn heb yr oedi sy’n anochel wrth brynu tir annieithr yr Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol yn orfodol, a heb i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol gael ei weld yn eang yn anwybyddu ei bolisi cynllunio ei hyn.



Yr eiddoch yn gywir Dear Sue Essex

A joint letter urging the call in of planning application CO2D/0382/30/R3 for a new road through Coed y Rhiw, Gwynedd, which would cause irreparable damage to Wales’ natural and cultural heritage

You will be aware of the damage to the public road at Rhiw nearly two years ago and of the very understandable demands by the local community for a replacement road. You will know that Gwynedd Council’s Engineering Dept have proposed NOT to built the new road along the existing line, but to divert it through Coed y Rhiw, an ancient woodland on National Trust inalienable land. You will be aware also that the new road would pass within a few yards of Sarn-y-Plas, a Grade ll listed building where the Welsh poet R S Thomas spent most of the later days of his life, and cut through the wood in which he walked almost every day and the garden he and his wife the painter M E Eldridge nurtured for 30 years both of which were the inspiration of much of his work.



The individuals and organisations that have signed this letter were shocked and surprised at the vote by Councillors to disregard the clear recommend-ation of their own Planning Officers and to approve this planning application without requesting further information both on the feasibility of rebuilding the existing road on-line, and improvements to a combination of the many existing alternative routes, as they were advised. The Council’s own consulting engineers had recognised that it was feasible to rebuild the existing road by anchoring it into the bedrock. At the present time the minutes explaining the decision are not available.

We note that the decision to grant planning permission was not only contrary to officers’ advice, but also at complete variance with Planning Policy Wales. This document states in paragraph 5.2.8 that: “Ancient and semi-natural woodlands are irreplaceable habitats of high biodiversity value which should be protected from development that would result in significant damage.” This application is the first test case of whether this protection will be implemented in practice, or whether every case where woodland is under threat will simply be declared an exception, allowing business as usual.

We therefore urge you to use your powers to call in this application, thus allowing this uniquely important ancient woodland to be protected. We note that such a call in would be in line with paragraph 4.2 of Planning Policy Wales in that:
 The decision to permit the development is in conflict with national planning policy (re ancient woodland),
 The decision could have a wide effect beyond its immediate area, as it is the first test case of paragraph 5.2.8 of Planning Policy Wales and
 It has already given rise to substantial controversy beyond the immediate area by virtue of the association with R S Thomas, one of Wales’ most notable poets of the 20th century.
Each of the signatories to this letter makes clear our support for the quite reasonable demands by the people of Rhiw for acceptable road access following the road collapse. We agree that this access needs to be provided as soon as reasonably possible, but suggest that the eagerness of the Council’s Engineering Dept to divert the road through such an extremely sensitive site, ancient woodland on National Trust inalienable land with such huge cultural importance, has served only to delay the planning process.

Finally, we are confident that once these issues have been aired at a Public Inquiry, it will become clear that there are alternative means of meeting the transport needs of the area, and that this can be done without the delays inevitably involved in the compulsory purchase of National Trust inalienable land, and without the National Assembly being widely seen to be disregarding its own planning policy.

Yours sincerely



Graham Bradley
Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust)
grahambradley@woodland-trust.org.uk Mike Webb
RSPB
mike.webb@rspb.org.uk R N Yale
Chair, Caernarfonshire CPRW
Julian Rosser
Friends of the Earth Cymru
julianr@foe.co.uk Frances Catenach
North Wales Wildlife Trust
nwwt@cix.compulink.co.uk Dr Trevor Dines
Plantlife – the Wild Plant Conservation Society
trevor.dines@plantlife.org.uk
Sue Gittins
The Ramblers’ Association
SueG@ramblers.org.uk Russel Hobson
Buttlerfly Conservation Wales
Russel Hobson rhobson.bcw@btclick.com


Cc: Bob Evans, National Assembly for Wales

In support of M.Bove Something different! No roads involved

The Independent on THE ROAD!!

As you all know life has been completely overtaken by this idiotic planning application from Gwynedd CC to build the road in RS's garden and the National Trust property Plas Yn Rhiw
We have all written letters of opposition
However.....look what we have here......the report of the Dwyfor Planning Director Gruffyfdd Morris..........in which
he makes more serious criticisms of Gwynedd CCs application than most of us have done. His criticisms put the National Trust's weak response into context too. You probably do not want to read it all but in essence it says:
The application breaches a whole raft of local, county and national planning policies
The scheme is unjustifiable and indefensible
The Environmental Impact Assessment is incompetent
He comes within a whisker of accusing Gwynedd CC of lying......misleading info, incorrect info, serious errors of omission, bias in favor a one route!!!
Anyway now we are having fun looking for dormice...which used to be there...which would put real spanner in the works as they are EU protected species..

Planning Aplication – C02D/0382/30/R3
Proposed Road Development at Rhiw


Observations on Policy Matters and on the contents of the
Environmental Statement


1. Background


Rhiw is situated:


Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Ll*n
Peninsula
Within the Heritage Coast area;
Within an area that is included on the National Register of
Historic Landscapes, Parks and Gardens;
Within an area that is full of historical building remains,
i.e. archeological remains and listed buidings ;
Within an area that has a number of designations of nature
conservation both statutory and non-statutory.



The site of the proposed road development is extremely
sensitive from both a landscape and nature conservation point
of view


The proposed road has some effect on all of the above, but the
main effect of the road alignment will be on the ancient
woodland below Plas yn Rhiw. This woodland has been included
on the Inventory of Ancient Woodlands produced by the Nature
Conservancy Council (now Countryside Council for Wales). This
means that a woodland has been on the site since at least
1600AD. Ancient Woodlands are vital to nature conservation and
genetic biodiversity in Britain as they contain an unique
community of plants, birds and animals. It is also noted that
the woodland is included on the Council’s register of Wildlife
Sites (also known as Sites of Local Nature Conservation
Interest). The woodland effected by the proposed development
at Rhiw is about 5ha in size, which is substantial and
important to the open landscape of the Ll*n Peninsula. It is
estimated that only 900ha of broadleaf woodland remain on the
Ll*n Peninsula (less than 2% of the area of Ll*n). These
woodlands are confined mainly to the more steep slopes on
estate lands. Woodlands are extremely rare in the west of
Ll*n, where there is intensive farming, and the woodland at
Rhiw is one of the most westerly example of broadleaf woodland
habitat in north Wales.


The woodland at Rhiw is the type of habitat that is quite
uncommon in Gwynedd in that is dominated by ash. It is
estimated that only between 150 – 350 ha of this type of
woodland exists in Gwynedd and very rarely does it grow over
igneous rock. It can be seen therefore, that this woodland
accounts for about 2% of this type of woodland in Gwynedd.


Because of its importance the “Ash Woodlands” habitat has been
listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) of the United
Kingdom and also the Wales BAP as well as the Local BAP for
Gwynedd (draft version). The BAP habitat and species were
chosen because of their importance at a European level and the
British Government and the National Assembly for Wales have a
duty to protect them. An undertaking to do so was given at the
Rio Summit and more recently through the Countryside and
Rights of Way Act 2000 (“CROW Act”).


Part of the woodland is owned by the National Trust and is
managed carefully by them. A number of semi-formal paths have
been created through the woodland and young trees planted.
Some of these paths would be lost if the road is built through
the woodland.


2. Planning Policy Context


Section 54A of the 1990 Act insists that, where regard must be
given to the development plan in deciding under the Planning
Laws, that the decision be taken in accordance with the plan
“unless relevant considerations note otherwise”. In the
context of this development the ‘development plans’ are:


Gwynedd Structure Plan (GSP)
Dwyfor Local Plan (DLP)


In addition to the above attention must be paid to the
Planning Policy Wales March 2002 document. This document
lays out national guidance on planning matters. Any
appropriate information contained in Planning Policy Wales
therefore should be dealt with as relevant planning
considerations.



In relation to the proposed development the main policy
consideration will be the effect of the proposed road
alignment on:


The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast of
the Ll*n Peninsula
Special Historical Landscape
Listed Buildings
Ancient Woodland
Important local nature conservation sites and species
typical of the area.


Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty



It is noted in paragraph 5.3.6 of the Planning Policy Wales
that “National Parks and AONBs are of equal status in terms
of landscape and scenic beauty and both must be afforded the
highest status of protection inappropriate development……UDP
policies and development control desicions should give great
weight to conserving and enhancing the natural beauty,
wildlife and cultural heritage of these areas”.



Planning Policy Wales notes the need to favour natural
beauty conservation by paying attention to the economic and
social benefit of the areas (paragraph 5.3.7). The status of
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is stressed i.e. Areas
of Outstanding Natural Beauty have the same status as
National Parks, and planning authorities and others have a
statutory duty to respect the nature of Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty (paragraphs 7.6.1 and 7.6.3 of Planning
Policy Wales).



Policy D1 of the Gwynedd Structure Plan reflects the
national aims by noting the need to protect and improve the
environment of the area, paying particular attention to the
exceptional quality of the Ll*n Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty. The need to “minimise any adverse impact on the
environment” is stressed in Policy D4 of the Gwynedd
Structure Plan.



In addition, Policy E1 of the Dwyfor Local Plan on the Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty states that “ In the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, as shown on the proposals map,
which is of national importance, conservation of the
landscape will be the primary planning consideration. Any
proposal that will unacceptably adversely affect the
appearance and character of this landscape will not be
approved. Any development permitted will be required to be
of the highest standard of design and use materials
apprporiate to the area”.



Paragraph 8.3.2 of the justification to the policy states:
“AONBs are landscapes of national importance and major
development is generally held to be inconsistent with the
conservation of these landscapes. However, national interest
and the lack of alternative sites might justify an
exception”. The Committee must decide if the proposed
development meets the strict requirements that would justify
an exception.



“Natural beauty” usually corresponds with panoramic beauty
or the character of the landscape. Its statutory definition
also makes it clear that it includes plants, fauna and
geographical features. The proposed line involves cutting
across woodland that is rich in mature broadleaf trees. This
woodland is very exposed in the landscape and as this part
of the coastline can be seen from many directions it is
therefore important to the beauty of the Ll*n Peninsula and
is an important part of the character of the landscape. Its
importance to the character of the landscape was noted in
the LANDMAP study.



The result of the assessment forms the framework to be used
for introducing a Landscape Action and Management Programme
(LAMP). In refering to West Ll*n’s CAA it is noted, amongst
other things, that it is necessary to ensure that the level
and scale of the road is given detailed consideration,
especially in terms of boundary materials, width of verges
and landscape details. The Landscape Action and Management
Programme goes on to note a number of action plans. The LAMP
14 (high priority) and LAMP 15 (medium priority) are
relevant to this area. A copy of the proposals of the LAMP
14 and LAMP 15 are enclosed as an Appendix to this report.



Because of the nature of the landscape in this part of the
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it is impossible to avoid
the fact that cutting a new path through the landscape is
bound to have an adverse effect on it. The policy structure
both nationally and locally has no objections in principle
to substantial developments in Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty generally (see paragraph 8.3.2 of the Dwyfor Local
Plan) but the developments must comply with strict
conditions if they are to be allowed. The Committee must
consider if the proposed proposals do so.


Any mechanical work to create an new road alignment is sure to
have an adverse visual impact on this part of the Ll*n’s Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, in accordance with the
policy, there is no basic objection to building a new road so
long as it meets the following criteria:


That the development is of great national importance;
There are no other sites / roads available;
That a thorough environmental investigation has been carried
out and that all measures have been taken to alleviate
effects;



Whilst the argument for providing better road connections for
Rhiw inhabitants has already been accepted it is difficult to
argue that

This is the organisation...The National Trust..that puts out this kind of pap ......and is happy at the same time to consider surrendering parts of its inalienable legacies to Gwynedd County Council to build a road. National Hypocrisy Trust News - News round-up - Countryside news | The National Trust
Compare their response with the Dwyfor Report above and the rspb response
NATIONAL TRUST:
Faxed & posted

The Chief Planning Officer,

Cyngor Gwynedd,

Ffordd y Cob,

Pwllheli.

Gwynedd. LL53 5AA.
Ffôn/Tel
01690 713307

Ffacs/Fax

E-Bost/ E-mail

Eich cyf/ Your ref

Ein cyf/ Our ref
L231002JLM2/SE







30th October 2002



Dear Sirs,



PLAS YN RHIW – LANDSLIP
PLANNING APPLICATION CO2D/0382/30/R3


We would make the following comments regarding the planning application for the new road proposal near Plas yn Rhiw.



The National Trust is a conservation charity and holds land inalienably for the benefit of the nation. The Trust’s purpose is to protect places of historic interest or natural beauty.



The Plas yn Rhiw estate was given to the National Trust by the Keating sisters in the 1960’s. The unspoilt tranquil character of the property giving people the opportunity to explore and discover the hidden secrets of the area is one of its greatest strengths.



We would very much prefer to see an on-line improvement if such a project was feasible and sustainable. A number of alignments have been proposed, many of these would have had a very damaging affect on the nature conservation and the archaeological interest, as well as the landscape.



The present proposal has been developed following extensive consultation. The National Trust still has great concerns regarding this option and is only considering this as the least worst option. The proposal is of concern, as it would disturb an area of deciduous woodland which is rare in this exposed part of the Llyn. There is also a disturbance to the historical context of the area, particularly on the cottage of Sarn y Plas, the home of the poet, R.S. Thomas, which we would very much like to protect.



The Trust would need further reassurance on a number of issues before being in a position to release inalienable land, which is a question that can never be taken lightly:



2.



The Chief Planning Officer,

Cyngor Gwynedd.



30th October 2002





PLAS YN RHIW – LANDSLIP
PLANNING APPLICATION CO2D/0382/30/R3



That the construction of the road as proposed in the preferred option E1A is constructed on ground which is stable enough to ensure that this area is not also subject to slippage in a short period of time.



That the construction of the road on this alignment does not itself destabilise the area, causing further landslips, thus endangering the cottage of Sarn y Plas, the remaining woodland and the land in the Trust’s ownership.



That the Council provide a photo/video sequence to illustrate the visual appearance of the proposed route.



That the carriageway through the woodland is kept to a maximum of 5m width with no grass verges.



That the minimum of woodland is taken and that all felling and extraction is done in a sensitive way to reduce the damage and impact.



That all water supplies are reinstated to Sarn y Plas and Bryn Ffowc.



That provision is made to deal with the site drainage in a satisfactory way.



That there is a minimum of disturbance to natural features and that stones, boulders etc., are carefully removed and placed in other suitable locations.



That there is no indiscriminate tipping of excavated material on National Trust or any other land in the area.



That a 2m wide bridleway/cycleway/footpath be retained and maintained as a public footpath on the alignment of the present road subject to the landslip.



That all retaining walls should be of a dry stone walling character, and should be finished in the style of the area; and that trial sections should be prepared before the actual wall is commenced.



That a “Method Statement” for the way of working is prepared and that there should be a responsible person on site to ensure the minimum of damage from an environmental aspect.





3.



The Chief Planning Officer,

Cyngor Gwynedd.



30th October 2002



PLAS YN RHIW – LANDSLIP
PLANNING APPLICATION CO2D/0382/30/R3







All accommodation works to be agreed in advance.



That all efforts should be made for an environmental gain from these works, with the least possible disturbance.



We would strongly recommend to the Council, that subject to the above mentioned points being satisfied that the alignment be reconsidered bringing the proposed road back to the old road much quicker between Sarn y Plas and Bryn Ffowc, thus reducing the amount of woodland being taken.



We are also very concerned at the substantial cutting required behind the farmhouse and buildings at Treheli. Although this is not land in National Trust ownership we would suggest that there is a need to re-look at this area again. If we were to give approval for the scheme we would suggest continuing to use the road past Treheli before entering the woodland immediately to the west of the farmhouse. This would reduce the area of land required and reduce the cost of the project. Should there be signs of further slippage on the corner to the east of Treheli we consider that there could be scope for improvements in that area which could be carried out in a much more sensitive way.



The loss of woodland and of inalienable Natural Trust land is of considerable concern, which we can not take lightly. We have also been trying to take the local community views and needs into consideration, and taking a balanced approach to see ways of trying to resolve this problem. We would therefore appreciate your committee taking our views and suggestions very seriously into account before coming to a decision. We in turn will have to decide what action to take in view of your deliberations.



We look forward to hearing from you.



Yours faithfully,









J.L. Morgan,

Area Manager North West Wales.

RSPB
13 November 2002





Mr Ian Williams

Highways and Municipal Department

Gwynedd County Council

Council Offices

CAERNARFON

Gwynedd

LL55 1SH





Dear Sir



Re: RHIW HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS, APPLICATION NUMBERS CO2D/0382/30/R3



Thank you for the documents I recently received from you in relation to this matter.



I would like to make the following points :-



General : RSPB Cymru sees no material changes in the addendum to the original environmental statement (ES). RSPB Cymru therefore maintains its objection



It is the view of RSPB Cymru that the local planning authority are still collecting data in respect of this application, for example in terms of the issue of whether the development site contains dormouse. As the officer's report has therefore not been prepared, no decision can be taken by the Committee in respect of this application, as the LPA has insufficient data pursuant of the EIA Regulations 1999 to make a decision. The Local Government Act requires 5 clear days' notice of access to agendas and related documentation. In spite of a request in my previous representation, I have yet to receive a copy of the officer's report and recommendation. Under the provisions of the Local Government, (Access to Meetings and Documents) Order 2002, five clear days must be given for access to agendas and associated reports. As the Officer's Report has not yet been received by those who made representations, no decision can be taken.



Dormouse : Dormice are European protected species, protected under the Habitats Regulations, and they and their breeding and resting places are legally protected. A full dormouse survey to an approved methodology should have been carried out as part of the ES. The developer and the LPA are reminded that the grant of planning permission does not override the legal protection afforded to otters by the Habitats Regulations, and that their disturbance is a criminal offence under Regulation 39(1d). Therefore, to damage or destroy their breeding and resting places is a criminal offence even if the destructive act is not deliberate or intentional.



The fact that the developer has produced an addendum to the original environmental statement including replacement pages for the environmental statement and non-technical summary is an indication that there were errors in the original environmental statement.



Key Admissions : The addendum to the environmental statement and the associated documentation makes the following key admission, which strengthen the case for the refusal of this application: -



The site is ancient semi-natural woodland.
Ancient semi-natural woodland is irreplaceable. The development will result in a loss of ancient semi-natural woodland of an unusual type that is a UK BAP priority habitat.
Translocation will not provide complete mitigate for adverse impacts.
The development proposal will result in the fragmentation of the woodland.
The development proposal would result in edge effects.
The online option would last for at least 30 to 40 years.
The online solution is cheaper for the first 40 years than the developers preferred solution.
The developers’ main case against the on-line solution is landscape.
Cost is not a planning matter.
The longevity of the scheme is not the main issue that leads the developer to the conclusion that the online solution should be rejected.
Even more trees will be last than in the original environmental statement.



Consideration Of Consultation Responses: RSPB Cymru makes the following points in relation to the above document. Paragraph numbers refer to paragraph numbers in the document.



Paragraph 1.9
RSPB Cymru was not consulted at the scooping stage of this environmental impact assessment, contrary to established good practice in Welsh Office Circular 11/99.



Paragraph 4.2
Delete ‘northern’, replace with ‘southern’ in line 8. Reason – typographical error?



Paragraph 4.2
The inference of this paragraph appears to be that the only adverse impact on the woodland is the physical footprint of the completed highway. RSPB Cymru is of the view that this is only a small fraction of the total adverse impacts as stated in our original objection. These include inter alia: :-



fragmentation of the woodland



continued erosion of the downslope sector of the woodland



edge effects as a result of fragmentation



the 9 – 12 metre wide construction corridor



the area between the road and the woodland.



The above the means that developers claim that only 9% of the woodland would be adversely impacted by the development proposal is a significant underestimate.



Paragraph 4.4
RSPB Cymru is of the view that it is correct to say that no adequate measures have been proposed to completely mitigate for the loss of ancient semi-natural woodland. Indeed, being irreplaceable no adequate measures could ever be proposed to do so.



Paragraph 4.4
The calculations of loss of ancient woodland are based on a 5.5-m width corridor. However, the construction corridor of 10 – 12 m in width will need to destroy a far greater area than that set out. It is important to remember that much of the value of ancient semi-natural woodland resides in the woodland floor, not just in the trees. Thus, the remaining 4.5 – 6.5 will not be ancient semi-natural woodland.



Paragraph 4.4
Contrary to the view of the developer, the road would be a substantial barrier to wildlife, given that ancient semi-natural woodland is characterised by species with a very poor colonisation strategy e.g. plants which spread via rhizomes, and invertebrates such as molluscs. These species would be unable to cross the new highway.



Paragraph 5.

It is incorrect to state that because ancient semi natural woodland is referred to in Planning Policy Wales, a site holding it cannot be a locally designated Wildlife Site. Wildlife Sites are sites of substantive nature conservation value that are designated by the local planning authority. They are, therefore, a planning tool whereas ancient semi natural woodland is a broad description of a habitat type. Thus, not all ancient semi natural woodland sites must be Wildlife Sites. Therefore, Wildlife Sites cannot be considered of necessity a duplication of the protection already provided by other policies. The environmental statement response refers to “additional local designations”. Ancient semi-natural woodland is not a designation – it is a description of a habitat type in the same way that heather moorlands or sand dunes are descriptions of habitat types. Neither is it a local designation, being a nationally and indeed an internationally recognised broad habitat type. Thus, there is no justification for the environmental statement’s primary focus being on such a statutorily designated site.



Paragraph 7.8
RSPB Cymru disagrees that the online solution is not “long term”. The period of time beyond which possible future works may be required is so long that the developer has failed to (and indeed cannot) take account of the undoubtedly revolutionary advances in technology that will take place in the forthcoming 40 years. The fact that earlier attempts at stabilisation, as recently as 1982, actually exacerbated the situation by the use of heavy gabions, is an example of the ways in which engineering approaches advance over time. If one contrasts engineering techniques in 1962 (i.e. 40 years ago) with those of the present day and then looks forward to 2042 it is likely that technology will have changed out of all recognition. Indeed the nature of private travel itself will undoubtedly change out of all recognition by 2042. Therefore, to permit a development proposal that will significantly adversely impact woodland, which has present on the site since at least 1600 for the sake of possible future engineering, problems would seem to the RSPB to be short sightedness.



Paragraph 7.9
RSPB Cymru finds it difficult to understand why the engineering works required for online strengthening would need to be free of vegetation in order to be inspected. Surely, inspection of such structures is more sophisticated than a mere visual check-over, and that techniques such as ultrasound scanning and checks for vibration/movement would be important. I wish to see documentary evidence that this merely visual check-over is accepted as industry good practice. Notwithstanding the above, I would have thought that the screening of the works by sensitive tree planting would go a long way to screening the works. I similarly find it difficult to understand why the works should be free of vegetation from the point of view of safety. The top of the new embankment would be only 4.5 metres above ground level. Standard tree surgery equipment for example would suffice to enable an examination of the works.



Paragraph 7.12 to 7.14
RSPB Cymru questions the assertion that more landslips would of necessity occur. The National Trusts’ own survey pointed out that the major recent landslips have taken place because of inappropriate attempts at highway strengthening in the recent past.



Paragraph 7.22
RSPB Cymru does not agree that the loss of ancient semi natural woodland needs to be “balanced” against the needs of the community, landscape etc. It is not consistent with modern planning thought to attempt to balance conflicting interests in a ‘winner takes all’ scenario. The challenge of sustainable development is to find solutions which integrate the three elements of environment, society and economy in order to create a ‘win win’ situation. Thus, for example, many would accept that the community needs a new road. The challenge is to re-instate the existing road in an environmentally acceptable fashion.



Paragraph 10.13
EIA Design Detail : It is not acceptable to state that issues relating to drainage would be dealt with at the detailed design stage. There are a number of recent court rulings in the UK which clarify what level of detail is required for an environmental assessment to be carried out. In R. v Rochdale ex parte Tew, it was ruled that an EIA must be based on an adequate description of the development and without it, the impact cannot be assessed and the purpose of the ES therefore frustrated





Conclusion
Having carefully examined the documentation received in respect of this matter RSPB Cymru concludes that they constitute no significant improvement on the original environmental statement. Indeed, they contain a number of key admissions that strengthen the case for refusal of this application. RSPB Cymru therefore maintains its objection to this development proposal.



I would be grateful you if you could keep me informed of developments in relation to this matter





Yours sincerely









Mike Webb

Conservation Officer, Planning

Short Disquisition on the late Twentieth Century Chinese Shophouse
or
The Gentrification of Bangkapi

This is a little Bangkok Adieu number

The original village of these shophouses was built in about 1978. The originals were of three main kinds:
Simple terrace houses, with small balconies, an iron gate the width of the house and a front courtyard
A corner house version of the same
Some double terraced houses

They sell for between 800,000 Baht and 2 million ie $18,500 to $46,500



Original shophouse uses. Restaurants, shops, personal gaols



The first real gentrification is Chinese Gates. Elaborate Wrought Iron Work



The two storey solution

src="http://i.xanga.com/fishfur/t/shophouse4.jpg" width=400 border=0>

A modern version of the Gates solution. In chrome!Note the 1million Baht+ Honda CRV nestling inside



Two country style solutions to the door/gate problem



Glass and other doors



Cornerhouse gentrifications. gates, satellite dishes and BMWs

The fundamentalists are taking over in Turkey. The pictures of the Bali bombers look "unlikely" Phuket is out of bounds....I wont print what I sent to The Guardian after its stupid article on Phuket.....but in France priorities and sensibilities remain constant Death of celebrated baker how reassuring!

Dwyfor Area Committee have cancelled their meeting!! Apparently now they only want a planning committee!
If you felt strongly about any of this you could write to any of the following.....apparently an objection from Oslo carries as much weight as one from Pwllheli!!

Sue Essex AM Minister for the Environment sue.essex@wales.gov.uk
Member for Cardiff North
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
CARDIFF
CF99 1NA


John Saunders Planning Department
National Assembly for Wales
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ

Jeff Evans Director Planning Services
National Assembly for Wales
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ

Martin Evans Transport, Planning and Environment Group MartinL.evans@wales.gsi.gov.uk
National Assembly for Wales
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ

Kay Powell Head of Planning Division kay.powell@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Transport, Planning and Environment Group
National Assembly for Wales
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ

Tom Cassidy Chief Executive thomas.cassidy@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Richard Avent Chief Inspector Ancient Monuments
and Historic Buildings

CADW
National Assembly for Wales
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ

John Roberts Gwynedd Archaeological Trust johnroberts@heneb.co.uk
Craig Beuno
Garth Road
BANGOR
LL57 2RT






Dafydd Wigley AM National Assembly for Wales dafydd.wigley@wales.gov.uk
Cardiff Bay
CARDIFF
CF99 1NA

8 Stryd Castell
Caernarfon
LL55 1SE

David Bellamy President
The Wildlife Trusts
The Kiln
Waterside
Mather Road
NEWARK
NG24 1WT

Mike Webb Rspb mike.webb@rspb.org.uk
Maes Y Ffynnon
Penrhosgarnedd
BANGOR
LL57 2DW

Roger Thomas Chief Executive n.sanpher@ccw.gov.uk
John Lloyd Jones Chairman b.roberts@ccw.gov.uk
Peter Stutthard Head of Site Safety p.stutthard@ccw.gov.uk

Countryside Council for Wales
Maes Y Ffynnon
Ffordd Penrhos
BANGOR
LL57 2DN

Sylvia Crouch Chairwoman Arts Council for Wales S.E.Crouch@swansea.ac.uk
13 Oaklands Terrace
Swansea
SA1 6JJ

Peter Tyndall Chief Executive peter.tyndall@artswales.org.uk
Arts Council for Wales
9 Museum Place
CARDIFF
CF10 3NX

Sian Tomos Director North Wales sian.tomos@artswales.org.uk
Arts Council for Wales
36 Princes Drive
BAE COLWYN BAY
LL29 8LA



Morlaes Owens Chairman
Merfyn Williams Chief Executive merfyn@cprw.org.uk
CPRW
Ty Gwyn
31 High Street
Y TRALLWNG (Welshpool)
SY21 7YD

Elwyn Vaughen Manager post@cymad.org
CYMAD
Canolfan Adnoddau Gwledig
Parc Busnes Porthmadog
LL49 9GB

Professor Walford Davies Kingsheath Street hazel@aber.ac.uk
Professor Hazel Davies Davids Row
Aberystwyth
SY23 1EU

Tony Brown
Jason Walford Davies R S Thomas Study Center
University of Bangor
Bangor
LL

Professor
Meurig Wynn Thomas Director
Centre for Welsh Writing in English
University of Swansea
Singleton Park
SWANSEA
SA

Paul Islwyn Thomas BBC
Llandaff
Cardiff
CF


Fiona Reynolds Director General
Simon Murray Territory Director Wales and West of England

The National Trust
36 Queen Anne's Gate
LONDON
SW1H 9AS

Peter Broomhead Director for Wales GDWCBA@smtp.ntrust.org.uk
John Morgan GNWJLM@grpwse.ntrust.org.uk
Richard Neale GEFRGN@grpwse.ntrust.org.uk
The National Trust
Trinity Square
Llandudno
LL30 2DE


National Trust Committee for Wales

Richard Cuthbertson Chairman
Plas Penymynydd
Llangefni

Dan Clayton-Jones Deputy Chairman
C/o www.saint.lazarus.org

Dr. Naylor Firth Ty Carreg,
Itton
Chepstow
NP16 6BZ

Gerwyn Griffith ?

Roger Jarman former? Member of Lay Chairman's panel for NHS complaints
Glamorgan and Gwent HA
? Coopers Lea
Mill Road
Lisvane
CARDIFF CF14 0XJ

Dame Judy Ling Wong Director judy@ben-network.org.uk
Black Environment Network
60 High Street
LLANBERIS
LL55 4EU

Mark Mainwaring National Library of Wales
3 Antaron Avenue
Southgate
ABERYSTWYTH
SY23 1SF

Ann Markwick ?
Nigel Petrie ?same?Surrey County Council nigel.petrie@surreycc.gov.uk

Dr. Jeremy Rye Brithdir Hall
Berriew
WELSHPOOL
SY21 8AW

Robert Thomas ?

Valerie Thompson ?

Gareth Wardell ex Labour MP Gower

Professor Gareth
Wyn Jones University of Bangor gwj@pioden.net
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL

George Yeomans Oakfield Lodge
Poyston Cross
Haverfordwest
Dyfed
SA62

Came across this to add to my list below...Good indictment of the disgraceful goings-on that accompanied the Newbury ByPass fiasco...together with useful detailUnderlying Causes of Deforestation: United Kingdom

I suppose, if you had nothing to do, you could think about this madness

and Its rebuttal

If I ever thought the UK and US were different planets--now I know.

Here is a short checklist of things I am finding useful
Sorry it is not sorted into categories!
The EU/EC and JNCC sites are v.useful and you can trawl around them
Gwynedd CC site is difficult to negotiate..they clearly don't think the same way as me...but some of the the Minutes of Dwyfor are worth reading!
Look at Ancient Woodland...Cheshire CC to see what might be.have been done in Gwynedd

Forestry Commission - Comisiwn Coedwigaeth - Ynglyn a Ni - bwrdd y comisynwyr
The National Trust
The Woodland Trust
The Wildlife Trusts Internet Site
Ancient Semi-Natural Broadleaved Woodland
The Wildlife Trusts Internet Site
National Assembly for Wales: Organisation Index: Home
UK Safari - A site for anyone interested in the wildlife of Britain
PFAF Database Search
rspb.org.uk
Endangered Species
Clogwyni Pen Llyn/ Seacliffs of Lleyn - SAC selection
Corporate Information
JNCC - Coastal
Jeff Higgott's UK Lepidoptera web site
Gynedd Archaeological Trust
Environmental Contacts
Dwyfor Planning Committee - 2001/02
Cyngor Gwynedd Council
Great Nut Hunt
Managing Natura 2000 sites...Provides the explanation why the Gwynedd CC EIA is unsatisfactory..Long pdf document
Environment Agency - Protected areas
ENGLISH NATURE
ECNC - European Centre for Nature Conservation
EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC
European Union nature conservation policy and legislation
David Element's Wildlife Web Page Orthopteroids 1
UK, Wales, Environment, Landscape, Conservation: Officers and Staff of CPRW
Protected Countryside - LLeyn
Protected Countryside - Lleyn
Links
National Assembly for Wales: Organisation Index: Home
Countryside Council for Wales
CADW
Butterflies
Moths
The Arts Council of Wales

A Short Guide to the Endangered Species of Sarn
Does not include dead poets and painters nor human refugees from the Welsh Wet Winter

Among the less common recently Breeding Species and plants
of which the habitats will be destroyed are :
Birds
Nuthatch Sitta europeaea
Tree Creeper Certhia familiaris
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola EU1
Woodpeckers Dendocopus major and minor
Picus viridis
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalus caudatus
Coal Tit Panus ater
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Tawny Owl Strix aluco
Little Owl Athene nocturna
Barn Owl Tyco alba*
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus EU1

Animals
Weasel Mustela rivalis
Lizard Lacerta agilis
Slow Worm Anguis fragilis
Grass Snake Nutrix nutrix
Adder Vipera berus*
Dormouse Muscardinus arvellanarius*
Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus
Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus*
Butterflies and Moths
Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia*
Orangetip Anthocharis cardaminea
Peacock Inachis io
Small Copper Lycaena philaeus
Blues Celastina argiolus
Polyommatus icarus
Hawk Moth Articia agestia
Large populations of orthopteroids and arthropods*
Plants and Flowers
Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa
Horsetail Equisetum arvense
Hart's Tounge Fern Aspenium scolopendrium
Ramsons Allium ursinum
Early Purple Orchis Orchis mascula
Spotted Orchis Dactylorhiza maculata
Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella
Kingcup Caltha palustris
Significant growths of lichens, mosses, liverworts and bryophytes*
*Subjects of UK Biodiversity and other Surveys

With the nights drawing in you will be looking for a new pastime. Of course in the UK you will have to survive, floods, gales, firemen, fireworks and Christmas in Thurrock too. So I gladly put forward This to help you survive the candle lit teacake hours. Talking of Christmas I particularly encourage you to visit their GIFT SHOP!

SARN RHIW
Now what follows will not make a lot of sense unless...You remember the pictures of the road falling into the sea? Well the brilliant solution of Gwynedd County Council is to drive a new road through the Sarn Garden...stone walls and vegetation untouched since the late 18th century, through the Plas Yn Rhiw National Trust woodlands-semi natural ancient woodlands protected by National Assembly, Joint National Conservation Committee Special Area of Conservation status etc..
Strangely The National Trust do not appear that fussed...what is this all about.??..I know it is not Cliveden..but I thought the preservation of the demotic and quotidian was in fashion........so we have been having a little work!!



Gruffydd Morris
Planning Manager
Dwyfor Area Office
Gwynedd County Council
Ffordd Y Cob
PWLLHELI
Gwynedd
LL53 5AA

October 24 2002

Dear Gruffydd Morris,

Planning Application CO2D/0382/30/R3Q-Proposed road at Rhiw

I gather that the above planning application will be considered by the Dwyfor Area Services Committee at its meeting of November 4th 2002.

You will, I hope, forgive me for writing such a long letter; however I believe the issue is of sufficient importance to merit such. I apologise too that I have not provided a bi-lingual version.

The work that has gone into this application has continued over a long period of time during which I have believed it was better that I should not be involved, nor express a view. The property, Sarn Y Plas, which is leased to me by the National Trust is at the heart of this planning application, together with those properties of Treheli, Bryn Ffowc and Plas Yn Rhiw.

I am sure you also know I am the son of R.S.Thomas and M.E.Eldridge to whom, as well as myself, the Sarn Y Plas property was gifted, on lease, by the Keating sisters in recognition of both friendship and the contribution that my parents were making to Welsh literary and artistic life.

But it does appear that these things may be moving to some kind of conclusion and that I should request that yourself and the officers of the Council and members of the Dwyfor Area Committee consider what follows.

Two previous attempts have been made, over the last 30 years, to stabilise the road from Llandegwning to Y Rhiw against the effects of coastal erosion. It, sadly, appears that the second of these attempts has also been unsuccessful. Whether more might have been done, historically, particularly had funds been available, is a conjecture; as is whether, had modern technologies been available, different engineering solutions might have been successful. Whatever the case a great deal of money has been spent in vain.
However you will know that the continuing erosion of the road has been drawn to the Council's attention over the years, particularly by Rhiw Community Council.

I am very sensible of the fact that the Highway Authority and Dwyfor Area Committees find themselves in a difficult position. On the one hand some local residents believe that a new road is essential and some also appear dismissive of any objections or alternatives; elected councillors will be sensitive to that opinion; on the other hand you have to consider the wider picture of the irreparable damage that will be done to a significant area of land and the considerable weight of local and national opinion that opposes a proposed new road.

I think that strong arguments against the proposal to construct a new road behind Treheli Farm, through the Sarn Y Plas garden and the Plas Yn Rhiw woodlands can be made on at least four major grounds.

These are Planning Policy and Practice, Transportation and Routes, Environmental and Technical, and Heritage

1. Planning Policy and Practice

The planning application appears to be in contradiction and breach of the planning policies and priorities of The National Assembly, Gwynedd County Council and Dwyfor itself with regard to the environment, transportation and heritage. Indeed it is on the basis of contradictions in respect of National Assembly policy in particular that a request has been made for the application to be 'called in'. The application appears in contradiction to the National Assembly policy with regard to 'ancient natural or semi-natural woodlands' and in contradiction of the the County Council's Environmental Strategy with regard to both The Natural Environment and Transportation

a. The application proposes that a road be constructed through an area of ecological, conservation and heritage significance. The application gives little or no regard for the national governmental and European recognition of the designated special status of the area of land the implemented proposal will destroy. Indeed the applicant maintains that 'the area has little or no environmental value!'

b. In preparing the proposal the applicant has carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), commissioned from Axis. This is an inadequate low level assessment which fails to meet the requirements for assessing projects of this scale and impact. The EIA itself is so fundamentally flawed by contradictions as to open the application to serious challenges.

c. The applicant has carried out a geo-technical survey which fails to come to satisfactorily measurable and certain conclusions on two particular and fundamental matters:

Firstly it is vague as to whether there is even sufficient bedrock on which to build a new road, the absence of which would render the whole project pointless

Secondly it fails to address one of the major causes of erosion, other than tidal erosion, which is water run off through the particular geological structure of the area

As a consequence of the above and of what is detailed under section 3 below a considerable number of organisations with National and Local remits have seen fit to raise objections to this proposal.

2. Transportation and Routes


The application appears to breach Gwynedd CC's Environmental Strategy in terms of Transportation. This strategy seeks to reduce dependency on private vehicles and to attempt to reduce the amount of fuel consumed.. It also aims to reduce the need for travelling while recognising the needs of rural communities.

a. Whether or not the existing course of the road can be repaired appears to me still uncertain. While there may be objection to repair on the ground of cost, longevity and appearance I gather that none of these factors have been taken into consideration for the proposed new road. No estimate of final cost, nor cost benefit analysis has been provided.

b. While the longevity of a repaired existing road has been put at circa.40 years, no longevity of the proposed road appears agreed-indeed the rate of coastal erosion between Llandegwning and Tyn Y Parc is such that any new stretch of road at Plas Yn Rhiw might be rendered inaccessible within 40 years by that erosion.

c. The application for the proposed route seems additionally invidious given the number of alternative routes available. While most of them would require some upgrading there are presently some 6 alternative routes between Bryn Ffowc, Plas Yn Rhiw, Talafon and Rhiw to Sarn Meylltern, Botwnnog, Nefyn, Pwllheli, Abersoch and beyond. These roads to the SE and NW of Mynydd Rhiw and via Bryncroes have been used by the community, while the road in question is closed, with an added journey time that has been estimated at 5 minutes-not the 20 minutes that has been suggested. If the UK traffic policy is to slow traffic down in towns, it surely cannot be to speed it up in rural areas.

d. I find it quite unusual that, with the availability of modern technology, no proper CAD and 3D Computer generated visuals of the proposed road have been provided to you by the applicant. While there are suggestions that, among the grounds for not repairing the old road, there are matters of unsightliness, I see nothing that would lead one to suppose the proposed new road was sightly in a manner appropriate to its location.

e. I am very surprised that some very simple analyses of the traffic flows and actual usage of the road that is now closed do not appear available. On the basis of living in Sarn Y Plas I would estimate that traffic in most months was of the order of 20-30 vehicles a day. In the tourist months of July and August, obviously, a little higher.

The issue of access to employment, goods and services and leisure is, of course, critical to local communities. However, in this instance, whatever the wider arguments for improving accessibility for rural communities are, I cannot really believe that Dwyfor nor The National Assembly, let alone Gwynedd CC, believes that it is worth expending the sums involved, the destruction of rare habitats, rejecting Planning Policy and the destruction of a major piece of Welsh heritage and tourist attraction for the convenience of this number of persons and with the existence of alternative routes.

3. Environmental and Technical

(I)Environmental

a. An application has been made to drive a new road through a National Trust property. While this is in itself unusual, the proposed road would also be built in on land which is part of the Llyn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Joint National Conservation Committee Llyn Coastal Special Area of Conservation (UK 0030271), the Heritage Coast and and Environmentally Sensitive Area. All of these are designated and recognised areas at a National and European level.
It would impact severely on the flora and fauna of these areas area. The JNCC itemises many of these, through its programmes such as The British Biodiversity Scheme .

However the applicant, surprisingly, asserts in the environmental statement that " the scheme would not significantly impact on any nationally or internationally designated sites of conservation interest" which I hold to be simply not true.

b. The Gwynedd CC Environmental Strategy has as its mission for 'The Natural Environment' section of its Environmental Strategy that "The natural environment, landscape and biodiversity of the county will be protected and enhanced."
and states one of its aims 'to protect and enhance the landscape and valuable. I fail to see how destroying one of the major habitats of barn and tawny owls, woodcock, voles and mice, adders and rare lizards, let alone butterflies, dragonflies, equisetum, orchis, heartstounge ferns, lichens and mosses and wood anemones, the presence of many of which attracts tourists to Plas Yn Rhiw, contributes to any policy of protecting and enhancing our local environmental heritage.

c. A proposed road would also destroy an area of ancient natural or semi-natural woodland, the protection of which forms part of National Assembly policy as well Local Dwyfor Planning Guidelines Policy E17 (8.3.42). Indeed it is probably one of only two or three such remaining woodlands west of Pwllheli.

d. The Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by the applicant appears capable of being challenged in many areas; not least that it was only a Phase 1 assessment when a Phase 11 would have lent more weight. or at least further surveys of lichens, bryophytes, wild flower species, dormice and National Vegetation Classification types might have been commissioned, because of the scale of this scheme and the importance of the nature conservation interest i.e. ancient woodland


Specifically the applicant's EIA statement includes these additional inconsistencies

. ".....trees and other vegetation which is of limited botanical importance" Why then has it been designated ancient woodland and all planning references state that it should be protected if it's not important?

"the woodland .....contains no really ancient trees " then goes on to contradict itself by saying there are some "significant veteran trees providing specialised niche habitats."

The specialist, commissioned by The National Trust from ACS Consulting asked to survey the trees noted:

" there are numerous trees of significant girth and height not included in the topographical plan...most appear to be within the proposed road line. There are trees just outside the roadline that would have benefited from being accurately plotted to assess their relationship with the road"

Indeed I understand a more accurate assessment is now available of the significant number of species, sizes ,ages % mass in the woodland etc. which shows there are more trees affected than stated in the environmental impact assessment/survey. I trust this is available to the committee.

An additional hazard not considered is that of fallen trees. The root systems of the trees in the Woodland are extremely unstable due to the high water content in the soil. The creation of a new road will open the Council and thus the area committee to the charge, that in the event of accidents or worse deaths as a result of fallen trees, they approved this proposed road knowing the danger but failed to take it into account

It is also proposed that ..."the ancient field layer....of ecological antiquity....should be relocated into recently planted woodland elsewhere on the upslopes of Plas yn Rhiw".
This methodology has failed in various sites around Britain, and CCW (Countryside Council for Wales have published research to this effect

(ii)Technical

a. I gather there are considerable uncertainties about the actual geology of the land on which it is proposed to build a road. While some conjectured bedrock has been located it is my understanding that neither the consultants nor the applicant actually know what they will find until they start work. This is hardly a confident basis on which to start an engineering project

If you will permit an observation from someone who has lived at Sarn Y Plas for a large part of the last 20 years: The geological character of the land boulder clay and dolerite outcrop. The whole area from Treheli to Bryn Ffowc is characterised by being waterlogged for some seven months of the year. You can see the boulders forming the basis of the Sarn Y Plas house and elsewhere on the hillside. One effect of this is for the whole soil and subsoil of the area to move inexorably seawards.To anyone living in Sarn the main feature of seven months of the year is water draining off and through the hillside; and in the case of Sarn through the house!

b. Astonishingly there are no detailed proposals for dealing with this water run off which must have been one of the main causes of the collapse of the old road I am seeing no proposals for how the issue of draining the route of the proposed road is to be handled. If the road water simply drains off into the lower Sarn field it will simply hasten the slippage of the remaining field and house into the sea. When both of the two last road repairs were done, I was present. There was considerable debate and far greater concern about this; and the course of the stream from the 'Sarn Well' was diverted from in front of the house to try and assist run off. However if you stood, after a period of rain, at the bottom of stone embankments water could be seen pouring through the stones in the wire cages.

I have watched a stepped sloping field change to a single incline within 20 years. I believe that any proposed road will be built on an inherently unstable base. The council would therefore find itself facing mounting repair and maintenance costs as the years progress.


4. Heritage

This is not easy for me to say ButI

I had rather thought, at the outset of all this, that Dwyfor would fight tooth and nail to protect and preserve the heritage of Llyn residents that is the Plas Yn Rhiw woodland, the Sarn Y Plas field, the unusual and important habitats of both as well as the ambience of the former home of one of Wales's most famous writers

Nontheless, it is beginning to appear to me that;

--in spite of all considerations- ecological-environmental and heritage and
in spite of the inadequacies, uncertainties and incompleteness of the geo-technical and environmental surveys--

the Dwyfor Area Committees might actually be willing to consider sacrificing this unique location, with which it has been entrusted, for the sake of a perceived responsibility to a vocal minority in the local community, at the expense of the medium and long term considerations for economic and tourism growth for future community members; and this for the provision of a road that will accommodate traffic of possibly 20 vehicles a day!

I do appreciate that The Area Committees will be giving the fullest attention to the matter and that decisions will not be taken lightly. But I do wonder that, so far, there does not seem to have been any objection either in principle or on the basis of the fundamental threat to the heritage and environment from you yourself

Clearly it is invidious to try and speak for others. I only express below what I suppose I might have wished to hear members of the Dwyfor Area Committee say. Perhaps it has been said? What I would have expected the Dwyfor councillors' line, in order to protect its heritage, residents interests' and constituency would be that you

Have
a responsibility to all who live and work in the area and to those who visit to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of this area:

Are
a provider and encourager of employment and
a guarantor of the visits of many kinds of tourists to the area who spend their money with local businesses.

Have a responsibility through due processes and consultation to propose policies and plans for the area which in both the short and for the future will protect our communities and heritage, albeit at the cost of some local inconvenience.

Are
not alone in being concerned at the coastal erosion that is occurring in Llyn, one consequence of which has been the unfortunate collapse of the road between Llandegwning and Y Rhiw. That you appreciate the need of the population of Rhiw to have easy and speedy access to Pwllheli and the rest of Gwynedd. You believe that, even if the possibility of re-instating the old road, albeit in the shorter term, proves impossible, nonetheless you should seek imaginative and cost-effective alternative proposals; including the upgrading of existing alternative routes, that even at the present standard of road provision, add, at the most, 5 minutes to journey times from Rhiw

and that
Consequently you should oppose the creation of a new road that will destroy both ancient, contemporary and future woodland, wildlife and heritage habitats .

It may not be what the you as a member of Dwyfor Area committee thinks; but it is what I would hope you thought!

So I urge you, on the basis of these cogent objections to decline this application.

Finally it must be said that one cannot see the Irish Government consenting to the building of a road through the garden of W.B.Yeats's Tower at Gort, nor Dyfed Council agreeing to a Marina at Dylan Thomas's Laugharne home. Nor can I see Warwickshire CC agreeing to a road in the garden of Anne Hathaway's cottage.
There are not a significant number of houses and gardens in Dwyfor which have a central place in world literature. If you consider the enormous international awareness of the significance of Sarn Y Plas as a central locus in the work of R.S.Thomas and M.E.Eldridge (Blwddyn Yn Llyn is mainly about Sarn, all his work from 1978 on was written there; M.E.Eldridge's book In My Garden illustrates the very garden that is at risk)I cannot believe you would wish to be remembered as an officer of the council or member of the committee that voted to destroy one of Wales's literary landmarks!

Maybe at the end I should let RS speak for himself:

Sarn Rhiw

So we know
she must have said something
to him - What language,
life? Ah, what language?

Thousands of years later
I inhabit a house
whose stone is the language
of its builders. Here

by the sea they said little.
But their message to the future
was: Build well. In the fire
of an evening I catch faces

staring at me. In April,
when light quickens and clouds
thin, boneless presences
flit through my room.

Will they inherit me
one day? What certainties
have I to hand on
like the punctuality

with which, at the moon's
rising, the bay breaks
into a smile, as though meaning
were not the difficulty at all?

No doubt one certainty he would have hoped to hand on was that Sarn Y Plas Pen Llyn was safe in your hands

I hope you will contact me if you wish to deal further with any matter of this letter. I hope it helps, as intended, in the your coming to a wise decision

With all good wishes




Gwydion Thomas


NOTE
This letter has been sent by email to those persons whose address I have, with a hard copy following. To others a hard copy has been sent. Please accept my apologies if your hard copy did not arrive before November 4.

cc. Members of Dwyfor Area Services Committee: Councillors M.Sol Owen, michael_sol_owen@hot,ail.com M.J. Clishem, D.B.Evans, Tomos Evans, tomosevans78@hotmail.com W.A.Evans, Simon Glyn, enlli@aol.com E.H. Griffith, evieg@griffith.fpnet.co.uk Margaret Griffith, mgiad_griff@hotmail.com J. Griffiths, jgriffiths@clara.co.uk R.G.Hughes, R.P. Hughes, richard@y-we.co H. Jones, W. Penri Jones, M.Lewis, maldwynlewis@cymru1.net I. Roberts, W. Gareth Roberts, R.G.Trenholme, D.W.Thomas, A. Williams, O. Williams, R.H. Wyn Williams. Wynabersoch@cwcom.net

Copies to Geraint Jones, CEO Gwynedd CC, A.E. Roberts, R. Daimond , Henry Roberts, Gruffydd Morrys, Elfyn Williams Gwynedd CC

This substance of this letter has is also being sent in the first instance, in some cases with a slightly different wording, to:

Fiona Reynolds CBE, Director General of The National Trust
John Broomhead, John Morgan and John Neale of the National Trust for Wales

The Members of The National Trust Committee for Wales: Richard Cuthbertson, Dan Clayton-Jones, Dr. Naylor Firth, Gerwyn Griffith, Roger Jarman, Dame Judy Ling Wong, Mark Mainwaring, Ann Markwick, Nigel Perle CBE , Dr. Jeremy Rye, Robert Thomas, Valerie Thompson, Gareth Wardell, Professor Gareth Wyn Jones and George Yeomans.

The National Assembly: John Saunders

Countryside Council for Wales: Roger Thomas, John Lloyd Jones and Peter Stutthard,

Arts Council for Wales: Joanna Weston, Sybil Crouch

The Guardian : Paul Brown

Council for the Protection of Rural Wales: Merfyn Williams, Morlais Owens

Wildlife Trust for Wales, Geoff Pedley

Woodlands Trust Graham Bradley,

RSPB Mike Webb

Am completely out of it
Elodie not well
I had St. Vitus' Dance or the BKK equivalent
Have spent hours trying to write to the learned Dwyfor Councillors who want to build a rioad in my garden. I will post the letter when it is done!
So for now:
the poet (who for the moment does not wish, understandably to appear! ) Oh no..here he is

and me mum
us.. well we did not have any children then!

,This is the text of 'ringless fingers'

missing the ms poems of Album.'My father is dead' and Cariad 'I look out at the timeless sea' but they are both in printed volumes

I am not sure it makes much sense without the pictures...I will try and find the time to add them!!

ringless
fingers

a testament

r.s. thomas
m.e.eldridge


the frangipani press
bangkapi
2002



"...how our art is our meaning"
Sonata. Later Poems 1983

































Ap Huw's Testament
There are four verses to put down
For the four people in my life,
Father, mother, wife

And the one child. Let me begin
With her of the immaculate brow
My wife; she loves me. I know how.

My mother gave me the breast's milk
Generously, but grew mean after,
Envying me my detached laughter.

My father was a passionate man,
Wrecked after leaving the sea
In her love's shallows. He grieves in me.

What shall I say of my boy,
Tall, fair? He is young yet;
Keep his feet free of the world's net.
I

I imagine it: two people,
A bed; I was not
There. They dreamed of me ?
No, they sought themselves
In the other, You,
They breathed. I overheard
From afar. I was nine months
Coming. . . nearer, nearer;
The ugliness of the place
Daunted. I hung back
In the dark, but was cast out,
Howling. Love, they promised;
It will be love and sunlight
And joy. I took their truth
In my mouth and mumbled it
For a while, till my teeth
Grew. Ah, they cried, so you would,
Would you? I knew the cold

















Autobiography

The fall of a great house?
I smile - bitterly?
sadly?
wrily?
Anyhow but proudly.
Two people cast up
on life's shore:
can't you see the emptiness
of their pockets,
and their small hearts
ready to burst with










love? Say 'feeling'
and the explosion
not loud.
They come to
in a lodging, make love
in a rented bed.
And I am not present
as yet.
Could it be said, then,
I am on my way, a nonentity
with a destination?
What do they do
waiting for me? They invent
My name. I am born
To a concept, answering
To it with reluctance. I am
wheeled through ignorance
to a knowledge that is not
joy.
Nothing they have they own;
the borrowed furnishings of their minds
frays. I study to become a rat
that will desert
the foundering vessel
of their pride; but home
is a long time sinking. All
my life I must swim
out of the suction of its vortex.







Sorry


Dear parents,
I forgive you my life,
Begotten in a drab town,
The intention was good;
Passing the street now,
I see still the remains of sunlight.

It was not the bone buckled;
You gave me enough food
To renew myself.
It was the mind's weight
Kept me bent, as I grew tall.

It was not your fault.
What should have gone on,
Arrow aimed from a tried bow
At a tried target, has turned back,
Wounding itself
With questions you had not asked.












Relations

An ordinary lot:
The sons dwindling from a rich
Father to a house in a terrace
And furniture of the cheap sort ;
The daughters respectable, marrying
Approved husbands with clean shoes
And collars; as though dullness
And nonentity's quietness
Were virtues after the crazed ways
Of that huge man, their father, buying himself
Smiles, sailing his paper money
From windows of the Welsh hotel
He had purchased to drown in drink.
But one of them was drowned
Honourably. A tale has come down
From rescuers, forced to lie off
By the breakers, of men lined up
At the rail as the ship foundered,
Smoking their pipes and bantering. And he
Was of their company; his tobacco
Stings my eyes, who am ordinary too.











The Boy's Tale



Skipper wouldn't pay him off,
Never married her;
Came home by Port Said
To a Welsh valley;
Took a girl from the tip,
Sheer coal dust
The blue in her veins.
Every time I go now
Through black sunlight,
I see her scratch his name
On the pane of her breath.
Caught him in her thin hair,
Couldn't hold him -
Voices from the ports
Of the stars, pavilions
Of unstable water.
She went fishing in him;
I was the bait
That became cargo,
Shortening his trips,
Waiting on the bone's wharf.
Her tongue ruled the tides.




The Survivors



I never told you this.
He told me about it often:
Seven days in an open boat - burned out,
No time to get food:
Biscuits and water and the unwanted sun,
With only the oars' wing-beats for motion,
Labouring heavily towards land
That existed on a remembered chart,
Never on the horizon
Seven miles from the boat's bow.

After two days song dried on their lips;
After four days speech.
On the fifth cracks began to appear
In the faces' masks; salt scorched them.
They began to think about death,
Each man to himself, feeding it
On what the rest could not conceal.
The sea was as empty as the sky,
A vast disc under a dome
Of the same vastness, perilously blue.














But on the sixth day towards evening
A bird passed. No one slept that night;
The boat had become an ear
Straining for the desired thunder
Of the wrecked waves. It was dawn when it came,
Ominous as the big guns
Of enemy shores. The men cheered it.
From the swell's rise one of them saw the ruins
Of all that sea, where a lean horseman
Rode towards them and with a rope
Galloped them up on to the curt sand.


















Salt


The centuries were without
his like: then suddenly
he was there, fishing
in a hurrying river,
the Teifi. But what he caught
were ideas; the water
described a direction;
his thoughts were toy boats
that grew big; one
he embarked on; Suez,
the Far East - the atlas
became familiar
to him as a back-yard.

'Spittle and phlegm
Listen. sailor,
to the wind piping
in the thin rigging;
go climbing there
to the empty nest
of the black crow. Far
is the deck and farther
your courage.'
'Captain,
captain, long
is the wind's tongue









and cold your porridge.
Look up now .
and dry your beard:
teach me to ride
in my high saddle
the mare of the sea.'

He fell.
Was it the fall
of the soul
from favour? Past four
decks, and his bones
splintered. Seventeen weeks
on his back. No Welsh,
no English; but the hands
of the Romanians
kind. He became
their mouth-piece, publishing
his rebirth. In a new
body he sailed
away on his old course.

On brisk evenings
before the Trades
the sails named
themselves; he repeated
the lesson. The First
Mate had a hard boot.

Cassiopeia, Sirius,
all the stars
over him, yet none of them
with a Welsh sound.
But the capstan spoke
in cynghanedd; from
breaker to breaker
he neared home.

'Evening, sailor.' Red
lips and a tilted smile;
the ports garlanded
with faces. Was he aware
of a vicarage garden
that was the cramped harbour
he came to?
Later
the letters began:
'Dear -' the small pen
in the stubbed hand -
'in these dark waters
the memory of you
is like a -' words scratched
out that would win a smile
from the reader. The deep
sea and the old call
to abandon it








for the narrow channel
from her and back. The chair
was waiting and the slippers
by the soft fire
that would destroy him.

'The hard love I had at her small breasts:
the tight fists that pummelled me ;
the thin mouth with its teeth clenched
on a memory.' Are all women
like this? He said so, that man,
my father, who had tasted their lips'
vinegar, coughing it up
in harbours he returned to with his tongue
lolling from droughts of the sea.

The voice of my father
in the night with the hunger
of the sea in it and the emptiness
of the sea. While the house founders
in time. I must listen to him
complaining, a ship's captain
with no crew, a navigator
without a port: rejected
by the barrenness of his wife's
coasts, by the wind's bitterness


off her heart. I take his failure
for ensign, flying it
at my bedpost, where my own
children cry to be born.

Suddenly he was old
in a silence unhaunted
by the wailing signals;

and was put ashore
on that four-walled
island to which all sailors must come.

So he went gleaning
in the flickering stubble,
where formerly his keel reaped.

And the remembered stars
swarmed for him; and the birds, too,
most of them with wrong names.

Always he looked aft
from the chair's bridge, and his hearers
suffered the anachronism of his view.











The form of his
life; the weak smile;
the fingers filed down
by canvas; the hopes
blunted; the lack of understanding
of life creasing the brow
with wrinkles, as though he pondered
on deep things.
Out of touch
with the times, landlocked
in his ears' calm, he remembered
and talked; spoiling himself
with his mirth; running the joke
down; giving his orders
again in hospital with his crew
gone. What was a sailor
good for who had sailed
all seas and learned wisdom
from none, fetched up there
in the shallows with his mind's
valueless cargo?


Strange grace, sailor, docked now
in six feet of thick soil,
with the light dribbling on you
from the lamps in a street
of a town you had no love
for. The place is a harbour
for stone sails, and under
it you lie with the becalmed
fleet heavy upon you. This
was never the destination
you dreamed of in that other
churchyard by Teifi.
And I,
can I accept your voyages
are done; that there is no tide
high enough to float you off
this mean shoal of plastic
and trash? Six feet down,
and the bone's anchor too
heavy for your child spirit
to haul on and be up and away?














The Father Dies


Ah, forget this snivel, the gone
lip. I am not maudlin;
it is just that all my life
I tried to keep love from bursting
its banks. Love is the fine thing
but destructive. I strove to contain it,
to picture it as the river
we lived by. But to fall
headlong in, to be carried away
in front of you, son; to have
no firm ground: a father drowning
in tears and without
breath to keep his voice casual
as in the old days; and the smile
you hold out to me breaks
like a stick, because there is
as much pity in it as love.


Sailors' Hospital

It was warm
Inside, but there was
Pain there. I came out
Into the cold wind
Of April. There were birds
In the brambles' old,
Jagged iron, with one striking
Its small song. To the west,
Rising from the grey
Water, leaning one
On another were the town's
Houses. Who first began
That refuse: time's waste
Growing at the edge
Of the clean sea? Some sailor
Fetching up on the
Shingle before wind
Or current, made it his
Harbour, hung up his clothes
















In the sunlight; found women
To breed from - those sick men
His descendants. Every day
Regularly the tide
Visits them with its salt
Comfort; their wounds are shrill
In the rigging of the
Tall ships.
With clenched thoughts,
That not even the sky's
Daffodil could persuade
To open, I turned back
To the nurses in their tugging
At him, as he drifted
Away on the current
Of his breath, further and further,
Out of hail of our love.


July 5 1940


Nought that I would give today
Would half compare
With the long-treasured riches that somewhere
In the deep heart are stored.
Cloud and the moon and mist and the whole
Hoard of frail, white-bubbling stars,
And the cool blessing,
Like moth or wind caressing,
Of the fair, fresh rain-dipped flowers;
And all the spells of the sea, and the new green
Of moss and fern and bracken
Before their youth is stricken;
The thoughts of the trees at eventide, the hush
In the dark corn at morning,
And the wish
In your own heart still but dawning-
All of these,
A soft weight on your hands,
I would give now;
And lastly myself made clean
And white as the wave-washed sand,
If I knew how.










Luminary



My luminary.
my morning and evening
star. My light at noon
when there is no sun
and the sky lowers. My balance
of joy in a world
that has gone off joy's
standard. Yours the face
that young I recognised
as though I had known you
of old. Come, my eyes
said, out into the morning
of a world whose dew
waits for your footprint.
Before a green altar
with the thrush for priest
I took those gossamer
vows that neither the Church
could stale nor the Machine
tarnish, that with the years
have grown hard as flint,
lighter than platinum
on our ringless fingers.

Manafon


Have I had to wait
all this time to discover
its meaning-that rectory,
mahogany of a piano
the light played on? What
it was saying to the unasked
question was: 'The answer
is here.' The woman was right;
she knew it: the truth china
can tell in a cool pantry;
the web happiness can weave
that catches nothing but the dew's
tears. The one flight over
that valley was that
of the wild geese. The river's
teeth chattered but not
with the cold. The woman tended
a wood fire against my return
from my wanderings, a silent entreaty
to me to cease my bullying
of the horizon. There was a dream
she kept under her pillow
that has become my nightmare.











It was the unrecognised conflict
between two nations; the one happy
in the territory it had gained,
determined to keep it; the other
with the thought he could kiss the feet
of the Welsh rainbow. I was shown
the fact: a people with a language
and an inheritance for sale;
their skies noisy with armed aircraft;
their highways sluices for their neighbours'
discharge. If I wet my feet
it was in seas radiant but not with well-being.
I retire at night beneath stars
that have gone out. I stand
with my friends at a cross-road
where there is no choice. No matter;
that nightmare is a steed I am
content to ride so it return
with me here among countrymen
whose welcome is warm at the grave's edge.
It is a different truth, a different
love I have come to, but one
I share with that afflicted remnant
As we go down, inalienable to our defeat.
The Return


Coming home was to that:
The white house in the cool grass
Membraned with shadow, the bright stretch
Of stream that was its looking-glass;

And smoke growing above the roof
To a tall tree among whose boughs
The first stars renewed their theme
Of time and death and a man's vows.


The Way of It


With her fingers she turns paint
into flowers, with her body
flowers into a remembrance
of herself. She is at work
always, mending the garment
of our marriage, foraging
like a bird for something
for us to eat. If there are thorns
in my life, it is she who
will press her breast to them and sing.
Her words, when she would scold,
are too sharp. She is busy
after for hours rubbing smiles
into the wounds. I saw her,
when young, and spread the panoply
of my feathers instinctively
to engage her. She was not deceived,
but accepted me as a girl
will under a thin moon
in love's absence as someone
she could build a home with
for her imagined child.










Seventieth Birthday



Made of tissue and H2O,
and activated by cells
firing - Ah, heart, the legend
of your person! Did I invent
it, and is it in being still?

In the competition with other
women your victory is assured.
It is time, as Yeats said, is
the caterpillar in the cheek's rose,
the untiring witherer of your petals.

You are drifting away from
me on the whitening current of your hair.
I lean far out from the bone's bough,
knowing the hand I extend
can save nothing of you but your love.





































Birthday



Come to me a moment, stand,
Ageing yet lovely still,
At my side, let me tell you that,
With the clouds massing for attack
And the wind worrying the leaves
From the branches and the blood seeping
Thin and slow through the ventricles
Of the heart, I regret less,
Looking back on the poem's
Weakness, the failure of the mind
To be clever than of the heart
To deserve you as you showed how.



















The Son


It was your mother wanted you:
you were already half-formed
when I entered. But can I deny
the hunger, the loneliness bringing me in
from myself? And when you appeared
before me, there was no repentance
for what I had done, as there was shame
in the doing it; compassion only
for that which was too small to be called
human. The unfolding of your hands
was plant-like, your ear was the shell
I thundered in; your cries. when they came,
were those of a blind creature
trodden upon: pain not yet become grief.


















Gifts


From my father my strong heart,
My weak stomach.
From my mother the fear.

From my sad country the shame.

To my wife all I have
Saving only the love
That is not mine to give.

To my one son the hunger.




















Song for Gwydion


When I was a child and the soft flesh was forming
Quietly as snow on the bare boughs of bone,
My father brought me trout from the green river
From whose chill lips the water song had flown.

Dull grew their eyes, the beautiful, blithe garland
Of stipples faded, as light shocked the brain;
They were the first sweet sacrifice I tasted,
A young god, ignorant of the blood's stain.























The Unborn Daughter

On her unborn in the vast circle
Concentric with our finite lives;
On her unborn, her name uncurling
Like a young fern within the mind;
On her unclothed with flesh or beauty
In the womb's darkness, I bestow
The formal influence of the will,
The wayward influence of the heart,
Weaving upon her fluid bones
The subtle fabric of her being,
Hair, hands and eyes, the body's texture,
Shot with the glory of the soul.



Careers

Fifty-two years,
most of them taken in
growing or in the illusion of it
what does the mem-
ory number as one's
property? The broken elbow?
the lost toy? The pain has
vanished, but the soft flesh
that suffered it is mine still.
There is a house with
a face mooning at the glass
of windows. Those eyes - I look
at not with them, but something of
their melancholy I
begin to lay claim to as my own.
A boy in school
his lessons are
my lessons, his
punishments I learn to deserve.
I stand up in him,
tall as I am













now, but without per-
spective. Distant objects
are too distant, yet will arrive
soon. How his words
muddle me; how my deeds
betray him. That is not
our intention; but where I should
be one with him, I am one now
with another. Before I had time
to complete myself, I let her share
in the building. This that I am
now - too many
labourers. What is mine is
not mine only: her love, her
child wait for my slow
signature. Son, from the mirror
you hold to me I turn
to recriminate. That likeness
you are at work upon - it hurts.












Anniversary



Nineteen years now
Under the same roof
Eating our bread,
Using the same air;
Sighing, if one sighs,
Meeting the other's
Words with a look
That thaws suspicion.

Nineteen years now
Sharing life's table,
And not to be first
To call the meal long
We balance it thoughtfully
On the tip of the tongue,
Careful to maintain
The strict palate.


















Nineteen years now
Keeping simple house,
Opening the door
To friend and stranger;
Opening the womb
Softly to let enter
The one child
With his huge hunger.

Pension

Love songs in old age
have an edge to them
like dry leaves. The tree
we planted shakes in the wind.

of time. Our thoughts are birds
that sit in the boughs
and remember; we call
them down to the remains

of poetry. We sit
opposite one another
at table, parrying
our sharp looks with our blunt smiles














Marriage


I look up; you pass.
I have to reconcile your
existence and the meaning of it
with what I read: kings and queens
and their battles
for power. You have your battle,
too. I ask myself: Have
I been on your side? Lovelier
a dead queen than a live
wife? History worships
the fact but cannot remain
neutral. Because there are no kings
worthy of you; because poets
better than I are not here
to describe you; because time
is always too short, you must go by
now without mention, as unknown
to the future as to
the past, with one man's
eyes resting on you
in the interval of his concern.











Two


So you have to think
of the bone hearth where love
was kindled, of the size
of the shadows so small a flame
threw on the world's
walls, with the heavens
over them, lighting their vaster fires
to no end. He took her hand
sometimes and felt the will to be
of the poetry he could not
write. She measured him
with her moist eye for the coat
always too big. And time,
the faceless collector
of taxes, beat on their thin
door, and they opened
to him, looking beyond
him, beyond the sediment
of his myriad demands to the
bright place, where their undaunted
spirits were already walking.











He and She


When he came in, she was there.
When she looked at him,
he smiled. There were lights
in time's wave breaking
on an eternal shore.

Seated at table -
no need for the fracture
of the room's silence; noiselessly
they conversed. Thoughts mingling
were lit up, gold
particles in the mind's stream.

Were there currents between them?
Why, when he thought darkly,
would the nerves play
at her lips' brim? What was the heart's depth?
There were fathoms in her,
too, and sometimes he crossed
them and landed and was not repulsed.












Matrimony


I said to her what
Was in my heart, she
What was not in hers.
On such shaky

Foundations we built
One of love's shining
Greenhouses to let fly
In with our looks.



Sarn Rhiw


So we know
she must have said something
to him - What language,
life? Ah, what language?

Thousands of years later
I inhabit a house
whose stone is the language
of its builders. Here

by the sea they said little.
But their message to the future
was: Build well. In the fire
of an evening I catch faces

staring at me. In April,
when light quickens and clouds
thin, boneless presences
flit through my room.
















Will they inherit me
one day? What certainties
have I to hand on
like the punctuality

with which, at the moon's
rising, the bay breaks
into a smile, as though meaning
were not the difficulty at all?












The Untamed



My garden is the wild
Sea of the grass. Her garden
Shelters between walls.
The tide could break in;
I should be sorry for this.

There is peace there of a kind,
Though not the deep peace
Of wild places. Her care
For green life has enabled
The weak things to grow.

Despite my first love,
I take sometimes her hand,
Following strait paths
Between flowers, the nostril
Clogged with their thick scent.


















The old softness of lawns
Persuading the slow foot
Leads to defection: the silence
Holds with its gloved hand
The wild hawk of the mind.

But not for long, windows,
Opening in the trees
Call the mind back
To its true eyrie: I stoop
Here only in play.






















Golden Wedding


Cold hands meeting,
the eyes aside -
so vows are contracted
in the tongue's absence.

Gradually
over fifty long years
of held breath
the heart has become warm























A Marriage



We met
under a shower
of bird-notes.
Fifty years passed,
love's moment
in a world in
servitude to time.
She was young;
I kissed with my eyes
closed and opened
them on her wrinkles.
'Come.' said death,
choosing her as his
partner for
the last dance. And she,
who in life
had done everything
with a bird's grace,
opened her bill now
for the shedding
of one sigh no
heavier than a feather.

Together


All my life
I was face to face
with her, at meal-times,
by the fire, even
in the ultimate intimacies
of the bed. You could have asked,
then, for information
about her? There was a room
apart she kept herself in,
teasing me by leading me
to its glass door, only
to confront me with
my reflection. I learned from her
even so. Walking her shore
I found things cast up
from her depths that spoke
to me of another order,
worshipper as I was
of untamed nature. She fetched
her treasures from art's
storehouse: pieces of old














lace, delicate as frost;
china from a forgotten
period; a purse more valuable
than anything it could contain.
Coming in from the fields
with my offering of flowers
I found her garden
had forestalled me in providing
civilities for my desk.
' Tell me about life'
I would say, 'you who were
its messenger in the delivery
of our child'. Her eyes had a
fine shame, remembering her privacy
being invaded from further off than
she expected. 'Do you think
death is the end?' frivolously
I would ask her. I recall
now the swiftness of its arrival
wrenching her lip down, and how
the upper remained firm,
reticent as the bud that is
the precursor of the flower.









Comparisons


To all light things
I compared her; to
a snowflake, a feather.

I remember she rested
at the dance on my
arm, as a bird

on its nest lest
eggs break, lest
she lean too heavily

on our love. Snow
melts, feathers
are blown away;

I have let
her ashes down
in me like an anchor.












In Memoriam: M.E.E.


The rock says: 'Hold hard'.
The fly ignores it.
Here, gone, the raised wings
a rainbow. She, too:
here, gone. I know when,
but where? Eckhart,
you mock me. Between no-
where and anywhere
what difference? Her name
echoes the silence
she and her brush kept.
Immortality, perhaps,
is having one's
name said over
and over? I let
the inscription do it
for me. She explored
all of the spectrum
















in a fly's wing. The days,
polishing an old
lamp, summon for me
her genie. Others
will come to this stone
where, so timeless
the lichen, so delicate
its brush strokes,
it will be as though
with all windows
in her ashen studio
she is at work for ever.


1. Photograph R.S.Thomas 1914
2. Photograph R.S.Thomas 1916
3. Photograph M.E.Eldridge 1912
4. Ap Huw's Testament Poetry for Supper 1958
5. I Young and Old 1972
6. M.E.Eldridge R.S.Thomas. Pencil Drawing 1939
7. Autobiography Uncollected. Wave No.7 1973
8. Sorry The Bread of Truth 1963
9. Relations Young and Old 1972
10. The Boy's Tale The Bread of Truth 1963
11. The Survivors The Bread of Truth 1963
12. M.E. Eldridge Buoys at Holyhead. Panel from Mural
at Gobowen Orthopaedic Hospital 1950
13. Salt Later Poems 1983
14. M.E.Eldridge Coracles on the Towy 1947
15. The Father Dies ms. 1978
16. Sailors' Hospital Not That He Brought Flowers 1968
17. Album Frequencies 1978
18.P Photograph M.E.Eldridge 1934
19. July 5th 1940 ms. 1940
20. Luminary ms. 1980
21. Manafon Residues 2002
22. The Return Song At The Year's Turning 1955
23. Photograph The Rectory Manafon 1950
24. M.E.Eldridge Morning Glory. Watercolour 1954
25. The Way of It The Way of It 1977
26. Seventieth Birthday Between Here and Now 1981
27. Cariad ms. 1970
28. Birthday ms. Echoes Return Slow 1984
29. Gifts Pieta 1966
30. Photograph R.S.Thomas and Gwydion 1945
31. The Son Laboratories of The Spirit 1975
32. Song For Gwydion An Acre Of Land 1952
33. The Unborn Daughter An Acre Of Land 1952
34. Careers Not That He Brought Flowers 1968
35. Photograph Gwydion 1966
36. Anniversary Tares 1961
37. Pension Uncollected. Encounter 1977
38. Marriage Laboratories Of The Spirit 1975
39. Two The Way Of It 1977
40. He And She Destinations 1985
41. Matrimony Residues 2002
42. Sarn Rhiw Destinations 1985
43. M.E.Eldridge Sarn. Watercolour. In My Garden 1986
44. The Untamed The Bread Of Truth 1963
45. Photograph M.E.Eldridge in Sarn Garden 1980
46. Golden Wedding Residues 2002
47. M.E.Eldridge R.S.T. and M.E.E. 1989
48. A Marriage Mass For Hard Times 1992
49. Together Residues 2002
50. Comparisons Residues 2002
51. In Memoriam M.E.E Residues 2002
52. M.E. Eldridge Against The Years. Watercolour 1970

An Acre Of Land Montgomeryshire Printing Company. Newtown 1952
Song At The Years Turning Rupert Hart Davis. London 1955
Poetry For Supper Rupert Hart Davis. London 1958
Tares Rupert Hart Davis. London 1961
The Bread Of Truth Rupert Hart Davis. London 1963
Not That He Brought Flowers Rupert Hart Davis. London 1968
Young And Old Chatto and Windus.London 1972
Laboratories Of The Spirit MacMillan. London 1975
The Way Of It. Ceolfrith Press. Sunderland 1977
Frequencies MacMillan. London 1978
Between Here And Now MacMillan. London 1981
Later Poems MacMillan. London 1983
Destinations Celandine Press. Shipston 1985
In My Garden Medici Society. London 1986
Mass For Hard Times Bloodaxe. Newcastle upon Tyne 1992
Residues Bloodaxe. Tarset 2002

Realised at
Senavilla Bangkapi
by
Gwydion Thomas
and
Kunjana Thomas
for
Rhodri's Birthday
January 2002

Ten Copies
on
Japanese papers
Five
Ordinary copies
Mulberry Paper Wrappers

this copy number




the frangipani press

c. Rhodri Thomas 2002