Powys County Council has hit out at proposals to create a new national park in north east Wales, saying the plans could put undue pressure on rural communities and local services.

At a full council meeting in December, councillors voted unanimously to oppose the proposed Glyndŵr National Park, which would include areas of north west Powys such as Lake Vyrnwy, Llansilin, and Llangedwyn. Despite the council’s objections, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced it will move forward with a Designation Order, giving people until February 15 to have their say.

Council leader Cllr Jake Berriman said: “The council’s objection highlights our serious concerns around poor accessibility, disproportionate socio economic impacts, and the significant risks this proposal poses to local infrastructure, housing availability and economic development.

“We have also raised the potential loss of planning income and the additional cost burdens that would fall on Powys should designation proceed.

“We are particularly worried that the proposed area lacks the infrastructure needed to support the increased visitor numbers that National Park status would inevitably attract. We have already seen how quickly narrow rural roads and local services can become overwhelmed, especially around Pistyll Rhaeadr and Lake Vyrnwy during the COVID-19 period, when traffic congestion and visitor pressure reached unsustainable levels.

“We remain concerned that designation would place additional pressures on our rural communities while offering little in the way of tangible benefit. The council’s objection will now be submitted formally as part of the statutory process.

“I strongly encourage residents, businesses and community groups to make their views known before the consultation closes.”

NRW says its board is satisfied the area meets legal requirements for a National Park. Over the past three years, the organisation has carried out detailed assessments, gathered technical data, and consulted with the public.

Neil Sachdev, NRW chair, said: “We have assessed the evidence and opinions as part of the consultation and applied statutory tests relating to natural beauty and geographical features of the area and opportunities for more sustainable tourism. Our Board was satisfied that the proposed Glyndŵr National Park, and its boundary, meet the statutory requirement for designation.

“We recognise the range of feedback expressed to date and want to reassure communities that all representations, including support and objections, together with evidence, will be provided to the Welsh Government at the end of the Public Notice period to assist with their final decision.”

The public notice period runs until February 15, during which the Designation Order and related documents are available online and in public buildings across the proposed area. Residents and businesses are being encouraged to make their views known. More information on responding can be found here.