The Gower National Landscape Advisory Group met on Monday 21 September 2026, endorsing a proposal to underground electricity lines in Broughton and noting updates on various local landscape initiatives. The meeting also saw the approval of previous minutes and the noting of updates to the group's membership.

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) Underground Proposal - Broughton

The group endorsed a proposal to replace 800 metres of overhead power lines with 570 metres of underground cabling in Broughton, Northwest Gower. This initiative, fully funded by NGED at a cost of £130,000, aims to significantly reduce the visual impact of power infrastructure on the landscape, thereby enhancing the sense of remoteness in this part of Gower. The proposal was developed through the NGED South Wales Powerline Undergrounding Steering Group, on which a representative from the Gower National Landscape team sits. The landowner has expressed support for the scheme, and further stakeholder consultation, including with the Community Council, is planned. The report highlighted that underground power lines are considered safer for the public, eliminating risks associated with accidental contact, vehicle strikes, and weather-related damage.

Gower National Landscape Team Update

The meeting received a comprehensive update on the activities of the Gower National Landscape Team. Several projects were highlighted, including ongoing work to secure Ivy Tower in Clyne, improvements to community spaces under the Gower Nature Communities initiative, and efforts to monitor dark sky conditions. The team is also exploring potential sites for the 30x30 target, a global goal to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, and is working on a woodland management strategy for Clyne.

The team reported on successful engagement at the Gower Show and ongoing efforts to retrofit streetlights to comply with Dark Sky Community standards, including a project with Pennard Golf Club. Plans are also in place for a dark sky event aimed at schoolchildren. Work is underway with Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance to develop an ecological management plan for the airport site. Discussions are ongoing with Mark Button regarding his land in Mewslade to enhance nature engagement and biodiversity. A survey of Gower's breeding Choughs has been completed, and the team is working with Love Trails to support public rights of way maintenance. Other initiatives include work on St. Mary's Chapel in Knelston, the Sustainable Development Fund, dormouse surveys at Gelli Hir, and bat and species surveying training.

The team is also preparing for the relocation of the Countryside Team to the Guildhall following the closure of the Civic Centre. Efforts are being made to engage with Gower Commoners regarding visitor education on livestock interaction. A new undergrounding group has been established with National Grid to explore proposals for undergrounding overhead lines in areas like Llangennith and Llanmadoc, with a site visit to Broughton already conducted. The review of the Countryside Access Plan is underway, with further public consultation planned.

Projects related to orchards, walling workshops, and hedging are progressing. A desk study and initial baseline assessment of peat reserves on Gower are being conducted in collaboration with Adfer Natur CIC. The team is also undertaking a suite of fixed-point landscape photographs to archive landscape and land use change. The Gower National Landscape website is in development. Updates were provided on the Ffermio Bro scheme, which has seen increased grant allocation for 2026/27, and the Gower Management Plan, with a draft plan produced and consultation expected to lead to adoption in early 2027. Finally, updates were given on the Coast Path, including work at Cwm Ivy and Rhossili, and the ongoing digitisation of common land registers.

Article 4 Direction

The group discussed the lapse of the Article 4 direction that previously controlled pop-up camping on Gower. This direction, in place since 1979, removed permitted development rights for temporary camping and caravan sites. New Welsh Government guidance has introduced alternative control measures, which planning officers believe may be sufficient for now. The situation will be monitored over the next two years, with data gathering and potential consultation to determine if a replacement direction is needed. A senior planning officer is expected to brief the group in September on the new guidance and its local implications.

Overnight Camping on Cefn Bryn

The issue of overnight camping on Cefn Bryn was noted. The Gower Society has expressed concern about increased wild camping in the area, particularly during hot weather, and has urged action to protect the landscape.

Sustainable Development Fund Update

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) was reported as fully committed for the current financial year, supporting projects such as youth engagement, green woodwork skills, woodland management, and sustainable timber initiatives. The fund aligns with sustainable development principles and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. Welsh Government is reviewing SDF guidance to ensure a greater proportion of funding addresses biodiversity loss and climate change. Training for the Advisory Group is planned, and next year's allocation will be £95,000, with over £60,000 remaining for distribution. The SDF can support projects in the Mumbles area if they align with the designated landscape.

Gower National Landscape Management Plan Update

A verbal update was provided on the Gower National Landscape Management Plan. Land use consultants have produced a draft plan, and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) reports are being reviewed. Following feedback, these reports will be sent to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for comment before wider consultation with stakeholders. The aim is to finalise the plan by December and seek Council adoption in early 2027.

Partner Updates

Updates were received from various partners, including the Gower Society, which reported on its activities at the Gower Show, its support for the Gower Landscapes Connections project, and concerns regarding planning applications for Rhossili Sunflowers and the increasing numbers at the Love Trails event. The society also highlighted ongoing disappointment with the timeliness of footpath clearance, stating it is a statutory duty of the council.

Gower National Landscape Team Update

The Gower National Landscape Team provided an update on its ongoing projects. This included work on the Ivy Tower in Clyne, community nature projects, dark sky monitoring, and efforts to identify sites for the 30x30 initiative. The team is also involved in developing a woodland management strategy for Clyne and aligning it with a Local Nature Reserve designation. The success of the Gower Show was noted, as was the ongoing work to convert streetlights to comply with Dark Sky Community standards. Plans for a dark sky event for schoolchildren were mentioned, alongside work with Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance on an ecological management plan. The team is also exploring biodiversity improvements on private land and has completed a survey of Gower's breeding Choughs. The Love Trails event's donation towards rights of way maintenance was acknowledged. Work on St. Mary's Chapel in Knelston, the Sustainable Development Fund, and dormouse surveys were also detailed. The relocation of the Countryside Team to the Guildhall was mentioned, as was engagement with Gower Commoners regarding visitor education. The establishment of a new undergrounding group with National Grid was reported, along with the review of the Countryside Access Plan. Orchard work, walling and hedging workshops, and peat assessments were also discussed. The development of the Gower National Landscape website and the Ffermio Bro scheme were updated, as was the progress on the Gower Management Plan. Finally, updates on the Coast Path and common land registration projects were provided.

Updates to Gower National Landscape Advisory Group Membership

The group received updates on changes to its membership. Councillor Lyndon Jones has been appointed to replace the late Councillor Paxton Hood-Williams. Llanrhidian Lower Community Councillor Sam Hughes has applied to join as a non-councillor member. Alison Probert will be replacing Alan Kearsley-Evans as the National Trust representative. Several observers were invited to attend to learn more about the group's work, ahead of the reappointment of a new advisory group in Spring 2027.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a correct record.

Introductions - Roles & Interests you Represent

Introductions were made, with attendees outlining their roles and the interests they represent.

Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests

No personal or prejudicial interests were declared by members.