North East Wales National Park

The campaign to make the then Clwydian Range AONB, a national park began in 2010, on the 25th anniversary of AONB status. Conservative AM for Clwyd West, Darren Millar called for National Park status, describing the area as a "national treasure" needing extra recognition for its unique biodiversity and archaeology, which would boost the local economy.[9] On 16 February 2011, in an Assembly debate, Jane Davidson AM, then Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister for Wales, dismissed the proposal, stating that if it were to follow through, it would have to be applied to all other AONBs in Wales and that the area already benefits from tourism support.[10] Criticism to the proposal followed at the time, touted as "out of touch" with the wishes of the rural community, potentially limiting rural business opportunities and taking power away from local authorities.[11][12]

AONBs and National Parks (dark green) in Wales. The CRDV is located to the north-east of the country, shaded in a lighter green.

Support spans from both sides of the political spectrum, with both Conservative and Labour Members of the Senedd supporting a redesignation.[13] As part of the Welsh Government, Welsh Labour has taken steps to act on the proposed national park. Proponents for the redesignation argue that it would hand over greater environmental and planning protections to the area, and boost local tourism.[14] Supporters say that national park status would bring huge potential to the area, as many tourists from nearby densely populated areas of Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and beyond, constantly pass through the AONB to Snowdonia, the other national park in north Wales,[15] and a national park would "put North East Wales on the map", while also catering to those wanting a country rather than coastal visit. Supporters estimate the re-designation would bring in 1.5 million visitors annually, boosting the local economy, providing more opportunities for locals and is a once in a lifetime opportunity.[16]

Opposition to the proposal stems from concerns including; over-tourism, lack of infrastructure, park size, loss of local responsibility, additional planning restrictions and costs related to national park status. With the proposals described as "a bonkers idea", by a local councillor.[17] Other critics contemplate the size of the AONB as being too small, if redesignated it will be the smallest national park in Wales at 150 sq mi (390 km²) compared to the current smallest in Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast at 243 sq mi (630 km²). Other concerns include the overuse of "national park" over fears it will dilute the attractiveness of existing ones, the proximity to the border (said to lead to shorter day-trips than longer overnight stays) and the increased presence of the Welsh Government in the management of the area (over the local authorities) as the new status involves new funding from the government to the area.[17] The proposal has been described as a "betrayal" by an FUW local officer,[18] stating that the earlier plan to expand the AONB to the Dee Valley was followed through despite a majority of the union opposing the plan, and as a last-minute compromise it was promised, "that the area would not become a national park".[18] A local councillor argued that redesignation may increase the risk of mountain fires (such as the 2018 Llantysilio Mountain fire), through cutting back hill farming (such as sheep grazing), leading to an increase in unmanaged vegetation.[18] Concerns over second (holiday) homes were raised, with the already present crisis in Gwynedd, where holiday homes account for 11% of the entire county's homes being shown as a warning. The concerns were raised by former leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron, who warned national park status would potentially replicate the crisis already in Gwynedd to north-east Wales, and lead the area to be treated like a "playground" for the well-off, he drew parallels with the effects felt on villages in 2016 that was made part of an extended Yorkshire Dales National Park in England.[19] Additional concerns over increased visitor numbers as a result of a national park would increase local prices and impact the fabric of the rural Welsh-speaking communities were also raised.[16]

The Welsh Government was criticised in October 2021, when it was revealed no consultations had taken place between farmers and the Welsh Government concerning the proposal.[20] The Welsh Government responded to concerns over new planning restrictions potentially impacting the housing shortage in Wales, hampering local social housing projects. Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, stated that "there are a number of steps we are already taking across Wales to mitigate [social housing] issues".[21]

In their manifesto for the 2021 Senedd election, Welsh Labour and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford,[22] pledged for the establishment of a new national park in Wales. If followed through, the newly designated area would become Wales' fourth national park and the newest one since 1957, although additionally being the smallest.[21][23][24] Upon their re-election, the new administration stated that they are in the process of fulfilling this pledge, although no dates were given, however, they stated that announcements would be made in "due course", and that the redesignation is a "multi-year" project.[25][26]

In June 2023, the Welsh Government commissioned Natural Resources Wales to investigate a potential designation of the area into a national park, involving data and evidence gathering and meeting with local communities, with a decision expected by 2026.[27] While the proposed national park is centred on the AONB, the boundaries of the national park may not be the same as the current AONB, with the exact boundaries being under discussion.[16]