ENERGY WORKING FOR BRITAIN. Wylfa Newydd Project. Language Impact Assessment Scoping Report

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1 ENERGY WORKING FOR BRITAIN Wylfa Newydd Project Language Impact Assessment Scoping Report

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3 Table of Contents Executive Summary iii 1 Introduction 1 Overview... 1 Glossary... 1 Purpose of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report... 1 The Community and the Workforce... 2 Other Studies... 4 Governance Project Overview 5 3 Policy Context 13 National and Local Planning Policy and Language Framework and Legislation...13 National Planning Policy and Language Framework and Legislation...14 National Language Strategies...17 Forthcoming National Legislation...18 Local Planning Policies...19 Other Relevant Guidance Proposed Methodology 23 Methodological Context...23 Proposed Detailed Methodology...23 The Study Area...38 Education...40 The Economy...42 Migration...43 Construction Worker Accommodation Facilities...43 Enhancing Potential Positive Impact / Mitigating Negative Impact Cumulative Effects 49 Page i

4 6 The Next Steps 51 Overview...51 The Consultation Process...51 Data Collection for the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA...52 How to provide Feedback on the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report...52 References 53 Glossary 57 List of Figures Figure 2.1 Indicative Distribution of Project Components - Power Station Site and Surroundings... 6 Figure 2.2 Wylfa Newydd Development Area Indicative Area... 8 Figure 2.3 Indicative Project Activity Sequence...10 Figure 4.1 Wider Socio-Economic Study Area...40 List of Tables Table ES.1 Indicative Project Activity Sequence...iv Table ES.2 Potential Effects of the Project on the Welsh Language and Enhancing / Mitigation Measures...v Table ES.3 Indicative Timescales for preparing the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA...vi Table 4.1 Checklist Questions on Community and Language Impacts. Source: Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead (2005)...27 Table 4.2 Potential Effects the Project may have on...45 Table 4.3 Potential Examples of Enhancing / Mitigation Measures...47 Table 5.1 Development Projects to be taken into account in relation to Cumulative Effects...49 Table 6.1 Indicative Timescales for preparing the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA...51 Page ii

5 Executive Summary ES.1 ES.2 ES.3 ES.4 ES.5 Horizon Nuclear Power Wylfa Limited (Horizon) intends to submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for a proposed new nuclear power station at Wylfa, Anglesey (the 'Wylfa Newydd Project', or Project ). Horizon has committed to undertake a Welsh Language Impact Assessment (LIA) for the Wylfa Newydd Project, and has commissioned Cadnant Planning Limited to undertake that work. Ultimately the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will form one of a number of documents that Horizon will submit to accompany its application for a DCO. This document is the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report. It establishes the matters that Horizon considers are relevant for further assessment in the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA and Horizon's approach to the LIA. Horizon is seeking comments and feedback about this proposed scoping and approach from key stakeholders before the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA is carried out. Feedback will inform how the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA is undertaken. The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will assess the potential effects of the Project on the Welsh language and the local communities within the defined study area and will propose measures to enhance positive impacts and mitigate negative effects. The indicative timescale for each phase of the Project is summarised in Table ES.1. Page iii

6 Table ES.1 Indicative Project Activity Sequence Notes: Graded shading represents indicative start and end dates. The arrows are coloured and represent different stages in the project: blue refers to the Main Consultation Stage activities and purple refers to Associated Development. Orange denotes full operation of the Power Station. Conversion to Legacy Benefits refers to the point at which construction activity is sufficiently complete that Associated Development and the Wylfa Gateway Complex can be converted to long term permanent use. This does not apply to the A5025 highway improvements as these will deliver benefit immediately Page iv

7 ES.6 This Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report identifies examples of potential effects from the Project, on the Welsh language and the communities within identified study areas, as well as examples of potential mitigation measures. Examples of potential effects and mitigants are set out in Table ES.2. Please see Table 4.2 and Table 4.3 for further details. Table ES.2 Potential Effects of the Project on the Welsh Language and Enhancing / Mitigation Measures Potential effects Potential enhancing / mitigation measures Increased in-migration of non-welsh speakers Ensure that the in-migrating workforce are offered information with regards to the opportunities available to learn the Welsh language Ensure that the Project is developed taking into full consideration the feedback of the local people i.e. bilingual consultation events. Establishment of new and support to existing, Welsh language centres. Language induction and lessons for construction and operational workers and their families. Language and cultural awareness initiatives. Increased employment opportunities within the study area for all ages, but will be especially beneficial to the younger Welsh speaking population Increase in population and effect on local schools Marketing to attract skilled Welsh speaking former residents back to Anglesey. Maximise apprentice and work experience opportunities for young people within the study area receiving training and gaining qualifications that will be employed in the future at Wylfa Newydd. Increasing the opportunities and number of situations where the use of Welsh is normative (e.g. leisure, youth activities, families, Young People s Partnerships, sports, community cultural activities). Measures related to the use of the Welsh language in the workplace. Supporting fully resourced language immersion centres for primary and secondary school age children who move into the area. Support for provision of school places in Welsh medium schools. ES.7 The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA study area in this Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report is based on the Wider Socio-Economic study area set out in the Socio- Economic chapter of the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) provided to support the first stage of pre-application consultation. This area is defined by the spatial limits within which daily commuting to work is deemed feasible during the construction and operational phases of the Project and includes the two travel to work areas of: Holyhead; and Page v

8 Bangor, Caernarfon and Llangefni. ES.8 ES.9 For the purposes of the assessment, it is assumed that both residents and migrants share the same tolerance of commuting time as each other. It is therefore assumed that a migrant worker would select from accommodation within an area where residents also find commuting acceptable. Guidance on the assessment process contained in the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will be provided by a steering group made up of representatives from Isle of Anglesey County Council, Anglesey s Welsh Language Forum, Gwynedd Council, and Menter Môn. Representatives of the Welsh Language Commissioner and the Welsh Government s Welsh Language Division act as observers to the work of the steering group and provide advice when appropriate, but are not steering group members. This Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report is being consulted upon with key stakeholders at the same time as the first stage of formal pre-application consultation (taking place between 29th September and 8th December) for the Wylfa Newydd Project. Recipients are invited to submit their comments and details on how to provide feedback are set out in Chapter 6 of this Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report. ES.10 The indicative timescales for preparing the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA are set out in Table ES.3 below. Table ES.3 Indicative Timescales for preparing the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Application Stage Timescale Activities Relevant to the LIA Stage One pre-application consultation late 2014 Engagement with statutory and nonstatutory consultees on LIA Scoping Report Stage Two assessment late 2014 / early 2015 Stakeholder Engagement and Assessment Stage Two documents mid 2015 Preparation of initial LIA Report Stage Two pre-application consultation Prepare application for Development Consent Order Submit application for Development Consent Order late 2015 early / mid 2016 early 2017 Engagement on initial LIA Report Preparation of Final LIA Report Final LIA Report is submitted with the application for a Development Consent Order Page vi

9 1 Introduction Overview 1.1 Horizon intends to submit an application for a DCO for a proposed new nuclear power station at Wylfa, Anglesey (the 'Wylfa Newydd Project' or Project ). 1.2 The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA, commissioned by Horizon, will be prepared by an independent company, Cadnant Planning Ltd, in accordance with the Infrastructure Planning Commission s Scoping Opinion. 1 This Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report forms the basis for the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA. Glossary 1.3 This Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report uses a number of technical terms and abbreviations. Key terms are capitalised and explained in the Glossary together with abbreviations. References to legislation are to that legislation as in force at the time of the publication of this Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report. Purpose of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report 1.4 This Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report sets out the matters that have been identified by Horizon as relevant for consideration in the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA at this stage, and seeks comments and feedback on these matters and the proposed Wylfa Newydd Project LIA from key stakeholders before it is carried out. Comments and feedback will be used to inform the shape of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA. Details of how to submit comments on this Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report are set out at Chapter Horizon is seeking comments and feedback from key stakeholders particularly on the following matters: The extent of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA study area (described in paragraph 4.26); The weighting applied to each of the 18 Checklist Questions within the proposed methodology(described in paragraph 4.5); Baseline evidence(described in paragraph 4.6); and Potential enhancement and mitigation measures (described in paragraph 4.54). 1 Under the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulation 2009 Horizon submitted an Environmental Scoping Report to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) (now known as the Planning Inspectorate) in November The IPC issued a formal Scoping Opinion on the information to be provided in an environmental statement in April Page 1

10 1.6 The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will assess both the potential impacts of the the Power Station on the Welsh language and the resultant inevitable growth in residential accommodation to cater for the short term housing needs of construction and project workers, as well as the long term needs of permanent employees of the new power station and other developments associated with the power station i.e. permanent development to support day to day operation. 1.7 Stakeholder engagement is an important part of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA (see Chapter 6). Following circulation of this Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report, further activities will be undertaken to consult local people about the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA. These activities will take into account the pre-application consultation activities organised by Horizon and the relevant pre-application consultation zones, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication or confusion. The Community and the Workforce 1.8 An important part of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA is to develop an understanding of the people who will potentially be affected by the Project. The community and the workforce are two of the main population groups relevant to the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA. Community 1.9 The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will include information on the existing population, referred to as a 'community profile'. A short overview of the population and linguistics of the study area is set out below based on 2011 Census information The population (aged 3 and over) of the study area is 128,512 [Office of National Statistics, 2014]. Of the total population of the study area, 65.3% were of working age (16-64). A high proportion of the population speak Welsh (60.24% compared to an average of 19% in Wales). The percentage of people who can speak Welsh in each single ward across the study area varies considerably from 18.6% in Menai (Bangor) ward to 87.8% in Llanrug ward, with both wards located in the Menai Mainland sub-division of the study area. The total percentage of Welsh speakers across the study area has reduced since 2001 with the largest decrease experienced in Garth ward (-15.7 percentage points). Only 10 out of 74 wards within the study area experienced an increase in the percentage of Welsh speakers with Clynnog ward experiencing the largest increase (5.3 percentage points). Both wards which experience the largest increase and decrease percentage in Welsh speakers are located in the Menai Mainland sub-division. Page 2

11 1.11 The total number of Welsh speakers has also declined since 2001 with an overall decline of 289 (-0.3%) [ONS, 2014] across the study area. The largest decline in the number of Welsh speakers has been experienced in Marchog ward (-169) (-12.1%) (located in Menai Mainland sub-division) whilst the largest increase in the number of Welsh speakers has been in Cyngar ward (151) (10.5%) (located in Anglesey south). Although Cyngar ward experienced the largest increase in number of Welsh speakers, the percentage of Welsh speakers within the ward decreased by -3.9 percentage points out of the 74 wards within the study area can be defined as Language Sensitive Areas as 25% or more of their ward areas speak Welsh (based on the 2011 Census). All electoral wards within the sub-divisions of Anglesey North, Anglesey, West and Anglesey South are LSAs whilst all wards except for Menai (Bangor) and Deiniol within the Menai Mainland sub-division are defined as LSAs. This is compared to all wards being LSAs in 2001 (based on 2001 Census data) In terms of Welsh linguistic skills, 65.1% of the overall population of the study area have one or more skills in Welsh e.g. can understand spoken Welsh only, can speak Welsh, can speak but cannot read or write Welsh, can speak and read or write Welsh, can speak, read and write Welsh; other combination of skills in Welsh (ONS, 2011 Census Glossary of Terms, 2014). This is considerably higher than the population of Wales where 27% of the population have one or more skills in Welsh. In terms of the working age population, 68.2% of the population of the study area have one or more skills in Welsh whilst only 23% of the working age population of Wales have one or more skills in Welsh. Workforce 1.14 As well as understanding the communities in Anglesey and the North Wales area, it is also important to try to understand, as far as possible, the characteristics of the workforce which would be employed in construction and operation of the Project The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will assist Horizon in seeking to maximise the opportunities for the local labour force to benefit from new jobs. It will also play a part, together with the wider socio-economic assessment and jobs and skills strategy for the Project, in helping to identify measures that help local people access employment opportunities There is currently a wide range of relevant nuclear industry skills and experience employed at existing nuclear licensed sites in North-West Wales. These are predominantly staff and contractors working at the operational Magnox site at the Existing Power Station at Wylfa and the Magnox decommissioning site at Trawsfynydd. Horizon anticipates being able to draw on these skills and experience to support the Project, both through direct employment and by the transfer of skills and knowledge. Horizon hopes that by working with the Nuclear Decommissioning Page 3

12 Authority, it will be possible to enable the progressive transfer of employees who would like to continue working in the industry. Other Studies 1.17 A number of other studies have been commissioned by Horizon and are being undertaken at the same time as the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA. These studies will produce information that relate to Welsh language issues and the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will look to use the information as inputs to the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA or will summarise the findings of the studies, as relevant, in the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA The other studies relevant to the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA are: The ongoing environmental assessment work for the Project, including particularly the information collected on Socio-Economics; The Health Impact Assessment; and The Sustainability Assessment. Governance 1.19 An independently chaired steering group has been established to guide the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA process and to ensure that local stakeholders have wider participation in, and a greater sense of ownership of, the process. The steering group members include representatives from: Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Planning Policy Unit; Anglesey Welsh Language Forum; Gwynedd Council s Language Unit; Horizon; IACC s Economic Development, Education, Corporate Policy and Welsh Language Officer; Menter Môn; and Wylfa Planning Project Liaison Group A representative of The Welsh Language Commissioner and The Welsh Government s Welsh Language Division will act as observers to the work of the steering group and will provide advice when appropriate, but will not be steering group members. Page 4

13 2 Project Overview 2.1 The project is to construct a new nuclear power station on a site that has been identified in the UK Government policy as potentially suitable for nuclear generation. 2.2 The proposed Power Station would include two nuclear reactors, each forming part of a generating unit, with a combined electrical output of at least 2,700 megawatts. This is enough low carbon electricity to satisfy the needs of around five million homes. 2.3 The majority of the permanent Power Station buildings, plant and structures would be situated within the Power Station Site, which is shown in Figure 2.1. The main operational plant and structures of the Power Station include: Two UK advanced boiling water reactors (UK ABWR)s to be supplied by Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd., and associated plant and structures (forming two Nuclear Islands); Steam turbines, electrical generators and associated structures (forming two Conventional Islands); Plant, systems and associated structures that serve both generating units, including the cooling water system; and Buildings and other structures that are necessary to support the construction, operation and management of the Power Station (Ancillary Structures). 2.4 Horizon will also develop a small number of emergency and other facilities that would form part of the Power Station but be situated Off-Site. An alternate emergency control centre providing back-up command and communications facilities to manage any incidents remotely; A survey laboratory to manage radiological surveys in the local area; and A specialist vehicle store. 2.5 These facilities would form part of the operational Power Station. Sites have not yet been identified, but would need to be outside any defined emergency planning zone around the Power Station Site, as well as being in easy reach of key access routes. Page 5

14 Figure 2.1 Indicative Distribution of Project Components - Power Station Site and Surroundings Page 6

15 2.6 The Project would necessarily give rise to radioactive wastes. Specially designed facilities would be constructed to store spent fuel and other types of radioactive waste, as required. All necessary safety, environmental and security arrangements for the Power Station would be put in place in accordance with the UK regulatory regime. 2.7 Water for the cooling water system, which is used in the non-nuclear circuits to condense steam, would be taken from and returned to the Irish Sea via intake and outfall structures. A cooling water intake/pumphouse is proposed to be located at Porth-y-pistyll. To protect the cooling water intake/pumphouse structures from storm damage and to prevent air getting into the cooling water system, a breakwater structure is planned to the north-west of Porth-y-pistyll, with a second and smaller breakwater to the north-east. The cooling water outfall is proposed to be constructed to the south-west of Wylfa Head. 2.8 In order to provide some visual and noise screening of the Power Station for neighbouring communities, mounds would be formed and landscaped, helping to create an appropriate setting for the Power Station. To achieve this, material excavated during construction would be used and, as such, the appearance of the land within the Wylfa Newydd Development Area, which is the indicative area of land that would be used for the construction and operation of the Power Station (see Figure 2.2), would change as construction progresses, leading to the completion of the final landscaped Power Station. Page 7

16 Language Impact Assessment Scoping Report Figure 2.2 Wylfa Newydd Development Area Indicative Area Page 8

17 2.9 An appropriate landscape setting would be secured by a Landscape and Biodiversity Masterplan. The Landscape and Biodiversity Masterplan would be developed to take into account a number of factors such as environmental effects and mitigation proposals, ecology and recreational and agricultural use, and the earthworks taking place on the Wylfa Newydd Development Area A number of public footpaths, including the Wales Coast Path, would be affected by the construction activities, necessitating the creation of diversions and some closures. The existing Cemlyn Road, which is part of the Copper Trail cycle route, would need to be closed. Nanner Road provides an alternative access to Cemlyn Bay from the A5025 and highway improvements would be undertaken to enhance this route In terms of construction activities, in the first instance there would be a need for enabling works to prepare the Wylfa Newydd Development Area for the Main Construction stage. The enabling works would include site clearance and site levelling works. These enabling works are anticipated to last approximately five years, with some activities overlapping with the Main Construction stage (refer to Figure 2.3 for further information). Page 9

18 Figure 2.3 Indicative Project Activity Sequence Notes: Graded shading represents indicative start and end dates. The arrows are coloured and represent different stages in the project: blue refers to the Main Consultation Stage activities and purple refers to Associated Development. Orange denotes full operation of the Power Station. Conversion to Legacy Benefits refers to the point at which construction activity is sufficiently complete that Associated Development and the Wylfa Gateway Complex can be converted to long term permanent use. This does not apply to the A5025 highway improvements as these will deliver benefit immediately Page 10

19 2.12 The Main Construction Stage would include further levelling works and deep excavations to form working platforms for the construction of the main foundations of the Power Station. In addition, the Power Station construction requirements are likely to include temporary fabrication and laydown areas, construction office and welfare facilities, car parking, cranes and temporary storage. A marine off-loading facility (MOLF), which would include two purpose built quays to allow delivery of construction components and other materials by sea, would be constructed at Porth-y-pistyll, taking advantage of the shelter that would be provided by the proposed breakwaters. The Main Construction stage would last approximately nine years The construction workforce for the Project would be around 4,000 for the majority of the time and could reach 8,500 during peak periods. Once operational the Power Station would employ up to 1,000 workers, with approximately additional 1,000 workers during planned outages for maintenance. Job roles would range from entry level positions, through supervisory and managerial positions to technical and specialised jobs. Horizon intends to develop a local and regional operational workforce through coordinated approaches to defining jobs and skills, linked to supporting appropriate training opportunities. Horizon also promotes the development and use of local supply chains for the Project Horizon would need to develop facilities away from the Wylfa Newydd Development Area, particularly for the proportion of construction workers who are not local. These facilities largely comprise Associated Development such as Off-Site Temporary Worker Accommodation and Park and Ride facilities In order to ensure that there is a route suitable for use by heavy goods vehicles, various highway improvement works, especially on the A5025 between Valley and Wylfa, would be needed. In addition, Horizon would construct at least one Logistics Centre to allow the delivery of freight to the Wylfa Newydd Development Area to be appropriately controlled Utilities such as water and sewerage would be needed to support both construction and operation of the Power Station and Horizon is working with statutory undertakers to ensure appropriate utilities provision Horizon is keen to ensure appropriate community facilities would be developed as part of the Project to cater for the construction workforce and to mitigate against the loss of existing facilities (such as the existing Wylfa Visitor Centre and Wylfa Sports and Social Club). Horizon is exploring measures for the provision of these community facilities. These, as well as other parts of the Project (such as the road improvements) would be designed to ensure a positive legacy benefit, particularly for the communities of Anglesey and North Wales. Page 11

20 2.18 It is expected that the Existing Power Station will be decommissioned during the same time period as the construction of the Power Station at Wylfa. Therefore the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will have regard to the likely effects associated with the decommissioning stage of the Existing Power Station, especially if the decommissioning stage is likely to lead to a temporary increase in workers on the Existing Power Station site. Page 12

21 3 Policy Context National and Local Planning Policy and Language Framework and Legislation 3.1 The proposed methodology for the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will respond to the following national and local planning policy frameworks and strategies that recognise the importance of the Welsh language as a planning matter. National Planning Policy and Language Framework and Legislation Wales Spatial Plan (2008 update); Welsh-medium Education Strategy (2010); Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011; School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013; Technical Advice Note (Wales) (TAN) 20 Planning and the Welsh Language (October 2013); Planning Policy Wales (PPW) (Edition 6, 2014); Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2014; Technical Advice Note (Wales) (TAN) 20 Practice Guidance (June 2014); A living language: a language for living moving forward Draft Policy Statement (June 2014). National Language Strategies A living language, a language for living. Welsh Language Strategy (2012). Forthcoming National Legislation Draft Planning (Wales) Bill and Positive planning: proposals to reform the planning system in Wales (December 2013); Future Generations (Wales) Bill Local Planning Policy and Language Framework Anglesey Gwynedd Structure Plan (1993); The Ynys Môn Local Plan (1996); Stopped Ynys Môn Unitary Development Plan (2005); Page 13

22 Supplementary Planning Guidance Planning and the Welsh Language (September 2007); Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (2014); New Nuclear Build at Wylfa (Supplementary Planning Guidance) (July 2014); Emerging Joint Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Development Plan. Local Planning Policy and Language Framework Gwynedd Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan (2009); Supplementary Planning Guidance Planning and the Welsh Language' (November 2009); Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (2014); Emerging Joint Anglesey and Gwynedd Local Development Plan. Local Planning Policy and Language Framework Conwy Conwy Local Development Plan (October 2013); Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (2014); Supplementary Planning Guidance LDP06 Welsh Language and Culture (Draft not subject to public consultation). Local Planning Policy and Language Framework Snowdonia National Park Authority Eryri Local Development Plan (July 2011); Supplementary Planning Guidance Planning and the Welsh Language (September, 2011). Other Relevant Guidance Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead, Welsh Language Board (as was) et al. (December 2005). National Planning Policy and Language Framework and Legislation Wales Spatial Plan (2008) 3.2 The Wales Spatial Plan introduces a strategic framework for directing development and policy interventions in Wales in the future. The study area falls within the North-West Wales Area: Eryri a Mon of the Wales Spatial Plan. The Wales Spatial Plan identifies the following vision for the area: Page 14

23 A high-quality natural and physical environment supporting a cultural and knowledge-based economy that will help the area to maintain and enhance its distinctive character, retain and attract back young people and sustain the Welsh language 3.3 The Wales Spatial Plan identifies that The Welsh language has a significant role to play in our communities and should be promoted as a positive attribute to the area. A key priority will be to develop the Spatial Plan Area in accordance with Iaith Pawb s vision of creating a modern bilingual society. Welsh-medium Education Strategy (2010) 3.4 The Welsh-medium Education Strategy sets out a programme of objectives and activities for developing the Welsh language in education. Welsh Language (Wales) Measure The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 made provisions for the official status of the Welsh language in Wales and created a new legislative framework for the Welsh language. The first proposed standards (expected in 2014), arising from legislation, will place a duty on local authorities, national parks and Welsh Ministers to promote the Welsh language. These standards will require organisations to assess the impact of their policy decisions on the language. School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act includes provision for intervening in schools causing concern, school improvement, school organisation and Welsh in Education strategic plans. The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 became law in Wales on 4th March Technical Advice Note 20: Planning and the Welsh Language (October 2013) 3.7 Technical Advice Note 20 Planning and the Welsh Language indicates how Local Planning Authorities should address the Welsh Language when they are producing plans or making planning decisions. The Local Planning Authority should consider the needs and welfare of the Welsh language, and in so doing, contribute to its well-being. Language is therefore a material planning consideration. Planning Policy Wales 3.8 Planning Policy Wales (refers at paragraph 4.12 to the planning system s role in supporting the Welsh language. Paragraph identifies that; Page 15

24 The Welsh language is part of the social and cultural fabric of Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to ensuring that the Welsh language is supported and encouraged to flourish as a language of many communities all over Wales. Iaith Pawb: A National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales sets out how the Welsh Assembly Government intends to achieve its goal of revitalising the Welsh language and creating a bilingual Wales. The future well-being of the language across the whole of Wales will depend upon a wide range of factors, particularly education, demographic change, community activities and a sound economic base to maintain thriving sustainable communities. The land use planning system should also take account of the needs and interests of the Welsh language and in so doing can contribute to its well-being. 3.9 Paragraph of Planning Policy Wales, however, emphasises that planning policies should not seek to introduce any element of discrimination between individuals on the basis of their linguistic ability, and should not seek to control housing occupancy on linguistic grounds. Technical Advice Note 20: Practice Guidance (June 2014) 3.10 The Technical Advice Note 20 Practice Guidance that the planning system can help to create the social and economic conditions which give people the opportunity to speak Welsh The Practice Guidance confirms that the Welsh language fits within the sustainability appraisal process in the preparation of Local Development Plans because it is a central feature of society and communities in Wales and has a significant historical and cultural value. The Practice Guidance offers a possible 5- step model that could be used by Local Planning Authorities whilst preparing their Local Development Plans indicating where consideration of impacts on the Welsh language fits into the broader plan-making process. The methodology for undertaking the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA has given full consideration to this Practice Guidance. A living language: a language for living moving forward Draft Policy Statement (June 2014) 3.12 The First Minister of Wales confirms that the Welsh Government s aim is to increase the number of people who can speak Welsh and the overall use of the language. We [the Welsh Government] are strengthening the position of Welsh in education and creating the circumstances to enable people to use Welsh in all aspects of their lives The draft Policy Statement states that 'in order to provide Welsh speakers of the future who are equipped to participate in the Welsh economy we need to better plan the provision of Welsh within the education system. The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 places a duty on local education authorities to plan how they will provide for Welsh in the education system. Page 16

25 3.14 The draft Policy Statement makes reference to approaches taken in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Ceredigion to provide intensive Welsh language tuition for those coming to Welsh at a later stage, to allow for a smooth transition into local bilingual schools. The Welsh Government are keen to build on and further explore this wellestablished approach to achieve their goal of increasing the number of Welsh speakers, and to help those individuals better participate within Welsh speaking communities The draft Policy Statement makes it clear that the land use planning system can contribute to the Future Generations Bill s agenda by helping create the social and economic conditions to support the use of Welsh. It also makes it clear that the sustainability of Welsh-speaking communities is inextricably linked to the economic opportunities available in those communities During Y Gynhadledd Fawr (the national conversation on the Welsh language, Y Gynhadledd Fawr, undertaken by the First Minister in summer 2013 in response to the 2011 Census results), the importance of the viability of Welsh in the community for the future of the language was highlighted. The Welsh Government s recognise the importance of supporting communities in which high percentages of Welsh speakers live and this is a strategic priority for the coming years The Welsh Government also believes that there is an opportunity to improve collaboration between the bodies promoting the Welsh language and educational institutions, including Welsh for Adults providers. The challenge is to ensure that learners become speakers. National Language Strategies A living language, a language for living. Welsh Language Strategy (2012) 3.18 A living language, a language for living. Welsh Language Strategy is the Welsh Ministers strategy for the promotion and facilitation of the use of the Welsh language. The strategy identifies six strategic areas: The family; Children and young people; The community; The workplace; Welsh-language services; Infrastructure. Page 17

26 3.19 The Welsh Minister's vision for this strategy is to see the Welsh language thriving in Wales. The Welsh Government will take the lead on delivering that vision. We [the Welsh Government] will work with a wide range of partners who will play a full part in ensuring that it is realised. Forthcoming National Legislation Draft Planning (Wales) Bill and Positive Planning: Proposals to reform the Planning System in Wales (December 2013) 3.20 The draft Planning (Wales) Bill and consultation paper contain the Welsh Government s proposals to modernise the planning system in Wales through changes to primary legislation, secondary legislation, policy and guidance. It will be important to understand future proposals put forward as part of the Planning (Wales) Bill and whether there will be any requirements in relation to the Welsh language. Future Generations (Wales) Bill (2014) 3.21 The Future Generations (Wales) Bill 2014 will set ambitious, long term well-being goals to reflect the Wales the Welsh Government want to see in the future. This will put a thriving Welsh language at the heart of defining a sustainable Wales. It will be an important milestone for the language, underlining its official status, and it will help ensure that Welsh is clearly part of the agenda for Wales long-term future Proposed draft goals have been prepared by the Welsh Government to help inform discussion on the Wales the Welsh Government want by 2050, and they are as follows: Wales is prosperous and innovative; Wales is a more equal nation; Wales uses a fair share of natural resources; People in Wales are healthier; Communities across Wales are safer, cohesive and resilient; People in Wales participate in our shared culture, with a thriving Welsh language. Page 18

27 Local Planning Policies The Development Plan 3.23 The study area (as defined in paragraph 4.3 of this Wylfa Newydd Project LIA Scoping Report) for the consideration of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA includes geographical areas which fall within the counties of Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy as well as parts of Snowdonia National Park Authority. The adopted development plans for the study area includes the Gwynedd Structure Plan (adopted 1993), the Ynys MÔn Local Plan (adopted 1996) and Stopped Ynys MÔn Unitary Development Plan (2005) relevant for parts of the study area which falls within Anglesey; the Gwynedd Unitary Development Plan (2009) relevant for parts of the study area which fall within Gwynedd, the Conwy Local Development Plan (2013) relevant for parts of the study area which fall within the county of Conwy and the Eryri Local Development Plan (2011) relevant for parts of the study area which fall within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park Authority In 2010 the decision was made to merge the Gwynedd Council Planning Policy Unit and the Isle of Anglesey County Council Planning Policy Unit. The Joint Planning Policy Unit was established in 2011 to prepare a Joint Local Development Plan for both authorities Following the pre-deposit consultation on the JLDP in 2013, the JPPU is currently working to further develop the evidence base and are working on the preparation of the Deposit JLDP 2 (full draft plan) which is based on the evidence base, including the response to the pre-deposit consultation. The deposit JLDP is expected to be released for consultation during February The JPPU s Delivery Agreement 3 confirms that the JLDP is expected to be adopted in May The Conwy LDP was adopted in October 2013 and forms the relevant development plan for parts of Conwy County which fall within the study area The Eryri LDP was adopted in July 2011 and forms the relevant development plan for parts of the study area which fall within Snowdonia National Park Authority IACC, Gwynedd Council, Conwy County Borough Council and Snowdonia National Park Authority have demonstrated their support towards safeguarding the Welsh language through the planning system by developing policies which seek to ensure that all forms of development supports the character and language balance of 2 3 Deposit JLDP is a full version of the Joint Local Development Plan which is produced taking into consideration comments received during consultation period for the Preferred Strategy document of the Joint Local Development Plan. Delivery Agreement is the first stage in the process of preparing the Joint Local Development Plan. The Delivery Agreement is split into two sections, the timetable and the Statement of Community Involvement, which is the strategy for ensuring that members of the public along with key stakeholders are part of the Joint Local Development Plan preparation process. Page 19

28 predominantly Welsh speaking communities and seeks to defend such communities from inappropriate development which has the potential to undermine the Welsh language The current adopted development plans for Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy are supported by a series of Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents. Each Local Planning Authority has an SPG in place providing guidance in relation to planning and the Welsh language. These SPGs are set out below. IACC s SPG Planning and Welsh Language (2007) 3.30 IACC s SPG Planning and Welsh Language (adopted September 2007) offers guidance on how IACC will make decisions regarding the impact of proposed developments on the Welsh language The methodology for undertaking LIA s set out within the IACC's SPG replicates the methodology set out in Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead (December 2005) The IACC SPG reflects IACC s objectives in terms of its language policy and can contribute to the work of Anglesey s Single Integrated Plan that aims to ensure that; Anglesey is an Island where the Welsh Language and Culture is flourishing. Gwynedd Council s SPG: Planning and the Welsh Language (2009) 3.33 Gwynedd Council has also adopted SPG on Planning and the Welsh Language (adopted November 2009). The Gwynedd Council SPG is similar to with IACC s SPG Planning and Welsh Language and draws on research commissioned in partnership with other local planning authorities, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Welsh Language Board and the House Builders Federation. Conwy County Borough Council s SPG LDP06 Welsh Language and Culture (Draft, not subject to public consultation) 3.34 In preparing the Local Development Plan Conwy County Borough Council has identified the Welsh language as a priority issue. Spatial Objective 16 states that the Local Development Plan will ensure that development supports and sustains the long-term wellbeing of the Welsh language and the character and linguistic balance of the communities within Conwy County Borough Council Conwy County Borough Council s SPG is similar to with IACC and Gwynedd Council s adopted SPG s in particular with regards to the proposed methodology for undertaking LIAs. Page 20

29 New Nuclear Build at Wylfa (SPG) (July 2014) 3.36 The New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG was adopted by IACC on 29th July 2014 and is a material consideration for the development of the Project The SPG is intended to augment existing national and local planning policy to help guide the masterplanning, design and efficient delivery of the Project and to ensure the realisation of lasting benefits to the Isle of Anglesey and North Wales region The purpose of the New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG is to provide supplementary advice on important local direct or indirect matters and to set out the IACC s interpretation of national and local policy in the context of the Project. Although the New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG is not supplemental to the JLDP, which is currently being prepared, it does seek to be consistent with the direction of travel set out in the emerging JLDP The New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG (alongside the adopted development plan and the emerging JLDP and other planning policy guidance) enables IACC to make robust decisions on all town and country planning applications it receives associated with the Project. It identifies the potential impact of the Project and outlines potential mitigation and enhancement measures to ensure that significant adverse impacts are avoided or, if this is not possible, minimised, and that socio-economic benefits associated with the construction and operation of the Power Station are fully realised A Welsh LIA has been carried out by the IACC to support the New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG. The Welsh LIA of the New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG has been undertaken using the same methodology as that adopted in the Welsh LIA of the JLDP The New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG identifies a clear and ambitious vision for the Project which aligns with the IACC s wider socio-economic and legacy aspirations in relation to all major development on the Island. The Vision is: The New Nuclear Build at Wylfa is a positive driver for the transformation of the economy and communities on Anglesey, providing sustainable employment opportunities, improving the quality of life for existing and future generations and enhancing local identity and distinctiveness The New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG advises that this vision will be achieved through the commitment of all relevant parties to securing these outcomes by both statutory and voluntary means. Page 21

30 Conwy County Borough Council, Gwynedd Council and IACC s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (2014) 3.43 The Minister for Education and Skills has considered the Welsh in Education Strategic Plans prepared by Conwy County Borough Council, Gwynedd Council and IACC and in May 2014 approved the plan submitted by Gwynedd Council, and approved with modifications the plans submitted by Conwy County Borough Council and IACC. For the plans approved with modifications a short consultation period will be held with those local authorities concerned. Other Relevant Guidance Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead (December 2005) 3.44 This document is the work completed by a consortium of organisations made up of local authorities, The Welsh Language Board, the Home Builders Federation and the Welsh Government. The document represents the collective efforts of all partners with an interest in developing a better understanding of the relationship between land use planning and the Welsh language in order to promote the wellbeing of the language and the cultural character of local communities. The document does not represent the planning policy view of any of the participating bodies The document provides best practice guidance including a methodology for undertaking LIA s which is set out in Appendix C of the document The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will be undertaken predominantly in line with the methodology set out in Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead however, due to the scale of the Project a refined and weighted scoring procedure has been agreed with the former Welsh Language Board for the Wylfa Newydd LIA in comparison to the scoring system presented in Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead. The methodology proposed for the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA is detailed in Chapter Appendix C of Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead (2005) identifies that the purpose of LIA methodology is to enable Local Planning Authorities to make assessments of the potential impacts of a development on a local community in general and on the Welsh language in particular. Page 22

31 4 Proposed Methodology Methodological Context 4.1 The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA methodology has been informed by the following adopted national and local planning policy guidance and strategies: Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead (December 2005) IACC SPG Planning and the Welsh Language (September 2007) Gwynedd Council SPG Planning and the Welsh Language (November 2009) Technical Advice Note 20 Practice Guidance (June 2014) Conwy County Borough Council SPG LDP06 Welsh Language and Culture (August 2012 Draft not been subject to public consultation) 4.2 The most recent guidance is set out in TAN 20: Practice Guidance. The Practice Guidance has been produced to assist Local Planning Authorities with the consideration of the Welsh language during the preparation, monitoring and review of LDPs. The Practice Guidance provides step by step guidance as to how Welsh language issues could be considered during the production of LDPs. This Practice Guidance forms a basis for the production of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA but has been adapted to be project specific. 4.3 Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead offers best practice guidance on the methodology for undertaking LIA s for project specific development. This methodology has been replicated within the adopted SPG s by IACC, Gwynedd Council, Snowdonia National Park Authority and Conwy County Borough Council s SPG (which is in draft format and has not been subject to public consultation). Proposed Detailed Methodology 4.4 The following methodology will be adopted to undertake the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA and to deliver a schedule of linguistic constraints and opportunities, potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. Step 1: Establish Baseline 4.5 The baseline will be a compilation of relevant statements, policies and data relating to the Welsh language within the study area. Page 23

32 Gathering and Analysing Relevant Data to Establish a Baseline 4.6 A wide range of evidence will be gathered to inform the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA and to assess the significance of the Welsh language within the communities of the study area. The following data will be gathered: Census and other background data: Number of Welsh speakers / percentage of population that speak Welsh at study area, community, electoral sub-division, ward level. Are there spatial concentrations where the language is particularly widely spoken? Where are the greatest levels of change occurring? How does the most recent data compare with 2001, 1991 etc. Are the numbers of Welsh speakers increasing, decreasing or staying the same? How do migration patterns affect the area s linguistic character? Does the age profile of Welsh speakers raise any issues? Analysis of housing developments against the linguistic change over the past 20 years. Data gathered within the socio-economic chapter of the Wylfa Newydd Project EIA. Research identifying the opportunities to use the Welsh language on a daily basis. Local strategies and initiatives: The priorities and action areas of the local Menter Iaith (Language Initiative) Data gathered within IACC, GC and CCBC s Single Integrated Plans Education provision: How many children (and what proportion of all children) receive Welshmedium education? Data collected through the Welsh language charter (for primary schools). Is the demand for Welsh-medium education fully met? How do Englishmedium and Welsh-medium schools compare in terms of surplus places? What percentage of children educated through the medium of Welsh at primary stage move into Welsh-medium secondary education? Where is the demand for Welsh-medium education based? Where are the Welsh medium schools? How do these compare with Horizon s workers accommodation strategy? Page 24

33 What are the local education authority s intentions with regard to new school provision or rationalisation? Review of historical data on the number of children within schools within the study area dating back to What are the patterns of change in school number? What effect will the changing population and migration patterns have on the number of children requiring school places (infant, primary and secondary)? What is the future capacity of schools within the study area to accommodate additional children? What are the existing predictions for pupil numbers? Existing immersion centres How many people are enrolled on Welsh for Adults courses? Economic factors: Where data exists, an estimate of how many people use Welsh in their workplace. What are the opportunities to use the language in the workplace? Is it used always, frequently, occasionally etc? What is the current and anticipated employment situation? Is unemployment a particular problem, especially amongst young people? Is there a concentration of Welsh speakers in certain employment sectors? Other major employment initiatives and/or construction projects Community facilities: Migration What activities / societies are available through the medium of Welsh? Are there Welsh medium local media outlets, e.g. radio stations, newspapers? Where are the community facilities which offer opportunities for people to converse in Welsh? Are they in accessible, sustainable locations? What is the future planned provision of such facilities? Profile of the workers Projections for migration patterns Review of migration patterns of the Project on other large infrastructure projects. 4.7 The data collected will be analysed to establish a baseline in order to inform the analysis of the effect of the project on the baseline data. Page 25

34 Step 2: Analysing the effect of the Project on the Data 4.8 Once baseline data has been collected for the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA, it will be necessary to analyse the baseline data and consider to what extent, and how, the Project will affect the Welsh language within the study area. It will also be necessary to consider whether the language is an issue of equal significance across the study area, or whether it would be more appropriate to target efforts to specific areas within the study area. 4.9 The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will consider whether the scale of the potential impacts on the communities and the Welsh language within the study area will depend on the profile of the workers. Step 3: Assessment based on Checklist Questions 4.10 Following the methodology set out in Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead (December 2005) the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will assess the likely impact of the Project against five key aspects of community life with a view to establishing both its effects on the community in general and its impact on the Welsh language more specifically. The five key aspects of community life are: Population characteristics; Quality of life; Economic factors; Infrastructure supply; and Social and cultural aspects Table 4.1 on the following page sets out the Checklist Questions on Community and language Impacts that the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will be subject to. In each case the main question is followed by sub-questions. Part (a) after each question requires a description of the overall assessment for that question; Part (b) is a statement of evidence; part (c) is the evidence based assessment of general community impact; and part (d) deals with mitigation measures to enhance positive impacts and mitigate negative impacts as a result of the Project. Page 26

35 Table 4.1 Checklist Questions on Community and Language Impacts. Source: Planning and the Welsh Language: The Way Ahead (2005) POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS 1. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to lead to a population increase / decrease that might: Affect the balance of English / Welsh speaker (in a negative / positive way); or Lead to an absolute or proportional decline in the number of Welsh speakers a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local / national case studies drawing on the UK Census for 1991 and 2001) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 2. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to lead to increased in-migration? Might this result in a permanent increase in the proportion of non-welsh speaking households? Will the change be permanent or temporary? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local / national case studies drawing on the UK Census for 1991 and 2001) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 3. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to lead to increased out-migration? Is the process of out-migration likely to result in a loss of Welsh speaking households? Will the change be permanent or temporary? Page 27

36 3. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to lead to increased out-migration? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local / national case studies drawing on the UK Census for 1991 and 2001) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 4. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to lead to a changing age structure of the community? Might it: Lead to young / middle-aged / older Welsh speaking people leaving / moving into the area, leading to: Changes in traditional activity patterns, resulting in an increasing desire to move away? Social tensions / break-up of traditional social networks a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local / national case studies drawing on the UK Census for 1991 and 2001) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? QUALITY OF LIFE 5. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on the health of local people? Might it: Increase the risk of illness, therefore reducing the desirability to live in the community? Potentially make life more expensive, therefore increasing the risk of financial problems / stress of the local Welsh speaking population a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment Page 28

37 5. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on the health of local people? Might it: b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies or index Deprivation) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 6. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on the amenity of the local area? Might it: Deteriorate the environmental quality, therefore reducing the desirability to live in the community? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence local environmental assessments or residents surveys) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 7. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to lead to the threat of increased crime or violence in the community? Might it: Increase the risk of crime or violence, therefore reducing the desirability to live in the community? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local crime figures / police records from areas subject to similar developments) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? Page 29

38 ECONOMIC FACTORS 8. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have a detrimental impact on local businesses? Might it: Potentially lead to local Welsh speaking businesses closing down due to: A decline in overall local population? An increase of non Welsh speaking residents? An increase in harmful / helpful competition? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local business surveys or economic assessments) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE IMPACT enhanced? 9. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have a detrimental impact on local jobs? Might it: Create jobs for the local Welsh speaking population (perhaps by virtue of local Welsh speaking people having the right skills?) Threaten jobs of the local Welsh speaking population (perhaps by causing the closure of local businesses) a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? Page 30

39 10. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to lead to greater economic diversity? Might it: Potentially lead to a greater number of different jobs for the local Welsh speaking population due to economic diversification? Lead to increased in-migration of non-welsh speakers? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies or UK Census) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 11. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on local wage / salary levels? Might it: Potentially increase / decrease wage / salary levels due to increase work force / business competition? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies or Index of Income Deprivation) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 12. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on the average cost of housing? Might it: Force local Welsh speaking people to leave the community? Potentially lead to an increase in homelessness / housing stress amongst local Welsh speaking households? Prevent local Welsh speaking people from returning to the area / community? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment Page 31

40 INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPLY 13. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on local schools? Might it: Threaten / secure local schools due to an increase / decrease of student rolls? Alter the balance between Welsh speaking and non-welsh speaking students? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies and data from LEAs) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 14. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on health care provision? Might it: Threaten / secure local Welsh medium facilities / services? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies and information for Local Health Trusts) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 15. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on the provision of local services, such as shops / post offices / banks / pubs? Might it: Threaten / secure local shops / post offices / banks / pubs in Welsh speaking communities, therefore forcing certain sections of the population out of the area / community e.g. the elderly or disabled, or the young? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies commercial information available from business directories / VAT office, or business rating register) Page 32

41 15. Is the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have an impact on the provision of local services, such as shops / post offices / banks / pubs? Might it: c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS 16. Will the policy / plan / programme / project potentially lead to social tensions, conflict or serious divisions within the Welsh speaking community? Might it: Have a significant uneven effect on different parts of the local community, potentially advantaging some groups and disadvantaging others? Violate traditional values of certain parts of the community? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies / assessments) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 17. Will the policy / plan / programme / project potentially lead to changes in local Welsh traditions / culture? Might it: Result in local Welsh speaking households moving away from the areas? Lead to significant increase of non-local non-welsh speaking households? Lead to an erosion of family ties or other social networks? Lead to significant changes to the economic or social context, threatening traditional lifestyles? Impact on local Welsh speaking households by introducing / accelerating social change? Page 33

42 17. Will the policy / plan / programme / project potentially lead to changes in local Welsh traditions / culture? Might it: a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies / assessments) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a POSITIVE, NEUTRAL, or NEGATIVE impact on the COMMUNITY as a whole d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 18. Will the policy / plan / programme / project likely to have a potential impact on local voluntary / activity / youth groups? Might it: Force local people active in local groups to move out of the community, due to: Drive an increase in unemployment / economic stress? Drive an increase in house prices / housing stress? a) Please DESCRIBE your overall assessment b) Please STATE previous evidence (local studies / assessments / Indexes of Deprivation) c) Please STATE whether you consider that the development will have a d) How might any NEGATIVE impact be mitigated, or any POSITIVE impact enhanced? 4.12 Each question will be answered with a positive, negative or neutral score reflecting the perceived impact of the Project against the five key aspects of community life Following consultation with the former Welsh Language Board each of the questions has also been ranked in order of importance in the context of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA ranging from high to moderate to low importance as follows: Page 34

43 Question 1 Is the proposal likely to lead to a population increase or decrease? (high importance) Question 2 Is the proposal likely to lead to increased in-migration? (high importance) Question 3 Is the proposal likely to lead to increased out-migration? (high importance) Question 4 Is the proposal likely to change the age structure of the community? (high importance) Question 5 Is the proposal likely to have an impact on health of local people? (low importance in terms of Linguistic Impact) Question 6 Is the proposal likely to have an impact on the amenity of the local area? (low importance) Question 7 Is the proposal likely to lead to the threat of increased crime or violence? (low importance) Question 8 Is the proposal likely to have a detrimental impact on local businesses? (moderate importance) Page 35

44 Question 9 Is the proposal likely to have a detrimental impact on local jobs? (moderate importance) Question 10 Is the proposal likely to lead to greater economic diversity? (moderate importance) Question 11 Is the proposal likely to have an impact on local wage/salary levels? (moderate importance) Question 12 Is the proposal likely to have an impact on the average cost of housing? (high importance) Question 13 Is the proposal likely to have an impact on local schools? (high importance) Question 14 Is the proposal likely to have an impact on health care provision? (low importance) Question 15 Is the proposal likely to have an impact on local services? (moderate importance) Question 16 Will the proposal lead to social tensions, conflict or division? (low importance) Page 36

45 Question 17 Will the proposals lead to changes in local Welsh traditions/culture? (high importance) Question 18 Will the proposal have an impact on local voluntary activity/groups? (low importance) 4.14 The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will assess and score the construction and operational phases of the Project against the questions as two distinct proposals given the possible marked differences in the impacts of those respective stages of the Project. Scoring the Checklist Questions 4.15 For those topics identified as being of high importance in considering linguistic impact a score of -1 will be given for a likely negative impact; 0 for a neutral impact and +1 for a positive impact. Those topics identified as being of moderate importance will be scored -0.7 for a negative impact; 0 for a neutral impact and +0.7 for positive impact. Topics of low importance will be scored as -0.5 for a negative impact, 0 for a neutral impact and +0.5 for a positive impact. The use of this weighting will ensure that the negative or positive impact of a topic which is of lower importance in terms of linguistic impact does not cancel out the score given under a topic of greater importance in terms of linguistic impact. Calculating an Overall Impact Index 4.16 The final part of the assessment methodology is an overall impact assessment index. This comprises a measurable summary table that permits the assessor to develop a positive, negative or neutral score relating to the perceived impacts likely to occur Each of the questions within each of the five sets of community life components - population characteristics, quality of life, economic factors, infrastructure supply, social and cultural aspects - produces a range of scores known as the base index These scores will then be used to calculate an overall base index score, which is simply the average score across all the answers An overall base score of between 0.1 and 1.0 denotes a positive impact; a score of 0 denotes a neutral impact; a score between -1.0 and -0.1 denotes a negative impact, with actual figures representing the relative perceived severity. Page 37

46 4.20 The summary table will then be used to calculate a dimensional index, which is a mean score for each of the community life components - a mean for population; a mean for quality of life; a mean for economic factors; a mean for infrastructure; and a mean for social and cultural issues. Step 4: Mitigation Measures 4.21 Following the assessment of the Project against Welsh language objectives, it will become apparent where specific mitigation and / or promotional measures are required A number of the mitigation measures likely to be sought will be governed by Welsh Government guidance on planning obligations, 4 others may be more appropriate as planning conditions or unilateral undertakings. It is also recognised that IACC has published certain mitigation measures that were included in the New Nuclear Build at Wylfa SPG Any mitigation measures which require the use of a planning obligation will need to demonstrate that the planning obligation is necessary, relevant to planning, directly related to the proposed development, fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the proposed development and reasonable in all other respects. Step 5: Monitoring the Impact of the Power Station 4.24 The impact of the Project will be monitored as part of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA to ensure that the proposed measures to promote and enhance positive impacts, and mitigate negative ones, are effective. The Study Area The geographical and spatial areas which will be used in the assessment will be based on those set out within the socio economic chapter of the Wylfa Newydd Project EIA as shown in Figure [4.1]. Spatial Scope of Study Area 4.25 The spatial scope for assessing impact is a key requirement for the whole assessment. Whilst Anglesey itself is likely to be where the majority of the impacts would occur, the area does have functional economic linkages with the mainland. These ties to the mainland justify the definition of an area greater than the Isle of Anglesey itself for the assessment of impacts The scope of the study area for the purposes of the Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will be based on the Wider socio-economic study area identified above, hereafter referred to as The study area. 4 Welsh Office Circular 13/97: Planning Obligations set s out the Welsh Governments policy for the use of planning obligations. Page 38

47 4.27 The socio-economic chapter of the Preliminary Environmental Information Report defines the wider socio-economic area as being: Wider socio-economic study area approximately 50km from the Wylfa Newydd Development Area and considered to be the area in which the local workforce is expected to reside (see Figure 4.1). Many of the impacts, both direct (e.g. employment) and indirect (e.g. knock on tourism and housing impacts) will be felt further away than the local study area (which is an area within a 5km boundary of the Power Station Site). It is expected that benefits associated with increased spend to local businesses will also be felt at this scale. The spread of effects is likely to vary somewhat across impact topics, some being more acutely felt on Anglesey, while others are realised in other areas in North West Wales. This area is defined by the spatial limits of two travel to work areas, 5 within which daily commuting to work to the Wylfa Newydd Development Area is deemed feasible (during the construction and operational phases). The two travel to work areas are: Holyhead; and Bangor, Caernarfon and Llangefni. Impacts on housing, employment, tourism, community resources and public services will be considered within this boundary. Should the on-going analysis of data suggest that the effects associated with certain impact topics fall outside this area, this study area will be reconsidered. 5 These are defined by the Office of National Statistics in Defined on the ONS website within the beginners guide to geographies. Page 39

48 Figure 4.1 Wider Socio-Economic Study Area 4.28 The Socio-Economic chapter of PEIR defines other topic study areas including local socio-economic study area, regional and national. Education 4.29 It is acknowledged in A living language, a language for living (Welsh Government, 2012) that passing the language from one generation to the next is one of the two most important areas of language planning the other being education. It is unlikely that Welsh will thrive as a community and social language if it is dependent on the education system alone as a means for new speakers to learn the language. It needs to be the language of the home for as many children as possible and there is no doubt that learning the language in this way is a natural and effective way to become a fluent Welsh speaker The Welsh Government recognises that education has a crucial role to play in order to support the aspirations of a bilingual nation (Iaith Fyw, Iaith Byw, Welsh Language Strategy ) and support the use of the Welsh language within communities. The Wylfa Newydd Project LIA will therefore consider the possible effects of the Project on the use of the Welsh language within nurseries and schools during the early years (aged 0-5), primary and secondary (aged 5-16) and through to further education stages, as well as socially Primary and secondary education provision on Anglesey currently consists of 48 primary schools (including 1 special school) and 5 secondary schools providing services to 3963 and 5555 pupils respectively (January 2014 figures). Of the 48 Page 40