its environmental and economic benefits. We will be succeeding in delivering this outcome when: Trends in ‘key species’ populations are increasing over time; The area of land managed for conservation in partnership with NPA increases by an average of 5% a year (currently 1630 ha); A range of State of the Park indicators shows that the rates of decline in biodiversity and other features are diminishing. The percentage of listed buildings at risk remains below 5% (currently 4.1%) and action by NPA reduces the number of buildings at risk. Less than 33% of Scheduled Ancient Monuments are in a worsening condition (36% currently). At least 33% of housing development and 45% of employment allocation permitted is on previously developed land; Only greenfield and open space which is allocated for development in the LDP is lost to development each year; At least 85% of enforcement matters are closed within 12 weeks are we now The authority’s conservation strategy is to identify key and locations where the maximum benefit for the limited resources may be obtained in order to create sustainable habitat and species populations. This is achieved through management of our own properties and through management agreements and practical assistance for land owners. At present 1,630 hectares on 174 sites are managed. This work has contributed to positive trends over the longer term for the populations of three key species – chough, skylarks and shelduck, although poor Spring weather in recent years has reduced some populations. Grants totalling £100,000 have been awarded for the improvement of historic buildings each year. We encourage landowners to conserve scheduled ancient monument sites although coastal erosion is probably the most significant cause of damage. New developments for housing and employment are provided for in the Local Development Plan. We will take the following actions to deliver these Outcomes: Manage our own sites and encourage others to manage for conservation benefit; Assist landowners and farmers to engage in schemes, both national and local; Identify and agree management of new areas for conservation. Investigate the cost and practicality of mapping the spread of invasive species through remote sensing technology. Implement Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 to ensure a sufficient diversity and area of bird habitat(SGL) Implement LDP policies; Implement principles outlined in the Strategic Policy Statement for Protected Areas in place by the end of 2012
Pilot walking referral schemes with two GP surgeries. Maintain our investment in Greenways & Coastal Buses schemes (SGL) Use all available Sustainable Development Fund; Install a new biomass boiler at Llanion HQ and investigate renewable energy generation at NPA owned sites Reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 3% by energy reduction, building management and changes to travel. (SGL) Demonstrate the effectiveness of schemes already in place in the National Park and what is being done to promote exemplar projects for use in other areas of Wales.(SGL) Demonstrate that the Park Authority is working to identity the risks posed by climate change by having regard to the Welsh Government Statutory guidance (SGL) How do we compare? Reductions in CO2 emissions varied across all the NPAs between 1% and 16% with Snowdonia the best of the Welsh NPAs at 16% (2010 compared to 2009). Measures & Indicators Measure Actual 2010/11 Target 2011/12 Actual 2011/12 Target 2012/13 Benchmark/Comments # of people using coastal buses etc 82,395 83,000 77,400 80,000 Service jointly funded with PCC CO2 emissions generated by our energy and travel 476,769 450,000 443,899 430,500 6.9% reduction – average in English NPAs was 6% Outcome 4 - Opportunities are provided for local people to live within the National Park Introduction We will use our planning responsibilities to assist in the provision of affordable homes. We will be succeeding in delivering this outcome when: The % of planning permissions granted for affordable homes is in line with the Welsh average.
We will be succeeding in delivering this outcome when: There are examples of businesses using the Park sustainably; Surveys of tourism providers show increasing sustainable use of the Park; The Sustainable Development Fund supports at least one commercial enterprise each year 85% planning applications for commercial activities are approved; Where are we now The Authority works closely with Pembrokeshire Tourism and charter groups to encourage sustainable tourism and good practice. Charters setting good practice are in place with recreation providers. We have tourism policies to ensure the National Park environment continues to hold its attraction and to encourage a more sustainable industry by encouraging more activity in the quieter months, promoting activities that are in keeping with the National Park’s special qualities. Employment policies encourage small provision through allocations and the re-use of buildings. The SDF fund has supported a number of private sector projects, particularly in renewable energy feasibility projects. Our historic building grants have supported the local building trade, especially in Tenby and St. Davids. To date 85% of commercially related planning applications are approved. We will take the following Actions to deliver these Outcomes: Greater promotion of the contribution of the Park to the economy; Develop tourism partnership working with Pembrokeshire Tourism and PCC; Provide evidence to Welsh Government officials on the economic and social importance of the coast, seascapes and wider marine interests to the National Parks.(SGL); out a feasibility study into Geopark Status. To demonstrate and report on how and programmes support the social and economic well-being of the Park's local communities, and to review the evidence on the economic significance of National Parks in Wales. (SGL) How do we compare? No comparable information is easily available at present. Measures & Indicators Measure Actual 2010/11 Target 2011/12 Actual 2011/12 Target 2012/13 Benchmark/Comments % of planning applications for commercial activities approved 85% 86% 85% Approx 30% of all applications are commercial Outcome 6 - Residents and Visitors from a wide range of backgrounds access opportunities for improved understanding about the National Park. Introduction
Measure Actual 2010/11 Target 2011/12 Actual 2011/12 Target 2012/13 Benchmark/Comments Increasing trend in the number of hits on the National Park Authority web site; 158,000 178,000 200,000 Statistics for 2011/12 only available from July. # of people make use of our centres each year 254,000 260,000 255,000 260,000 # of participants in learning events 8,573 9,000 of inspiration of learners/pupils engaging with the National Park as reported by teachers (modal score, 11 point scale) 10 10 10 10 SNPA 10 Outcome 7 - Residents and visitors recognise the distinct Pembrokeshire cultures within the National Park Introduction We will promote the wide variety of local, linguistic, artistic and social cultures found within the National Park. We will be succeeding in delivering this outcome when: Surveys of visitors and residents show at least 50% recognise the cultural aspects of Pembrokeshire Over 30,000 visitors to Oriel y Parc visitor centre also go into the gallery (currently almost 28,000) The number of people visiting our historic culture sites and attending historic related remains at or above current levels of approximately 67,000 a year. The number of historic related activities and events increases each year. Where are we now The facilities at Oriel y Parc, Carew Castle and Castell Henllys offer opportunities to recognise for the artistic, historic, and social cultures. Local artists are now exhibiting at Oriel y Parc. Bi-lingual services are provided under an approved Welsh Language Scheme. We will take the following Actions to deliver Outcomes: Investigate new technology opportunities to promote cultural activities Encourage use of the Welsh language and local dialects Promote traditional land management and building techniques Use our centres and activities to promote and demonstrate cultural heritage (SGL)
Report each year from Audit Office; We meet the targets in Strategic Grant letter; Customer satisfaction levels are improving; We maintain our position as a good employer, with engagement levels remaining high We retain Investors in People Improvement in the number of valid complaints and compliments The trend in the number of serious health & safety incidents is reducing The majority of our media coverage is positive or neutral Where are we now The Annual Improvement Report from Audit Office refers to several instances of good practices and identifies areas where some improvements might be considered. The performance of our planning service has improved significantly since 2007, with 65% or more of applications determined within the 8 week target. The enforcement service has improved with the backlog reduced by 30% during the year. The Authority Members have been trained in scrutiny procedures and have undertaken two pilot scrutiny projects. A training and development plan is prepared for Members. A review of the National Park Management Plan has been completed. Savings of over £160,000 were achieved during 2011. We will take the following Actions to deliver these Outcomes: Improve the response times for both pre-application enquiries and planning applications (SGL) Continue to engage with the Welsh Government's Planning Division in relation to the Planning Review of Protected Areas (SGL) Continue to implement efficiency savings, joint working, benchmarking and sharing experiences Improve performance management and include benchmarking data Develop ways to measure and improve our customer satisfaction levels Commence on a process of reviewing the effectiveness of our Support Services Introduce a formal scrutiny process Apply for accreditation of the Advanced Charter for Members Report on the health of Park ecosystems using methodology for state of the park reporting (SGL) Implement principles outlined in the Strategic Policy Statement for Protected Areas in place by the end of 2012. (SGL) Commence work on a document management system for the planning service to improve internet access for planning information. Implement new IT systems for finance and HR. Develop methodology to measure the quality and added value of the planning service (SGL) Work with Welsh Government to establish a new way of demonstrating progress and accountability by the Park Authorities (SGL) Work towards achieving the Customer Service Excellence Standard by end 2012/13 (SGL)
How do we compare? Our planning service has had limited improvement over the year with speed of determination virtually unchanged at 65% against a target of 70%, positioning us at 17th out of 25 Welsh planning authorities at about the same level as the Brecon and Snowdonia NPAs. The number of complaints has reduced to 14 from 16 the previous year. For the first time the Authority entered in the Best Companies Employee Survey with an overall score of 613 to set a benchmark for next year. Employee sickness levels last year was 6.5 days lost compared to a public sector average of 8.1 and 5.9 in the private sector.(Figure from CBI survey 2010). Measures & Indicators Measure Actual 2010/11 Target 2011/12 Actual 2011/12 Target 2012/13 Benchmark/Comments The percentage of undisputed invoices which were paid in 30 days 97% 98% 98.43% 99% SNPA – 98.6% BBNPA – 96.9 Value of efficiency savings £000s £150 £180 £100 The number of working days/ shifts per full time equivalent (FTE) local authority employee lost due to sickness absence. 4.8 7 6.5 6 SNPA 14 BBNPA 9.1 Public sector average 8.1 Private sector 5.9 Number of planning applications registered 532 500 SNPA 296 BBNPA 311 The percentage of planning applications determined during the year that were approved. 80% 85% 87% 90% SNPA 84% BBNPA 84% % planning appeals supporting the NPA decision 65% 75% 64% 75% 14 out of 22 BBNPA 85% SNPA 73% Member attendance at main committees 81% 75% 80% 75% Member attendance at training events 66% 61% 66% 70% SNPA 73% Best Companies Score 613 640