Sections 62 and 85 Seminar - Key Messages and Conclusion
Key Messages
One of the most important elements which came out of the day was simply for practitioners to meet (often for the first time) and discuss possible ways of working together. The down time was as important as the formal proceedings for that reason. The reaction to Sections 62 and 85 were generally sympathetic helped by the non-threatening atmosphere. The good practice examples were presented as being possible to achieve by simply thinking about projects in different ways and being flexible, particularly in terms of engineering manual solutions and designs. Constructive adaptation was seen to be a way forward.
Particular key messages identified were:
- Welsh Assembly Government needed to strengthen the current wording in the Act. “Have regard to” was considered too mild and not likely to be taken seriously by busy people.
- The question of monitoring of the duty still needed to be addressed.
- Discussions over schemes/proposals needed to be initiated with the Park/AONB as early as possible in the planning phase.
- The Welsh Assembly Government needed to set an example in its work and to publicise what it was doing. In particular, WAG needed to set an example to local government and to provide a positive lead and encouragement for local authorities.
- That it was important for the duty to have a champion at a senior level in organisations and local authorities. An elected member champion was particularly valuable.
- That the success of the two sections depended on partnership working, and the need to foster close contacts between organisations at all levels.
- That in fact the “environment is good for business”.
- That WAG needs to take the lead with CCW in disseminating good practice on a wide scale.
- That staff need to be given the confidence to use engineering manuals as guidance only and that flexibility and a willingness to design developments and adapt solutions to fit the environment should be encouraged. With this confidence it had been shown that staff could see the benefit of this approach and would adopt it.
- Sections 62 and 85 do not necessarily cost more. It is a matter of mindset and being prepared to think differently early in the process.
Conclusion
The Seminar was a success on many levels. The use of good practice examples with lots of before and after photographs was a key in this as was the assurance of a free forum with no comments being attributed.
At a cost of some £1500 (facilitator, food, etc.) it was a reasonably cost effective means of raising awareness and promoting joint working.
