Elected members have backed moves to improve safeguards for notable wildlife and biodiversity areas in Blaenau Gwent.

At a gathering of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Economic Development and Environmental Management scrutiny panel on Tuesday, April 21, representatives heard plans to introduce revised Site of Importance for Nature Conservation standards.

Ecologist Nadine Morgan presented the findings, advising members that 154 SINCs presently exist throughout the borough, with further locations possibly being added through an evaluation process continuing until 2030.

These designated zones receive protection because of their biodiversity significance, though Blaenau Gwent’s current guidelines are more than twenty years old, necessitating an update.

Wildlife found within SINCs holds importance at the county or regional tier, while Sites of Special Scientific Interest provide protection for species and habitats of national consequence.

Unlike SSSIs, SINCs do not have statutory legal safeguarding and are instead protected through policy mechanisms at local and national scales.

Ms Morgan explained that the authority is working alongside neighbouring councils, notably Torfaen, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, on an initiative intended to conserve and enhance SINCs across the mid-valleys area.

These zones constitute a valuable ecological asset and function as essential habitats for wildlife and residents to enjoy, she said.

She indicated that applying the updated criteria would help the council satisfy requirements under the Local Nature Recovery Action Plan.

Cllr Lisa Winnett (Labour – Blaina) chairs the council’s Planning Committee.

Cllr Winnett remarked that the report was commendable and she welcomed this progress, especially considering their efforts on Local Impact Reports.

LIRs are created by Blaenau Gwent planning officers when dealing with Developments of National Significance, which include wind turbines.

In recent times, the area has seen several DNS applications handled by Welsh Government planning inspectors, with the council contributing through LIRs as a consulted party rather than the deciding body.

Cllr Winnett noted that these SINCs are needed to bolster their stance on wildlife, peat bogs and all environmental assets.

Cllr Wayne Hodgins (Opposition Independent – Brynmawr) pointed out that the scheme is supported by the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature grant, concluding in March 2027.

Cllr Hodgins asked what measures would be put in place to guarantee continuation of this work given the programme extends to 2030.

Ms Morgan advised that the council is already investigating other funding possibilities should the Welsh Government nature grant conclude the following year, possibly involving bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Cllr Hodgins said this offered reassurance and asked that members receive maps showing SINC locations.

Ms Morgan confirmed there are 154 locations throughout Blaenau Gwent.

Surveys are being carried out on all of them and records are being updated to ensure compliance with new criteria and legislation, she stated.

Once she has a revised layout displaying all current SINCs and any potential new sites identified, she would share that information.

The panel approved the fresh criteria.

The report, including the panel’s comments, will now be reviewed by senior elected members at a forthcoming Cabinet meeting for decision, anticipated in June.