Llandinam Gravels case moves to trial
A Powys man has pleaded not guilty to two charges linked to alleged unauthorised activity at Llandinam Gravels, a protected section of the River Severn in Powys. John Edward Jones, of Tan y Ffrydd, Mochdre, near Newtown, appeared before Mold Crown Court and denied failing to comply with flood risk remediation notices. He was granted unconditional bail while the case proceeds.
Prosecutors allege that, without written consent from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), flood‑risk activities were carried out at the Llandinam site, including the operation of an excavator and a dumper to shift and level river gravels. The court was told the case is expected to require a three-day trial, which has been listed to begin on 17 March 2027.
Protected site on the River Severn
Llandinam Gravels is identified by NRW as a nature reserve on the Severn that supports important river habitats. According to NRW, the area provides for invertebrates, wading birds and migratory fish, including salmon. The agency says historic human interference altered natural river processes, contributing to habitat decline and heightened erosion close to the village. NRW is undertaking a major river restoration project at the site.
The alleged works at the centre of this case fall against that backdrop. Prosecutors say the activities took place in breach of earlier regulatory notices. While Jones denies the charges, the proceedings place a spotlight on how interventions in river channels are managed in Powys, especially at sensitive locations where ecological recovery and flood risk are intertwined.
The charges and timetable
The court heard that NRW issued flood risk remediation notices on 26 April 2022. Two dates are cited in the case: 28 November 2023 and 15 January 2025. Jones denies failing to comply with the notices on those dates. Prosecutor Ryan Rothwell told the court that the matter is likely to take three days to try. The trial will begin at Mold Crown Court on 17 March 2027 before a judge and jury. District Judge Gwyn Jones granted unconditional bail.
| Date | Case milestone |
|---|---|
| 26 April 2022 | NRW issues flood risk remediation notices |
| 28 November 2023 | First alleged breach of notices |
| 15 January 2025 | Second alleged breach of notices |
| 17 March 2027 | Three-day trial due to start at Mold Crown Court |
Local context and what it means
Llandinam and the wider Severn corridor in Powys include stretches of river that are both ecologically valuable and prone to change. NRW’s restoration work at Llandinam seeks to re‑establish more natural river dynamics after years of modification. Any alleged alteration of gravel bars or banks without formal approval can carry implications for water flow, erosion patterns and habitats, which is why regulatory permissions and compliance notices exist.
For residents and river users, the case underscores that consent from NRW is required for activities that might affect flood risk or protected features. The court will ultimately determine the facts and whether the regulatory framework was breached in this instance.
What happens next
With a trial date now fixed, both prosecution and defence will prepare their cases. No date for any interim hearings was given in open court. Jones remains on unconditional bail. NRW’s separate restoration programme at Llandinam continues under its statutory responsibilities for environmental protection and flood risk management.
- Defendant: John Edward Jones, Tan y Ffrydd, Mochdre, near Newtown
- Court: Mold Crown Court; unconditional bail granted
- Charges: Two counts of failing to comply with flood risk remediation notices (denied)
- Site: Llandinam Gravels, a protected River Severn location under active restoration by NRW
No further details of evidence were discussed at this stage, and it remains for the court to assess the allegations during the trial.
