Business

House building halted in Pembrokeshire over NRW rules, says Kurtz

Published

6 months ago

September 17, 2025

HOUSE building in Pembrokeshire has been brought to a standstill after planning authorities suspended applications following advice from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) — a move slammed by local MS Samuel Kurtz as “unacceptable.”

The halt, which could last up to nine months, stems from new conservation advice issued in July aimed at protecting marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) from nitrogen pollution. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), including Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, have stopped granting consents until assessments can be carried out.

Mr Kurtz warned the decision could have far-reaching consequences for families and the local economy. He said: “Local families need homes, and our economy relies on construction projects progressing. Decisions of this scale cannot be taken behind closed doors, without proper consultation or a clear plan.

“The Welsh Government and NRW must provide greater clarity so this matter can be resolved swiftly and effectively. This moratorium on housebuilding will have serious, long-term consequences for Pembrokeshire.

“I will continue to press the Welsh Government to ensure a sensible, balanced approach is adopted — one that safeguards our environment while also supporting the livelihoods, economy and housing needs of people in Pembrokeshire.”

NRW advice to planning authorities

In response to questions from The Herald, Natural Resources Wales set out the legal and environmental basis for its advice.

NRW said: “This advice to Planning Authorities is the opinion of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in relation to nature conservation, and the impacts of proposed developments requiring planning consent, on nutrient-sensitive Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

“For the purposes of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), the Planning Authority is a competent authority responsible for undertaking the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) to consider the implications of a plan or project on an SAC. As such, it is a matter for the Planning Authority to determine whether a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on an SAC having considered this advice.

“NRW must be consulted for the purposes of the Appropriate Assessment, as the Appropriate Nature Conservation Body (ANCB), where we will advise on the implications of proposed developments for the site’s conservation objectives. We will not advise on matters beyond our responsibilities as ANCB. Planning Authorities should have regard for our advice, but it will ultimately be the responsibility of the competent authority to ensure that the requirements of the Regulations are satisfied prior to consent being given. For this purpose, Planning Authorities should obtain their own independent advice wherever necessary.”

NRW confirmed that the advice was issued on 25 July 2025 to Swansea Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Neath Port Talbot Council and Carmarthenshire County Council. Letters and hard-copy maps were sent, followed by GIS files. The data is now available on DataMapWales.

Legal and environmental basis

Updated marine SAC condition assessments published in June 2025 concluded that nutrient-sensitive features at some sites are in unfavourable condition for both chemical (dissolved inorganic nitrogen) and biological (phytoplankton and opportunistic macroalgae) indicators of nitrogen enrichment.

High concentrations of nitrogen in the water column can cause phytoplankton and macroalgae blooms, reducing dissolved oxygen, particularly in warmer months, and causing lethal and sub-lethal impacts on fish and invertebrate communities.

New developments leading to increased nitrogen discharges in affected catchments may contribute to this decline or undermine restoration efforts. NRW advises that planning authorities may only conclude “no adverse effect” where projects can secure nutrient neutrality for nitrogen.

Areas of concern

Water bodies in west Wales marine SACs now classed as in unfavourable condition include:

Milford Haven Inner (Pembrokeshire Marine SAC features: estuary, reefs, mudflats and sandflats, large shallow inlets and bays, and coastal lagoons).
Burry Inlet Inner (Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC features: estuary, mudflats and sandflats).

NRW’s Water Framework Directive investigations concluded that major nutrient inputs come from diffuse farm sources and sewage discharges. The Milford Haven Inner waterbody is also designated a sensitive area (eutrophic) under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations.

Scope and duration of the pause

NRW stressed that the decision to pause planning decisions lies with Local Planning Authorities, not with NRW itself.

Some developments may be exempt under screening principles set out in NRW’s SAC rivers planning advice — for example, certain agricultural projects, domestic extensions, private treatment systems, separator toilets and permitted development.

Welsh Government has also issued guidance to support development, particularly affordable housing, in SAC catchments affected by phosphorus, which NRW said could be applied to nitrogen and marine SACs.

Mitigation measures

NRW pointed to a “mitigation measures menu” developed for phosphorus pollution, which includes:

Package treatment plants
Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS)
On-site nutrient reduction schemes
Agricultural land management changes
Construction-phase controls.

NRW said it continues to work with Welsh Water through business planning and infrastructure investment, and is reviewing the mitigation menu with Welsh Government. A set of FAQs for planning authorities is due to be published at the end of September.

Consultation and impact

NRW confirmed that no consultation or impact assessments have been undertaken, as the Habitats Regulations already impose binding legal obligations.

NRW’s full position

A spokesperson told The Herald: “Water quality challenges, particularly those caused by excess nutrients, are placing considerable pressure on our ecosystems. In some locations, excess nitrogen in marine protected areas requires targeted action to reduce pollution.

“We fully recognise the significant pressures facing Local Authorities, particularly around nutrient-related planning decisions. These are complex issues and we are meeting regularly to support planning officers, providing robust evidence, practical tools, and clear guidance to help inform assessments.

“To conserve the long-term health of some of our most valued marine areas, we must work together and act decisively to both protect these vital ecosystems and enable sustainable development.

“We understand this is not a planning issue alone. NRW is working across diverse sectors to reduce nutrient pollution. This includes targeted farm inspections, reviewing environmental permits, and advocating for record levels of investment in water company infrastructure through the Price Review process.”

Business

Jewellery roadshow in Lamphey today with cash offers for valuables

Published

16 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A TRAVELLING jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Pembrokeshire today (Tuesday, Mar 17), offering free valuations and on-the-spot cash offers for a wide range of items.

The event is being held at the Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa and is open until 6:00pm this evening.

Organisers say they are looking to buy “all items of interest”, including gold, silver, rings, watches, coins, military memorabilia and diamond jewellery. Broken jewellery is also accepted, along with items in any condition.

The promotional material states there are no fees, no commissions and no obligation to sell, with free appraisals available to anyone who brings items along.

They are also advertising interest in vintage items such as old watches, scientific instruments, medal groups and even classic cars and motorbikes.

A follow-up event will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, Mar 18) at Hotel Mariners in Haverfordwest, running from 10:00am until 9:00pm, with late appointments available.

A third and final stop is scheduled for Thursday (Mar 19) at Wolfscastle Country Hotel, open from 10:00am until 6:00pm.

Organisers can be contacted on 07544 074 549, and also invite people to send photos via WhatsApp for a preliminary valuation.

Top prices paid: The jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Lamphey today before moving on to Haverfordwest and Wolfscastle (Pic: supplied).

Business

Welsh businesses secure £436m in export sales with government support

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH businesses have secured £436 million in new export sales over the past five years with support from the Welsh Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy Rebecca Evans said at the Explore Export Wales conference in Llandudno on Tuesday (Mar 18).

Exports account for more than a third of Wales’ GDP and remain central to the Welsh Government’s ambition to grow the economy and create new jobs.

Since the launch of the Export Action Plan in 2020, nearly 1,500 Welsh businesses have been supported to export for the first time or expand into new international markets. During that time the Welsh Government has organised 89 trade missions, taking 844 business representatives to markets around the world.

International Trade Advisors have also held around 6,000 face-to-face meetings with businesses and delivered more than 430 export market research projects. Over 600 overseas business development visits have been supported, including trips to Kenya, Vietnam, Argentina and South Korea.

The Export Cluster programme now provides peer-to-peer support across six priority sectors and has attracted more than 350 members. Meanwhile the New Exporter Programme has supported 68 businesses taking their first steps into international markets, with a sixth intake now open.

One company benefiting from the programme is Reacta Healthcare, a life sciences business based in north Wales. The firm develops specialist allergy diagnostic products used in clinical trials around the world.

Exports now account for 100 per cent of Reacta’s business. Over the past year the company has expanded its workforce from fifty to eighty employees and secured new clients in Europe and the United States.

The business is now preparing to supply these contracts over the next three years, representing significant growth in both volume and revenue. Reacta is also expanding its Deeside site by 50 per cent with a new facility next to its existing premises.

Belinda Mortell, Head of Commercial at Reacta, said the company’s expansion reflected growing global demand.

She said: “We have recently secured our largest customer contract to date, marking a significant milestone for the business. The growth we’ve seen over the past year, from expanding our team to opening a new facility, is a direct result of increasing international demand.

“The support we’ve received from the Welsh Government has been invaluable and has helped us enter new markets with confidence as we strengthen our international presence.”

Last week the Welsh Government also launched its trade missions programme for 2026-27, aimed at helping businesses showcase their products and services overseas.

The programme will focus on sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, creative industries and technology. Trade missions are planned across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East as Wales seeks to boost exports, investment and economic growth.

Rebecca Evans said: “Exporting makes a real difference to businesses across Wales, driving economic growth and creating jobs.

“That is why we are investing £3.5 million each year to support Welsh businesses on their export journeys.”

Business

Haverfordwest Halifax bank nail bar scheme refused

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to convert a Pembrokeshire town centre former bank to a nail bar has been refused by county planners.

Huw Tuyen Nguyen, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought permission for a change of use of the former Halifax bank at Grade-II-listed 10 Victoria Place, in Haverfordwest’s conservation area, to a nail bar, along with a related listed building consent.

Halifax closed its Haverfordwest branch back in 2024, leaving it with no more branches in the county.

A supporting statement accompanying the nail bar application at the three-storey building said: “The previous use of the building, a bank operated by the Halifax, ceased a few years ago and remains vacant making no contribution to the vitality or viability of the town centre.

“This application seeks to put the ground floor to an alternative commercial/retail use and which together with some internal and external alterations, also seeks to convert the upper two floors into a single high-quality flat. The upper floors have largely been under-utilised in the past. As such, the proposal would make a positive contribution to the town centre.”

It went on to say of the change of use to a nail bar: “This part of the application would allow the relocation and expansion of a professional service facility to serve Haverfordwest and the surrounding areas. This forms the basis of aspirations to grow the business, both in the immediate short term, and in the future as the business continues to grow.

“The applicant has explained that the current business is a nail salon which has been trading for some 15 years but under a different management. The applicant has had the business since January 2022.

“The business hours would be 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday but closed on Sundays and which would employ 2/3 people.”

The application was refused on the grounds “the proposed external alterations, by virtue of the chosen materials, finish and detailing, represent poor design that fails to respect the historic character of the listed building and the wider terrace”.

The refusal went on to say: “The works do not respond appropriately to the building’s significance and would result in a harmful intervention that undermines its special architectural and historic interest.

“Furthermore, the proposal fails to satisfy the statutory duty to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Haverfordwest Conservation Area, and to pay special regard to the desirability of preserving the listed building and its features of architectural and historic interest.”