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.”