Local Government

First Minister launches taskforce to break housing deadlock over nutrient pollution

Published

9 months ago

September 21, 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has launched a rapid-action taskforce to tackle nutrient pollution that has brought house building in Pembrokeshire and across west Wales to a standstill.

Announced by Mid and West Wales MS Eluned Morgan, the taskforce will bring together government, local authorities and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to find practical solutions so housing developments can move forward.

***Concerned about housing: Eluned Morgan has announced a task force to tackle disruption to house building***

The First Minister said the move reflects the Government’s “urgency and transparency” in dealing with the issue, while Eluned Morgan described it as “a crucial step in ensuring families can access much-needed housing while protecting our environment.”

She said: “This is about getting the balance right. We need to protect our unique environment, but we also need to make sure local people aren’t denied the homes they deserve.”

The taskforce will:

Partner with NRW on fast, practical fixes.
Review how rules and guidance can be made clearer and more flexible.
Provide direct support to councils and developers to help get building underway.

Its first meeting is expected next week.

***Milford Haven Waterway SSSI is said to be under threat from pollution***

Why developments are on hold

The suspension of planning decisions was triggered after Natural Resources Wales issued updated conservation advice in July under the Habitats Regulations. Local Planning Authorities, including Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, halted consents in response.

NRW’s advice followed updated scientific assessments showing nitrogen levels in some Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are too high, causing algal blooms and harming fish and invertebrate populations.

Two areas in west Wales were identified as being in “unfavourable condition”:

Upper Milford Haven Waterway — the inner estuary around Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Neyland, part of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC. This includes estuary waters, reefs, mudflats, shallow bays and coastal lagoons.

Burry Inlet near Llanelli, part of the Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC, covering the estuary and extensive mudflats and sandflats.

NRW’s investigations concluded that the main sources of nitrogen were diffuse agricultural runoff from farmland and farm infrastructure, alongside continuous sewage discharges from the water industry. The upper Milford Haven waterway is also officially designated by Welsh Government as a sensitive eutrophic area under wastewater regulations.

What NRW says

NRW stressed that it does not have the power to pause planning applications — the decision rests with local planning authorities — but it is legally bound to give conservation advice.

A spokesperson said: “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 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.

“NRW is working across sectors to reduce nutrient pollution. This includes targeted farm inspections, reviewing environmental permits, and advocating for record levels of investment in water company infrastructure.”

Mitigation measures

NRW has told councils that some small-scale developments may be exempt from the pause — such as domestic extensions, certain agricultural projects and schemes using private treatment systems.

For larger projects, mitigation must be secured. Options include:

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

A set of FAQs for planning officers is due to be published by the end of September.

NRW also continues to work with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water on wastewater capacity and investment planning, and is pressing for “record levels of investment” through the national Price Review.

Political pressure

***Putting pressure on the Welsh Government: Samuel Kurtz MS***

Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz has condemned the situation, accusing NRW and the Welsh Government of “blocking housebuilding” without consultation or a clear plan.

He said: “Local families need homes, and our economy relies on construction projects progressing. Decisions of this scale cannot be taken behind closed doors. This moratorium on housebuilding will have serious, long-term consequences for Pembrokeshire.”

The Welsh Government hopes the new taskforce will deliver rapid clarity for councils and developers, and unlock schemes stalled by the nutrient rules.

For now, however, the construction sector remains in limbo — caught between strict environmental law, local housing demand, and a political battle over who should bear responsibility.

Education

Two more rural schools face closure as statutory notices issued

Published

23 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO MORE rural schools in west Wales could close by the end of the year after Carmarthenshire County Council published statutory notices proposing the closure of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro.

The move follows growing concern over the future of small rural schools across the region, after The Herald reported yesterday on separate school closure proposals in Pembrokeshire.

Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed on Tuesday (Jun 16) that statutory notices had been issued under the School Standards and Organisation Act 2013.

Members of the public now have 28 days to object, with the deadline set for July 14, 2026.

Objections can be submitted through the council’s online surveys for Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro, by emailing [email protected], or in writing to Owain Lloyd, Director of Education and Leisure, County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP.

Cabinet decision

The decision to issue the statutory notices was agreed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet on Monday, June 1.

If the proposals are approved, both closures would take effect from December 31, 2026.

From January 1, 2027, pupils currently attending Ysgol Meidrim would be expected to attend either Ysgol Griffith Jones or Ysgol Hafodwenog, depending on parental preference and the council’s admissions arrangements.

The catchment area of Ysgol Gynradd Meidrim would also be re-designated and absorbed into the existing catchment areas of Ysgol Griffith Jones and Ysgol Bancyfelin.

Under the proposals for Ysgol y Fro, pupils would attend Ysgol y Dderwen from January 1, 2027, again subject to parental preference and admissions arrangements.

Its catchment area would be re-designated and included within the existing catchments of Llangunnor Primary School, Llanddarog VC Primary School, Ferryside VC Primary School, Gwynfryn Primary School, Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian, Ysgol Gynradd Mynyddygarreg and Ysgol y Castell.

Rural school concern

The council says both schools have been identified under viability criteria set out in its Modernising Education Programme, which was approved by Cabinet on November 18, 2024.

The publication of statutory notices marks a formal stage in the closure process and gives parents, residents, governors and other interested parties the opportunity to object before a final decision is made.

The proposals come amid wider concern about the future of small rural schools, with communities across west Wales warning that closures can have a lasting impact on village life, Welsh-language education, transport arrangements and young families.

The council has said objections received during the statutory notice period will be considered before any final decision is taken.

Local Government

Security privately arranged by Mayor at Beating of the Bounds

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has confirmed that security personnel seen at this year’s Beating of the Bounds were privately arranged and paid for by the town’s Mayor.

The council issued a statement on Tuesday (June 16) following queries about the presence of security staff at the civic event.

It confirmed that the arrangements were made by the Mayor and Admiral of the Port, Councillor Randell Thomas-Turner, and were not commissioned by the council.

The statement said the decision was taken by the Mayor as a personal precaution in response to safety concerns connected with his role as a councillor.

NO SPECIFIC THREAT

The council stressed that the presence of security personnel should not be interpreted as an indication of any specific threat to the event, participants, or members of the public.

It added that the event “proceeded safely and successfully” and that there were no incidents of concern during the day.

The Beating of the Bounds is one of Haverfordwest’s oldest civic traditions, with the Mayor and Sheriff travelling to the White Stone, the historic boundary marker of the Port of Haverfordwest, to reaffirm the ancient boundaries and rights of the town.

Hundreds of people attended this year’s event, which included a flotilla, music, entertainment, stalls and family activities along the riverside.

COUNCIL CONDEMNS ABUSE

In its statement, the council said it remained committed to ensuring civic events were “welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly” occasions.

It said appropriate planning and risk management arrangements were undertaken for all public events so residents and visitors could attend with confidence.

The council added: “While the security arrangements were a personal matter for the Mayor, the council recognises the importance of supporting the wellbeing and safety of all elected members and staff.

“The council condemns all forms of abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour directed towards those serving their communities.

“Respectful public discourse is fundamental to local democracy, but there is no place for conduct that seeks to harass, threaten or intimidate others.”

The council thanked everyone who attended and contributed to what it described as another successful Beating of the Bounds, celebrating Haverfordwest’s history, traditions and community spirit.

Image: Darth Marty Media

Local Government

Major improvement works completed at Fleming Crescent

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW roofs, structural upgrades and solar panels have been installed across three residential blocks at Fleming Crescent as part of a major housing improvement scheme.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the project has delivered safer, warmer and more energy-efficient homes for residents, with the full replacement of roofs serving 54 flats.

The works also included structural improvements designed to support the long-term performance of the buildings, alongside the installation of solar panels to help improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs for tenants.

The council received a funding contribution from the Welsh Government through the Optimised Retrofit Programme, which supports energy-efficiency improvements alongside wider investment works.

The scheme was completed on schedule, with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd appointed as the main contractor.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman said: “Delivering a project of this scale on schedule is a significant achievement.

“The new roofs and external upgrades will help reduce future maintenance issues and improve the long-term resilience of the buildings, while the solar panels form an important part of our wider decarbonisation programme.

“By working closely with W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, we have delivered high-quality improvements that will benefit tenants both now and in the future.

“Pembrokeshire County Council continues to invest in housing improvements across the county, ensuring homes remain safe, modern, energy efficient and fit for the future.”

The project has also received national recognition after being shortlisted for a Constructing Excellence in Wales Award.

Neil Griffiths, Managing Director of W B Griffiths & Son Ltd, said: “We are proud to have delivered this important project at Fleming Crescent to a high standard and within the agreed timescales.

“The combination of full roof replacement and solar panel installation will provide long-term value, improve the performance of the buildings and support better outcomes for residents.