Local Government

First Minister launches taskforce to break housing deadlock over nutrient pollution

Published

4 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.

Community

New illustrated heritage map unveiled in Narberth town centre

Published

32 minutes ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW illustrated heritage and wayfinding map has been installed in Narberth town centre, highlighting the town’s rich architectural history, cultural heritage and key landmarks.

The hand-drawn map has been created by local artist Fran Evans and is part of a wider project aimed at improving interpretation and the visitor experience in Narberth.

The panels have been installed at two prominent locations: the undercroft, also known as Rebecca’s Cell, at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and the existing external display frame at the side of No.47, adjacent to the town’s museum.

Developed and delivered by Narberth Town Council, the project has been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with additional match funding provided by the Town Council.

The illustrated map features detailed drawings of historic buildings, local stories and notable points of interest. It is designed to function both as a practical guide for residents and visitors navigating the town, and as a visual celebration of Narberth’s heritage.

Town councillors say the project forms part of a broader effort to enhance how the town’s history is presented in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging for those visiting the area.

The Town Council has indicated that further information about the project, including background details and images of the newly installed panels, can be made available, along with comments from the artist and council representatives.

Community

Views sought on Pembrokeshire Age Friendly Communities

Published

2 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents aged fifty and over are being invited to share their views as part of a new consultation on Age Friendly Communities across the county.

The survey focuses on how older people experience life in Pembrokeshire and what helps them maintain a good quality of life as they grow older, both at home and within their local communities.

Participants are asked to reflect on their later years, including how well communities support older residents, and the role played by statutory services, voluntary groups and community organisations.

An Age Friendly Community is defined as a place where people are supported to age well, remain living in their own homes for as long as possible, take part in activities they value, and continue contributing to their communities.

The Age Friendly Communities approach was developed by the World Health Organization in 2007, following consultation with older people worldwide. It is based on evidence about what supports healthy and active ageing and places older residents at the centre of shaping the communities they live in.

Responses from the consultation will help inform the Pembrokeshire Age Friendly Communities Strategy and Action Plan. This will be developed in partnership with organisations including Hywel Dda University Health Board, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the voluntary sector and Pembrokeshire’s 50+ Forum.

Further information is available on Pembrokeshire County Council’s Have Your Say webpage. The online survey must be completed by February 15, 2026.

Local Government

Have your say on future of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Published

22 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents invited to help shape Local Development Plan 3 as early consultation opens

RESIDENTS, community groups and organisations are being invited to help shape the future of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park as part of an early-stage public consultation on its next Local Development Plan.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has opened consultation on a series of key documents that will inform Local Development Plan 3 (LDP3), which will guide how the National Park develops over the coming years.

The consultation opened on Monday (Jan 26) and will run until 5:00pm on Monday, March 23.

Local Development Plan 3 will influence planning decisions across the National Park, including issues relating to housing, sustainability, communities, the natural environment and climate change. At this early stage, the Authority is seeking views on the main issues the Plan should address, helping to shape its direction from the outset.

The documents open for consultation are the Sustainability Appraisal incorporating the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report, which includes background information on relevant plans, policies and environmental baselines; a Draft Issues, Vision and Objectives Paper setting out key challenges and a potential long-term vision for the National Park; and the Local Development Plan 2 Annual Monitoring Report covering April 2024 to March 2025.

An online engagement event will be held on Monday, February 9, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, providing an opportunity for participants to learn more about the documents and ask questions. The event will take place via Microsoft Teams.

Anyone wishing to attend must register by emailing [email protected]
. Welsh-language translation can be provided on request if the Authority is notified by Monday, February 2.

All consultation documents will be available on the National Park Authority’s website. They can also be accessed on public computers in libraries, with paper copies available at a charge.

Comments can be submitted online via the consultation questionnaire, by email, or in writing to the Strategic Policy Team at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. All responses will be acknowledged and made public, and feedback will be considered as the Authority prepares the next stages of Local Development Plan 3.