Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
I published a Written Statement on 10 October 2025 to alert members to the establishment of the Marine Nitrates Development Taskforce. As we approach recess, I am providing this statement to update members on the work of the Taskforce and the steps being taken to ensure that development – including housing – is able to resume in a sustainable way as quickly as possible.
The Taskforce brings together senior officials from the Welsh Government, Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. The meetings have been constructive and collaborative – reflecting the shared ambition from all parties to find sustainable solutions with the greatest of urgency.
Essential components for a successful solution have been identified and expedited through the Taskforce. These include: the Nutrient Calculator and expert-led Guidance, which is progressing well; a Local Authority-led Handbook for developers, which is at an advanced stage in development; and a national Nutrient Credit Trading Group, which has been established and meets regularly. These tools and guidance will allow developers and planning officers to identify the contribution of their developments and to put in place effective mitigation.
As noted in my previous statement, the Welsh Government has also provided financial support to affected areas to ensure they can quickly put these new tools and guidance into practice, including over £500,000 to the West Wales Nutrient Management Board and funding of up to £1.5million over three years to support Local Authorities.
The Taskforce has also considered the issue of future Local Development Plans (LDPs), and the Chief Planning Officer is working closely with the Chief Planning Inspector, NRW, and Local Authority Heads of Planning to ensure that future Local Development Plans can move forward through examination within the updated context.
The Taskforce members report regularly to the First Minister, Cabinet Secretaries, Local Authority leaders and chief executives. We are optimistic that through the continued efforts of all parties to quickly put solutions in place, and by starting to put in to practice the new tools and guidance, we are creating a clear path for developments to begin to resume.