Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
The Welsh Government is committed to protecting and restoring Wales’ nature and biodiversity. The Welsh Government is also committed to delivering the homes and infrastructure our nation needs.
The publication of Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) Marine Protected Area (MPA) condition assessments on 25 June 2025 confirmed that nutrient pollution was contributing to poor condition of site features in several marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
To ensure that development resumes as quickly as possible, in a sustainable way, the First Minister established a Taskforce with senior officials from the Welsh Government, Local Planning Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.
I published a Written Statement on 10 October 2025 to update members on the establishment of the Marine Nitrates Development Taskforce, and again on 17 December 2025 to update on progress.
Significant progress has been made through the work of the Taskforce and through the commitment and efforts of all parties.
The Nutrient Calculator and the establishment of a Nutrient Credit Trading Group were delivered earlier this year.
This month, further tools and guidance have been delivered. The Welsh Government has employed expert ecological consultants to develop guidance and case studies that will assist planning authorities to progress Local Development Plans and determine planning applications for homes and businesses in affected areas.
Alongside this guidance, Local Planning Authorities, led by Carmarthenshire County Council, have developed and published a mitigation handbook for developers.
And finally, a Clarification Note has been issued by the Chief Planning Officer that will assist Local Planning Authorities and planning inspectors in the preparation and examination of Local Development Plans.
These tools and guidance will be vital tools for both planners and developers and will enable a range of potential approaches to new development in areas that are affected by nutrient pollution.
The First Minister’s Taskforce will meet for a final time on 31 March. At that meeting, the members of the group will also finalise suitable replacement arrangements to ensure that work can continue to progress at pace, with the strong partnership working across affected areas that has characterised the successful approach of the Taskforce continued into the future.
I would like to thank all members of the Taskforce for their time and contributions, and for their positive and cooperative approach.