Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd. I’d like to thank Huw for bringing forward this short debate and for agreeing to give me a minute of his time. Thankfully, for my constituents in South Cornelly and the surrounding areas, South Wales Wood Recycling have withdrawn plans for a plant in the village. The company have been beset with problems with fires at their Bridgend and Newport facilities, which have had a detrimental impact on the health of residents living near the plants and in the surrounding areas. However, there are also the hidden health impacts from this type of facility. The health impacts of wood dust, which South Wales Wood Recycling’s own consultants describe as having

‘the potential to be extremely significant’ is of biggest concern to local residents. The question arises, therefore: why are local councils and the Welsh Government allowing plants such as these to be built in the first place?

I attended public meetings in North Cornelly and Porthcawl and the attendance on both occasions was at least 150 people and 220 people respectively. The factual evidence provided regarding the health impact was extremely concerning. I hope, in responding to the debate, the Cabinet Secretary will undertake a review of the planning guidelines and environmental consents covering this type of facility. Diolch, Ddirprwy Lywydd.