Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Climate Change – in the Senedd at 1:49 pm on 6 October 2021.
Thank you, Minister. Now, on another topic, I am concerned that planning applications are at a standstill due to the new targets for phosphate pollution in rivers. The Home Builders Federation have informed me that the delivery of all new homes, both affordable and private, is being affected in numerous authorities, including Monmouth, Newport, Carmarthenshire, Wrexham, Flintshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Brecon Beacons national park and Powys. In fact, the Welsh Government's written response to Monmouth council's preferred strategy for its replacement local development plan states that:
'The Deposit Plan and associated HRA must demonstrate nutrient neutrality or betterment in order to be considered sound.'
Whilst I am familiar with the special areas of conservation management oversight group, the planning sub-group and the NRW project board with its several work streams, could you just clarify to me how an LPA is to demonstrate nutrient neutrality when there is no agreed solution or guidance as yet offered by your Welsh Government? Diolch.