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.
