Pembrokeshire is the latest local authority to pause its local development plan (LDP) review and update due to increasing phosphate guidance introduced by Natural Resources Wales.
The phosphate levels guidance includes targets for rivers in special areas of conservation – including sections of the Cleddau and the Teifi – are around 50 to 80 per cent higher and affects locations and sites identified for development.
Cabinet member for planning Cllr Jon Harvey said that investment in capacity and phosphate stripping was planned by Dwr Cymru from 2025 with announcements anticipated in January 2022 about the programme with Letterson, Wolfscastle and Llanddewi Velfry anticipated for inclusion.
There are currently three waste water treatment works in Pembrokeshire with phosphate stripping at Maenclochog, Clunderwen and Pembroke Dock, with investment at Spittal already approved.
A report to cabinet states: “The level of overall changes that may now be necessary to the Deposit Plan are significant. These changes include issues identified by the public through the original consultation, changes arising from a re-consideration of the evidence base post Covid19, changes resulting from updated national planning policy and Future Wales and changes as a result of the new phosphates guidance.”
Cllr Harvey added that a number of authorities in Wales, including neighbours Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, were in a similar position.
Cabinet members approved the preparation of a revised timetable and delivery agreement, including a second deposit plan consultation and publication of an addendum to the candidates sites register for an eight week consultation period.
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