You Shall Not Pass - NRW planning embargo for new housing

You Shall Not Pass - Across 75% of Pembrokeshire planning for new housing has reach an impasse, threatening growth in West Wales. NRW and Planners at loggerheads.

CABE Jan Journal 2026

Article by Matt Lamy for CABE. See Slides. 

Further Information provided by PCC below. 

What is the problem…

The condition assessments showed that the nutrient sensitive features

are in unfavourable condition for Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen and

biological indicators (phytoplankton and opportunistic macroalgae)

related to nutrient enrichment.

The map outlines the freshwater

catchments that drain to the

Milford Haven Inner.

Areas requiring Nutrient Screening

NRW has not yet published any formal marine nutrient neutrality

guidance on HRA only Interim Advice provided.

Screening is required for areas within the Pembrokeshire Marine

SAC.

Nutrient neutrality is now required for developments generating

wastewater within the Milford Haven Inner waterbody and the

contributing freshwater catchments.

Majority of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning area is affected.

Affected applications which require nutrient neutrality to be

demonstrated remain paused for the time being.

It is likely that Pembrokeshire is the worst affected Local Authority

along with Carmarthenshire and Swansea and regionally West Wales is

disproportionally affected.

Has implications for planning decisions under current Local

Development Plan (LDP1) with the majority of main towns

(Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Pembroke dock, Narberth) Johnston,

Neyland and other rural settlements affected.

Implications for the delivery of Pembrokeshire County Council’s

replacement Plan (LDP2).

Significant implications for housing delivery (affordable housing,

meanwhile sites) and economic prosperity, including Celtic Freeport.

Summary

The updated NRW marine conservation advice

introduces stricter planning expectations in marine

protected areas.

Nutrient neutrality is now required to be

demonstrated for developments draining into the

Milford Haven Inner waterbody.

NRW has not published marine nutrient neutrality

guidance to advise Local Authorities on undertaking

required Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Plannin