Written question WQ97022
- Asked by
- Delyth JewellPlaid
- To be answered by
- Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
How does the Welsh Government decision report from 22 May 2025 on the development in river catchments designated as special areas of conservation fit with its promise from June 2021 to set legally binding biodiversity targets?
Answer
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Strategic and collaborative action is required to meet conservation objectives in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) river catchments affected by nutrients. The interim planning policy position and guidance, referred to in the decision report of 22 May 2025, identify pathways through which development, particularly affordable housing, may come forward in compliance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). In setting out how stakeholders should work together to ensure that action to reduce nutrient loading under a fair share approach is identified and delivered in the policy and guidance. This approach is complementary to the setting of legally binding targets for biodiversity.