Decision

The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows:

For the Motion: Councillors Tessa Hodgson, Michelle Bateman, Alistair Cameron, Jon Harvey, Paul Miller, Rhys Sinnett, Aaron Carey, Marc Tierney, Jacob Williams [9]

There were no votes against or abstentions.

DECISION

(a)  That the establishment of a Pembrokeshire Nutrient Mitigation Credit Scheme relying on the approach and way forward set out in this report supported by Phase 1 of the Nutrient Mitigation Strategy be approved.

(b)  That approval be granted for the Head of Planning (or in their absence the Chief Executive) to implement the ‘Prioritisation Policy’ set out in the report where demand exceeds supply for Nutrient Credits under the Pembrokeshire Nutrient Mitigation Credit Scheme.

(c)  That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place (or in their absence the Chief Executive) to agree costings and nutrient credit pricing of the Pembrokeshire Nutrient Mitigation Credit Scheme based on the principles and approach as set out in the report.

Reason for Decision: Pembrokeshire County Council faces significant challenges in bringing forward housing development under its existing Local Development Plan and under Local Development Plan 2.

The requirement for developers to evidence nutrient neutrality has also held back much-needed housing across much of Pembrokeshire for some time now. The ability to bring forward housing development is fundamental to the progression of Local Development Plan 2 through Examination.

We understand this continues to pose a huge challenge to developers in the area who must demonstrate how they will be 'net neutral' when developing within the Cleddau and Teifi river SACs which are failing phosphorus targets and in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC (Milford Haven Inner) which has nitrogen failures that need addressing. 

It is essential that development opportunities are unlocked in Pembrokeshire and developers looking to invest in the area are supported in delivering new homes. Yet, it is equally as important to address nitrogen and phosphorus pollution for the wellbeing of our ecosystems and community.

In response to this challenge, it is proposed to take a proactive approach so that the County Council can protect local wildlife and communities while playing its part in enabling development to proceed. 

It is proposed to progress a local Nutrient Mitigation Scheme using mitigation land identified in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Council’s Nutrient Mitigation Strategy.

This is the preferred way forward for now given the need to provide a substantive response to the current difficulties with bringing housing development forward. 

In addition (whilst the Council is relying primarily on County Farm mitigation initially in Phase 1 and 2 only) the Director of Place/Assistant Chief Executive is also proposing to explore at pace other options that may be available going forward as opportunities to provide nutrient mitigation.