James Evans MS has called on the Welsh Government to do more to hold Welsh Water to account for its failure to invest in modern wastewater infrastructure, warning that a lack of action is leaving communities across Brecon & Radnorshire in limbo and blocking vital planning applications.
Speaking in the Senedd, James highlighted the postcode lottery in water infrastructure across his constituency. While some areas have seen investment in phosphate-stripping technology, many others have been left waiting decades for essential upgrades, preventing new homes and community developments from going ahead.
In response, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans MS acknowledged Welsh Water’s “significant role” in improving water quality and said a “comprehensive programme of work” was underway involving the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and local authorities. She added that the agriculture sector must also play its part, and that a joined-up approach was needed to tackle phosphate pollution while enabling future development.
James Evans MS said:
“Many planning applications are on hold in the catchment areas of the SAC Rivers Usk and Wye, as they are unable to comply with NRW’s phosphate regulations brought in January 2021. Since then, Welsh Government have convened Phosphate Summits, working groups, Nutrient Management Boards, the Special Area of Conservation River Oversight Group, and yet four and a half years later, we have had some new guidance for planners but the reality is we are still no further forward and reliant on Welsh Water upgrading their waste water treatment works as the only immediate solution to allow development to occur.
“Some parts of my constituency have seen the investment they need, but far too many others are stuck in limbo because Welsh Water refuses to upgrade infrastructure, in some cases telling communities they might act in 20 or 30 years’ time. That is simply unacceptable.
“Welsh Water’s leadership continues to pocket record pay whilst their inaction is indirectly blocking the planning applications our communities desperately need. The Welsh Government must use its influence to ensure the company invests in the phosphate-stripping and modernisation needed in all areas of Brecon and Radnorshire to get local developments moving again.
“We need urgent action to fix this postcode lottery and unlock the homes, schools and services our towns and villages need. The people of Mid Wales deserve better than decades of delay, they deserve infrastructure fit for the 21st century.”
