Will the Minister confirm that Natural Resources Wales, which is a statutory consultee for the 2019 Wales statutory sustainable drainage system (SuDS) legislation, cannot respond to applications, because they do not have the resource to do so?
The Welsh Government worked closely with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in developing the legislation and guidance in relation to the SuDS application process. NRW’s statutory consultee status reflects its pre-existing regulatory responsibilities, such as those relating to planning applications. A Welsh Government review of SuDS is due to commence this year and will include consideration of the regulatory impacts on NRW and its role in the process. My officials continue to work with NRW to help ensure this statutory function is delivered effectively.