Will the Minister consider allowing exemptions for health and education infrastructure projects affected by Natural Resources Wales's advice to planning authorities for planning applications affecting phosphorus-sensitive river special areas of conservation?
Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 02/12/2021
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 set out a procedure competent authorities must follow if they are satisfied the plan or project must be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest. This allows consideration of whether health and education projects can lawfully proceed on a case by case basis.