Agenda item

Public questions

To provide the opportunity for members of the public to ask questions of the statutory partners.

 

HOW TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS: The deadline for the submission of questions for this meeting is 9.30 am on Friday 7 July 2023. Questions must be submitted to NutrientManagementBoard@herefordshire.gov.uk. Questions sent to any other address may not be accepted. Accepted questions and the responses will be published as a supplement to the agenda papers prior to the meeting.

 

Supplementary questions can be submitted via email to NutrientManagementBoard@herefordshire.gov.uk by 08:30 am on 12 July. A supplementary question must arise directly out of the original question or the reply given. The chairperson may, at their discretion, allow you to put one supplementary question to the board during the meeting (if you are attending in person).

 

 

 

Led by: All

Minutes:

Responses were taken as tabled the following:

 

1.     It was asked how the TAG or NMB were going to raise the resourcing and commitment to the various working groups.

a.     It was noted that this would form part of a wider governance discussion which was on the agenda.

  1. An update was asked regarding the poultry working group.
  1. Simon Evans provided an update on the poultry working group's activities within the Wye Agri supply chain which includes suppliers, buyers, and supermarkets. It has generated actions in terms of seeking clarification on legal requirements around permitted sites which are being developed by statutory bodies and is being shared with the suppliers. There is a visiting programme which is being developed to ensure that these are being followed.
  2. Rachael Joy mentioned the Wye Agri partnership group, which operates under Chatham House principles whilst it is developing its plan and has intentions to publish once commercial issues are worked through.
  1. It was asked who had been appointed as citizen science coordinator.
  1. Andrew McRobb confirmed his role as citizen science coordinator.
  1. A supplementary question inquired about whether there is recognition that water abstraction is a problem and if it is being addressed.
  1. Martin Quine responded that the Harris review is under the purview of the Environment Agency's legal team, and they will review it based on received advice. He further explained that the discussion around the current water resources regime in the Wye Catchment, including who extracts water and its potential impact on the river's conservation status, has been ongoing for the past 18 months to 2 years. This process includes the introduction of new authorizations for previously exempt activities.
  1. A supplementary question inquired about the status of advisory roles and the significant disparity in the number of advisors between the English and Welsh sides of the border.
  1. Rachael Joy clarified that the board requires statutory roles and professional advice due to the complex nature of the issues it deals with, which often span multiple organizations. She explained that it's up to each organization to determine the necessary resources. Additionally, she mentioned that Welsh colleagues are actively working to increase their support for the board.
  1. Rachael Joy noted a late response from Monmouthshire Council regarding Question 11, to be included in the minutes.

The response from Monmouthshire is as follows: phosphorous sensitive Special Area of Conservation (SAC) catchment area (like the Wye) in accordance with the latest guidance available from NRW. NRW's current advice can be found here:

 

https://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/businesssectors/ planning-and-development/our-role-in-planning-and-development/advice-toplanning-authorities-for-planning-applications-affecting-phosphorus-sensitive-riverspecial-areas-of-conservation/?lang=en).

 

Planning applications for development, including intensive poultry units, which are not 'screened out' against the above NRW guidance will be subject to an Appropriate Assessment so that the phosphorous impact of a proposed development on water quality can be considered. The guidance requires development proposals to demonstrate neutrality or betterment in terms of phosphate levels. If adverse effects on the integrity of the SAC from the proposal cannot be ruled out through the Appropriate Assessment process (taking into account any proposed mitigation measures) then this will be a sufficient reason to refuse a planning application - assuming the proposal does not fulfil the legal tests for derogation. Further information on the broad process can be found here: https://www.gov.wales/habitats-regulations-assessments-protectingeuropean-

site-html".

 

Supporting documents: