There are nine rivers in Wales that are designated as https://www.gov.wales/special-areas-conservation under the Habitats Regulations.. They are the Afonydd Cleddau, Eden, Gwyrfai, Teifi, Tywi, Glaslyn, Dee, Usk and Wye.  In January 2021 Natural Resources Wales (NRW) published new targets to reduce the concentration of phosphorus SACs across Wales.

The evidence review showed that over 60% of the water bodies assessed in SAC river catchments were failing to meet the revised water quality targets for phosphorus. An update to phosphorus targets was published in August 2023 ‘Update to phosphorus targets for water bodies in Special Area of Conservation (SAC) rivers in Wales’.  Both reports can be found here: https://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/water-reports/

Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), local planning authorities must ensure new developments do not contribute to further nutrient enrichment in failing SAC catchments.  In Monmouthshire these are as follows:

• River Usk
• River Wye

A plan to show the catchment area of the rivers can be found here

NRW continues to provide updated guidance as to how local planning authorities should process planning applications affecting nutrient sensitive SACs.

In light of this updated information, all planning applications within affected areas that are yet to be determined will be subject to careful review.

All new applications will also be assessed in accordance with this latest guidance.

The All Wales Nutrient Budget Calculator (opens in a new tab) is a free tool for assessing the likely nutrient impact of development proposals. It helps applicants:

• Identify whether nutrient neutrality is required;
• Calculate total nutrient load in kg/yr; and
• Plan appropriate mitigation based on site specifics.

We recommend using this tool.  Use the calculator if your development:

• Lies within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) catchment;
• Increases discharge to a Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) draining to a SAC; and / or
• Increases overnight stays or visitors / workers from outside the catchment.