Written question WQ95973
- Asked by
- Delyth JewellPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 12 days
Question
What discussions has the Cabinet Secretary had within the Welsh Government and with partners regarding the impact on businesses by the Monmouth and Brecon canal of recent changes to water abstraction licensing that has put pressure on the canal's water resources?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The abstraction licensing regime in Wales is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The licence restrictions were put in place to ensure compliance with the Habitats Directive and to protect the River Usk SAC.
I understand the licensing process was undertaken by NRW in accordance with the relevant regulations and the appeals process, which was heard independently and refused by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
I would encourage any business which has been adversely affected by these changes to contact Business Wales, which can talk them through the range of support available.