Welsh Lib Dems call to question NVZ Regulations (Monmouth Liberal Democrats)

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Monmouth Liberal Democrats <janetellard58@hotmail.com>

Welsh Lib Dems call to question NVZ Regulations

February 4, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Welsh Liberal Democrats have taken a lead in the Assembly today, bringing forward the first motion of annulment to be tabled in this Third Assembly, to annul the Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 that seek to extend the areas in Wales designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.

Commenting, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates stated:

"In tabling this motion we were not seeking to avoid addressing genuine pollution issues arising from agriculture. The intention was to highlight that we cannot sit back and wave through subordinate legislation, in particular where we do not believe that the action chosen is appropriate or that the least cost effective measures available to deliver the required effect have been selected.

"The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 have been consistently opposed by the farming unions and farmers across Wales. Nitrates are a valuable and important nutrient for farmers, which farmers have no desire to use indiscriminately or wastefully. Livestock numbers are falling, which has led to a decline in nitrogen fertiliser use by a quarter in the 10 years to 2006, whilst farm yields have continued to grow.

"Against this background, these factors combined have led to major progress being made in meeting the objectives of the EU Directive in areas already designated as NVZs. The benefits to be obtained from the implementation of the Nitrates Directive appear slight, while farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones will have to invest heavily in new infrastructure to store slurry and manure that could cost in excess of £50,000.

"I am also concerned over the appeals process, which as currently stands will not allow farmers to make proper appeals against the introduction of new NVZs. Planning Inspectorate Wales officers who will determine NVZ appeals will be asked to rule on issues that are highly technical in nature and which require considerable expert knowledge. It is crucial that there is genuine expertise in place if farmers are to have a fair hearing.

"It is also vitally important that everyone who wishes to have access to an oral appeals hearing is able to do so and the deadline for the submission of a written appeal is very tight indeed considering the specialist evidence that needs to be gathered together.

"There is clear evidence in Wales that nitrate levels are actually falling. It is sad that these regulations may simply be yet another disproportionate bureaucratic and cost burden on those farmers who have been brought into the new nitrate vulnerable zones without any justifiable benefits for our environment."