SENEDD Member Paul Davies is urging residents across Pembrokeshire to have their say as a public consultation gathers pace on proposals relating to the Withyhedge landfill site near Haverfordwest.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has opened a consultation on a proposed permit variation submitted by Resources Management UK Ltd, the operator of the landfill site. The proposal could allow the site to accept additional waste.

The consultation gives residents and stakeholders the opportunity to submit their views before NRW makes a final decision. It will remain open until Thursday, March 26.

The proposed changes include:

  • Revised final restoration levels
  • Modified management and monitoring program for groundwater, surface water and leachate
  • The addition of 50,000 tonnes of waste soils per year for restoration work under a new Waste Recovery activity
  • Consolidation and modernisation of the permit, including a review of existing Improvement Conditions and Pre-operational Conditions

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MS says it is vital that local people take the opportunity to share their concerns and experiences as part of the consultation process.

Mr Davies has previously raised concerns about the environmental performance of the site, noting that the operator was ranked the worst performing permitted installation in Wales in both 2023 and 2024.

He has also written to the Welsh Government to express his concerns about the proposal and to argue that Pembrokeshire must not become a dumping ground for waste.

To ensure residents living closest to the landfill site are aware of the consultation, Mr Davies is also writing directly to households in the surrounding communities, encouraging them to take part and make their views known before the deadline.

Mr Davies said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for residents to make their views known about the future of the Withyhedge landfill site.”

“There have been ongoing concerns about the site’s environmental performance and its impact on local communities, and it’s vital that Natural Resources Wales hears directly from the people who live in the area.”

“I have made clear to the Welsh Government that I believe the site should be looking towards closure rather than expansion, and that Pembrokeshire must not become a dumping ground for waste.

“I would strongly encourage residents to take part in the consultation and submit their views before the deadline.”

Residents can submit their views directly to Natural Resources Wales before the consultation closes on Thursday, March 26. NRW will consider all responses before making a final decision on whether the permit variation should be approved.