A Member Legislative Debate proposing a review of quarry regulation to improve community safety has gained cross-party support in the Senedd, with Welsh Government committing to reviewing Welsh planning policy for quarries.
The debate, tabled by Plaid Cymru’s Kiera Marshall MS, followed homes being flooded in Gwaelod y Garth in July 2026, caused by quarry blasting in Taff’s Well Quarry.
Kiera Marshall proposed a review of existing safeguards in relation to the environment, biodiversity and public health. The motion also called on Welsh Government to review and strengthen the planning framework relating to quarrying in Wales – including looking at increasing ‘buffer zones’ between settlements and quarries.
Responding to the calls on Wednesday (11 November 2026), the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning confirmed the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will review current quarrying policy in a recognition of the government’s objectives to “protect communities but to enable sustainable development.”
Following the debate, Ms Marshall welcomed the Government’s commitment to reviewing quarrying policy.
Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Caerdydd Penarth, Kiera Marshall, said:
“What happened in Gwaelod y Garth exposed serious questions about the planning system, and should never happen again.
“Behind this motion were people who lost their homes, their sense of security and their peace of mind.
“My hope was that this shocking event would lead to change, starting with reviewing outdated quarry safety rules.
“Welsh Government’s commitment to reviewing the policy around quarrying is an important, and welcome, first step to ensuring our communities are better protected from the risks of quarry blasting.”
During the debate, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning said:
“The role of the planning system is to balance society’s need for minerals with the protection of community amenity and well-being.
“I commit today to explore the issues raised in the legislative proposal and the issues raised today by Members. I will be asking my officials to undertake a call for evidence to examine this matter in more detail.
“That exercise, the call for evidence, could inform changes to quarrying policy without the need for primary legislation, recognising the objectives of this Government and myself as Cabinet Minister with responsibility for planning, namely to protect communities but to enable sustainable development.”
