Nutrient Neutrality
We calculate nutrient budgets and design mitigation strategies for developments in sensitive catchments. Our four-stage assessment process delivers clear, approvable solutions.
Clear nutrient budgets with practical mitigation.
We calculate Total Nitrogen (TN) budgets, identify mitigation options, and translate technical requirements into actionable planning submissions. We align our calculations with local authority guidance and Natural England requirements.
We help clients secure approvals by presenting mitigation routes that are costed and deliverable.
Four stages that unlock approvals.
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Screening and scoping
We confirm catchment requirements and data sources.
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Baseline budget
We calculate existing nutrient loads and development impacts.
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Mitigation design
We select practicable mitigation options and quantify outcomes.
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Submission support
We deliver the technical statement and respond to authority queries.
We keep nutrient neutrality deliverable.
- We align budgets with local authority frameworks.
- We design mitigation that fits your site strategy.
- We deliver clear documentation for approvals.
Tools we use
Nutrient budget calculators, GIS mapping, and mitigation feasibility analysis.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is nutrient neutrality in planning?
- Nutrient neutrality is a requirement that new development must not increase the nutrient load (nitrogen or phosphorus) entering protected water habitats such as SACs, SPAs, and Ramsar sites. Developers must demonstrate that the additional wastewater from new homes is offset through mitigation measures before planning permission can be granted.
- Which areas are affected by nutrient neutrality?
- Nutrient neutrality affects developments in catchments draining to protected habitats where nutrient pollution is a concern. Natural England has identified affected catchments across England, including areas around the Solent, Somerset Levels, Stodmarsh in Kent, and the River Wye. Your local planning authority will confirm whether your site falls within an affected catchment.
- How do I achieve nutrient neutrality?
- Mitigation options include on-site SuDS and constructed wetlands to treat wastewater, land-use changes such as converting agricultural land to woodland or wetland, and purchasing nutrient credits from approved mitigation schemes. We assess which options are practicable for your site and quantify the nutrient offset required.
- What are nutrient credits?
- Nutrient credits are tradable units representing a measured reduction in nutrient loading. They are generated by approved mitigation schemes — such as habitat creation or land management changes — and can be purchased by developers to offset the nutrient impact of new dwellings. Credits must be verified and accepted by the local planning authority.
- Does nutrient neutrality affect extensions?
- Nutrient neutrality typically applies to developments that create additional overnight accommodation, which increases wastewater output. A standard householder extension that does not add new bedrooms is unlikely to trigger the requirement. However, conversions that create new dwellings or additional bedrooms within affected catchments may need a nutrient budget.