Achieving Nutrient Neutrality
Achieving nutrient neutrality is a challenging task, and is one that developers all over the country have battled to achieve over the last 5-6 years. In March 2022, Natural England issued a directive to Local Planning Authorities, County Councils, the Environment Agency, the Planning Inspectorate, Natural Resources Wales, and DLUHC stating that, in specific river catchments, developments should not be permitted if the LPA cannot definitively ensure that it will not adversely impact protected environmental sites due to increased levels of nitrate and/or phosphate.
While the current approach is efficient, robust, and objective, it can also be slow, costly, and overly complex—leading to potential project delays and increased expenses for housing developers.
To address these challenges, the government released the Planning Reform Working Paper in December 2024. This initiative aims to unlock approximately 28,000 homes across seven areas in England that had been stalled due to nutrient neutrality concerns, backed by £47 million from the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund.
At its core, nutrient neutrality is about safeguarding sensitive habitats and species vulnerable to changes in water quality. Excess nutrients such as phosphate and nitrogen can lead to eutrophication, disrupting mineral balances and causing ecological degradation in water systems. Ensuring that new developments do not contribute to this issue is critical, but proving compliance with nutrient neutrality requirements can be a complex and evolving challenge for developers.
The assessment process itself is subject to shifting environmental regulations and policies, creating uncertainties and potential delays depending on the scale and location of a development. Despite the experience gained over the past few years, straightforward solutions remain elusive. Many developers continue to face financial, technical, and operational pressures when working to meet these stringent environmental standards.
Looking ahead, the key to navigating nutrient neutrality lies in balancing environmental protection with the practical realities of development. Aligning proposals with Natural England’s guidelines, conducting high-level Nutrient Assessments early in the planning process, and engaging stakeholders to align regulatory expectations can all contribute to a more streamlined approach.
While there is no quick or easy fix, having the right expertise from the outset can make a significant difference.
Our specialist water resources team combine an in-depth understanding of natural water systems with experience across a range of development and agricultural projects, offering an independent perspective on the challenges at hand. By starting on the right path with the right support, developers can improve their chances of achieving nutrient neutrality in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
About Envireau Water
Envireau Water is a team of expert water scientists and engineers who provide guidance on the management and regulation of natural water systems across the UK. By working collaboratively with out clients and the regulators, we deliver robust, sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. With a loyal client base and our ability to work seamlessly throughout the four nations of the UK, many of our clients know us individually and trust us to find resolutions to their water problems for years to come.
Meet the Team
Penny Jenkinson
Principal Hydrogeologist
Tamsin Morey
Principal Water Resources Specialist
Harriet Robson
Principal Water Resources Specialist
Sophie Penman
Water Resources Consultant
