First Richmondshire site to address 'nutrient neutrality' given approval after biodiversity concerns halt works

Nutrient neutrality gained attention last spring, after planning applications came to a standstill for thousands of new homes and projects, and sites were required to demonstrate Nutrient neutrality before planning consent was approved. This caused development to pause in 72 local authorities across the UK, including in North Yorkshire.

Stephanie Linnell, partner at George F. White, said: “We’re really pleased to have achieved this outcome for our client, opening up opportunities for them, including the sale of the land with planning consent. “

If a development is in an area that demands nutrient neutrality, the developer must demonstrate that all surface water runoff and wastewater will be less or equal to the nutrients generated from the existing land use.

Increased levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus can increase the growth of certain plants in freshwater habitats and estuaries causing harm to plant species and wildlife.

The sources of these nutrients are often specific to a particular geographic location and can include discharges from sewage treatment, domestic septic tanks, and outputs or run-off from farming and industrial activities.

In Autumn, a Nutrient Mitigation Scheme was launched to support the investment in new habitats to mitigate the impacts of nutrient pollution. The new initiative assists local planning authorities to grant planning permission for development in areas with nutrient pollution issues.

Elliot Taylor, partner at George F. White, said: “Nutrient neutrality is still very new and a complex issue for developers. It’s an area we’ve really committed to gaining expertise in to support our clients.

“North Yorkshire and the surrounding areas are key development pockets. We’re leading the way in the region in our approach to nutrient neutrality and are already seeing an increase in planning work requiring a mitigation strategy.”