Nutrient Neutrality

Nutrient Neutrality is localised legislation designed to ensure that new developments do not increase the levels of harmful nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in nearby bodies of water. This protects water quality and local ecosystems by balancing nutrient inputs and outputs, ensuring environmental impacts are minimised.

Nitrate and phosphate pollution has been a significant issue in certain areas and can lead to eutrophication in seas and watercourses. This causes algae blooms, which deplete oxygen levels, kill aquatic species and hinder feeding birds. Sources of nitrates include wastewater treatment discharges and soil disturbed by construction.

Offsetting schemes can be created by landowners and farmers through changing to organic farming practices or converting agricultural land into woodland or wetland habitats. These provide nitrate credits that developers can purchase, offering immediate income opportunities for farmers and landowners.

For further details please contact:

West Sussex – Chris Tipping, Partner at c.tipping@batchellermonkhouse.com

Surrey and Hampshire – Alex Wilks, Partner at a.wilks@batchellermonkhouse.com

East Sussex and Kent – Toby Trotman, Associate at t.trotman@batchellermonkhouse.com

Offices in Battle, Haywards Heath, Pulborough and Tunbridge Wells.