Nutrient Mitigation Credit Process – Planning Applications

Applicant completes a nutrient budget calculation using Natural England’s latest calculator – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-nutrient-neutrality-calculators. Please note there are separate budget calculators for the River Avon (phosphates) and Solent (nitrates).

The nutrient budget calculations are submitted with the planning application documentation to the National Park Authority for consideration together with the nutrient mitigation checklist.

The National Park Authority assesses the application. This includes a review of the submitted nutrient budget to determine the scale of any mitigation required. The agreed figure will be used by the Authority in the appropriate assessment process.

The National Park Authority confirms the nutrient off-set required and will identify suitable nutrient credit schemes to the applicant.

The National Park Authority issues the planning decision with the appropriate planning conditions (including the pre-occupation condition relating to securing nutrient neutrality).

It is the responsibility of the applicant to purchase the required nutrient mitigation credits. Once the required credits have been secured the applicant should submit evidence demonstrating this to the National Park Authority in applying for the discharge of condition. This can be in the form of a certificate or statement of purchase from the nitrate credit provider. Deposits or expression of interest in securing mitigation credits will not be accepted.