Nutrient neutrality credits for sale in Cumbria
Starting in June, developers will be able to overcome planning obstacles around water pollution by contributing to a series of initiatives geared towards lowering the level of phosphorus in the River Eden, River Derwent, Bassenthwaite Lake, River Kent, and Esthwaite Water.
Nutrient neutrality is a planning principal put into place that forces developers to prove that their projects will not increase the levels of phosphorus in nearby waterways. The requirements were said to have prevented the delivery of 3,000 homes across Cumbria over the past few years.
Each credit will equate to 1 kilogram of phosphorus being removed a year and are linked to specific projects in particular areas. They are to be sold in increments of .01 credits and can be held in reserve for up to six months while a project awaits planning permission.
There are two kinds of credits available, temporary ones that will go towards wastewater treatment upgrades being undertaken before 2030, and permanent ones that focus on longer term endeavours.
Temporary credits are to cost £7,500. Permanent credts are £25,500. Both prices exclude VAT and a £2,500 service charge.
The credit scheme is the brainchild of the Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership, which is made up of Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumberland Council, and the Lake District National Park Authority.
CNNP started taking pre-applications last week for those interested in the project. Applications themselves can be submitted starting on 1 June.
Credits will be available for the River Eden, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake SAC, River Kent SAC, and Esthwaite Water Ramsar site catchment areas. Each have been divided into sub-catchments with varying levels of availability for credits – with no credits available at all in the Kent (West), Marrow, or Caldew sub-catchments of the River Kent, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake, and River Eden catchments, respectively.
Projects that have already legally agreed a nutrient neutrality mitigation strategy, regardless of whether it has been implemented, are not eligible for the credit programme.
To purchase a credit, you will need a planning application, up-to-date nutrient calculations from Natural England’s nutrient calculator, and a 15% deposit that will be refunded if the project fails to secure planning permission.
“Creating a system and mitigations which ensure developments in the affected areas can discharge their obligations to nutrient neutrality has been challenging,” said Angela Jones, director of thriving places at Westmorland and Furness Council and chair of CNNP’s board.
“But the partnership’s work to soon make the credits available is a huge step forward and I urge developers and applicants to familiarise themselves with the scheme now before it officially launches.”
Lake District National Park Authority’s director of sustainable development, Steve Ratcliffe, added: “This is a major step for Cumbria, enabling essential housing to progress while protecting the rivers and habitats that make the National Park so special.
“These long‑term solutions can mean development can move forward responsibly, with its ecological impacts properly understood and managed. I wish to thank all involved in bringing forward these solutions.”
This is the latest in a series of programmes CNNP has introduced to unlocking housing delivery in the county. The group has enabled the replacement of septic tanks with modern package treatment plants without the need for planning permission and worked with United Utilities as it improves its own water treatment infrastructure. It is supported by government, which awarded the CNNP £15m in 2024 for its work.
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