Nutrient neutrality rules lifted in Carlisle
Expect the planning application approvals and work starts announcements to flood in with 50 stalled projects now able to progress – and the delivery of more than 3,000 homes unlocked – after Natural England changed the River Eden nutrient neutrality catchment boundary to reflect improvements made to the area’s water quality.
Nutrient neutrality restrictions were put into place due to high levels of phosphorus in the River Eden and its surrounding areas. The rules meant that for any housing development to progress, it had to prove that it would have no impact on local water quality.
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Substantial wastewater treatment works improvements – both complete and planned – led Natural England to conclude that restrictions around parts of the River Eden were no longer necessary,
Accordingly, Carlisle, Brampton, Wetheral, and the villages of Great Salked, Lazonby, Calthwaite, and High Hasket are now outside the nutrient neutrality catchment. Penrith, Kirkby Stephen, Appleby-in-Westmorland are among the communities still impacted by restrictions.
“We are pleased to see these improvements recognised,” said Steve Ratcliffe, director of sustainable development at the Lake District National Park Authority.
“Adjusting the catchment boundaries reflects the hard work and collaboration that has gone into addressing water quality challenges in these ecologically significant areas while supporting sustainable development,” he continued.
These changes will revive around 50 applications that have more than 500 affordable homes between them, according to Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership, a group made up of Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, and Lake District National Park Authority.
The partnership added that more than 3,000 planned homes would benefit from the changes.
“Thanks to collaborative work and updated guidance, areas like Carlisle, Brampton and Wetheral no longer face all the nutrient neutrality requirements,” said Cllr Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council’s environment and planning portfolio holder.
He added: “We’re proud of the proactive approach our planners have taken over the past three years and will continue working with developers and partners to address remaining catchments and keep progress moving.”
Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for planning and active wellbeing, Cllr Vicky Hughes, said: “It is great news that this has been achieved. We will continue to focus our efforts on providing mitigation in areas that continue to be affected so that the three authorities can achieve their environmental, housing and economic objectives.”
The Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership was awarded £15m from government in 2024 to help tackle water pollution in Cumbria. Its efforts have included enabling the replacement of septic tanks with modern package treatment plants without the need for planning permission, creating a market for nutrient neutrality credits, and working with United Utilities as it improves its own water treatment infrastructure.
