However, we understand that each situation is unique, so we handle all enquiries and concerns on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best possible outcome if any issues arise. If you have any further questions or require clarification on any aspect, please don’t hesitate to contact us at environmentalmitigation@fareham.gov.uk.
Nutrient neutrality is an environmental strategy designed to ensure that new developments, with overnight accommodation, do not add to nutrient pollution affecting sensitive ecosystems. It ensures that additional nutrients resulting from a development are balanced out through mitigation measures, so there is no increase in nutrient levels entering the catchment.
Nutrient neutrality helps protect the Solent’s unique and protected habitats. The Solent is a vital feeding ground for migratory birds that visit each year, and increased nutrient levels can lead to algal blooms, which threaten their food sources. By preventing nutrient overload, nutrient neutrality aims to balance the need for new housing with the long-term health of the Solent’s ecosystems.
New developments with overnight accommodation in nutrient sensitive areas must comply with nutrient neutrality regulations.
Nutrient Neutrality is important because it helps to prevent water pollution. It ensures that new developments with overnight accommodation do not increase harmful nutrient levels, protecting local ecosystems and maintaining water quality.
One nutrient credit equates to 1 kg of total nitrogen (kg/TN) or 1 kg of total phosphorus (kg/TP). During the planning permission process, the required level of nutrient mitigation will be identified. When a full credit is not needed, our credits are available in fractional units, sold to two decimal places, to match your specific mitigation requirement.
To calculate the amount of nutrient mitigation you need, you will need to use a nutrient neutrality calculator. Please visit the government’s website for further instructions on how to use the calculator: Using the nutrient neutrality calculators – GOV.UK
Each Local Planning Authority requires nutrient mitigation to be in place at different stages of a planning application. Please contact your planning officer to find out when nutrient mitigation needs to be secured.
Developers who fail to meet nutrient neutrality regulations risk having their planning application refused. Non-compliance can result in further environmental damage, especially in areas like the Solent.
If your planning permission is refused by your local authority, we are not able to offer returns or refunds for the credits purchased. We strongly advise that you reserve credits until your planning permission is granted, at which point you can proceed with the purchase.
If you have reserved credits and your planning application is denied, please inform us that you no longer require the credits, and once the 4-month reservation period ends, we will allocate the credits to another developer — we will not refund the reservation fee.
If your development isn’t eligible for one of our existing schemes, you can complete an Expression of Interest form to help us assess the need for a new mitigation scheme in your area.
Alternatively, you may wish to explore other mitigation providers: PfSH Nutrient Mitigation Schemes.
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