The Solent Mitigation Partnership (SMP) has launched its first nutrient mitigation project within the Itchen River catchment – marking an important step forward in unlocking development while protecting the region’s sensitive water environment. Delivered through a wastewater treatment plant upgrade, the scheme creates both nitrogen and phosphorus credits to help developers demonstrate nutrient neutrality in line with planning requirements.
SMP is initially releasing 45.10 nitrogen credits, available to any development within the Winchester Planning Authority area.
In addition, 4.73 phosphorus credits are now available to developments draining to the Itchen River catchment downstream of Itchen Stoke village. This includes sites connected to:
- Harestock Wastewater Treatment Works
- Morestead Wastewater Treatment Works
- Chickenhall Wastewater Treatment Works
These credits give developers across Winchester new, reliable options for meeting nutrient neutrality requirements – particularly important given the limited availability of phosphorus mitigation in the catchment.
Councillor Jackie Porter, Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Place and Local Plan, welcomed the announcement:
This is a really positive step for our district. Nutrient neutrality has been a significant barrier to housing delivery, and these new credits will support responsible development while ensuring our water environment is protected for the long term. We are pleased to see the Solent Mitigation Partnership bringing forward new, practical solutions for our communities.
Councillor Keith House, Chair of the Partnership for South Hampshire, added:
This is a really important project for our region. Upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure plays a vital role in reducing nutrient inputs at source, and the credits created through this scheme will help unlock development that has been held up by nutrient constraints.
Developers, planners and agents wishing to apply for nutrient credits or request further information can submit an enquiry via the SMP website: www.solentmitigationpartnership.co.uk or contact the SMP team for guidance on credit availability and eligibility.
The SMP is now working on several new mitigation options to deliver across the region, supporting development while protection the region’s natural environment.
