Economic Consultancy Support for Loan Subsidy Control Compliance Solent Nutrient

The Solent is home to a range of nationally and internationally important habitats and species; and this is reflected in the designation of sites for protection in both domestic and European legislation.

However, many of the habitats in the Solent catchment are in unfavourable condition due to excess nutrients (particularly Nitrogen) in the water from a range of sources, including agriculture and wastewater.

Elevated levels of these nutrients are causing eutrophication in the protected areas, inducing excessive growth of green algae and oxygen depletion - impacting on the rare and sensitive habitats and species.

Following a recent EU court ruling (the Dutch nitrogen case) which placed increased scrutiny on mitigation measures for development, Natural England (NE) has advised local planning authorities that demonstrating 'nutrient neutrality' (i.e. zero net impact on nitrogen pollution of the protected sites for 80 years) is a way of allowing development to proceed, while ensuring it does not further damage the condition of the protected site features.

This can be achieved through various means, including by securing proportionate nitrogen reduction elsewhere in the catchment by taking land out of intensive agricultural use and creating habitat for wildlife.

NE has published a 'nutrient neutral' method and actively advises local authorities and developers.