Natural England's new funded strategic nutrient migration scheme has been launched in Teesside. The scheme seeks to support local planning authorities to reduce nutrient pollution in waters and consider development applications alongside nutrient neutrality advice. It is intended to enable local planning authorities to grant planning permission for new schemes in areas with nutrient pollution problems.
Complications due to nutrient-neutrality affect 74 local authorities, and nutrient pollution is a problem for freshwater habitats and estuaries. An example of this is increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, as these can speed the growth of certain plants, disrupting natural processes and damaging wildlife.
There are numerous sources causing nutrient pollution, including livestock, industrial processes, and sewage treatment works. This causes issues with new housing developments as additional wastewater from new housing developments can increase the pressure on local waterbodies.
The scheme in Teesside enables developers in the area to apply for credits to offset the impact of their development and create new wildlife habitats. Investment in local land by Natural England will provide the first of these credits that should enable up to 1600 homes to be developed in the area this year.
Chief executive at Natural England, Marian Spain, said: "Our wetlands and estuaries provide huge benefits to people as places for recreation and to enjoy wildlife. But these precious places are being seriously damaged by pollution. If we are to see nature recovery in action, we must first protect these internationally renowned places. Our new mitigation scheme will help improve our natural environment and allow the houses we need to be built."
