Nutrient Neutrality - Stodmarsh / Stour Catchment
Josh Rigby
Flood Risk Assessment & Drainage Strategy Specialist | Manager | Water Environment Team | email: jrigby@mabbett.eu
Natural England have recently published their ‘Advice on Nutrient Neutrality for New Development in the Stour Catchment in Relation to Stodmarsh Designated Sites’. This release marks a continuation of guidance documents for vulnerable areas that have so far been limited to southern England.
Stodmarsh is an internationally and nationally designated fresh water site, benefiting from being classified as a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Ramsar site, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with some areas classified as a National Nature Reserve (NNR).
The Stodmarsh / Stour Catchment is vast, covering the majority of Kent. Any development In the catchment will be required to prove ‘nutrient neutrality’ and where this isn’t the case provide mitigation with provision for the lifetime of the development.
The issue of proving ‘nutrient neutrality’ is significant with 1,000’s of proposed dwellings currently held awaiting consent.
Whether nutrient neutrality can be achieved is dependent on the existing and proposed land use. For the majority of greenfield sites the existing agricultural use will be key, animal grazing and rearing tends to higher nutrient production than arable land use. Brownfield redevelopment is significantly more difficult to provide adequate mitigation and therefore, off-site mitigation is likely to be required.
(ref. Figure 1 ‘Catchment Area’ Advice on Nutrient Neutrality for New Development in the Stour Catchment in Relation to Stodmarsh Designated Sites - For Local Planning Authorities, July 2020)
This is a very fast-moving topic, with much work being undertaken by the government and regulators to try to find an appropriate balance between enhancing our environment and promoting sustainable development.
Delta-Simons are able to offer comprehensive services to help navigate this issue. From Nutrient budget calculations, Habitats Regulations Assessments to the assessment of potential mitigation options. If you’re interested to hear more, or require support on a project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
@Joshua Rigby Associate
T: 07773 044045 E: joshua.rigby@deltasimons.com