Nutrient neutrality Frequently Asked Questions

What is nutrient neutrality?

Nutrient neutrality is a requirement to ensure that new development does not increase nutrient pollution in protected water environments.

Development can still proceed if the additional nutrients it generates are fully offset by mitigation.

Why do I need to consider Nutrient Neutrality?

Nutrient neutrality must be addressed as part of the planning process where the development is in an affected catchment.

Buying credits allows local planning authorities to grant permission, provided that mitigation is secured before any nutrient pollution is discharged.

What is the credit scheme?

Developers can purchase nutrient credits through a Council run scheme. These credits are created by reducing nutrient pollution elsewhere in the same catchment area, allowing development to proceed without increasing overall nutrient levels.

What types of development are affected?

Nutrient neutrality typically applies to development that increases wastewater or nutrient discharge such as:

• New residential units - including overnight tourist accommodation, traveller sites etc.
• Agricultural Development - additional barns, slurry stores etc. where it is likely to lead to an increase in herd size.
• Commercial / industrial developments that include overnight accommodation.
• Anaerobic Digesters.

What types of planning applications are not affected?

The following types of development are not required to demonstrate nutrient neutrality.

• Commercial development with no overnight accommodation.
• Applications for the creation of new access.
• Applications for householder extensions.
• Replacement dwellings ('like for like') where the number of dwellings remains the same, even if internal floor space or bedrooms increase.

What is mitigation?

Mitigation means reducing or preventing nutrient pollution. In this context, it refers to measures that offset the additional nutrients generated by development so protected sites are not affected.

How do I express the phosphate mitigation requirement for the site?

The calculator produces a nutrient budget for your site, which is the amount of phosphorus mitigation required for the site in Kg/year.

How do I quantify my Nutrient Budget?

We recommend using the Natural England calculator and guidance at the following links:

• Using the nutrient neutrality calculators - GOV.UK
• Peak District Dales SAC: nutrient neutrality calculator - GOV.UK

How are phosphate budget calculations for planning applications for holiday accommodation assessed?

Occupancy rates in the calculator may need to be adjusted for holiday accommodation which may not be in use for 365 days of the year. There is a minimum occupancy level of 80% that can be accepted by the council.

How do I evidence my Nutrient Budget?

You should show your completed nutrient calculator output with your planning application. The Council will review and consult with Natural England to confirm the calculation to ensure it is accurate.

Why use the High Peak Phosphorus Credits scheme?

The High Peak Phosphorus Credits scheme provides a recognised and practical way to meet nutrient neutrality requirements where suitable on-site mitigation is not available or sufficient.

It - 

• Uses mitigation specific to the affected catchment.
• Supports the Habitats Regulations Assessment process.
• Offers a clear route for developers to secure phosphate mitigation before their development begins.
• Helps demonstrate compliance with nutrient neutrality requirements

Can I provide my own mitigation?

Developers can provide their own on-site mitigation to meet nutrient neutrality requirements.

Any credits generated through on-site mitigation belong to the developer and are not part of the Council-run scheme. Mitigation still needs to be approved as suitable. The Council does not buy, sell, or manage externally generated credits.

The scheme provides phosphorus credits for developers who cannot provide the required mitigation on site. 

What about additional developments?

Each planning application must independently demonstrate compliance with nutrient neutrality requirements. If previously generated surplus mitigation is proposed to be used, the council will assess whether this is adequate at the application stage.

When will the scheme be available?

The scheme will be launched via the High Peak Borough Council website. Details of how the scheme will operate, including credit availability and pricing, will be published before credit sales begin.

Who can apply?

Any developer can apply to buy nutrient credits through the scheme whether you want to build one home or many Applications can be made by individuals, developers, or consultants acting on their behalf.

Your development must be:

• residential or include overnight accommodation and
• in the Peak District Dales catchment area.

When to apply?

You can apply for credits at any stage and credits will be offered on a continuing basis subject to availability.

Further information and questions

If you need further information on the Scheme and application process, please contact localplan@highpeak.gov.uk