Nutrient neutrality is the requirement to ensure that any development does not increase the level of phosphate or nitrate levels in watercourses when developing land. This has become a key issue for developers and has had a significant negative impact on bringing sites forward for development.

Following the landmark Dutch N case, Natural England established several catchment areas for watercourses impacted by nitrate and phosphate pollution. In these areas, local planning authorities can only grant planning permission for developments where a habitat regulation assessment shows that the development will achieve net nutrient neutrality.

So, what do developers need to consider when looking at developments?

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