Mitigation measures

Nutrient neutrality

In July 2022, the government announced new steps to help manage nutrient pollution and support development in affected areas.

Key government actions:

• Water companies will be legally required to upgrade wastewater treatment works in nutrient neutrality areas by 2030.
• Natural England will lead a Nutrient mitigation scheme to help offset pollution from new developments.

These updates were shared in:

• A written ministerial statement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (20 July 2022)
• A follow-up letter from the Chief Planner (21 July 2022)

Local response in Norfolk

Norfolk councils are working together to understand how these national plans can support local decision-making. They are reviewing whether planning permissions can be granted now with conditions, or if they must wait for confirmed mitigation schemes.

While councils are working on wider solutions, developers can also propose their own mitigation plans.

Read the Norfolk Nutrient Mitigation Solutions Report

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