When too many nutrients like phosphates get into freshwater rivers and lakes, it changes the whole ecosystem and reduces water quality and biodiversity. Four river catchments in the Lake District now need nutrient neutrality for new developments that will add nutrients into the water system. These developments can only be approved if they can show they will take out as many nutrients as they are adding in.
All planning applications since January 2022, apart from those which are exempt, need to make a 10% increase in biodiversity. If a hedge is removed for example, another hedge must be planted or enhanced to make a 10% increase in biodiversity value after development. These pages provide guidance for developers and for landowners looking to provide land for offsetting, creating of new areas of biodiversity.
