In a letter to the Inspector examining the Purbeck Local Plan, Natural England have advised that:
• Nitrates needn’t be an immediate concern within the Poole Harbour Catchment. This is owing to the fact that mitigation measures are already set out in ‘Nitrogen Reduction in Poole Harbour’ Supplementary Planning Document [“SPD”] adopted in 2017 with funding secured through CIL. The SPD is, however, in need of a refresh.
• Phosphates will cease to be an issue following the enactment of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill [“LURB”] which is anticipated April 2023 (albeit this may slip!). This is owing to the Bill requiring water companies to upgrade Waste Water Treatment Works [“WWTW”] in sensitive catchments by 2030 and the fact that Natural England have opined that emissions in the interim will be negligible and would not harm protected habitats and species.
Brett Spiller, Director at Chapman Lily Planning commented ‘Planning applications are likely to be held in abeyance until the Bill is enacted. The fact that Natural England have opined that phosphate emissions from new development ahead of upgrades to WWTW’s (i.e. before 2030) would not be significant or harmful is a huge step forward! So good news, so long as the LURB stays on track. Watch this space’.
For more information about how this might affect your development, please contact us.
