Government grant helps unlock Nutrient Neutrality

Nutrient Neutrality has had a profound impact on many parts of the country and stalled thousands of desperately needed homes. One of the most significantly affected areas is Norfolk where multiple districts have been unable to grant planning permission for new houses in the impacted areas, leading to a backlog of over 16,000 new homes.

The Norfolk Broads and the Wensum, two special areas of conservation have been significantly affected, by higher levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, with more than 20 measured locations of adverse condition being identified by Natural England and the Environment Agency in March 2022.

Local authorities have been working closely with Natural England, Anglian Water and other partners across the affected river catchments to bring forward much needed mitigation solutions. However, given the scale of the challenge concerted county-wide action is required.

Launched on 16 May 2024, The Nutrient Mitigation Fund (Norfolk) has been made possible following an award of £9.6M in capital funding from the Government’s Nutrient Mitigation Round 1 funding.

This funding is being used to launch:

• A £200,000 feasibility grant scheme to help develop new mitigation projects.
• £9.6 million capital loan scheme to front fund mitigation projects.

The requirement for a feasibility fund was in direct response to feedback from potential mitigation providers who said they also needed revenue funding for additional scientific studies, legal advice and financial modelling to enable them to bring projects forward more quickly.

In advance of the formal launch, the Nutrient Mitigation Fund (Norfolk) has already funded one project for £1.244 million. This project was delivered in 2023/24 and has so far enabled over 600 homes to get planning permission.

The fund was launched today by the Housing Minister Lee Rowley at an event in Norwich. He said:

“In areas affected by nutrient neutrality, like Norfolk, we have seen too many homes stuck in the planning system. This Government backs the builders and not the blockers. Our Local Nutrient Mitigation Funding will help unlock new housing and development in catchment areas like Norfolk, supporting councils to build more homes that local communities want and need.”

Leader of Broadland District Council, Sue Holland said:

“Nutrient Neutrality has been a huge challenge over the last two years, and I would like to commend the government for its support in helping to find a solution. This fund will help get people back to work, especially the smaller to medium sized developer and unlock the much-needed housing growth in Norfolk.”

Find out more about the Nutrient Mitigation Fund and how to apply.