Natural England confirms boundary adjustments to the River Eden Nutrient Neutrality catchment, paving the way for stalled developments and over 500 affordable homes, while maintaining environmental protections
Natural England has confirmed changes to the River Eden Nutrient Neutrality catchment boundary in Cumbria, reflecting improved environmental conditions. This means that some major urban areas, including Carlisle, are no longer subject to all the Nutrient Neutrality requirements - a significant step forward for housing and sustainable development in the region, supported by the Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership.
The Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership comprising of Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council and the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), welcomes Natural England’s recognition of progress towards delivering water quality. These changes support sustainable development and continue to protect sensitive water bodies across Cumbria.
Key impacts include:
- Areas outside the Nutrient Neutrality catchment now include the whole of Carlisle, Brampton, Wetheral, along with villages such as Great Salkeld, Lazonby, Calthwaite and High Hesket.
- Around 50 stalled planning applications can move forward.
- Over 500 affordable homes are included in these applications.
- More than 3,000 planned homes in total will benefit from reduced planning constraints.
While this is positive news, Nutrient Neutrality requirements will remain in place for other parts of the River Eden catchment, and for the Derwent & Bassenthwaite, River Kent, and Esthwaite Water catchments, where further water quality improvements are still needed.
The Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership is studying the changes to understand how they will affect planning applications for stalled and future housing developments and will provide further advice in due course.
Partner authorities within the Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership have shared their views on the changes:
Cllr Bob Kelly, Environment and Planning Portfolio Holder, Cumberland Council:
“Thanks to collaborative work and updated guidance, areas like Carlisle, Brampton and Wetheral no longer face all the Nutrient Neutrality requirements. This unlocks around 50 stalled planning applications - including over 500 affordable homes - and means most can now move quickly through the planning system. We’re proud of the proactive approach our planners have taken over the past three years and will continue working with developers and partners to address remaining catchments and keep progress moving.”
Cllr Vicky Hughes, Cabinet Member for Planning and Active Well Being, Westmorland and Furness Council:
“It is great news that this has been achieved. We will continue to focus our efforts on providing mitigation in areas that continue to be affected so that the three authorities can achieve their environmental, housing and economic objectives “
Steve Ratcliffe, Director of Sustainable Development at the Lake District National Park Authority:
"We are pleased to see these improvements recognised. Adjusting the catchment boundaries reflects the hard work and collaboration that has gone into addressing water quality challenges in these ecologically significant areas while supporting sustainable development. We do, however, recognise more needs to be done in other areas of Cumbria and we are committed to implementing mitigation solutions as soon as practicable.”
Further details on the boundary changes and their implications for planning applications are expected to be available on Natural England’s website. The Cumbria Nutrient Neutrality Partnership will continue to provide guidance and support for affected areas.