Purpose

To consider an updated strategy for the
management of
nutrient mitigation.

Content

RESOLVED that Cabinet
agreed: -

(a)          
to cease use of and withdraw the Nitrogen Mitigation for Poole
Harbour Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and to replacement of
the SPD with Natural England’s approved approach involving
the nutrient neutrality calculator and developer credit
purchases;

(b)          
that the withdrawal of the SPD is to be implemented as soon as
is practicable, with the replacement process in place, details
published on the Council’s website and developers and agents
advised at least 21 days in advance; and

(c)          
to give authority to temporarily use up to £1m from
strategic CIL if the nitrogen CIL cash received is not timely with
the need to spend, providing that Strategic CIL has received
sufficient income to service the new demands.
RESOLVED that Cabinet
noted: -

(d)          
regular (at least 6 monthly) reports being prepared for the
Leader of the Council and Chair of Cabinet to monitor the
Council’s position in relation to the delivery of nutrient
mitigation and transition from using the SPD to use of developer
led mitigation.
Voting:
Unanimous
Portfolio Holder:
Leader of the Council
Reason
Since Natural
England updated their advice on nutrient neutrality in March 2022,
the Nitrogen Reduction in Poole Harbour SPD is no longer considered
to offer a robust mechanism for delivering nitrogen mitigation in
the Poole Harbour catchment. The SPD therefore needs to be formally
withdrawn and an alternative approach
introduced.
Dorset Council is
the lead authority for co-ordinating nitrogen mitigation work for
the Poole Harbour Catchment. Mitigation delivery projects are
evaluated in accordance with Dorset Council’s assessment and
prioritisation criteria for securing nutrient mitigation projects.
The nutrient reduction and suitability of land for mitigation is
agreed by Natural England’s discretionary advice. The Local
Nutrient Mitigation Fund (LNMF) Steering Group with officers from
both BCP and Dorset Councils provides the Governance for the
fund.