Natural England has recently changed the River Eden nutrient neutrality catchment boundary to reflect improvements made to the area’s water quality.
Nutrient neutrality restrictions were put into place due to high levels of phosphorus in the River Eden and its surrounding areas. The rules meant that for any housing development to progress, it had to prove that it would have no impact on local water quality, which has resulted in major delays in bringing forward new housing development.
Key impacts of this change 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.
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