Form: Natural England’s nutrient mitigation scheme for developers Grant

About this grant

This GOV.UK page sets out Natural England's nutrient mitigation scheme, under which developers can buy nutrient mitigation credits to offset nutrient pollution from new housing development. Nutrient pollution from housing can harm protected habitats, so the scheme lets developers offset their impact by purchasing credits rather than delivering mitigation on their own sites. The scheme is a credit purchase arrangement rather than a grant. The scheme currently covers the Tees and Poole Harbour catchment areas in England, with more catchments to be added over time. Developers in these catchments can apply to buy credits for permanent residential developments, holiday accommodation such as lodges, cabins and cottages, and guest house or hotel accommodation, where eligibility for the latter depends on the planning use class confirmed by the local planning authority. Natural England now sells credits on a continuous basis in both catchments, so applications can be made at any time, replacing the earlier rounds-based system. Certificates are valid for 36 weeks, with possible extensions of up to 16 weeks where delays are outside the applicant's control. Amendments to accepted applications may incur a non-refundable admin fee, and applicants must use the latest nutrient neutrality calculator to determine how many credits they need. The page also notes that short-term temporary credits for the Dorset Council area may be available from Dorset Council, and that other nutrient mitigation options may exist in the Poole Harbour catchment.

Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to developers in the Tees or Poole Harbour catchment areas in England who are building new permanent residential housing, holiday accommodation, guest houses or hotel accommodation. Eligibility for guest house or hotel developments depends on the planning use class confirmed by the local planning authority. Applicants must use the current version of the nutrient neutrality calculator to determine their credit requirement.

Key requirements

• ✓Developer must have housing development project generating nutrient pollution
• ✓Purchase of nutrient mitigation credits from Natural England's scheme
• ✓Compliance with UK nutrient neutrality regulations (likely Environment Act / Water Resources Act requirements)

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Form: Natural England’s nutrient mitigation scheme for developers?

Eligibility covers organisations in GB; startup, sme, large-company, nonprofit, local-authority. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.