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Podcast episode 185: Neutral Impact IV

Episode 185 of the podcast is available now via this link or from the usual podcast platforms.

When 50 Shades first covered nutrient neutrality in February 2021, I described the process of eutrophication as a bit like the podcast itself: a little niche, but very important.

When I published a second episode on it in September 2022 it had grown in significance to the extent that Prime Minister Liz Truss had pledged to “scrap nutrient neutrality rules”.

The question that was posed in that second episode, and again in a third episode in June 2024, was how far away is a satisfactory resolution in those parts of the country that have been affected.

Well, here we are, planning fans, almost eight years on from the 'Dutch N' judgement in the European Court of Justice, and, whisper it quietly, a satisfactory resolution to the issue that has resulted in 74 LPAs in and around Special Protection Areas withholding planning permission unless the negative impacts of development can be ruled out completely might soon be close.

You will have spotted, I am sure, that pursuant to provisions contained within the Planning amp; Infrastructure Act 2025, Natural England last month published for consultation a draft Norfolk Environmental Delivery Plan (EDP), which is designed to protect and enhance the Norfolk: Broads Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (taking in the rivers Yare and Bure), the Broadland Ramsar and the River Wensum SAC, whilst at the same time enabling sustainable development.

EDPs, I know you know, are designed to address the impacts of development on specific sites and species, and are a key component of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).

So are we nearly there? Has the nutrient neutrality nut finally been cracked? Will it work?

These are the questions that you will hear discussed by new friends of the podcast Alastair Wager, Matthew Browne and Phil Courtier, who were expertly steered by old friend of the podcast Nina Pindham.

Alastair is the Deputy Director at Natural England responsible for the NRF; Matt is Head of Public Affairs for The Wildlife Trusts; Phil is Director of Place at South Norfolk and Broadland Councils, and sits on the board of Norfolk Environment Credits; and Nina is a Barrister at Cornerstone Chambers.

In a conversation recorded online last week they talked about how the EDP and NRF will work, both in so far as the practicalities for applicants and LPAs are concerned, as well as being expected to operate alongside existing credit markets. They talked about BNG, Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Regional Water Authorities, and they talk about the applicability of EDPs to species as well as habitats.

50 Shades of Planning is the podcast by planners and for planners and so if you would like to use it as a platform for sharing anything you think that we need to be talking about then you are very welcome to get in touch with me via samstafford@hotmail.com or the 50 Shades WhatsApp Community.




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