Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) has highlighted the crucial role of Nutrient Neutrality schemes in protecting the region’s waterways from yet more pollution. 

Debbie Tann, Chief Executive of HIWWT, was speaking after reports emerged that the Government was considering scrapping a key policy designed to mitigate the environmental impact of new developments amid claims it was blocking new houses being built. 

Natural England’s Nutrient Neutrality rule ensures that developments in designated areas such as the Solent region can be approved once suitable measures are in place to counteract an increase in pollution of our rivers. 

Nitrate pollution is caused by various factors including sewage systems, so waste water produced by new housing contributes to the general deterioration of water quality which is harmful to fish species, plant life and humans. 

Debbie said: “We are very concerned that the Government is reportedly considering removing or changing the Nutrient Neutrality requirement for new developments. 

“Our precious rivers and coastal areas are facing untenable levels of pollution from agriculture, industry and domestic waste, with 82% failing to reach good ecological status. We must have robust measures in place to start tackling this critical issue.   

“Through our Nutrient Neutrality schemes, we have already proven a cost-effective way to unlock housebuilding while also mitigating the environmental impact of new developments – and those methods have the added benefit of helping people, communities and nature too.” 

In the Solent area, HIWWT has worked with developers, local government and regulators to develop an effective and affordable nature-based solution that unlocks housebuilding while also reducing the environmental effects of new developments.  

Councillor Seán Woodward, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council and Chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire, said: “My Council has and continues to work closely with HIWWT to deliver much needed new homes both in Fareham and across the Solent region which have the lowest possible environmental impact in terms of nutrient pollution. 

“We have brokered an agreement with the Trust which is now being adopted by councils across the area to bring about the rewilding of land which has been farmed intensively using high nutrient fertiliser application. This approach is having a dramatic effect in lowering pollution while freeing nutrient credits to allow the building of much needed new homes.  

“I hope the government will embrace this way forward as we are proud to be improving our marine environments which have been demonstrably harmed, mainly by excessive nutrient use in farming and undoubtedly by sewage discharges from polluting water treatment companies. The fines on these companies should be given to local councils to continue our work with the Trust in finding more land to rewild.  

“This approach is a truly ground-breaking example of a wildlife trust, planning authorities and developers working in harmony for the benefit of all.” 

By rewilding unproductive land previously used for intensive agriculture, the Trust is reducing the amount of nutrients ultimately reaching the Solent while also restoring habitats for wildlife and bringing additional environmental gains. The Trust’s first such project, at Wilder Little Duxmore on the Isle of Wight, has demonstrated the rapid and dramatic impact that this pioneering approach can have – with a 47% reduction in soil mineral nitrogen levels recorded in less than two years.  

Debbie added: “Those results are very significant for the fight against pollution here on the south coast. 

“We appreciate the need for new housing and believe that building homes in the right places is possible, but the impacts must be properly considered and addressed. 

“We know that development comes at a cost to our waterways, so the sensible approach is to make sure that this is balanced by appropriate and effective mitigation measures. We cannot simply wait for long-term promises of upgraded water treatment systems or changes to agricultural policy to counteract this. We’ve all got to play our part today in the transition to sustainable growth if we are going to give nature the chance to recover.”