NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY

planning in norfolk

Large parts of Norfolk are now in a Nutrient Neutrality Zone, meaning new housing cannot gain planning permission until it demonstrates nutrient neutrality.

Wendling Beck has worked closely with local authorities, Natural England and specialist consultants to deliver a fully compliant and approved nutrient mitigation scheme across the project.

This scheme has generated a bank of Phosphorus and Nitrate credits, now available for purchase by developers in the Wensum and Yare catchments.

Water quality across

Wendling Beck

We are working hard to improve water quality across the Wendling Beck sub-catchment, which is part of the wider River Wensum, one of the best examples of a chalk river network anywhere in the world.

The River Wensum Special Area of Conservation (SAC) has suffered significant damage due to high nutrient levels. Investment in nature-based solutions to reduce nutrient levels, alongside investment in water treatment by Anglian Water, should provide a brighter future for some of the UK’s most important rivers. 

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • We currently provide credits in the Yare and Wensum catchments in Norfolk.

  • Yes – all legal agreements are secured, enabling us to support immediate transactions.

  • We have successfully fulfilled nutrient neutrality planning obligations in Breckland Council, South Norfolk & Broadland Council, and Norwich City Council.

  • In order to provide a quote, we will need a copy of your completed Nutrient Credit Calculator, a site location, and a planning application reference.

  • Our credits can support a range of developments that fall within nutrient neutrality requirements - this is typically overnight accommodation. Your local planning authority or planning consultant should be able to advise if your development requires nutrient mitigation.

  • This depends on the outputs from your Nutrient Credit Calculator. We can advise once we’ve reviewed your completed calculator and planning details.

  • Yes – our scheme has been designed in line with Natural England guidance, been approved via their Discretionary Advisory Service, and has been accepted by Local Planning Authorities in our catchments.

  • We can typically provide a quote and progress to contract within days, assuming all required information is provided.

  • Yes – we can discuss options for reserving credits to support your planning timeline - this will typically require a financial commitment that will vary according to the length of reservation required.

  • We currently provide credits for Phosphorus and Nitrogen in the Yare and Wensum catchments, both Temporary and Permanent.

  • Credits are underpinned by long-term land management and legal agreements to ensure environmental benefits are delivered and maintained for the required period.

  • We are a landscape-scale habitat restoration project, meaning your investment in nutrient neutrality credits not only unlocks development but also delivers wider biodiversity and climate benefits.