Kent County Council (KCC) is inviting applications to the Kent Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund, which has been established following a £9.8 million government grant to support projects that reduce nutrient pollution in the Stodmarsh catchment.
The Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, near Canterbury, has been adversely affected by elevated levels of phosphates and nitrates entering its internationally important wetland habitats. To protect these sensitive environments, Natural England requires new housing developments in the catchment area to demonstrate nutrient neutrality before planning permission can be granted.
Nutrient Neutrality requirements have affected housing developments in the districts of Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone & Hythe, Maidstone and Swale. New housing developments within the catchment must demonstrate nutrient neutrality before planning permission can be granted.
Housing development within the Stodmarsh catchment has been significantly affected since the requirements were introduced in 2020. More than 7,000 new homes have already been delayed and up to 30,000 homes could be affected by 2040 without appropriate mitigation measures.
Local authorities across the affected districts have been working closely with Natural England, the Environment Agency and other partners to identify and deliver solutions that will enable much-needed housing development to come forward while protecting the natural environment.
The funding will support capital projects that reduce nutrient levels within the catchment and create mitigation credits for future housing developments. Eligible projects could include wetland creation, ditch enhancement and upgrades to package treatment works.
The fund forms part of KCC’s wider Stodmarsh Catchment Nutrient Mitigation Strategy, which sets out how nutrient-reduction projects will be developed to help address pollution and support future housing delivery.
KCC is administering the grant scheme in its role as Kent's Catchment Coordinator for Nutrient Neutrality.
“The Kent Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund will help bring forward projects that reduce nutrient pollution in the area...”
Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, said: "Nutrient Neutrality has presented significant challenges for housing delivery across parts of Kent over recent years.
'More than 7,000 homes have already been delayed within the Stodmarsh catchment and up to 30,000 could be affected by 2040 without the right mitigation in place. This funding is therefore a welcome and important step towards finding practical, long-term solutions that both protect our internationally important habitats and support the delivery of much-needed new homes.
'The Kent Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund will help bring forward projects that reduce nutrient pollution in the catchment, creating the mitigation needed to unlock housing development in affected areas.”
Organisations interested in applying to the fund or finding out more information should contact Flood@kent.gov.uk.
More information about the Stodmarsh Catchment Nutrient Mitigation Strategy is available at: Stodmarsh Catchment Nutrient Mitigation Strategy - Kent County Council
