URL: https://ashford.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=289

Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: In July 2020, Natural England’s nutrient neutrality requirement prevented the Council from granting planning permission for new housing in the Stour Catchment unless suitable mitigation was secured. As a result, housebuilding was significantly impacted, leading to increased temporary accommodation costs, extended housing waiting list, and delayed brownfield regeneration. After a strategic wetland proposal was paused, the Council is now pursuing smaller, deliverable mitigation measures to build a bank of nutrient credits. These include, among others, water efficiency retrofitting across Council housing stock using flow control devices to reduce water use and generate phosphorus credits. This programme also reduces tenant bills and long-term maintenance costs and is funded from existing nutrient neutrality budgets. Existing powers allow mitigation to be secured through s.106 obligations, and approval was granted to the Deputy Chief Executive to negotiate and purchase external mitigation where required. Collectively, these measures are expected to provide sufficient mitigation within existing budgets to unblock the Council’s housing programme, subject to completion of the necessary appropriate assessments under the Habitats Regulations.

Content:

Date of Decision: June 27, 2024