Response A1345082

Response to request for information

Reference

A1345082

Response date

15 April 2021

Request

I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000/Environmental Information Regulations about how the local authority has been impacted by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales updated legal advice on nitrogen and phosphorous pollution in or near Natura 2000 sites in England and Wales since 2019.

In June 2019, Natural England updated its legal position on approving planning applications where excess nutrient pollution from a prospective residential development might negatively impact a nearby Natura 2000 site. It has issued this fresh planning advice to councils in south Hampshire, Kent, Herefordshire and Somerset, which includes a provision on housebuilders to demonstrate nitrate or phosphate neutrality as part of the appropriate assessment under the The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

In January, Natural Resources Wales followed suit in relation to excess phosphate levels in river SACs (Special Areas of Conservation).

Would you please provide a list of all the Natura 2000 sites that sit within, or partially within, the local authority's boundary?

As a result of Natural England's updated planning advice on excess nutrients, would you please tell me how many planning applications are currently stuck or frozen in your planning system?

Response

We do not have any Natura 2000 sites in the Borough.