This area contains an introduction to nutrient neutrality in the River Camel catchment. It provides links to more detailed information about the implications for planning applications.
In 2021, Natural England issued guidance on phosphate pollution in the River Camel. This pollution can come from sewage treatment works, septic tanks, industry and farming. Too many phosphates can cause rapid growth of certain plants, which affects wildlife. Natural England felt the natural habitat of the River Camel was in an 'unfavourable' state because of this. Wastewater from new development can make things worse.
The Habitat Regulations 2017 help protect the River Camel Special Area of Conservation. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) is the competent authority under these Regulations. We must ensure that new development does not lead to more pollution. In some areas this means we can only approve development that is 'nutrient neutral' to reduce the risk of more harm.
Designing developments with the right mitigation measures can help prevent nutrient pollution. These measures can be on the site of the development or elsewhere in the river catchment area. Not all developers can offer on-site measures or negotiate off-site ones without help.
We have been working on a long-term strategy to mitigate the impact of extra development. This will help developers with the mitigation they need to unlock paused developments. It will also help the Council progress with its key home-building plans.
We have been developing our programme in light of legislation, policy and evidence. It reflects South West Water's timetable for upgrading its wastewater treatment works by 2030.
Our programme includes upgrading household and campsite septic tanks/package treatment plants.
The strategy will create phosphate credits for sale. An open market for nature-based credits is also emerging. Planning applicants will be able to buy credits to mitigate the phosphate pollution that development causes. This will help their plans progress.
In February 2026, Natural England updated the nutrient neutrality rules for the River Camel. This has changed the boundary of the affected areas. These changes will affect developers and the Council's mitigation programme.
We are updating our approach to make sure it is cost-effective and sustainable.
Where to find our nutrient neutrality advice and information
Nutrient neutrality and planning applications
This page is the 'home' of Cornwall Council's phosphate calculator. This calculator identifies the impact of planning applications on phosphate pollution. It outlines the level of mitigation required for a period of 80 years.
This page also contains information about:
- how the issue could affect your site
- using the calculator
- next steps and validation requirements
- small scale thresholds and nutrient neutrality principles and guidelines.
Nutrient neutrality and planning applications
Government and Natural England advice
You can find guidance from the Government and Natural England on this page.
Government and Natural England advice
Types of development and applications affected
On this page, you can find out more about:
- development and application types affected by nutrient neutrality
- planning conditions and appropriate assessments
- how it affects minor agricultural development
- undertaking Permitted Development works
- refusals and withdrawals
- Grampian conditions
- extended outline consents
Types of development and applications affected
River Camel phosphates mitigation strategy and policy
We have been working on a long-term strategy to mitigate the impact of extra development. This will help developers with the mitigation they need to unlock paused developments. The aim is to give developers confidence to continue investing in the area. It will help the Council progress it's key home-building plans. It will also provide other social, economic and environmental benefits for North Cornwall.
The strategy will create a phosphate credit scheme. Planning applicants can buy credits to mitigate the phosphate pollution that development causes.
This page contains more information about:
- developing the strategy
- the mitigation measures we are planning
- the potential credit scheme
River Camel phosphates mitigation strategy and policy
River Camel phosphates - stakeholder news
This page contains information for stakeholders including:
- presentations from past events
- upcoming opportunities to hear the latest news on nutrient neutrality in Cornwall.