Published: 20/04/2022
New developments in some parts of Copeland could be affected by a planning directive from Natural England.
Parts of Lamplugh, Arlecdon, Rowrah and Distington are in the catchment area for the River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The notification acknowledges that some new developments in this SAC could increase levels of nutrients that pollute the land.
Sources of these nutrients include septic tanks, livestock, industrial processes and wastewater from new housing developments.
Copeland Borough Council must now make sure developments in these areas are ‘nutrient neutral’, and don’t harm protected habitats through increased nutrient levels.
This means planning applications will only be approved if they address what measures will be taken to avoid nutrient pollution.
While the council assesses the consequences of this guidance with Natural England, it will likely be unable to approve existing planning applications, or any new planning applications for certain developments in the affected areas.
Nick Hayhurst, Head of Planning and Place at Copeland Borough Council, said: “Though this notification will likely cause some issues for Local Planning Authorities across Cumbria, the zone affects only three parishes in Copeland. None of these contain sites that we are taking forward for housing allocations in the emerging Local Plan.”
If an application has already been submitted, and could be affected by the change, the council will contact the applicant.
For more information, please visit: https://www.copeland.gov.uk/nutrient-neutrality
