Phosphate credit scheme
In total, Somerset West and Taunton has estimated that the Somerset West and Taunton interim phosphate mitigation strategy will generate a minimum phosphate offset of 75.5 kg/year equating to 75.5 Somerset West and Taunton P credits (1 credit = 1 kg of phosphates removed per year).
On 21 July 2022, the Phosphates Planning Sub Committee agreed the costs of the Somerset West and Taunton P credits as set out in this report. This report also provides the most up-to-date position on the progress of the interim strategy.
The cost of a Somerset West and Taunton P credit will be c. £55,000.00 per credit.
We are aware that some developments will not require a whole Somerset West and Taunton P credit (1kg of phosphates removed per year) and as such Somerset West and Taunton P credits will be made available in tenths e.g. an applicant will be able to secure 0.1 P credit.
Somerset West and Taunton P credits will only be available as and when associated mitigation projects are put in place. As such it is envisaged that Somerset West and Taunton P credits will become available in ‘rounds’.
Somerset West and Taunton P credits expressions of interest:
Somerset West and Taunton recently carried out a consultation exercise to survey all applicants with a planning application currently held in abeyance as a result of excessive levels of phosphorus in the Somerset Levels and Moors.
One of the key aims of this survey was to gauge the level of interest in the Somerset West and Taunton P Credits generated through the Council’s interim phosphate mitigation strategy.
We have prepared a summary of the findings of this survey.
How to apply
Do not approach us, we will approach you.
It is unlikely that there will be sufficient P credits at present to ‘unlock’ all planning applications held in abeyance and as such, in February 2022 the Phosphates Planning Sub Committee (set up to govern the interim strategy and on-going monitoring arrangements), agreed a set of recommended criteria for Somerset West and Taunton P credit allocation.
In summary, the criteria prioritise minor applications for housing development (i.e. C3 use classes and traveller sites). Applications that exceed affordable housing policy and/or relating to applications for the discharge of conditions will be afforded more weight and therefore will be placed at the top of the priority list. Applications for outline planning permission will not be prioritised for the first round of Somerset West and Taunton P credits.
Further information on the prioritisation process and associated criteria can be found within the report to Phosphates Planning Sub-Committee, available on our website.
We have prepared a provisional list of planning applications that are currently likely to be eligible for the first round of Somerset West and Taunton P credits once available are listed in this document.
Next Steps
As and when Somerset West and Taunton P credits become available, Somerset West and Taunton will be in contact with applicants that have expressed interest, in order of priority as agreed. We will confirm whether credits are available to meet the anticipated need and at what cost.
This link includes more information as to how Somerset West and Taunton envisages the Somerset West and Taunton P Credit process progressing please see this document.
Please note that all applications for Somerset West and Taunton P Credits will be required to provide the following:
- Confirmation of the phosphate budget for the proposed development and the number of Somerset West and Taunton P credits required to ensure phosphate neutrality. This can be done using the Somerset Phosphate Budget Calculator.
- A Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment (sHRA). In order to assist the preparation of an sHRA , Somerset West and Taunton has prepared a template document that can be used.
You may wish to consider the above in advance of any application for Somerset West and Taunton P credits in order to speed up the process. Please note you may also wish to seek technical support in the completion of the above.
Unfortunately, Somerset West and Taunton are unable to complete any of the above on behalf of applicants.
All applications in receipt of Somerset West and Taunton P credits will be required to complete a Section 106 agreement to secure this mitigation. In order to assist this process, we have produced a template Section 106 agreement.
Contact us:
Should you have any questions or comments related to the acquisition of Somerset West and Taunton P credits, please contact us via email at: phosphates@somerset.gov.uk