Somerset Council Phosphate Credit (P-credit) Scheme
In the River Tone and River Parrett catchment areas, Somerset Council has its own P-credit scheme which is underpinned by the former Somerset Council Phosphates Mitigation Strategy, more information on this is available within the Somerset Council Delivery Strategy (endorsed by the Strategic Planning Committee March 2025).
This scheme was formerly known as the River Tone P-credit scheme, but was renamed in June 2025 to the Somerset Council P-credit scheme in recognition that the scheme now operates across multiple river catchment areas.
Somerset Council P-credits are allocated, maintained and monitored by the Council. Currently the Council scheme does not operate within the River Brue catchment area, but we are working to deliver P mitigation schemes in the River Brue.
What is a Somerset Council P-credit?
One Somerset Council P-credit equals 1kg of phosphates removed per year.
We are aware that some developments will not require a whole P-credit to offset the phosphate impact of their proposed development. As such these P-credits are available in tenths. For example, an applicant can secure 0.1 Somerset Council P-credit.
How much is a Somerset Council P-credit?
As of June 2025, one Somerset Council P-credit costs £34061.
Prior to this, the cost of a River Tone P Credit was £53652 per P-credit.
Somerset Council P-credit applications will also be subject to legal and monitoring fees.
Who can apply?
You can apply to purchase Somerset Council P-credits if you have a proposed housing development within the River Tone or River Parrett catchment areas.
Check if you are in the relevant area by viewing the catchment map available on Defra’s Magic Maps application. The map layers to follow are:
- Designations
- Land Based Designations
- Statutory
- Nutrient Neutrality Catchments
For the purposes of the Somerset Council P-credit scheme ‘housing development’ is defined as development (of any size) that is seeking planning permission for C3 Use Classes or traveller accommodation.
To apply for Somerset Council P-credits, you must have a valid planning application submitted to Somerset Council and your Nutrient Neutrality Assessment and Mitigation Strategy (NNAMS) must have been reviewed by the Nutrient Neutrality Officer within Somerset Council. The NNAMS must include phosphate budget calculations using the Somerset Council Phosphate Budget Calculator.
Applications will be accepted from:
- Individuals
- Housing developers of any size
- Planning agents or consultants working on behalf of an individual or a developer
When to apply
Once your NNAMS has been reviewed by the Nutrient Neutrality Officer, and they have confirmed they are satisfied with the information presented.
How to apply
To apply for Somerset Council P-Credits, please email creditapplications.phosphates@somerset.gov.uk.
Please only use this email address for the submission of Somerset Council P-Credit applications, general queries should be sent to phosphates@somerset.gov.uk.
Your email should be accompanied by the following:
- A Somerset Council P-Credit Application Form
- A copy of the NNAMS which has been approved by the Nutrient Neutrality Officer (see above), with attached email confirmation from the Nutrient Neutrality Officer confirming approval
If your application does not include the above information, it will not be progressed further.
If your application for Somerset Council P-Credits is successful
If your application for Somerset Council P-credits is successful, the Somerset Council Phosphates Team will confirm this to you by letter and will communicate the next steps for your planning application to be determined.
Please note all planning applications seeking to acquire Somerset Council P-credits will be subject to a Section 106 Agreement. An initial deposit payment of 10% of your total P-credit cost will be payable upon completion of the Section 106, the remaining 90% will be payable prior to the commencement of development.
If your application for Somerset Council P-Credits is unsuccessful
The Phosphates Team will let you know by email if your application is unsuccessful. Your application may be unsuccessful if:
- your development is not in the River Tone or River Parrett catchment areas
- you have not submitted the correct requested information within a reasonable timeframe (including during the Section 106 Agreement process)
- there are insufficient P-credits left available to allocate to your proposed development in the current round
- you did not pay the invoice
If your application has been unsuccessful, the options are:
- To find an alternative phosphate mitigation solution (please see the Nutrient Neutrality in Somerset Guidance for Applicants for further information on potential options).
- Withdraw your planning application.
If you are unable to provide an alternative solution for phosphate mitigation within a reasonable timeframe and do not withdraw your application, it may be recommended for refusal or finally disposed of.
Further information
For further information or assistance on the Somerset Council P-Credit scheme please email phosphates@somerset.gov.uk.