The development of an interim delivery plan including a phosphate calculator and a suite of recommended mitigation measures appropriate to the River Lugg catchment area has been identified as a key action to reduce phosphate levels in the Special Area of Conservation.

This will enable developers to calculate the phosphate load of their development proposals and therefore agree measures independently with landowners to mitigate or offset the identified phosphate load, although this has to demonstrate with scientific certainty that it will be phosphate neutral or show betterment and any offsetting has to comply with the Habitat Regulations.

This has the potential to be further developed as a trading platform for offsetting identified loads in future developments subject to the criteria referred to.

The procurement process was undertaken in line with the Council’s contract procedure rules with support from the Commercial Services Team.