Nutrient Neutrality in the River Eden Catchment

Control Flow is a proven, cost-effective solution for achieving nutrient neutrality, helping to unlock numerous developments across the UK. We work in partnership with water companies to generate nutrient mitigation credits, which are now available for purchase.

Eden Catchment Overview

Parts of the River Eden catchment have been designated as Nutrient Neutrality areas due to elevated phosphorus levels impacting the River Eden protected site. The affected region spans multiple Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), including:

  • Eden District Council
  • Northumberland National Park Authority
  • Northumberland County Council
  • Allerdale Borough Council
  • Lake District National Park Authority
  • Carlisle City Council
  • Durham County Council
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

Water Treatment Upgrades

There are approximately 82 wastewater treatment works in the River Eden Nutrient Neutrality area. 5 of the works have phosphorus removal technology and none of the works are scheduled for an upgrade over the current upgrade cycle (AMP7), running to 2025.

In order to meet the upgrade requirements that may be brought in under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, referred to as the ‘TAL upgrades’, 5 treatment works will be upgraded to have phosphorus removal technologies by 2030. This means 77 treatment works will remain above the most stringent phosphorus removal requirements. Developments connecting to these treatment works will need more mitigation than those connecting to the 5 treatment works getting TAL upgrades.

We are trusted by...


Affinity Water
Ashford Borough Council
Anglian Water
Crawley Borough Council
Hyde Housing
Northumbrian Water
Gravesham Borough Council
Portsmouth Water
Saxon Weald
SES Water
Severn Trent
South West Water
Stonewater
United Utilities
Yorkshire Water
Natural England

Let's talk

Contact our team today for a quote tailored to the specific needs of your development. Whether you're at the early planning stages or further along in the process, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our experts will take the time to understand your site’s unique requirements and provide a solution to help you meet planning conditions efficiently and cost-effectively. Let us help you move your project forward with confidence.

Nutrient Mitigation Credit FAQ's

  • Our nutrient mitigation credits are generated through our water efficiency projects. These credits offer a certified solution for offsetting nutrient impacts, enabling developments to move forward without requiring immediate access to housing stock for technology installation.

  • Our credits are available for developers, planning consultants, and landowners who need to demonstrate nutrient neutrality to unlock planning approval within the River Eden catchment.

  • Yes. Our mitigation credits are designed in line with Natural England guidance and are accepted by LPAs within the River Eden catchment. We work closely with regulatory stakeholders to ensure full compliance.

  • No, our credits are decoupled from specific properties. This gives you the flexibility to purchase credits without needing to identify retrofit opportunities or install technology on a specific development site.

  • Nutrient neutrality is a planning requirement in designated catchments where excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, are impacting protected water bodies. Developments in these areas must demonstrate that they will not increase nutrient loads or must offset their impact through mitigation credits.

Buy Nutrient Mitigation Credits today

Get in touch with our team and we'll provide a tailored quote based on your development's requirements. We're here to support you through the planning process.

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