Plans to scrap nutrient neutrality rules reported as dropped

Media reports have suggested ministers have abandoned plans to scrap nutrient neutrality rules for developers.

Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove had previously indicated he planned to introduce a Bill in the next King’s Speech to free house-builders of the need to pay for nutrient offsets when constructing in nutrient sensitive catchments. Instead the taxpayer would pick up the bill.

However, reports over the weekend suggested this would now not happen, with speculation the change of plan could be linked to last week’s two by-election defeats for the Conservatives, where pollution was a doorstep concern.

The government’s previous attempt to derail nutrient neutrality rules was defeated by the Lords.