<p>A further 42 local authorities will be subject to nutrient neutrality stipulations, adding to the 32 already affected, according to a Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) issued by the environment secretary George Eustice. </p> <p>In the statement, Eustice announced a <a href="https://consult.defra.gov.uk/natural-environment-policy/consultation-on-environmental-targets">consultation</a> on new legally binding targets to protect and restore nature in relation to the Environment Act. The added local authorities fall under proposals to extend the protection of designated wetland sites from further deterioration caused by nutrient pollution. </p> <p>Now, 74 local authorities covering a total of 34 catchment areas must adhere to Natural England’s requirement that new housing schemes must demonstrate “nutrient neutrality”. Natural England describes this as “a means of ensuring that a plan or project does not add to existing nutrient burdens so there is no net increase in nutrients as a result of the plan or project”. </p> <p>The organisation adds that where neutrality measures are necessary, they should avoid impacting the designated sites “rather than compensating for the impacts once they have occurred”. </p> <p>In the affected areas, local authorities will only grant approval to homes if they are confident the scheme will not negatively affect protected wetland areas.</p> <p>To achieve neutrality, Natural England …