Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Don't abolish "nutrient neutrality" that protect rivers from pollution
Closed
61 signatures
What the petition asks
We want plans to remove rules on "nutrient neutrality" to be withdrawn or rejected.
These rules are part of some of the UK's most effective nature-protection laws, the Habitats Regulations.
They ensure that developers must pay to prevent harm to ecologically-important rivers and streams.
These rules are part of some of the UK's most effective nature-protection laws, the Habitats Regulations.
They ensure that developers must pay to prevent harm to ecologically-important rivers and streams.
New developments can increase river pollution, with sewage and wastewater harming sensitive habitats.
Under current rules, developments can only go ahead in the most ecologically-sensitive areas if developers pay to reduce other sources of pollution. The rules don't stop development, but they do ensure the "polluter pays".
Government plans in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill would scrap this vital protection for nature, leaving nature and the public to pick up the bill.
Under current rules, developments can only go ahead in the most ecologically-sensitive areas if developers pay to reduce other sources of pollution. The rules don't stop development, but they do ensure the "polluter pays".
Government plans in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill would scrap this vital protection for nature, leaving nature and the public to pick up the bill.
Timeline
| 13 Sep 2023 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 13 Mar 2024 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
61
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
13 Sep 2023
Closed
13 Mar 2024
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.