Issue - meetings

1.            That the current position in relation to nitrates is noted and that Cabinet agree to the proposal to collect off-site financial contributions (by S106 obligation) towards mitigation solutions which will be delivered either by the City Council or in partnership with another agency (to start with immediate effect).

2.            That Cabinet confirms its support for proposals by the Partnership for South Hampshire to address nitrates issues (see paragraphs 11.11-11.12).

3.            That a further report be brought to Cabinet in twelve months up-dating progress made on the nitrate neutrality issue.

4.            That Winchester City Council pursues the issuing of Environment Agency permit limits on Southern Water Treatment sites in the district.

Councillor Porter introduced the report which provided an update on the Council’s position regarding nitrate neutrality since the previous report in January 2020.  The primary recommendation would enable off site financial contributions from developers to assist where it was not practical to provide on-site mitigation.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Pearson addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below:

Highlighted that it was a complicated issue with causes of nitrate pollution coming from many sources, both historic and ongoing.  Emphasised that the costs of achieving nitrate neutrality could significantly impact on the viability of affordable housing.  Believed that the Council should work together with a number of stakeholders, including Southern Water and the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) to seek solutions to overcome the issue, including seeking the upgrade of sewage treatment.

Councillors Porter and Cutler responded to comments made, including emphasising that the Council were working with other organisations, such as Natural England and PfSH.  The importance of lobbying to improve the levels of nitrates entering the sewage system was also highlighted.  Councillor Learney noted comments regarding affordable housing and stated that mitigation proposals were already underway.

Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.           That the current position in relation to nitrates be noted and the proposal to collect off-site financial contributions (by S106 obligation) towards mitigation solutions which will be delivered either by the City Council or in partnership with another agency (to start with immediate effect) be agreed.

2.           That Cabinet confirms its support for proposals by the Partnership for South Hampshire to address nitrates issues (see paragraphs 11.11-11.12 of the report).

3.           That a further report be brought to Cabinet in twelve months up-dating progress made on the nitrate neutrality issue.

4.           That the Council pursues the issuing of Environment Agency permit limits on Southern Water Treatment sites in the district.