UK developer has become the first to secure nutrient neutrality credits

Affordable homes have been approved for Newton Acycliffe, paving the way for what is believed to be the first project utilising the nutrient neutrality credit system.

Last week, Newcastle-based house builder Adderstone Living were given the go ahead to construct a mix of 23 two, three and four bedroomed properties for social housing provider North Star Housing Group on a 0.8 ha plot of land near the junction of Pease Way and Greenfield in Newton Aycliffe.

The new scheme has a number of credits which will help the project to advance through planning and ensure that any impact to waterways from the development were fully mitigated by the long-term protection of an area of wild grassland nearby in Durham.

When applying for the credits, the project, which will be funded by Homes England, was given the reference number 0001, suggesting it is the first UK scheme to use the system.

Against this backdrop, plans could also see improved site access with a new road layout and cycle bays and 35 parking spaces for residents and visitors. Various landscape features will also be incorporated with hedge planting, street trees, grass and ornamental hedge and shrub planting.

The site falls within the Teesmouth and Cleveland Nutrient Neutrality Constraint area and Adderstone Living’s application has been successful within the requirements of the Natural England Mitigation Scheme. 

Stephen McCoy, managing director of Adderstone Living, said: ‘It makes me so proud that our brilliant team has guaranteed the preservation of a beautiful little ecosystem in North Durham. It shows that partnering with local nature focused charities to generate and fund nutrient neutrality credits, is a workable solution to a problem that is reportedly stalling the delivery of 100,000 much needed new homes.

‘With our social housing provider partners, we are committed to delivering quality affordable housing for people at varying stages of life across the region. This latest scheme will provide a mix of great affordable properties, giving families the opportunity to move on up the housing ladder and live in a great part of the region with access to local services and amenities.’

News of this new project being announced has come as the government continues to push for the delivery of new homes to meet the chronic housing shortage and arrest the decline in the affordability of home ownership.

Image: Mikey Harris