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FAQs for Developers: Free Upgrade Scheme

WCI’s agreement with Somerset Council removes the need for housebuilders to complete complicated and time-consuming S106 agreements with the Council to prove and secure nutrient neutrality.  We’ll provide you with everything you need to get planning permission and get building. We’ll do the sums, prepare the submissions, draft the S106’s, do the upgrades and service the systems. 

The scheme comes without restrictions over when you can or cannot start building and it unlocks a path to planning approvals which would otherwise be held in abeyance or be economically unviable.

Eligibility FAQs

Who can apply?

Anyone who has a need to purchase phosphate credits for a development in Somerset can apply.  We cover all river catchments in the Somerset Council regions.

What types of development are affected?

All developments subject to nutrient neutrality restrictions.  This typically includes new residential units including tourist accommodation, traveller sites and pitches. Commercial developments where overnight accommodation is provided. Agricultural development including additional barns, slurry stores and herd increases.  Anaerobic digesters and tourist attractions.

My development is outside of the Somerset Council area. Can I still participate in the scheme?

We’re able to support you with Nutrient Neutrality and Mitigation Strategy (NNAMS) and Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment (sHRA). WCI has a good working relationship with Natural England and all Local Planning Authorities and we have achieved notable successes in defining nutrient neutrality strategies that have gained planning approval.

Is the cost of credits fixed?

Our credits are always priced competitively.  Call us to discuss pricing for your project.

Can WCI use a NNAMS completed by another consultant?

If you already have a NNAMS prepared for you, we’ll give it a once over but have no problem accepting other consultant’s calculation of phosphate balance.

Legal FAQs

What does the agreement in place with Somerset Council mean in practice?

Under our agreement, WCI completes all of the legal and Land Registry requirements to validate septic tank upgrades so there’s absolutely no dependency on the Council for validation. You simply evidence commitment to purchase credits to offset the required amount of phosphates and the Council approves planning.

Who will check our calculations? What happens if there are areas of disagreement of interpretation?

There are the various methodologies employed for the calculation of ‘Total Phosphorus’ (TP) including the Royal Haskoning method employed by many LPAs and the Ricardo method promoted by Natural England. WCI’s calculations will be approved by Somerset Council as part of the mitigation process.

Technical FAQs

When will I need to pay for the credits?

With an upfront non-refundable deposit of only 10%, financial exposure from potential planning refusal is minimal with WCI’s scheme. The balance is typically due after planning approval.  For large outline planning applications, payments are deferred until closer to commencement.

How do I calculate how many phosphate mitigation credits I need?

We’ll take care of all the calculations as part of the process.

If planning is refused, are the credits refundable?

With an upfront non-refundable deposit of only 10%, financial exposure from potential planning refusal is minimal with WCI’s scheme.

What will happen if I buy credits, secure planning and then sell the site on?

You can assign the agreement to a new party subject to the new party taking over the agreement on the same terms.

A Scheme You Can Trust

WCI is uniquely placed to deliver on our promise of no nonsense nutrient neutrality.

  • Our consultant engineers have been designing foul drainage solutions for planning approval for years. We understand development, planning and the regulatory environment. That includes preparing over 50 NNAMS in the last year or so.
  • Our Construction division has been installing treatment plants for 40 years.
  • Our British Water-Accredited Service Engineers are trained and qualified in the commissioning and maintenance of treatment plants.
  • We have the resources and balance sheet to deliver on our promises.

No Nonsense
Nutrient Neutrality