Somerset Council Phosphate Credit Scheme

Ham Wall National Nature Reserve with Glastonbury Tor - Getty Images

In the River Tone and River Parrett catchment area, we have our own Phosphate Credit (P-credit) scheme to mitigate phosphates from development.

The scheme was previously called the River Tone P-credit scheme and was renamed in June 2025. The P-credit scheme is available for both catchments, which we allocate, maintain and monitor directly. Further information is available on our Phosphate Credit Scheme page.

As of June 2025, the cost of a single P-credit is £34,061.

To apply for Somerset P-credits:

For existing planning applications: email creditapplications.phosphates@somerset.gov.uk and attach the application form.
For planning applications not yet submitted: please refer to purchasing Somerset Council P-credits as the mitigation strategy within the Nutrient Neutrality and Mitigation Statement (NNAMS) and/or shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment (sHRA) submitted with the planning application. The application form for Somerset Council P-credits can also be submitted at this time, but it's also acceptable to wait to apply for Somerset Council P-credits until the NNAMS and/or sHRA have been approved by the Nutrient Neutrality Officer following submission of the planning application.