Phosphates in River Axe 'a real concern', says district councillor, as planning applications put on hold

Advice to put housing and agricultural developments in some areas of Axminster and surrounding villages on hold due to the level of phosphates in the River Axe has been described as a "real concern" by a district councillor.

Speaking at Axminster's annual parish meeting this week, long-serving district councillor Andrew Moulding reported on the recent advice received from Natural England, which is expected to have significant impacts on planning applications.

As exclusively reported by Nub News this week, East Devon District Council (EDDC) has been told it should no longer grant planning permission to any development that could increase phosphate levels in the River Axe, which are said to be causing a "significant issue".

Natural England has informed the district council that levels of phosphates in the River Axe are having a detrimental impact of local wildlife, and areas designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation are of particular concern.

This means that EDDC can no longer approve any developments in the catchment area that would increase the discharge of phosphates into the river, including new residential developments and agricultural developments, with a number of planning applications now on hold until mitigation measures can be found.

Speaking at the meeting on Monday night, Cllr Moulding said: "This is a real concern for people in the Axe Valley and will certainly impact the neighbourhood planning process."

He said that it would be difficult for developers to mitigate the release of phosphates into the river.

Cllr Moulding made the announcement after the deputy mayor of Axminster, Cllr Andrea Sedgewick, had given her update on the new Axminster Neighbourhood Plan, in which she said the first draft of the plan was due to be given first public viewing in six to eight weeks.

She did not mention the issue of phosphates in the River Axe, which has been described as "very new" to the district council, which is still working through all the implications for Axminster and surrounding areas.

What are phosphates?

Phosphate is a chemical that contains the mineral phosphorus. It is naturally occurring and is released slowly, at low levels, from natural sources such as bankside erosion.

However, phosphates can also enter rivers from land management practices, sewerage and foul water that can contain detergents and food waste.

High levels of phosphate can lead to the prolific growth of algae in rivers, which at worst can kill plants and animals and even pose a risk to human health.

A significant proportion of phosphates in the River Axe come from residential uses, and this means that developments for new dwellings and holiday accommodation – whether through new build or conversion – will now not be permitted unless the applicant can mitigate the phosphate discharge from the development, largely from greywater discharge, so that their impact on nutrient levels is neutral.

This is also likely to mean that agricultural developments that increase livestock within the area will be considered in this way, as they cause similar issues.

You can find more details here.