In developing a viable nutrient mitigation project there are lots of things to consider.
Before you apply to the fund, whether that be for a feasibility grant or capital loan, there are specific steps you need to take to prepare your scheme for approval.
Once you have passed these check points and you are ready to apply, you can complete the single application form being used for all applications.
Please complete as much information as you can and supply any supporting evidence alongside your application. You can apply for either capital or revenue feasibility funding, or both.
Preparing your scheme
The following document contains some of the aspects that you need to consider in bringing forward nutrient neutrality mitigation. It is by no means a complete picture, and not all will apply to you.
Application for feasibility funding
For an application for feasibility funding to be approved we need to be confident in your proposed mitigation scheme. Has the scheme already been independently and scientifically verified? Have you consulted with any statutory bodies, such as Natural England, to have the scientific evidence signed off?
You might not be at that stage yet, but it is important to establish contact with a technical consultant who is able to review your proposed mitigation scheme and provide expert advice that will steer you in the right direction.
Alongside your application, there also must be a comprehensive fee proposal detailing the planned expenditure of the feasibility grant. This must include the fees required to legally secure the mitigation, which extends to the costs for your own solicitor and the Local Planning Authority’s (LPA) fees required in preparing the legal agreements.
If you are unsure on the full extent of this process, please contact your Local Planning Authority for more information.
Application for capital loan
The basis for a capital loan application is pretty similar to the feasibility, however there are some additional details which are crucial for us take your request forward for approval.
These include, but are not limited to:-
- Route to market / sale of mitigation – do you have a purchaser lined up?
- Timescales for mitigation delivery through to credit sales
- Proposed loan drawdown & repayment terms
- Confirmation that you have engaged with the LPA regarding legally securing the mitigation
We have set out our key criteria and basic application process in the sections below, but please remember that each scheme is different and there may be additional checks we have to undertake to satisfy any technical or financial queries that come up as part of the review process.
How will my application be assessed?
Key criteria
- Is the project in the catchment area?
- Have proposals been shared and endorsed by statutory agencies such as Environment Agency/Natural England/the Local Planning Authority?
- Can you meet financial and legal checks?
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Has there been discussions with the Local Planning Authority regarding legally securing the mitigation and the associated costs?
- Is there satisfactory evidence that the project is financially robust – including whole life costings?
- Is there satisfactory scientific evidence that the project will deliver appropriate mitigation?
- Is there satisfactory evidence that the project is deliverable within the timeframe proposed?
- Is there a mechanism in place to repay the funds?
Meeting the policy objectives
The application will also be assessed against the policy objectives that have been set as part of the funding from Government.
- Deliver nutrient mitigation interventions in the catchment.
- Value for money.
- Unblock nutrient mitigation capacity available for developers and homes.
- Financial Return on Investment.
Key stages of application process
Feasibility Scheme Stages
- Application & support evidence received
- Location, financial and scientific checks
- Discussion and approval at Officer Working Group
- Clarification with applicant (if required)
- Funding agreement agreed and signed with Broadland District Council
- Grant payment made
Loan Scheme Stages
The process for the loans is the same as the Feasibility Scheme, with some additional stages:
- Further financial and scientific checks (ability to repay loan, benefit/cost ratio of project, evidence base for yield)
- Final endorsement by the Member Working Group
- Funding agreement agreed and signed with Broadland District Council
- Loan payment made
Timescales
Successful feasibility grant applications typically take 4 to 6 weeks from application to payment.
Successful capital loan applications typically take 8 to 12 weeks from application to payment.
If you have any questions or require further information at any stage, please check out our frequently asked questions page, or get in touch here