Stour Environmental Credits Ltd making significant progress on nutrient issue

The joint venture company established by Ashford Borough and Canterbury City Councils to tackle the ‘Stodmarsh issue’ has appointed industry specialists to lead on a mitigation credit initiative.

The move should lead to:

• much-needed development currently held up in the planning system being unlocked
• thousands of stalled new homes being built (including sought-after affordable homes)
• water quality in our part of Kent being protected

Stour Environmental Credits is a not-for-profit company, whose aim is to create or buy nutrient mitigation to sell on as credits to developers, to unlock the development of homes delayed due to concerns over the water quality in the River Stour and at the Stodmarsh nature reserve downstream near Canterbury.

The company’s initial focus is the delivery of nutrient neutrality credits, essential for unlocking housing and other developments while safeguarding the water quality in our region.

After comprehensive market testing and a full public procurement process, SEC awarded the initial mitigation contract to Norfolk Rivers Consortium Ltd (trading as National Rivers Consortium) – a highly-experienced provider in the sector.

The contract focuses on upgrading septic tanks to package treatment plants, a method selected for its effectiveness and support among stakeholders.

Each upgrade will generate measurable reductions in both phosphate and nitrate, with credits allocated for immediate development.

Residents will be invited to take part in a pioneering environmental scheme that will see old or poorly-performing septic tanks replaced completely free of charge to those who qualify.

First installations are scheduled for the end of 2025, and the credits generated are expected to be ready for sale to developers early in 2026. These credits will be batched for delivery to the market and allocated in line with the company’s policy, ensuring they are used to facilitate immediate development rather than being held for future use.

Pricing will be competitive, supporting investment in local infrastructure and enabling delivery of Ashford Borough Council and Canterbury City Council’s Local Plans.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “Since our Cabinet gave the green light last September, our joint venture with Canterbury – Stour Environmental Credits Ltd – is fully up and running. They’ve secured start-up funding, and, after a full procurement process, awarded the first mitigation contract. The focus is on upgrading septic tanks to modern treatment plants-an effective way to cut phosphates and nitrates.

“The first installations are planned for the end of this year, with credits expected on the market early in 2026. That means developers can move forward while we protect water quality and support our Local Plan. It’s a great example of councils working together to deliver practical, sustainable solutions.”

Cllr Alan Baldock, Leader of Canterbury City Council, said: “Unlocking housebuilding, regeneration and economic growth while protecting one of the many jewels in Canterbury’s crown that is Stodmarsh has to be celebrated. Replacing inefficient and polluting septic tanks is just one of the tools in our armoury and there is much more to come.”

Conrad Webb, Commercial Director for the National Rivers Consortium, said: “We are delighted to be working with Stour Environmental Credits, and Ashford and Canterbury councils on this pioneering environmental scheme. This is a genuine opportunity for local residents to modernise their wastewater treatment at no cost, while directly contributing to healthier rivers and helping much-needed housing development to get started.”

For more information or to contact SEC, go to their website or email admin@stourenvironmentalcredits.co.uk.

Householders in the Stour catchment area who currently rely on a septic tank or small sewage treatment plants are encouraged to register their interest and find out if they are eligible via the National Rivers Consortium website.

Published: 23 September 2025