Proposed sites which require nutrient neutrality should be removed from the Plan unless mitigation plan is in place.

The word used in paragraph 4.29 is ‘essential’ which does not imply that this condition is an optional requirement but a mandatory one. The development proposed in Policy A11 needs to have a plan in place to offset nitrates but cannot demonstrate it will be nutrient neutral. The lack of provision for offsetting nitrates would bring Policy A11 into conflict with this paragraph of the local plan. The plan cannot be sound if it is inconflict with itself.