We’re pleased to share a major milestone for Stour Environmental Credits (SEC), as Ashford Borough Council has been granted its first planning permission using SEC nutrient credits — helping to unlock development and support sustainable growth across the borough. This marks a really positive step forward, both for the scheme itself and for bringing forward development across the area.
Our approach has been carefully reviewed by Natural England, who have confirmed it meets the right standards. This gives reassurance that the credits are doing what they’re designed to do, protecting the environment while still allowing development to move forward responsibly.
This milestone also shows how locally developed nutrient credits can make a real difference. By offering a practical and reliable solution, the scheme is already helping to unblock projects that may otherwise struggle to progress.
How does SEC support development?
One of the key benefits of the scheme is the certainty it gives developers. Unlike some other options, our credits mean that once planning permission is in place, you can get started straight away — with no unnecessary hold-ups.
Why should developers choose SEC?
With this first successful permission now in place, we’re really pleased to be actively selling nutrient credits. So, if you have a project that needs nutrient mitigation, we’d be glad to help.
You can find out more or secure credits for your development here
