Deadline looms to appeal against Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) changes
25th May 2012
The new NVZ maps were published on the 17th May and these show the definitive designations which will be effective from 1st January 2013. The new designations can be altered by appeal but farmers only have 28 days from the date of their notification letter, which provides formal notice of the change. An appeal can be lodged providing evidence that land is wrongly designated.
“The appeal window is very tight this time around, so landowners need to check the new maps carefully before the appeal window closes,” points out Mark Morison.
When the NVZ was reviewed four years ago there were a wide range of challenges varying from incorrect boundaries and directional flow errors for watercourses to non-agricultural pollutants such as a nearby sewage works. Approximately 350 of 700 submitted challenges met with success.
“Given timescale it will be difficult to ensure evidence is ready on time so it is important to act without delay” said Mark Morison.
The maps can be viewed by following the link here.
