The meeting began with well-wishes for Michelle Brooks, who is moving to the communities team. The main topics discussed were the implementation of the Gravity Enterprise Zone and the council's approach to nutrient neutrality.

Gravity Enterprise Zone

Councillor Rose White introduced the Gravity Enterprise Zone project, emphasizing its significance for Somerset. The project involves a substantial investment, with an initial £55 million followed by £150 million. The investment aims to deliver benefits in movement, skills, and business opportunities across the county. The project is expected to create 4,000 direct jobs and act as a catalyst for regional transformation. The council is working closely with the Department of Business and Trade to secure funding and ensure compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022. The project also includes a focus on infrastructure, active travel, and workforce support.

Nutrient Neutrality

The council discussed the legal and scientific complexities surrounding nutrient neutrality, particularly its impact on housing development. The council must follow Natural England's advice to ensure that new developments do not increase nutrient loading in protected areas like the Somerset Levels and Moors. The council has received legal advice confirming that mitigation must be preventative and cannot rely on future upgrades by water companies. The council is working on various mitigation strategies, including a £9.6 million grant for phosphate mitigation projects. The council also plans to update its phosphate mitigation strategy and explore technological solutions.

Other Topics

• Apologies for Absence: Councillor Sarah Wakefield and Adam Dance were noted as absent.
• Minutes and Declarations: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved, and no declarations of interest were made.
• Public Questions: No public questions were received.
• Executive Board Plan: The plan was tabled with no comments or questions.
• Task and Finish Group: The council decided against setting up a task and finish group for nutrient neutrality at this time due to resource constraints.
• Land Use Strategy: The council will consider a land use strategy as part of the local plan, subject to government guidance and resource availability.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of ongoing scientific research and legal compliance to address nutrient neutrality issues effectively.