As part of the government’s plans to get Britain building again, a Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund has been announced to boost housebuilding. Seven areas across the country will benefit from a share of £45m to unblock stalled housing programmes, help more families onto the property ladder and deliver improvements to the natural environment.
Twenty of the largest sites impacted by nutrient neutrality will each receive a further £100,000 to support planning teams who will implement pollution solutions across the local area. Funded projects may include the creation of new wetlands and upgrading of septic tanks.
Nutrient pollution is an urgent problem in areas across England, with increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorous damaging natural habitats and harming wildlife. This can impact housebuilding in areas where the waterways are affected by excess nutrient pollution. The government says that it recognises the need to protect these habitats and clean up Britain’s water while delivering the homes this country needs.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said, “We must build more homes across the country and unlock growth, but this must not come at the expense of our natural environment. Through this fund and alongside major reforms to the planning system, we will accelerate housebuilding and deliver nature recovery, creating a win-win outcome for both the economy and for nature.”
Environment Minister Mary Creagh said, “Britain faces a housing and nature crisis. This new government was elected with a mandate to get Britain building again and restore nature. That is why we will deliver a planning system that unlocks the building of homes and improves outcomes for nature.”
The areas to benefit from the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund are:
- Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum: £8.8 million to unlock over 6000 new homes
- River Axe: £4 million to unlock around 1000 new homes
- The Solent: nearly £7 million to unlock over 2700 new homes
- River Wye: over £2.7 million to unlock over 3000 new homes
- River Mease: over £2.5 million to unlock over 700 new homes
- River Lambourn: over £2.4 million to unlock over 800 new homes
- River Eden, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake, River Kent and Esthwaite Water Catchment: over £15 million to unlock over 13,000 new homes