Government funds £47 million to unlock 28,000 nutrient neutrality stalled homes

The UK government has pledged £47 million for the sustainable development of 28,000 new homes across England. This policy aims to not only provide more housing for residents across the country, but also limit the negative environmental impacts of said developments.

• Government funding boost will help build more homes whilst crucially protecting the environment and waterways.

• Seven councils in England to benefit, with building work expected to start shortly.

• Supporting the government’s plan to deliver 1.5 million homes in this Parliament.

Thanks to government funding and collaborative efforts, tens of thousands of new homes will be constructed throughout England to address stalled housing projects and contribute to the goal of building 1.5 million homes.

Most importantly, the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund will guarantee that constructing the necessary homes does not harm the environment, as the £47 million increase will be allocated to safeguard local rivers and valuable habitats. 

As part of the government's efforts to stimulate construction in Britain, the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund will enhance housebuilding by supporting locally driven initiatives, like establishing new wetlands and improving septic tanks, to promote sustainable development. 

Seven areas across England will receive a share of a £45 million pot to unblock stalled housing, help more families on to the property ladder and deliver improvements to the natural environment. 

The remaining £2 million will be allocated to the twenty sites most impacted by nutrient neutrality to support planning groups implement pollution-focused policies across the individual regions

Nutrient pollution poses a pressing issue in regions across the UK, as elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels are causing harm to natural habitats and wildlife. This situation can have repercussions on housing development in locations where water bodies are impacted by excessive nutrient pollution. The government acknowledges the importance of safeguarding these habitats and improving water quality, all while meeting the housing demands of the nation.

On a broader scale, in addition to recent funding, the government has initiated efforts to improve the quality of our rivers, lakes, and seas. This includes imposing special measures on water companies through the Water Bill to enhance regulations, such as the ability to prohibit bonuses for executives who pollute water and to prosecute repeat offenders. Additionally, the government is establishing an Independent Water Commission to develop additional laws that will revolutionize the functioning of our water system and ensure a lasting clean-up of rivers, lakes, and seas.