With tens of thousands of new homes on the horizon, achieving nutrient neutrality has become essential in unlocking stalled developments and meeting the government’s target of building 1.5 million homes across England.
Nutrient neutrality is a critical approach that ensures new housing developments do not contribute additional nutrient pollution to local rivers and protected natural habitats, creating a sustainable pathway to the homes the country urgently needs.
It works by offsetting the nutrient load from development-related wastewater, including surface water runoff, through effective mitigation measures. This approach prevents the degradation of protected sites, allowing development to proceed without harming the environment.
The government’s Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund is pivotal in this effort. With a £47m boost, the fund will support sustainable housing growth while safeguarding England’s rivers, habitats, and wildlife. Through locally-led initiatives like creating wetlands and upgrading septic systems, the fund enables responsible development without compromising environmental standards.
Seven regions across England will share £45m to unblock housing projects delayed by nutrient concerns. An additional £100,000 will go to each of the 20 largest impacted sites to support local planning teams in implementing pollution solutions, accelerating progress on vital housing while protecting the environment.
The impact of nutrient pollution is significant, with excess nitrogen and phosphorus levels threatening biodiversity and water quality in many regions. By prioritizing nutrient neutrality, the government balances the need for housing with essential environmental protection, ensuring that new developments contribute to, rather than detract from, our natural resources.
Beyond housing, the government is also making strides to improve water quality nationwide. Through the Water Bill, measures are in place to hold water companies accountable for pollution, including potential bans on bonuses for executives and criminal charges for persistent offenders. Furthermore, an Independent Water Commission is shaping future legislation to transform water management, ensuring cleaner rivers, lakes, and seas across England.
Nutrient neutrality is more than an environmental safeguard; it’s a vital key to unlocking the homes England needs, ensuring that development today leaves a sustainable legacy for future generations.
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 funding are:
- Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum: £8.8m to unlock over 6000 new homes
- River Axe: £4m to unlock around 1000 new homes
- The Solent: nearly £7m to unlock over 2700 new homes
- River Wye: over £2.7m to unlock over 3000 new homes
- River Mease: over £2.5m to unlock over 700 new homes
- River Lambourn: over £2.4m to unlock over 800 new homes
- River Eden, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake, River Kent and Esthwaite Water Catchment: over £15m to unlock over 13,000 new homes