The Government today announced an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, aimed at releasing more than 100,000 new homes by 2030.
The initiative, set to bring an estimated £18bn boost to the economy, also focuses on environmental preservation.
Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “We are committed to building the homes this country needs and to enhancing our environment. The way EU rules have been applied has held us back. These changes will provide a multi-billion pound boost for the UK economy and see us build more than 100,000 new homes.”
The Government is looking to replace existing EU laws, which have been impeding housing projects by requiring them to be ‘nutrient neutral.’ Critics of the current regulations argue that they take away local autonomy over housing developments.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey said: “These new plans will cut nutrients and help support England’s precious habitats whilst unlocking the new homes that local communities need.”
As part of the new measures, funding for the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme run by Natural England will be doubled to £280m. This will help offset the small nutrient discharge coming from the newly built homes. The initiative is set to work in conjunction with local authorities, private sectors, and other stakeholders to improve the resilience and health of river systems.
In addition to the changes in housing laws, the government has announced an ambitious environmental strategy. Over £200m will be spent on reducing nutrient runoff from agriculture, along with upgrading wastewater treatment works.
Investment will also go into slurry storage infrastructure, precision spreading equipment, and £25m for agricultural innovation.
