Seven councils are set to benefit from a share of nearly £50m to deliver tens of thousands of new homes, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced.
The government has highlighted that the newbuilds will not come at the expense of the environment, with the funds also being used to protect local rivers and habitats.
The Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund will boost housebuilding via local schemes, such as new wetlands and upgraded septic tanks.
The seven areas set to benefit include:
-
Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum: £8.8 million to unlock over 5000 new homes
-
River Axe: £4m for around 1000 new homes
-
The Solent: nearly £7m for over 2700 new homes
-
River Wye: over £2.7m for over 3000 new homes
-
River Mease: over £2.5m for over 700 new homes
-
River Lambourn: over £2.4m for over 800 new homes
-
River Eden, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake, River Kent and Esthwaite Water Catchment: over £15m for over 13,000 new homes
Today, we’re confirming £47 million to unlock up to 28,000 homes across England.
— Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov (@mhclg) November 7, 2024
This money will unblock stalled housing developments, get more families on the property ladder, and protect the natural environment. pic.twitter.com/0fKlIvV1iQ
“We must build more homes across the country and unlock growth, but this must not come at the expense of our natural environment,” said housing and planning minister, Matthew Pennycook.
“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.”
Around 20 of the largest sites impacted by nutrient neutrality will receive a further £100k to support the implementation of pollution solutions.
Environment minister Mary Creagh added: “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.”
Image credit: iStock
