Nutrient neutrality law changes spell “good news” for housebuilders
The project is expected to boost the economy by £18bn and create “hundreds” of jobs.
Over 100,000 new builds originally delayed due to defective EU laws will be given the green light between now and 2030.
Originally blocked by legacy EU laws on nutrient neutrality, including cases where planning permission had already been granted, the construction of all new builds in certain areas was ceased.
The EU laws on nutrient neutrality refer to nutrients entering rivers, but research has shown that the contribution made by new homes is very small, says the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
An amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will see construction of “desperately needed” homes, potentially beginning before the end of the year. Colin Wood, CEO of Story Homes which will be facilitating construction on a percentage of the builds, says he welcomes the government’s announcement, calling it “monumental for housebuilding impacted by nutrient neutrality.”
“The plan unlocks over 4000 homes for our business creating a huge boost for the local economies and supply chains, all whilst facilitating delivery of much needed housing.”
The project is set to contribute an estimated £18bn to the economy and create several hundred jobs in the supply chain.
Executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, Stewart Baseley says: “The prospect of a swift resolution will be much-needed good news for companies on the verge of going out of business, their employees and for households most affected by housing affordability pressures.
“Builders will be able to bring forward otherwise stalled investment in communities and get spades in the ground so we need Parliament to get this solution onto the statute book.”
