Source:&nbsp ShutterstockThe government has announced 47 million in funding to unlock up to 28,000 homes stalled by nutrient neutrality rules The Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund, announced on Thursday (7 November), will support development across seven councils in England that have been hit by the wastewater run-off rules designed to protect the environment.Areas to receive funding include the Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum 8.8 million to unlock more than 6,000 new homes; the Solent nearly 7 million to unlock more than 2,700 new homes; and the River Axe 4 million to unlock around 1000 new homes.The money will be used to protect local rivers and precious habitats in the affected areas, ensuring new homes built there do not come at the expense of the environment, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).AdvertisementIt will support locally led schemes, such as creating new wetlands and upgrading septic tanks to enable sustainable housebuilding.The seven councils will each receive a cut of 45 million of the funding, while 20 of the largest sites affected by nutrient neutrality rules will each get an additional 100,000 to support planning teams implement pollution solutions in their area.Building work in the affected areas is expected to start shortly, according to the MHCLG.New nutrient neutrality rules were introduced by Natural England in March 2022 to prevent new dwellings from adding wastewater run-off particularly phosphates and nitrates.The rules affect 74 local planning authorities in rural areas and apply to applications that propose a net increase in the number of dwellings.AdvertisementIn order to gain planning consent in the affected areas, applicants must calculate nutrient neutrality to prove that their proposed development avoids adding pollution.But the rules have stalled the development of thousands of homes. Shortly after their introduction, the RIBA said they were bringing development control to a standstill in some areasas planning officers were caught off guard by the new restrictions.Speaking about the new funding, 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 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.Areas to receive nutrient neutrality funding:Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum - 8.8 million to unlock over 6000 new homesRiver Axe - 4 million to unlock around 1000 new homesThe Solent - nearly 7 million to unlock over 2700 new homesRiver Wye - over 2.7 million to unlock over 3000 new homesRiver Mease - over 2.5 million to unlock over 700 new homesRiver Lambourn - over 2.4 million to unlock over 800 new homesRiver Eden, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake, River Kent and Esthwaite Water Catchment - over 15 million to unlock over 13,000 new homes 2024-11-08Anna Highfieldcomment and share