Funding and partnerships to unlock stalled homes

Government funding and partnership work is set to unlock stalled homes across England and deliver tens of thousands of new homes.

The Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund will ensure building the homes will not come at the expense of the environment, with the £47 million boost being used to protect local rivers and precious habitats.

The fund will boost housebuilding through locally-led schemes such as creating new wetlands and upgrading septic tanks, to enable development is sustainable.

Seven areas are set to benefit from a share of £45 million to unblock stalled housing, help more families on to the property ladder and deliver improvements to the natural environment.

The Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum area will receive £8.8 million to unlock over 6000 new homes and the area around the River Axe will receive £4 million to unlock around 1000 new homes.

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.”