Posted: 3:22 PM, July 21, 2022
Updated: 15:36 on July 21, 2022
Hopes have been raised that a major new announcement will end the impasse blocking the construction of thousands of homes in Norfolk.
The Government has unveiled a range of measures it says will mean homes can be built without causing pollution to waterways such as the River Wensum and the Broads.
The measures include a legal obligation for water companies to modernize waste water treatment facilities by 2030.
Decisions on housing have been delayed due to Natural England’s letter to Norfolk councils. – Credit: Chris Bishop
A new nutrient mitigation scheme would create new forest and wetland schemes for which developers could buy ‘credits’ – mitigating the nutrients created by their projects.
Norfolk council leaders hope it will end a frustrating period when a directive from Natural England stopped them granting planning permission for homes within the Wensum and Broads catchment areas.
The government adviser said in March that councils could not approve plans involving an “overnight” until they could prove they would not lead to more nutrients flowing into waterways.
Such nutrients reduce oxygen in the water and make it difficult for aquatic species to survive.
The government’s announcement was welcomed, although most councils said they needed to work out the details.
John Fuller, Leader of South Norfolk Council – Photo: Denis Bradley
South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller said. “This is a significant and welcome change in the position of central government and Natural England, who place responsibility on water companies to manage wastewater discharges, which is clearly as it should be.
“We need a short time to assess this new situation and then gradually and gradually unlock the planning applications that have been blocked.”
Spokesmen for Norwich City Council, West Norfolk Council and North Norfolk Council said they needed to consider the latest announcement in more detail.
They said councils would work together to establish how this would be put into practice.
An Anglian Water spokesman said: “Our water recycling centers in Norfolk are operating well within their current statutory permit requirements, but we welcome the opportunity to go further to reduce the levels of nutrients such as phosphate and nitrogen entering in the environment.
“We must recognize that there are a number of other significant sources of these nutrients, particularly the agricultural sector and domestic septic tanks, and we look forward to continuing to work with other sectors and agencies, including housebuilders, to develop and we are funding a portfolio of options to address this complex issue.”
How will it work?
The nutrient mitigation scheme will create new wetlands and forests.
The government says it will be done in partnership with green groups and other private nutrient mitigation schemes, with funding from Defra and the Department for Upgrading, Housing and Communities.
These new habitats will “absorb” or mitigate the impact of the inevitable nutrient pollution. The scheme will be open to all builders, with priority given to smaller builders who are most affected and will open in the autumn.
Tony Juniper, Chairman of Natural England – Credit: Archant
Natural England chairman Tony Juniper said: “The commitment to water companies and the nutrient reduction scheme mark significant steps forward and will help bring together different approaches to improving water quality and deliver a host of other benefits.
“They will provide the tools needed to help planning authorities, developers and water and land managers both build new homes and maintain healthy rivers and lakes, which are vital to restoring nature and creating beautiful places , for everyone to enjoy.”
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