A new report co-authored by Steve Wielebski of WA Consultancy Ltd and Ray Farrow of TDS Group highlights one of the most significant barriers to housing development in England: Nutrient Neutrality.
As the Government aims to deliver 1.5 million new homes, the report proposes immediate solutions to unlock planning consents for thousands of stalled housing projects without compromising environmental standards.
The stringent Nutrient Neutrality requirements mandated by Natural England have paralysed housing developments nationwide, with local planning authorities hesitant to approve new projects due to potential environmental impacts.
This report argues that responsibility for nutrient pollution lies not with developers but with the polluters themselves, a principle enshrined in the long-standing “polluter pays” legislation. By implementing straightforward legislative changes, the report suggests, MPs can help thousands of much-needed homes move forward.
“Our research shows that housing developers should not be financially burdened by nutrient pollution – an issue largely within the purview of wastewater and sewerage managers,” explains Ray Farrow, CEO of TDS Group. “This report lays out a clear, actionable framework that clarifies roles, supports growth, and ultimately expedites the construction of new homes across England.”
Key insights from the report include:
Realigning Responsibilities: Clear evidence that nutrient pollution management lies with wastewater treatment providers, not developers.
Immediate Solutions for MPs: Specific actions MPs can champion to free up housing projects and reduce bureaucratic strain on local authorities.
Environmental Protection with Housing Growth: An approach that balances essential environmental protections with the urgent need for new housing.
The report follows an earlier webinar hosted by the authors, which drew substantial interest from stakeholders across the housing and environmental sectors. It has already garnered attention for its blend of legal clarity and practical recommendations to reduce the bottleneck in housing development across the country.
To access the full report and learn more about these proposed solutions, please visit https://t-d-s.com/2024/10/10/a-solution-to-the-issue-of-nutrient-neutrality/
About the Authors:
Steve Wielebski is a Principal Partner at WA Consultancy Ltd, specialising in sustainable development and housing policy.
Ray Farrow is the CEO of TDS Group, brings extensive experience in project management for large-scale housing and infrastructure projects.
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