Environmental groups have attacked the government after it confirmed that EU-era restrictions that force housebuilders to mitigate the impact new developments have on river health are to be scrapped.
The government said the plans would provide an additional 100,000 new homes in England by 2030 and provide an £18 billion boost to the economy.
It pointed out housing developments contribute only a small fraction of nutrient pollution and that new funding is being provided to mitigate any associated increase.
But the chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts branded it a “disgraceful move” and environmental groups suggested the change would allow developers to cut corners.
“Now instead of the polluter paying, the costs have been dumped on the environment and the taxpayer,” Craig Bennett, the chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts said. “Time and again the costs go on the environment and the taxpayer as a result of lobbying by industries and what we have seen here is another example of very effective lobbying from the construction industry."
Under legislation derived from the EU, Natural England currently issues guidance to 62 local authority areas, requiring new developments to be nutrient neutral in their area, meaning developers must demonstrate and fund mitigation to win planning approval in certain areas.
This requirement will be watered down to become guidance under the changes being proposed.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove said: “We are committed to building the homes this country needs and to enhancing our environment. The way EU rules have been applied has held us back. These changes will provide a multibillion-pound boost for the UK economy and see us build more than 100,000 new homes.”
Stewart Baseley, executive chair of the Home Builders Federation, the lobby group for the sector, said: “Today’s very welcome announcement has the potential to unlock housing delivery across the country.”