A number of different factors are to blame for housebuilding being slow in the UK. One of them is the nutrient neutrality rules from 2022. The Government hopes to correct this with new funding. Let’s have a look at it, then you can choose us if you want to work with an architect in London.
The rules
Natural England’s idea with the nutrient neutrality rules was to ensure dwellings would not add waste water to waterways. Ultimately, they wanted to make sure there wouldn’t be nitrates and phosphates polluting the areas.
However, the restrictions actually meant that a number of projects could not proceed, leaving them in limbo. The issue was that developers had to show that their plans would not add nutrients to waterways. Many planning officers were also not ready for the new rules.
The situation meant that over 28,000 new homes in different areas were stuck. In fact, RIBA was critical of the rules. They said it was a very tough time for developers and the construction industry in general. As a top architect in London, we could see how much difficulty it was causing.
New funding
The Government is now taking action to get projects moving. They will give £47m to seven councils in England as part of the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund. The funding will protect waterways and habitats in the areas, therefore allowing homes to be built without harm to the environment. It will allow projects like installation of septic tanks as well as the creation of new wetlands.
Some massive projects will now be able to move forward. This includes a catchment including the River Eden and River Kent; it will get £15m to allow construction of over 13,000 homes. The Norfolk Broads and River Wensum will get £8.8m to build more than 6,000 homes. The goal is for construction to begin as soon as possible.
The funding, housing and planning minister had some positive comments about the new fund. Matthew Pennycook said homes were vital to unlock growth but should not come at the expense of the environment. The hope is the funding will be a win-win for nature and the economy, creating homes and ensuring nature recovery.
Ask an architect in London
Coffey Architects appreciates how tricky it can be to design buildings with various elements of the current planning policy. Luckily, there is work to resolve many of them, as seen with nutrient neutrality. Hopefully it means things will get easier in the future so we can see things like more housing and infrastructure.
If you do need help to navigate planning policy, you can rely on us. We are one of the best choices for an architect in London. We excel at designing buildings and can offer a wealth of support to help get planning permission. So, contact us and see what we can do.