GOVERNMENT proposals to remove the need for developments to demonstrate nutrient neutrality prior to planning permission being granted could see thousands of new homes being built in Somerset.

An amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, currently going through Parliament, could unblock the delivery of new homes within the Somerset Levels and Moors, River Axe and other catchment areas.

Currently an estimated 18,000 homes across the county are currently stuck in the planning process.

Phosphates entering the environment are a huge problem, although it is claimed the contribution made by new homes is small.

The majority of nutrient pollution in rivers and wetlands comes from farming and existing homes, with existing water treatment infrastructure currently unable to effectively remove the harmful nutrients.

The Government has indicated it plans to tackle these issues at source.

Grant aid will assist farmers to reduce run-off, improve slurry storage and spreading procedures and better manage plant and soil nutrients.

The Government will pass laws to require water companies to upgrade wastewater treatment works and funding will be available for restoration of affected environments and habitats.

Meanwhile, further consultation will take place on new requirements for developers to implement Sustainable Drainage Solutions to reduce pressure on storm overflows from new homes.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, said: “These changes will provide a multi-billion pound boost for the UK economy and see us build more than 100,000 new homes.

"Protecting the environment is paramount which is why the measures we’re announcing today will allow us to go further to protect and restore our precious waterways whilst still building the much-needed homes this country needs.”

The announcement has been widely welcomed by housebuilders, who feel they have been disproportionately impacted by the nutrient neutrality issue.

However, there has been a negative reaction to the announcement from some parties, including environmental charities and those seeking to establish nutrient credit markets.

Subject to approval in the Lords, and provided there are no legal challenges, the proposed changes could come into effect within the next few months but the timeline remains uncertain. Until then the requirement to demonstrate nutrient neutrality in the affected areas remains.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s Development Land and Planning Department has been advising developers, landowners and farmers across the South West in relation to nutrient neutrality since the issue first arose in 2020.

For further advice in relation to these announcements, contact GTH's specialist consultants by calling 01823 334466, or emailing landplanning.taunton@gth.net