Lawmakers Advocate for Abandoning Environmental Policies to Accelerate Property Development

The British government has announced plans to ease EU-era water pollution restrictions for housing developments, a decision that has sparked controversy and criticism from environmental groups.

Currently, Natural England rules prevent 62 councils from allowing new developments in protected areas unless developers can prove their projects are 'nutrient neutral'. However, the government's plan does not guarantee that the new homes, if built, will be 'nutrient neutral'. In fact, they could potentially add extra nutrients to surrounding water, negatively impacting water quality and wildlife.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak justifies the move by stating that a 'disproportionate and poorly targeted old EU ruling' had blocked thousands of homes from being built in the UK. He claims that the government can now reverse this ruling, which could lead to the construction of 100,000 new homes near waterways in protected areas over the next seven years.

While the government is investing hundreds of millions of pounds to continue protecting and enhancing the natural environment, it has not specified how the £280m investment to offset potential water pollution impacts will be allocated.

The Wildlife Trust, a federation of 46 independent wildlife conservation charities in the UK, has criticized the government's decision as 'disgusting behavior'. Craig Bennett, CEO of the Wildlife Trust, claims that the change in water pollution restrictions will result in more faeces infecting rivers. He argues that 'nutrient neutral' developments should not add extra nutrients to surrounding water, such as phosphates and nitrates, as these substances can reduce water quality, harm wildlife, and cause excess algae growth.

Despite these concerns, the government maintains that the number of new homes affected by water pollution will be small. However, the potential economic activity generated by these developments, estimated at an extra £18bn, could be a deciding factor in the government's decision.

The government's plan, if implemented, could have significant implications for the UK's environment and wildlife. As the details unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Lawmakers Advocate for Abandoning Environmental Policies to Accelerate Property Development