21,000 new homes in the region can finally go ahead after four years of debate
4,000 North Sussex new homes are now able to proceed, while another 17,000 can go ahead in the planning stage.
The debate holding these homes back has finally led to an agreement between the government, regulators, and industry, that will also benefit and safeguard local wetlands and wildlife.
More homes for families in the Arun Valley
The debate allowing these North Sussex new homes through was led through the Defra Water Delivery Taskforce. It centred around concerns regarding the amount of water being taken from nearby rivers and wetlands in the Valley, and what effects this would have on wildlife and resources.
This has caused delays to these homes since 2021.
Work will now commence on the new homes from 1 November, as the water company involved will change their water abstraction permits, limiting the amount of water being taken from local natural resources, and will also fund the restoration of habitats out of their own pocket, without raising water fees for consumers.
The new homes will be built with high water efficiency in mind, reducing average daily water use.
Environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, said: “This breakthrough ends a broken status quo and shows how we can build the homes the community needs while protecting nature.
“Under the government’s Plan for Change, we are taking a win-win approach that unlocks growth while protecting and restoring the natural world we all depend on.
“We are getting Britain building again while securing a brighter future for our precious wetlands, wildlife and local rivers.”
Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, said: “This type of sustainable development clearly shows how we can build the new homes this country needs while restoring and protecting nature.
“A thriving natural environment is at the heart of a strong economy and is vital to all of our health and wellbeing. We know that people want to live near nature and cases like this where sound nature regulations prompted innovative solutions mean we can continue to make that possible.”
Housing and planning minister, Matthew Pennycook, said: “The breakthrough achieved in Sussex North demonstrates how through smart policy interventions we can unlock precisely the kind of win-win for development and nature that this government is committed to achieving.”
More drive is needed to deliver the 1.5m new homes target
Earlier this month, Lanpro released an analysis finding that, of the 300,000 homes per year required to achieve the 1.5m target, only half will be delivered.
The analysis further found that delivery is down 10% on the ten-year average, meaning that by the end of the current parliament, only around 640,000 homes will have been delivered.
Faraz Baber, chief operating officer at Lanpro, said: “During the Labour Party Conference we heard the mantra ‘build baby build’ numerous times. Yet our analysis shows that to pick up the necessary speed to meet the target, record breaking numbers of homes will need to be built in a short space of time. Based on the current housing delivery trajectory, if we do not see a significant uptick with immediate effect, we could see the target missed by almost half.
“This will require a holistic, cross departmental collaborative approach, led by both No.10 and the Treasury, working with local authorities and government agencies. It will require a significant number of these homes need to be built directly by the Government and its associated agencies and will require alignment with transport and energy planning.
“Failing this, it’s not clear how the target will be met.”
