A more strategic approach to mitigating pollution impacts in housebuilding could deliver greater benefits for nature than the current case-by-case system, according to The Wildlife Trusts.
A new report by the federation of wildlife conservation charities is urging the government and developers to put “nature recovery first” in their aim to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
Nutrient pollution is a serious environmental issue that poses challenges to construction. Increased levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in natural habitats can damage birds, fish and invertebrate populations. Extra wastewater from new housing developments can further impact this problem.
Under the Habitats Regulations, developers are required to show how their schemes will prevent the release of additional nutrients to these important habitats.
However, these nutrient neutrality rules have been criticised for holding up
housebuilding.
The Wildlife Trusts said a more strategic approach to mitigating pollution impacts in housebuilding could deliver greater benefits for nature than the current case-by-case system.
Under a strategic approach, developers would pay a fixed rate, with contributions collected together from more than one housing development. This money would then be invested in projects that reduce pollution.
Why does a strategic solution work for nutrients?
The Wildlife Trusts said that strategic planning ensures the continued protection of sensitive habitats.
The pooling of contributions enables solutions to be delivered strategically, which is cost-effective and more impactful for nature.
However, schemes that reduce pollution need to be in place before the impacts occur to ensure the situation does not worsen.
The charity said this approach also complements efforts to reduce the underlying nutrient pollution load, as the pollution from new homes and the pollution savings from conservation actions can be measured “relatively” easily.
Case study: unlocking housebuilding responsibly
In the Tees Valley, Durham Wildlife Trust has secured 636 acres of land in one of Natural England’s priority nutrient mitigation catchments, with land acquisition
funded by its nutrient neutrality scheme.
The land will help the Wildlife Trust achieve its plans for the Great North Fen to ensure that development in the area does not contribute to yet more water pollution.
The Wildlife Trusts said that mitigation in the Tees catchment has delivered positive results for developers by streamlining and speeding up planning approvals.
It has also benefitted nature by ensuring that mitigation sites deliver results for wildlife on top of the water pollution protections they provide.
