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Housing associations hit out at government as nitrate pollution leaves thousands of new homes in limbo
Housing associations in the South of England have expressed frustration with the government for the “lack of progress” in overcoming issues that have seen the construction of thousands of new homes put on hold due to concerns over nitrate pollution.
Development bosses from Radian and Vivid, two major housing associations based in southern England, have expressed disappointment at the government’s failure to properly tackle the nitrates issue, saying a lack of action could significantly reduce the number of homes being built in the region over the coming years.
The comments come after a number of local authorities in Hampshire accepted an advice note from Natural England in June that said planning permission on new developments should not be granted unless developments are nitrate neutral.
The advice came after high levels of nitrogen from housing and agriculture had led to excessive growth of green algae in the Solent, which can have serious consequences for protected wildlife.
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The advice resulted in councils such as Fareham and Portsmouth delaying some planning permissions for developments put forward by developers and housing associations on the basis of them not being nitrate neutral. Fareham Council said in September it had around 50 delayed planning applications due to the nitrate issue, which covers more than 3,000 dwellings.
Yet, despite the issue hitting the pace of development plans, some have said the government’s response has been too slow. Mike Shepherd, director of new business and development at Vivid, said the lack of cohesive thinking between government departments is “alarming” and warned the issue has the potential to “significantly reduce” output from the region “maybe for years to come”.
James Pennington, executive director of development at Radian, echoed Vivid’s frustration, saying he was “disappointed with the lack of progress that has been made”. He said the lack of clarity was “frustrating” but Radian was working with partners such as Vivid to find a solution.
Mr Shepherd said the inaction has meant local authorities have been left to find “bespoke solutions” in order to resume building in the short term.
In August, Portsmouth City Council considered introducing oysters, who feed on harmful algae, to the region, to mitigate the nitrate levels. Fareham Council has suggested developer contributions could be used to create wetlands or fund technology at wastewater treatment works.
Fareham Council has suggested developer contributions could be used to create wetlands or fund additional technology at wastewater treatment works.
Mr Shepherd said he was concerned that if the solution to this issue was costly for developers, then “further viability challenges will lead to greater pressure on the delivery of affordable homes”.
Mr Shepherd, whose association plans to deliver 17,000 new homes over the next 10 years and 1,200 this year, added: “The government’s national new home delivery target of 300,000 homes was always going to be challenging.
"Now having thousands of homes stuck in planning has the potential to significantly reduce the output from the Solent region, maybe for several years to come.”
The government has been approached for comment.
