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Developers Fund Wildlife: New Plan Criticized
5 Oct
Summary
- Developers could pay a new nature levy to build homes.
- Critics fear the plan won't address pollution sources.
- The scheme aims to unlock housing development stalled by rules.
Environmental groups have voiced criticism regarding a pilot scheme designed to implement a new nature levy on housing developers in parts of Norfolk. This Environmental Delivery Plan (EDP) aims to facilitate the construction of thousands of new homes by collecting funds from developers, which would then support ecological projects like wetland creation and river restoration.
However, ecology experts express concerns that the proposed measures may not effectively address the sources of pollution. They argue that without tackling the underlying pollution issues, vulnerable chalk streams and other natural habitats will remain at risk. The scheme, proposed for central Norfolk and parts of The Broads, could raise around £42 million from developers contributing £2,675 per house.
The government considers this a "win-win" situation, intended to overcome regulatory hurdles that have stalled approximately 15,780 homes. The EDP is designed to simplify the existing nutrient neutrality rules. Natural England is leading the project, with a public consultation running from September 17 to October 27, before final plans are submitted.
