A new agreement between the UK government, regulators, and the domestic industry has cleared the way for the construction of approximately 21,000 homes in north Sussex.
The deal ends a four-year suspension on development enforced to protect local wetlands and wildlife in the Arun Valley region.
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Out of these, 4,000 homes that had been on hold will now move forward, with the additional 17,000 set to follow under the new framework.
The halt on building work began in 2021, after Natural England issued a water neutrality position statement.
The agency raised concerns that water abstraction from rivers and wetlands in the Arun Valley could harm both protected species and local water supplies.
The affected developments were located across parts of Horsham, Crawley, and Chichester.
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By GlobalDataThe Water Delivery Taskforce, led by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and involving government departments, water companies, regulators, and developers, facilitated negotiations to resolve the issue.
UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds said: “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.”
Under the new agreement, amendments will be made to water abstraction permits to limit the withdrawal of water from local watercourses and wetlands.
The costs of these measures will reportedly not be met by consumers.
Natural England chief executive Marian Spain said: “This type of sustainable development clearly shows how we can build the new homes this country needs while restoring and protecting nature.”
Construction is scheduled to recommence from 1 November, with local authorities and developers required to ensure the new homes comply with higher water efficiency standards.
These standards align with building regulation guidance for areas experiencing water scarcity, aiming to reduce water consumption and thereby alleviate pressure on the local environment.
The agreement is designed to protect species such as the Lesser Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail, which is unique to the Arun Valley ecosystem.
