20,000 potential homes left ‘in limbo’ amid river pollution concerns

Local authorities claim urgent action and funding is required to address river pollution and low water levels so 20,000 new homes can be built.

Yesterday, the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, warned that short-term solutions are needed to address significant environmental concerns on river pollution and tackle below water levels, to allow pockets of building in areas which have seen new housing banned.

At a time when demand for housing is unprecedentedly high, a new report from the LGA has exposed that pollutants caused by agriculture and water companies that infect our rivers has meant some planned housebuilding is unable to proceed.

Cllr David Renard, LGA Spokesperson, claimed that the current housing crisis, which has come as a result of soaring costs, has seen ‘more than 1.2 million households on waiting lists in desperate need of somewhere to stay.’

According to the report, rising levels of water abstraction for drinking water supplies, caused by new development, is also leading to further threats to wildlife and the natural environment.

There are some plans in place to help resolve this issue, including creating new wetlands, however, these can be expensive, time consuming and can require large amounts of land. Therefore, councils are suggesting authorities look for shorter-term plans to tackle the issue.

Following this, the LGA claims measures such as improving the water efficiency of homes, targeted agricultural upgrades and developing wastewater treatment could help speed up vital housebuilding projects.

In addition, providing farmers with clear guidance on the use of fertilisers and livestock practices would also help address river pollution and steer building projects back on track.

Cllr Renard, said: ‘Thousands of new homes are on hold due to river pollution and water level concerns, leaving councils in limbo on how to meet increasing demand for urgent accommodation.

‘We need to find short-term local ways to address this pollution and water availability before longer term solutions are found to stop the pollution at the source, so the land can be built on.’

The 20,000 delayed homes figured that was included in the LGA analysis includes 17,000 being affected by river pollution and 3,000 as a result of low water levels.

Last year, Environmental Journal reported on a similar report from the LGA which claimed high pollution levels in rivers was blocking the planned construction of over 7% of new homes – the urgent demand for help now displays the severity of the situation. 

Image: Martin Sanchez