The government has announced “common sense” changes to environmental rules to “turbocharge” housebuilding and advance major infrastructure project decisions.
A new Nature Restoration Fund will be created to enable developers to accelerate the building of new homes while improving the environment.
Currently developers may need to secure mitigation for environmental harm before being granted planning permission, which can add costs, delays or block housing and infrastructure.
Under the new reforms, developers will instead be able to pay into the fund to begin building faster.
It would then be the responsibility of a delivery body, such as Natural England, to secure positive environmental outcomes to mitigate harm that way.
This could include: delivering a reduction in nutrient pollution affecting the water environment or securing habitats to increase the population of a protected species.
The changes come as part of wider planning proposals for the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, aimed at promoting economic growth.
Last week, the government unveiled its changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, to help deliver its 1.5 million homes pledge over the next five years.
Under the new plans councils will be told they must meet housing needs by reaching a new combined target of 370,000 homes a year.
Prime minister Keir Starmer also pledged to decide on at least 150 new infrastructure projects on top of its 1.5 million homes commitment.
Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, Angela Rayner said: “Getting Britain building means stripping away unnecessary barriers to growth to deliver the homes that we so desperately need.
“For years, vital housing and infrastructure projects have been tied up in red tape leaving communities without the homes, infrastructure and jobs they need.
“Our Plan for Change will put an end to the status quo while restoring nature.
“It’s a win-win for development and our environment, including targeted reforms allowing us to use the economic benefits of growth to fund tangible and targeted action for nature’s recovery.”
Environment secretary Steve Reed said: “We were elected on a mandate to get Britain building again and protect nature.
“But the status quo is blocking the building of homes and failing to protect the environment.
“These reforms will allow tens of thousands of homes to be built while protecting the natural environment we all depend on.”
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