UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 33
Thousands of new homes get the
go ahead in North Sussex
Families in North Sussex are set to benefit from thousands of new homes following a landmark
agreement between government, regulators and industry – resolving a four-year pause on
development while safeguarding local wetlands and wildlife.
This marks a major step forward in delivering homes for local
families, supporting community growth and protecting the
natural heritage of the Arun Valley.
Discussions were led through Defra’s Water Delivery
Taskforce, a forum for government departments, water
companies, regulators and developers to drive progress and
resolve issues like this one.
Around 4,000 homes that were previously stalled will now
proceed while enabling a further 17,000 to be built.
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:
“
“
This breakthrough builds on the government pledge to build
1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, a core milestone
of the Plan for Change.
This type of sustainable development clearly shows how
we can build the new homes this country needs while
restoring and protecting nature.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
“
“
“
A thriving natural environment is at the heart of a strong
economy and is vital to all of our health and wellbeing.
We know that people want to live near nature and
cases like this where sound nature regulations prompted
innovative solutions mean we can continue to make that
possible.”
This breakthrough ends a broken status quo and shows
how we can build the homes the community needs while
protecting nature.
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.
Jennie Donovan, Environment Agency Director Nature
and Place, said:
“
We are getting Britain building again while securing a
brighter future for our precious wetlands, wildlife and
local rivers.”
The Environment Agency are committed to protecting the
environment whilst supporting growth and sustainable
development, ensuring new homes are built with
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