UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 34
adequate flood risk protection, supply of drinking water
and sewerage services.
Under the agreement by Defra, Natural England, the
Environment Agency and Southern Water, the water
company will change its water abstraction permits to limit the
amount of water taken from local rivers and wetlands, as well
as provide funding to restore habitats. This will be paid for by
the company and not by consumers.
“
This agreement shows how working together to manage
our water needs can unlock development and enable
new homes for local communities, whilst helping nature
recover at the same time.”
The agreement ensures protection for rare species like the
Lesser Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail, a unique part of the Arun
Valley’s ecosystem.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew
Pennycook said:
“
The breakthrough achieved in Sussex North demonstrates
how through smart policy interventions we can unlock
precisely the kind of win-win for development and nature
that this government is committed to achieving.”
New homes will also be built to higher water efficiency
standards in line with the building regulation guidance for
water scarce areas, reducing daily water use and easing
pressure on local watercourses.
Building work had been halted since 2021 due to concerns
over the amount of water being taken from rivers and wetlands
in the Arun Valley, which risked impacting protected wildlife
and local water resources.
This follows our announcement on changes to Building
Regulations that will tackle water shortage bottlenecks and
unblock stalled developments in areas of water scarcity.
Work will begin from 1 November, with local authorities and
developers working together to deliver homes that meet high
environmental standards.
Our aim is to promote Construction, Conservation,
Heritage, Restoration and Regeneration.
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