Families in North Sussex are set to benefit from thousands of new homes following an agreement between government, regulators and industry – resolving a four-year pause on development while safeguarding local wetlands and wildlife.

Around 4,000 homes that were previously stalled will now proceed while enabling a further 17,000 to be built in the Arun Valley.

Discussions were led through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Water Delivery Taskforce, a forum for government departments, water companies, regulators and developers to drive progress and resolve issues like this one.

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. 

Work will begin from 1 November, with local authorities and developers working together to deliver homes that meet high environmental standards. 

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.    

The agreement ensures protection for rare species like the Lesser Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail, a unique part of the Arun Valley’s ecosystem. 

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.   

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.”

Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, added:  “This type of sustainable development clearly shows how we can build the new homes this country needs while restoring and protecting nature.  

“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.”