MP takes minister to task over scrapping rules which stop developers from polluting rivers

In the House of Commons this week, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron criticised the Government for ripping up rules which environmental groups say are essential for protecting the country’s rivers.

Under new plans, developers will no longer have to offset the nutrient pollution caused by sewage from new homes.

Speaking during an Urgent Question on the proposals in Parliament, Tim said: “This rule has existed since 2019 and the Government’s guidance on it has indeed got in the way of genuinely affordable, environmentally sustainable housing schemes in the Lake District and, I am sure, elsewhere.

“The answer was not to scrap it but to change the guidance to make it more intelligent, so that we protect our waterways and our landscapes from pollution without preventing vital development.

“Why did the Government spend four years dithering before panicking, overreacting and then acting in line with their own nature by damaging British nature?”

Responding, the said: “The honourable Gentleman makes his points in his usual way, but without confronting the reality of the situation that affects his constituents.

“Of course Natural England is a Government partner and a Government body. We work in partnership with Natural England. We work constructively with it to tackle these complex legal issues.

“I am sure he would be the first to jump up and complain if we took action too quickly without considering the consequences.

“As it is, what we are doing is a sensible, proportionate measure to allow much needed development in the Lake District: homes for his constituents that have the planning permission to be built - finally.”