North West Leicestershire is among seven councils set to benefit from £47million in funding to unblock thousands of homes stalled due to 'nutrient neutrality' rules.

Housing Today reports that work is expected to start shortly on measures to protect local rivers and habitats in an effort to ensure that new homes do not damage the environment.

More than £2.5million in funding is expected to see 700 homes around the River Mease region.

The Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund, which was initially announced in the Labour budget, aims to help unlock a total of 28,000 homes currently being stalled due to nutrient neutrality.

The Home Builders Federation has previously claimed that 150,000 homes across the country are being held up by nutrient regulations. 

Nutrient pollution occurs when increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus enter natural habitats. 

New housing can contribute to this, although housebuilding advocates have argued that farming creates a far greater contribution.

As well as North West Leicestershire District Council, Broadland District Council, East Devon District Council, Fareham Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Westmoreland and Furness Council are all set to benefit from the funding.

Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said: "We must build more homes across the country and unlock growth, but this must not come at the expense of our natural environment.  

"Through this fund and alongside major reforms to the planning system, we will accelerate housebuilding and deliver nature recovery, creating a win-win outcome for both the economy and for nature." 

The Fund includes £8.8 million to unlock more than 6,000 homes around the Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum, £4m for 1,000 homes around the River Axe, and nearly £7m for more than 2,700 homes near the Solent.

There will also be more than £2.7m to help unlock more than 3,000 homes around the river Wye,, and more than £2.4m for more than 800 homes near the River Lambourn.