Government plans to scrap water pollution rules for new housing criticised

Environmental groups have condemned government plans to scrap water pollution rules for new housing developments in England – which ministers claim will allow up to a hundred thousand new homes to be built.

Under an amendment going through the House of Lords – developers will no longer have to pay to offset nutrient pollution caused by sewage.

Instead taxpayers will pick up the bill.

Green campaigners have accused the government of siding with polluters rather than cleaning up rivers.