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<p>We have not made a direct assessment of the number of homes that have not been
built due to the problems with nitrate pollution in the Solent. Information provided
by the affected local authorities has indicated at least 4,500 units are backlogged
principally due to this issue. This is an estimate of delayed planning applications,
and not an estimate of homes not built, as not all planning permissions would have
been built within this time. These are indicative numbers and some of these planning
applications may also be delayed due to other issues and planning considerations as
well.</p><p>Some of the affected local authorities have now launched or are in the
process of agreeing mitigation schemes, ranging from offsetting through changes to
council owned agricultural landholdings, offsetting through improvements to the water
efficiency of council owned housing stock, and offsetting using green infrastructure
secured through local plans, which will enable planning applications to be determined.</p><p>The
Government is also making a loan offer of up to £5.7 million to the Hampshire and
Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to deliver mitigation to unlock the stalled applications
across the affected area.</p>
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