Plans to reduce harmful farming practices and protect natural habitats across south Hampshire have moved a step closer as proposals for £9.6m of government funding were signed off.
New wetlands and nature reserve areas will be created as part of £9.6m plans to mitigate and unlock sustainable development opportunities.
The proposals have been signed off by the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH), which brings local councils and other partners together with a focus on sustainable growth in the area.
Funding for the work was award in spring 2024 and came from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund to support projects to protect the local environment.
Sites set to be pursued will be announced once land purchases have been completed and individual schemes will be pursued by local councils.
Cllr Keith House, chair of PfSH, said: “The plans build on our previous work to address serious environmental issues without preventing opportunities for sustainable development. I’m delighted we’re moving forward, there is a clear focus on projects that will give a real benefit to our local environment, create wonderful natural spaces and enable the growth our area needs.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH)
PfSH is a partnership of twelve local authorities around the Solent that aim to improve the environmental, cultural and economic performance of the South Hampshire area.
It works with partners to dissolve the boundaries of individual local authorities – to successfully meet challenges together – and to make the most of the opportunities that can be shared across the wider south Hampshire area.
Partners include Eastleigh Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council, Fareham Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council, New Forest District Council, New Forest National Park, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Winchester City Council, other government agencies, infrastructure bodies and many others.
For more information about PfSH please visit the PfSH website at www.push.gov.uk