The Northwest will need more than £32bn to maintain, operate and develop environmental infrastructure over the course of the next 20 years, according to the Environment Agency.
The agency has called for urgent action to improve the planning and delivery of growth and environmental infrastructure in order to meet the region’s aspirations beyond 2015.
‘Flood protection, waste and sewage services, and clean water delivery will need to match the demands of economic and housing growth for a population which is both increasing and ageing,’ the EA said.
It has suggested a multi-organisational approach to managing water demand and quality, limiting ‘inappropriate’ development in flood risk areas, and a greater co-ordination of waste transfer capabilities.
According to the agency’s study, more than £25bn is required to operate and maintain infrastructure to support existing communities, while a further £7bn is needed for projected housing growth across the region. The report revealed this would equate to £16,500 per new house, and would be met through investment from the public sector, waste companies and developers.
The EA will carry out similar studies nationwide in order to report back to local authorities and other stakeholders when making decisions on the location and funding of new developments and housing growth in the future.
Julie Foley, head of sustainable communities, said: ‘Like all regions, the Northwest faces substantial additional infrastructure costs to meet the needs of new housing over the next two decades.
‘New growth can be achieved without harming the environment, but early investment and careful planning is critical. ‘Even with slowing growth rates, it is important we do not take our eye off the long-term goal of delivering environmentally-sustainable economic growth.’
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