The government has announced plans to unlock up to 15,780 homes in Norfolk under the Nature Restoration Fund.

The plans have been drafted by Natural England and are part of a 'win-win approach to housebuilding and nature restoration'.

Instead of paying for nature mitigations as required under previous regimes, the scheme in Norfolk will see developers fund large scale improvements to rivers and wetlands across the county, which are home to species such as otters, water voles and wetland birds.

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle said: "People know there’s a housing crisis and that we must build more homes to tackle it. But people also want to live in communities they can be proud of, with thriving green spaces everyone can enjoy.

"This government rejects the false trade-off between delivering infrastructure and restoring our environment.

"Our plans are a win-win for development and nature, unlocking thousands of new homes and raising millions to improve our natural environment."

Natural England Chief Executive Marian Spain said: "The EDP represents a new way to protect nature while also supporting growth. Instead of tackling pollution piecemeal, site by site, we can now deliver conservation measures that make a real difference for rivers, wetlands and wildlife across Norfolk.  

"This will help restore the natural systems that underpin our security and protect our wellbeing, giving developers certainty that the money they need to spend is making a positive contribution to local communities."