Following announcements on the overhaul of the planning system, including updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and scope to bypass planning committees if applications comply with local development plans, the UK’s premier green space management organisation, the Land Trust has urged government and the development industry to ensure consideration is given to greenspace as housing targets accelerate.
Alan Carter, Chief Executive at the Land Trust commented: “While striving to address the housing crisis and hit ambitious house building targets, the importance of creating greenspaces that help build communities must not be forgotten.
“This is not just because of its importance in its own right, but its ability, if designed and managed appropriately, to deliver a whole spectrum of significant additional benefits which will reduce pressures on the NHS, reduce the impact of climate change and reduce social isolation.
“The Land Trust has calculated that if the government’s commitment of building 1.5 million homes is met over the next parliament, there is potential to deliver an estimated £5billion worth of social value from the green infrastructure and open space alone.
“However, to achieve this, social value must be embedded from the outset, along with on-going, sustainable funding, and provision for high quality management and stewardship in the longer-term. This can all be provided and secured through the planning process in a transparent and appropriate way. If secured and planned properly, this can save money for the public purse, create value, and help deliver economic growth, all at no cost to the taxpayer. This ongoing co-creation, working hand in glove with the existing and new communities which are built, will deliver long lasting benefits for future generations.
“As society changes and develops, it is important that the industry as a collective, does all it can to address the issues of tomorrow, today. According to the Land Trust’s Tomorrow’s World report, published last month, the future is set to bring continued, rapid change, including social inequality, climate change, and an overburdened healthcare system.
“While greenspaces can’t solve all of society’s problems, well managed greenspaces can play a significant part in delivering ongoing social, environmental and economic benefits for local communities.”
Carter concluded: “The next few years represent a pivotal opportunity for property developers, and all others who are involved in the development industry, to shape the future by integrating sustainable green spaces into their developments. As societal needs evolve, green spaces will be at the heart of tackling health disparities, climate change, and social cohesion.”
The Trust’s analysis used figures from an Economic and Social Value model created to measure the benefits delivered across health and wellbeing, the environment and biodiversity, community and place, education, as well the economic benefits.
A breakdown of the figures showed social value has the potential to deliver circa £1.17million per annum in fiscal savings, as well as wider economic value, plus could generate almost £1.69million per annum of GVA (Gross Value Added) contribution.
