The new government’s programme continues to take shape, and so far there seems to be little reason for rejoicing among landscape architects. The devolved nations have been warned to expect cuts in block grant from Westminster, though there may be more scope for local tax raising in Scotland, which may offset the loss. The Northern Ireland Executive is already in the throes of a major downsizing that potentially includes all of its in-house landscape architects.
In England, the planning system is set for a massive upheaval. Most Regional Development Agencies are set to be abolished – indeed, Communities Minister Eric Pickles has written to all English local authorities reaffirming his commitment to rapidly abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and return all decision-making on housing matters to the local level. He has also directed them to “have regard to this letter as a material planning consideration” while the process of dismantling begins.
The Infrastructure Planning Commission is also to go, its powers absorbed into a Major Infrastructure Unit that will be part of CLG and not an arms-length body. Pickles’ department has also proposed revisions to Section 106 agreements and planning obligations, and these may have major adverse implications for green infrastructure, areas for biodiversity, street trees and open spaces generally. The LI will be making representations on these issues over the coming weeks.
Well in advance of the budget statement on 22 June, many funding streams are being axed or severely curtailed: £50m is coming out of the Kickstart Housing Delivery Programme, £50m out of Pathfinder Housing Market Renewal programmes and £100m out of the National Affordable Housing programme. The future of the Building Schools for the Future programme is uncertain. It is clear, however, that many streams of public funding that have provided the basis of work for many landscape architecture practices will be coming to a fairly swift end over the next few months.
The coalition government has, however, given broadly positive indications of its commitments in terms of green space and biodiversity. Until clearer and more specific policies emerge on this front, it is perhaps safe to assume that public sector clients will be keen on initiating or continuing projects that have a strong emphasis on biodiversity, since these seem most likely to attract continued funding.
The Landscape Institute will continue to argue the importance of green infrastructure and multifunctional landscapes with the new government. Our response to proposals for a new PPS on Planning for a Natural and Healthy Environment restated this within days of the new government taking office. The new administration also has to respond soon to the report of the Commons Environment Audit Committee, which endorsed our arguments for the importance of green infrastructure.
The recent government Foresight Report on Land Use Futures also referred to our Green Infrastructure Position Statement and restated the case for multifunctional landscapes. Looking beyond the harshness and upheaval of the cuts that lie before us, we have a strong case to make for the importance of landscape, and we will continue to build on the recognition that this is gaining even in such adverse times.
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