LI tells government ‘planning system must deliver greener cities’

  • 26 Oct 2011 |
  • NPPF

The LI's full consultation response on the draft national planning policy framework (NPPF) is now available to download...

Houses of Parliament

The Landscape Institute has called on the government to make green space in our towns and cities a realityfor all. As the government’s three month consultation on the draft national planning policy framework came to an end, the LI met with civil servants at the Department for Communities and Local Government and pressed them to create a planning framework that helps to deliver greener cities.

Jo Watkins, LI president, said: “So far the planning reform debate has focused exclusively on the countryside – no-one has said much about how we develop in urban areas.

"Given most people in Britain live in cities and towns this is quite extraordinary. Any change to the planning system will not only have an impact on the countryside but on how we develop in our towns and cities too.”

Alastair McCapra, LI chief executive, said: “Protection of the countryside is vital but we need to start focusing on how we make our cities and towns greener. Green spaces improve air quality, add value, cut pollution and energy costs, and make our cities more liveable.Harnessing green infrastructure is the way forward.

"The government is making all the right noises but we want to see it fully integrated into the planning system.”

The Landscape Institute’s full consultation response can be viewed online by visiting www.landscapeinstitute.org/policy/consultation_responses.php

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Posted by Paul Lincoln, Director of Policy and Communication October 28, 2011

The draft NPPF has now been considered by the House of Lords Grand Committee. Follow this link for Hansard’s report of the debate:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/text/111027-gc0001.htm#11102758000145

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