The Landscape Institute warmly welcomes the New Towns Taskforce report. With 12 recommended locations proposed, this is an opportunity to embed a ‘landscape-led approach’ to create high-quality, nature-rich resilient places.
The report’s focus on thriving communities, early masterplanning for high-quality placemaking, and places where people and nature thrive strongly aligns with the Landscape Institute’s ethos. The Taskforce’s ambition for environmentally sustainable, carbon neutral developments is particularly welcome, and would greatly profit from the strategic use of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Members of the Landscape Institute are well placed to deliver these, providing they are engaged early in the design process.
To succeed, new towns must move beyond merely hitting housing targets. The quality design of the public realm is paramount to avoid the unfavourable perceptions of some existing new towns. Adopting a ‘landscape-led approach’ is an investment that yields significant benefits: it boosts public health and wellbeing through accessible green spaces, and provides economic value by attracting investment and reducing long-term “grey” infrastructure costs. Integrating nature-based solutions not only enhances nature but also underpins efficient and affordable long-term management and maintenance.
We urge the Government to empower local delivery bodies to create quality places, with long-term stewardship in mind, based on effective community engagement.
Carolin Göhler FLI, Landscape Institute President, said:
“The building of New Towns is a golden opportunity to create places that work now and for future generations. The Taskforce report highlights how, by prioritising the design of the public realm and strategic green infrastructure, we will unlock immense returns. To do this, it is essential to adopt a ‘landscape-first’, Landscape-led approach – with landscape architects, landscape planners and other landscape professionals involved early in site selection, design and delivery. We encourage the Government to adopt this approach – and our members stand ready to help deliver it.”