The founder of the Eden Project, Sir Tim Smit, has expressed significant concerns regarding the Labour Party’s proposed changes to the planning system in the UK. He described himself as “disturbed and extremely concerned” about plans that could potentially compromise iconic views and local wildlife due to the acceleration of housebuilding efforts. This initiative aims to fulfill the government’s commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has initiated a consultation process to consider removing several statutory consultees from the planning procedure. Among those at risk is The Gardens Trust, Britain’s only national charity dedicated to the protection and conservation of designed landscapes. Sir Tim, who serves as vice-president of the Trust, warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize England’s cultural heritage, referring to the potential loss of the nation’s “crown jewels.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining The Gardens Trust’s status, stating, “We fully support a national agenda for creating affordable housing and want to help ensure that this happens while protecting the green spaces and their character which are so important to us all.” Sir Tim advocates that the expertise of The Gardens Trust is crucial not only for safeguarding historic landscapes but also for guiding housing developments in ways that are beneficial for communities.
Without the input of The Gardens Trust, he cautioned that planners could make uninformed decisions about significant developments. “Before you know it, iconic views that we have come to love could have inappropriate buildings in them,” he said. He also highlighted the risk to wildlife that relies on these green spaces, which have provided habitats for centuries.
The Gardens Trust has warned that its removal from the statutory consultee list could lead to increased threats to cherished landscapes from housebuilders and developers. Many of the sites it protects are recognized on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England, including notable locations like the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and the Chatsworth House Gardens in Derbyshire.
The consultation regarding the statutory status of The Gardens Trust was delayed, alongside discussions about other organizations such as Sport England and the Theatres Trust. Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that these changes are intended to “streamline” the planning process and reduce delays in housing development. He asserted that downgrading these organizations would facilitate more efficient planning, despite The Gardens Trust’s claims that it has not contributed to delays in the system.
Mr. Reed also announced plans to grant “default yes” responses for housing developments near certain train stations, aiming to expedite construction amid a housing crisis. He has pledged to “go further than ever before” to meet Labour’s ambitious goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2029, although industry experts and local councils have raised concerns about the feasibility of this target.
Recent data indicates that only 231,300 new homes were constructed between last year’s election and September this year, highlighting the challenges ahead. The MHCLG has been approached for further comments regarding the ongoing consultation and its implications for conservation efforts.
As discussions continue, the delicate balance between expanding housing availability and preserving England’s treasured landscapes remains a contentious issue, drawing attention from various stakeholders across the country.
