Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Paragraph: 187
The lockdowns which have been imposed to counter the spread of covid-19 have given the...
Conclusion
The lockdowns which have been imposed to counter the spread of covid-19 have given the public compelling reasons to appreciate the value of neighbourhood green spaces in towns and cities. Projects designed to enhance urban biodiversity and to increase access to green space can offer immense benefits to urban dwellers.
Paragraph Reference:
187
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Green spaces play an important role in urban areas. The Urban Tree Challenge Fund provides support for tree planting in urban and peri-urban areas across England, with a focus on areas of high deprivation. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is currently analysing responses to its consultation on draft revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework and a new draft National Model Design Code. The National Model Design Code is expected to be used to inform the production of local design guides, codes and policies. It aims to ensure that urban planning enhances urban biodiversity and increases access to green space to offer benefits to urban dwellers, such as health and well- being. The National Model Design Code proposes that green infrastructure should be woven into the fabric of design codes available to local planning authorities, communities, and developers to define and deliver quality placemaking. Local Nature Recovery Strategies, being created by the Environment Bill to help lay the foundations for the Nature Recovery Network, will identify opportunities to create or improve habitats for biodiversity across the whole of England including urban areas.