Eco-towns plan need to consider green space, says the Landscape Institute
The Landscape Institute has hit out at the government's eco-town plans, claiming the importance of landscape has been completely overlooked.
Chair of the Landscape Institute policy committee Jon Lovell said eco-towns provided “an outstanding opportunity”, but warned the towns' sustainability depended on the integration of landscape planning, design and management.
Green space, he argued, needed to be viewed as essential infrastructure – as equally as important as roads, services and other ‘grey’ infrastructure’ components.
Lovell, who is also the head of sustainability at property consultants Drivers Jonas, spoke out as the eco-towns consultation ended on Monday 30 June.
“The Landscape Institute is disappointed this consultation document does not sufficiently value the landscape context of eco-town development.
"We urge the Department for Communities and Local Government to revise the eco-towns guidance to require a full landscape and visual impact analysis," said Lovell.
“This is something that is not currently a requirement and represents a serious oversight. The development of the new eco-towns must be based on landscape character as part of the place-making agenda.
“The eco-towns provide an outstanding opportunity to create sustainable towns and opportunities. One of the primary means to achieving this is adequate investment in the planning, design and on-going management of green infrastructure.
“Eco-towns present an opportunity to demonstrate true multi-functional green space dealing with not just climate change adaptation and mitigation but also community cohesion, health and well being, recreation and food provision.
"It is an absolute requirement that high quality green infrastructure is demonstrated throughout all eco-town developments.”
Lovell said the design and functionality of open space could be more important to adapting to climate, contributing to energy efficiency and effective water management than the delivery of houses to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
He also called for full consideration of the use of green roofs and walls, including the use of climbing plants and for all streets to be tree-lined.
The eco-town plan has caused a great deal of controversy. As reported in Issue 13 of Green Places News, a number of green and local campaign groups have expressed concern over the strategy.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Friends of the Earth, among others, expressed concern that the new towns would promote car dependancy. This week, hundreds of campaigners who live close to the 15 proposed eco-town sites marched on Parliament to hand in their responses to the campaign.
