The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) believes that integrating green spaces into new housing developments could significantly enhance the health of Britons. Helena Horton, an environment reporter, recently highlighted calls from environmental organizations for the Labour Party to incorporate garden and tree-planting requirements into its upcoming rules for housebuilders.
As the government formulates its future homes standard, specifics regarding green space requirements remain unclear. Currently, developers must adhere to biodiversity net gain regulations, which mandate that they provide more natural spaces after construction compared to what existed prior.
Leading gardening organizations, including the RHS, are advocating for rights to green areas to be included in housing plans. Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS’s director of science, referenced a study using UK Biobank data that indicates individuals with gardens generally experience lower mortality risks, healthier lifestyles, and reduced stress levels. “Access to more green space or a garden encourages physical activity and increases the likelihood of adhering to NHS exercise guidelines. Given the government’s ongoing challenges with obesity in the healthcare system, this is a crucial consideration,” he remarked.
Clare Matterson, the RHS’s director general, suggested that the inclusion of gardens in the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes could lead to NHS savings. “We need to prioritize outdoor spaces as much as indoor spaces. The advantages—especially in terms of cost savings for the NHS—are significant,” she noted.
Matterson proposed that homes on the market should feature a garden performance certificate, similar to energy performance certificates. This certificate would evaluate soil quality, water retention capacity, and biodiversity. “When purchasing a home, you receive an energy performance certificate and ratings for kitchen appliances. Why not have a garden performance certificate? This could empower buyers to make informed decisions and incentivize sellers to create excellent gardens,” she suggested.
However, there are concerns that developers, while initially planning for gardens and green spaces, often overspend on the homes’ construction and subsequently replace potential green areas with concrete. Wayne Grills, the chief executive of the British Association of Landscape Industries, urged Labour to prioritize gardens in their housing strategies. “We can provide guidance to contractors during the construction phase, rather than returning later to retrofit green spaces,” he explained.
He also emphasized the need for a sufficient budget. “We often see well-designed plans, but when building costs escalate, the landscaping is frequently scaled back,” Grills added.
Griffiths predicted that the UK’s climate might resemble that of modern-day Barcelona in the medium term, necessitating further planting initiatives. “If you examine car parks and housing estates in this country, it’s stark how lacking they are in trees and shade. Other countries, like France and Spain, design their spaces with urban cooling in mind,” he pointed out.
In response, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said, “The government is committed to delivering high-quality housing, and our planning reforms outline clear expectations that ensure new developments meet the necessary standards. This includes considering the national model design code, which emphasizes the role of open spaces, including private outdoor areas, in enhancing quality of life.”
