English Nature have responded to the Barker report, published as part of the Chancellors recent budget, by urging that green principles are incorporated into the core of any new housing developments.
The Barker report, published on Wednesday 17 March, examines the pressures on housing supply and demand in the South East. The government is likely to take measures to make it easier for developers to build new houses.
English Nature recognise the need for new housing development, but wants to see it done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of English Nature, said:
"In the dash for housing growth we must make sure we are not storing up environmental problems for the future. The key challenge is to make the right decisions about where these developments should be and how they should be built. Planners must choose the best locations for long term sustainability. Housing density that minimise the take of Greenfield sites will be important. Developers need to raise their building standards significantly to protect the environment. We need genuinely sustainable communities with more natural green space for children to play and have fun out of doors, and crate enough space for nature to flourish."
