The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework announced last year unveiled plans to build 1.5 million new homes in the next parliament, prioritising high density, affordable developments and biodiversity - since 2024, all major building projects are legally required to deliver a 10% benefit to nature. Research by POST discovers that lower deprived areas have significantly less access to green space, leading to poorer quality of life and lower life expectancy. Green infrastructure is at the forefront of a sustainable future, from urban parks or gardens to street trees or green roofs/walls, these green spaces are important for people, nature and wider climate. Aspects of the new framework are designed to promote sustainability and climate resilience such as the Urban Tree Canopy Cover Standard which promotes certain tree canopy targets in aid of increased carbon capture and reduced flood risk. What needs to be done to ensure that future building developments are delivered with access to substantial quality green space?

This event will:

• Consider what can be done to encourage further green spaces in future building developments, and what barriers need to be overcome to do so.
• Discuss the benefits of green spaces to individuals, community and climate.
• Understand what support local authorities will require to meet targets for green spaces.