Nature first: Why green space must be built into new developments
The UK government has released new guidelines urging green spaces to be integrated into all new housing developments - but they’re still voluntary, and campaigners say that’s not enough.
The latest planning guidelines recommend parks, green corridors, climate-adapted design, wildlife-friendly features, and community amenities. However, the rules are non-binding, meaning developers don’t have to to include these elements, and environmental groups warn this could weaken protection for biodiversity and climate resilience.
Healthy neighbourhoods
Access to green space is not just a matter of convenience or aesthetics, it’s a question of fairness. Across England, there is a clear pattern; wealthier neighbourhoods tend to have more, larger and better maintained green spaces, while lower-income areas are often left with smaller parks, fewer trees, and limited protected natural areas.
This unequal distribution shapes everyday life in very real ways. Families in well-serviced areas can walk to a nearby park, children have safe places to play, and communities can gather for events or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature.
Meanwhile, in less affluent neighbourhoods, concrete tends to dominate, trees are scarce and public places are often neglected. The result is that opportunities for exercise, stress relief and connection to nature are not equally available - they’re unequally distributed along social and economic lines.
Environmental justice isn’t just about stopping harm; it’s about actively ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of nature. By highlighting this imbalance, we can make the case that future housing developments must prioritise equitable access to green space.
Links to supporting research