Sir Tim Smit, the founder of the Eden Project, has expressed deep concern regarding the Labour Party’s recent proposals to reform the planning system in England. He described himself as “disturbed and extremely concerned” about the potential consequences for the country’s natural and historical landscapes. The proposed changes aim to expedite the construction of homes, as the Government seeks to meet its ambitious commitment of delivering 1.5 million homes by 2029.
Smit highlighted the risk that “inappropriate buildings” could mar “iconic views” throughout England. He emphasized that these proposals could threaten local wildlife and green spaces that are integral to communities. The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has initiated a consultation process that could remove several statutory consultees from the planning framework, including The Gardens Trust. This organization holds a unique national responsibility for the conservation of designed landscapes in the UK, and Smit serves as its vice-president.
The Gardens Trust has labeled the proposed changes as “shameful,” warning that they could jeopardize some of England’s most treasured landscapes. Smit underscored the importance of retaining the Trust’s status, stating, “We fully support a national agenda for creating affordable housing and want to help ensure that this happens while protecting the green spaces and their character which are so important to us all.” His comments reflect a desire to contribute positively to the housing crisis while safeguarding vital environmental assets.
He further stated, “Without the specialist advice of The Gardens Trust and its members, hard-pressed planners would be left to make important development decisions without being fully informed.” Smit cautioned that, if the Trust is sidelined, the results could be detrimental: “Before you know it, iconic views that we have come to love could have inappropriate buildings in them, wildlife could be deprived of the homes they have enjoyed for hundreds of years, and people could be deprived of the green spaces that they have grown up in.”
The Gardens Trust has raised alarms about its potential removal as a statutory consultee, indicating that cherished green spaces could be at risk from aggressive development practices. Many of the landscapes under their protection are included in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. This register features notable sites such as the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and Chatsworth House Gardens, both of which are significant cultural landmarks.
In the ongoing discussion about the proposed changes, Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that reducing the status of organizations like The Gardens Trust would help “streamline” the planning process and “cut back delays.” The Trust has consistently refuted claims of impeding progress, pointing out that it lodged only 69 objections in the previous year.
Reed also announced that certain housing developments located near railway stations would receive a “default yes” from planners, a measure aimed at accelerating housing construction amid concerns over the current housing crisis. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to achieving Labour’s key housing target but acknowledged that significant challenges remain. Recent figures reveal that 231,300 new homes were constructed from the last general election until September of this year, highlighting the gap still to be bridged to meet the ambitious 1.5 million homes goal.
The MHCLG has been approached for further comments regarding these proposed changes and their implications for both housing development and environmental conservation. As discussions continue, the balance between rapid housing development and the preservation of England’s cherished landscapes remains a critical concern for both policymakers and environmental advocates.
