Green spaces should be the norm for new housing developments in England

The government published draft Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance urging green spaces, nature features and local amenities in new English housing developments, but the guidance is not mandatory and environmental groups say developers could ignore it.

The government has published draft Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance that sets out a vision for new housing developments in England to include shops, schools, public transport, green spaces and access to nature. The document highlights examples such as King's Cross and Temple Gardens where heritage, amenities and new homes coexist. It also recommends nature provisions like swift bricks and hedgehog highways and measures to reduce flood risk. Environmental groups say the guidance’s voluntary status is a major shortcoming. What is proposed: - The guidance recommends neighbourhoods that combine homes with local shops, schools, transport links, green spaces and preserved heritage. - It suggests specific nature-friendly features, including swift bricks and hedgehog highways, and calls for protections against increased flood risk. - The document is published in draft for consultation and can be used by local authorities to inform design codes. - The guidance is not mandatory, and organisations such as the UK Green Building Council and the Wildlife Trusts have urged clearer, binding regulations. - The government says exemplary development should be the norm, and a separate future homes standard covering construction measures like solar panels, heat pumps and higher insulation is expected early this year. Summary: If local authorities adopt the guidance into design codes, it could influence the layout and amenities of new neighbourhoods and may make planning smoother for developments that meet the standards. Critics warn that without mandatory requirements the guidance may have limited effect on protecting wildlife and strengthening climate resilience. The draft is open for consultation and the government still plans to publish the future homes standard, expected early this year.