A legally binding target to ensure everyone has access to nature should be introduced into planning law, a new report has argued today.
The Wildlife Trusts says planning reform must make access to nature legal and fair, with everyone able to enjoy nature within 300 metres of their home.
Planning – a new way forward: how the planning system can help our health, nature and climate also calls for a legal requirement for planning authorities to consider Local Nature Recovery Strategies when making planning decisions.
The report also puts forward the case for a calls for a a new designation - Wildbelt - to protect new land with low biodiversity value to help nature recover.
Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: 'We want to see accessible natural greenspace standards put into law and not relegated to being just ‘advice’ for local authorities. This way, we can be sure that by 2030, everyone can enjoy wild areas within five minutes of where they live and work – to spend time with family, or to be alone, relaxing in nature and listening to birdsong.
'Designating Wildbelt, new land where nature can recover, will help us achieve this goal. It’s also vital that there’s a legal requirement for planning authorities to consider Local Nature Recovery Strategies when making planning decisions and ensuring nature protection policies and standards are not weakened. Let’s bring nature back for the sake of wildlife, the climate and for people’s health and happiness, no matter where they happen to live.'
