There is a ‘strong correlation’ between deprivation and a lack of green space, a new report into Local Green Spaces (LGS) has found.
The report reveals that LGS designations have increased by 771 since 2022, most of them in northern England. In London, the total number of LGSs grew by 64%.
LGSs were introduced in 2012 to give Green Belt-like protections to smaller areas of land that are often identified by communities.
Nearly 7,300 LGSs have been designated in total; 81.5% for recreational reasons, 34% for wildlife, and 27.1% for beauty.
However, the report, which was published by CPRE, found that while LGS designations have increased in deprived areas ‘a strong correlation persists between deprivation and lack of green space.’
The report says that this is probably because neighbourhood planning is not a high priority for people facing poor housing, low incomes, and difficulty accessing essential services.
CPRE is calling for the LGS designation process to be standardised to make it easier for communities to make use of the legislation.
Brad Taylor, lead author on the report, said: ‘Communities with high levels of deprivation need to have their voices heard and their Local Green Spaces protected. People must be empowered to engage in the local and neighbourhood planning process that can secure LGS designations. Our green spaces are there for everyone to enjoy – everyone needs to be involved in deciding how to protect them.’
