Are Green Spaces a Priority in the Built Environment?
April 22, 2021
Heavy Plant Hire for Construction & Demolition, Mini Excavators, Skid Steers, Dumpers, South Woodham Ferrers
We have all heard the term ‘Concrete Jungle’, but very few people actually want to live in one! Having areas of greenery around about where you live wasn’t really considered a priority years ago, This is why some places consist of grey concrete as far as the eye can see. Thankfully things have changed quite a bit, and it’s now an accepted fact that at least some greenery in and around our living spaces is fundamental to wellbeing.
There have been determined efforts to ascertain how access to greenery in urban areas affects environmental quality and economic performance. Green City Research suggests that Londoners place a higher value on green spaces than they do on healthcare, shops and entertainment facilities. When questioned, 80% of respondents believed trees and dedicated planted areas to be the most important elements of a new build. A lot of people [78%], rated grassed areas and parks as essential, while 71% stressed that open spaces between buildings were paramount. Only 38% thought that shops were the most essential feature when choosing a newly built home.
Despite being densely populated with high levels of pollution, London was the world’s first city to receive the title of National Park City. The accolade may surprise some, but demonstrates the city’s determination to be ‘clean and green’. Most developers have taken this on board, although it hasn’t been easy for a number of reasons. It’s been difficult for planners to integrate green, open spaces into areas while delivering the required amount of homes. Areas also need to be greener in more ways than one, as planning permission will only be granted where the houses contain a certain amount of green energy and technology.
New developments such as that in South Woodham Ferrers have set the bar higher, and offer places to live that people will love today and in the future.
