England’s Nature Chief Advocates for a Balanced Approach to Housing and Green Spaces
Amid the ongoing housing crisis in the UK, Tony Juniper, the chair of Natural England, argues that building on the green belt should be considered as part of the solution. However, he emphasizes the need for simultaneous efforts to improve the quality of urban green spaces. Juniper challenges the prevailing notion that housing and nature conservation are mutually exclusive, suggesting that a more integrated approach can address both issues effectively. In an interview with The Guardian, he highlights the importance of high-quality nature within and around residential developments, not only for meeting nature targets but also for promoting social well-being.
Rethinking the Green Belt
Juniper asserts that the green belt should not be regarded as sacrosanct. He proposes the possibility of having a smaller green belt with better quality, which may include more housing. He argues that many green belts in England lack wildlife and accessibility, and some even fail to contribute significantly to food production. Rather than defending green belt land indiscriminately, Juniper advocates for a more holistic approach that allows for new building while prioritizing conservation efforts and increasing green spaces where they are most needed.
The Economic and Social Benefits of Green Spaces
Juniper emphasizes the economic and social benefits derived from access to well-maintained, wildlife-rich green spaces. He highlights the positive impact of green spaces on people’s well-being, citing extensive evidence supporting the link between green spaces, water bodies, and improved mental and physical health. He argues that placing woodlands and green spaces near residential areas can provide greater social benefits compared to remote locations.
Challenging Preconceptions
Juniper’s stance challenges the prevailing views held by campaigners who staunchly defend the green belt. His pragmatic approach stems from years of advocating for nature conservation within a sometimes skeptical political landscape. As a zoologist and conservationist, Juniper has straddled different roles, including heading the campaigning charity Friends of the Earth and advising Prince Charles. His experience has shaped his belief that bold action is necessary to achieve nature recovery targets while accommodating development.
The Changing Policy Landscape
Juniper acknowledges the challenges posed by changing government policies, which can make meeting nature targets more difficult. He cites Rishi Sunak’s anti-green stance and the government’s rollback of nutrient regulations as examples. The nutrient regulations were designed to prevent further pollution of rivers, which are already under threat from sewage overflows from new housing. Juniper expresses frustration over criticisms that Natural England hinders development, emphasizing the organization’s efforts to enable development while meeting nature recovery targets.
A Balanced Approach to Conservation
Juniper supports biodiversity net gain regulations and local nature recovery strategies, which allow for new developments while ensuring compensatory projects elsewhere. He cites the example of great crested newts, where modified rules enable builders to protect populations of the species in other areas, leading to better outcomes for nature. Juniper’s approach challenges the notion that protecting isolated populations is sufficient, advocating for a more connected and impactful approach to conservation.
Conclusion:
Tony Juniper’s perspective on building on the green belt offers a fresh and pragmatic approach to tackling the UK’s housing crisis while prioritizing nature conservation. His belief in the potential for high-quality nature within residential developments challenges the binary thinking that often pits housing against green spaces. As the chair of Natural England, Juniper’s insights carry weight, and his call for a more integrated and balanced approach to housing and conservation warrants serious consideration. While the policy landscape remains uncertain, Juniper’s commitment to his role as a public servant and his dedication to finding solutions for nature recovery and housing provision remain steadfast.
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