The HTA is lobbying for a two-pronged approach to tackling climate change. Rather than narrowly focusing on creating incentives for carbon-efficiency, the association is arguing for tree-planting and greening to become part of the government’s strategy.
In its official response to the Government Consultation on Planning Policy Statements and Climate Change, the HTA noted that: “There is a clear need for policy and guidance to include enforcement of at least a minimum level of planting/landscaping requirements as well as adequate ongoing maintenance.”
It also notes that ‘proper planting has other important benefits, in dealing with light and sound pollution, in reducing anti-social behaviour in streets and schools, improving personal health and wellbeing (eg hospital recovery rates) and raising work place productivity.”
‘Increased provision of urban green space’ is already one of the objectives set out in the consultation document, but the HTA sees this as too vague.
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