This snapshot, taken on 06/09/2011, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
12 May 2009
Natural England welcomes the importance that the government has given to green infrastructure and green spaces in the Strategy for Improving Quality of Place (launched today).
Natural England is encouraged that government views improving quality of place as vital to helping make the country “a fairer, safer, healthier, more prosperous and sustainable place” and welcomes the government’s commitment to introduce a new Planning Policy for green infrastructure.
Responding to today’s launch, Helen Phillips, Natural England’s Chief Executive said: “Sustained investment in greening England’s cities would bring a huge range of environmental, economic and health benefits - stimulating jobs, improving people’s health, creating greater urban resilience to climate change and re-connecting urban communities with the natural environment.
“We would never contemplate leaving out grey infrastructure, such as sewers and mains water, from developments, so why should it be acceptable to leave out green infrastructure when it’s proven to improve people’s health and quality of life? The current economic downturn gives us a unique chance to take a new direction – one that isn’t just about delivering volume housing but is about creating places that actually function and are rooted in high quality environments. A major investment programme in the greening of England's cities would sustain jobs and provide lasting support for the housing sector, creating desirable areas to live and work, stimulating local businesses and attracting inward investment into urban areas.”
Helen Phillips concluded, “We cannot allow green spaces to remain the cinderella of urban planning – they are the lifeblood of our cities and providing access to high quality, well-designed green infrastructure needs to be a central part of the way our cities are planned and evolve”.
-Ends-
Natural England
Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.
For further information contact: The National Press Office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005.
