The UK government has published draft guidelines stating that all new housing developments in England should include green spaces, access to nature, and community amenities such as shops, schools, and public transport. The guidelines aim to make developments like King's Cross in London—with its converted industrial buildings, canal, and nature reserve—the model for future projects.
However, experts have criticised the lack of mandatory requirements, meaning developers could ignore the guidance. Anna Hollyman of the UK Green Building Council said the plans acknowledge the need to raise standards but fall short, especially given a recent national security assessment warning of ecosystem collapse. She called for clearer regulations to ensure biodiversity and climate resilience are treated as critical infrastructure.
Rachel Hackett of the Wildlife Trusts urged the government to make nature-friendly measures like swift bricks and hedgehog highways compulsory. 'We have had years of guidelines and optional choices for developers—and years of nature decline,' she said.
The guidelines, open for consultation, allow local authorities to set design codes. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook stated: 'Exemplary development should be the norm, not the exception.' The government is also expected to publish the future homes standard soon, which may mandate solar panels, heat pumps, and high insulation standards.
