Young first-time buyers in England are being pushed into areas with little access to green spaces, according to new research. The study, conducted by the Wildlife and Countryside Link coalition, found that for every square metre of green space lost per person, an additional 494 first-time buyers move into that area.
The analysis used official Office for National Statistics data on first-time buyers by local authority in 2023, comparing it with green space data. It revealed a statistically significant correlation: areas with fewer parks and natural spaces attract more first-time buyers due to lower housing costs, effectively creating 'nature deserts' for the younger generation.
Experts warn that this trend is deepening health inequalities. Research cited by the coalition shows that living near green spaces reduces anxiety and depression by about 20%, while those living more than 800 metres from such areas reported worse wellbeing, particularly during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
The coalition is calling for amendments to the government's new planning and infrastructure bill to ensure every new development includes green and blue spaces. Currently, developers can build on protected green spaces and offset losses elsewhere, even in a different county, which the coalition argues fails to address the nature crisis.
Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: 'With the right reforms, we can turn today’s nature deserts into greener, healthier places to live. People of every age and background deserve homes they can afford without sacrificing their beneficial connection to nature.' The National Trust also urged ministers to back amendments guaranteeing parks and waterways in all future developments.
