tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808182390206566006.post4236569834469131631..comments2007-07-18T10:38:48.141+01:00Hackney Planning Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165330071035559535noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-808182390206566006.post-74714866208707113612007-07-18T10:38:00.000+01:002007-07-18T10:38:00.000+01:00Hackney Planning Watch said... <BR/>Graham Warner said... <BR/>One related issue is that back gardens are currently defined as brownfield land, and so are being targeted for development. <BR/><BR/>Have a look at http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/news/news_topic.php?id=326<BR/><BR/>quote:<BR/>The threat to Britain's domestic gardens has been dubbed the 'garden grab'. Planning guidelines class much back garden space as 'brownfield sites', allowing them to be used for redevelopment in many instances.<BR/><BR/>Garden Organic Chief Executive, Dr Susan Kay-Williams, said: "Current national planning rules put profit before people. Greedy developers have carte blanche to rip up gardens and to cram the entire green space with flats."<BR/><BR/>She explained that gardens are unique ecosystems. They offer gardeners proven stress relief, fight flash floods by absorbing rainwater, provide refuges for diverse flora and fauna, and teach children about nature and enable composting, so reducing landfill waste. "We must ensure new accommodation includes enough green space and that developers respect the judgements of local authorities," she added."<BR/><BR/>Also relevant is http://www.epolitix.com/EN/Legislation/200612/08b348c9-8ac4-48ed-b95b-3bf91a960605.htmGraham Warnernoreply@blogger.com