Overview

The Land Use (Gardens Protection Etc.) Bill aims to strengthen the protection of gardens and urban green spaces in England and Wales during planning processes. It mandates that planning authorities give special consideration to preserving these areas when making decisions.

Description

This bill amends the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. A new section (71B) is added, requiring planning authorities (including those under the Greater London Authority Act 1999 and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) to give "special regard" to preserving gardens and urban green spaces when exercising their planning functions. The bill also expands the definition of "green space" within the 1990 Act to include land used as a public garden, for public recreation, or as an area benefiting wildlife and biodiversity.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The impact on government spending is likely to be indirect, potentially including increased administrative costs for planning authorities to assess the impact of developments on green spaces, but no figures are provided.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Planning authorities: Increased workload and responsibilities in assessing planning applications.
• Developers: Potentially more restrictions on development in areas with gardens and green spaces.
• Local residents: Potentially greater protection for gardens and green spaces in their neighbourhoods.
• Environmental groups: Potential positive impact through increased protection of green spaces and biodiversity.

Powered by nyModel