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. The key change is the addition of a new section (71B) requiring planning authorities, including the Greater London Authority, to give "special regard" to preserving gardens and urban green spaces when exercising their planning functions under various Acts (including the 1990 Act, the 1999 Greater London Authority Act, and the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act).

The bill also defines "green space" to include:

• Land laid out as a public garden;
• Land used for public recreation;
• Areas of open space benefiting wildlife and biodiversity.

The bill applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The impact on government spending is likely to be minimal, possibly involving some increased administrative costs for planning authorities in assessing the impact of development proposals on green spaces. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Planning authorities: They will have additional responsibilities in considering green space preservation.
• Developers: Their projects affecting green spaces may face more scrutiny and potential delays.
• Residents and community groups: They may benefit from increased protection of local green spaces.
• Wildlife and biodiversity: The bill aims to improve their protection.

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