The article emphasizes the importance of addressing London's housing crisis while also protecting the environment. The mayor's initiative to build homes should not compromise green spaces vital for reducing air pollution and enhancing community livability. It argues against poorly classified green belt areas and advocates for developing in harmony with nature. Additionally, it critiques the current planning and infrastructure bill, stating that it complicates and raises costs for developers, ultimately harming both the housing market and environmental objectives. The author calls for stronger laws and proper consultation before moving forward.
The mayor of London is right to redouble his efforts to tackle the capital's housing crisis, but there is no reason this should come at the expense of protecting nature.
We must create good-quality and affordable homes, alongside green spaces that reduce our toxic levels of air pollution, while creating beautiful, livable communities.
Without strong, consistent laws balancing competing demands over our land and environment, with appropriate independent checks and oversight, we risk accelerating the decline of nature in pursuit of growth.
As it stands, part 3 of the bill slows down developers, making their work more costly and complex. It is a lose-lose for builders, the economy and nature.
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