New legislation to halt the spread of concrete across front gardens.
23/09/2008 15:23:04• Removing vegetation takes away resources for birds and insects
• Heavy rainfall immediately runs off hard surfaces into drains, overloading sewer systems and resulting in homes being flooded and waterways being polluted with raw sewage
• Subsidence can be caused as ground beneath paving dries out
• Heat absorbed by hard surfaces during the day is released at night, adding to humid conditions while plants can help cool the atmosphere through evaporation from foliage
• Plants help absorb air pollution
• Green front gardens are perceived to be more desirable and estate agents suggest paved front gardens can reduce property values.
September 2008. In London, an estimated two-thirds of the Capital's front gardens have been lost to hard standing for car parking; that's about thirty-two square kilometres, or the equivalent of sixteen Olympic Parks!
"This new legislation will require anyone wishing to lay concrete over their gardens to get planning permission, which could cost them £150". Said Tim Webb of the RSPB in London. "We welcome it because it will protect land that has supported our fragile urban wildlife, it will also help prevent flash flooding, which can devastate rivers and streams and the wildlife they support."
Planning permission will not be required for anyone creating car parking using surfaces that allow water to seep through and plants to grow.
Details
Details of the new legislation are available from the Department for Communities and Local Government. An Environment Agency booklet on the subject can be downloaded here.
Tim added, "This legislation is a win-win situation for everyone. Home owners still get to create a parking bay, but by using permeable surfaces they'll also help support a range of plants, insects and birds, while protecting their homes and the environment against floods."
Hardy plants such as thyme and creeping jenny will tolerate being parked on and trampled, but provide food and shelter for insects. Climbers and wall-shrubs can be planted at the edges or in pots.
