Tree-lined streets to form part of planning reforms after campaign by Lichfield MP
Builders will be required to provide tree-lined streets on new housing developments as part of upcoming planning reforms.
The measure is set to be included in a series of new Government regulations and is aimed at increasing the amount of green space in built-up areas.
It comes after ministers signalled their support for the Tree Lined Streets Bill, which was put forward by Tory MP Chris Clarkson and backed by Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant.
The new rules, which were drawn up with the Woodland Trust, will require house builders to agree to plant trees on surrounding streets they develop.
Mr Fabricant, who is vice chair of the Woods and Trees All Party Parliamentary Group and a member of the Woodland Trust, said: "This is fantastic news. We are lucky in the Lichfield constituency that so many of our new developments are beautifully landscaped with trees incorporated in our streetscapes.
"But this is not the case in all parts of the country. This Bill has helped change the face of Britain for the better."
‘Lungs’
Introducing the Bill in the Commons last month, Mr Clarkson said: "I must first turn to the architect of the original new deal, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who remarked: ‘Forests are the ‘lungs’ of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.’
"Put simply, trees are good for us, and the presence of trees and other greenery in urban environments has a discernible effect on the physical and mental wellbeing of those who live there.
"The presence of trees has a particularly important role to play in that philosophy, as they are inextricably linked to cleaner air, increased physical exercise and enhanced health and wellbeing.
"Trees also play a central role in nature’s recovery and in addressing climate change."
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said the bill had "inspired" the Government to propose that all new streets in major developments are lined with trees.
He added: "We want to build more homes, faster, to help the next generation onto the ladder, but also to create places people want to live in and of which we can be proud – this means beautiful, green and environmentally sustainable communities, of which trees play an important part."
