A new guide has been launched with information for housebuilders on how to enhance and protect biodiversity within new home developments. We take a look at the details of the report, and how the housebuilding industry can embrace biodiversity.
A new report called Biodiversity
The new report comes from the NHBC Foundation who has formed a partnership with both the RSPB and Barratt Developments. The aim of the report is to ensure that the housebuilding industry looks to incorporate green infrastructure into new build home developments. It points out suggestions for housebuilders on enhancing and protecting biodiversity in and around developments. Doing so will help to create wildlife-friendly communities and deliver wider health benefits to the residents and public.
Why this report now?
There has been a lot of focus on the reduction of carbon emissions for housebuilders, and rightly so. However, since the pandemic, there has been additional attention placed on the importance of caring for local wildlife. Naturally, the building of large housing developments does little to help local wildlife and green spaces, hence the need to actively improve biodiversity on or near such sites. According to the 2019 State of Nature report, 58% of UK species have declined over the past 50 years and urbanisation is considered one of the key reasons why.
The sentiment is echoed by house-buyers who are more receptive to living in an area where there are more nature-rich spaces to enjoy. It will also soon be mandatory to meet Biodiversity Net Gain, so it is worthwhile for developers to set their plans forward now.
What the report suggests
It is a difficult time, balancing the country’s needs for more housing while at the same time ensuring sustainability from both a climate and biodiversity perspective.
So, this report outlines suggestions for developers to consider, including:
• Implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) which mimic natural processes in managing rainfall through the use of landscape form and vegetation.
• Installing roost bricks for bats and designing lighting plans in a bat-friendly way.
• Putting in bird nest bricks that provide permanent nest features for declining species such as swifts.
• Ensuring boundaries enable hedgehogs to move freely through a housing development.
Keeping a positive focus
We cannot underestimate how important a part nature plays in our lives, and it is hoped that the housebuilding industry will embrace the creation of sustainable, biodiverse communities.
The CEO of the RSBP, Beccy Speight commented, “The housebuilding industry is uniquely placed in having an opportunity to create not just sustainable houses, but new, sustainable communities, where people thrive alongside wildlife. This guide is a great introduction to the principles and practicalities of creating wildlife-friendly communities and a great addition to the sustainable housing toolkit.”
Initiative in East Suffolk
Meanwhile, in East Suffolk, the Council there have recently approved a tariff-based plan to protect local habitats and conservation areas from the repercussions of increased housebuilding activity. The supplementary planning document provides greater clarity for housebuilders on how key issues will be implemented and addressed. Meanwhile the tariff itself is based on estimates of projected housing growth in the area, and the potential number of new residents.
While more homes are welcomed by the Council, they also want to make sure habitat protection and local biodiversity are not hindered by the growing population. Therefore, there will be charges for new homes built near to any designated sites known for their wildlife habitats. The tariff covers the costs of necessary improvement measures required to improve footpaths, upgrade signs, and employ wardens, for example. The cost itself being shared across the number of new homes, in return for the protection of natural sites for all to enjoy.
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