Sir Tim Smit, the founder of the Eden Project, has expressed significant concern regarding the Labour Party’s proposals to revamp the planning system in England. He describes himself as “disturbed and extremely concerned” about the potential impact of these changes, particularly regarding the preservation of England’s iconic landscapes.
The Labour Party’s initiative aims to expedite the construction of homes in response to a pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2029. However, Smit warns that this could lead to “inappropriate buildings” that threaten the integrity of local views and green spaces. The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has initiated a consultation process to consider removing several statutory consultees from the planning framework, including The Gardens Trust, which is the only national charity tasked with protecting designed landscapes in the UK.
Smit, who serves as vice-president of The Gardens Trust, emphasized the importance of retaining the organization’s statutory status. He stated, “We fully support a national agenda for creating affordable housing and want to help ensure that this happens while protecting the green spaces and their character which are so important to us all.” He argues that the expertise of The Gardens Trust is crucial in balancing the need for housing with the preservation of England’s historical and natural heritage.
The founder of the Eden Project warned that removing The Gardens Trust from the consultation process would leave planners ill-equipped to make informed decisions. “Without the specialist advice of The Gardens Trust and its members, hard-pressed planners would be left to make important development decisions without being fully informed,” he said. Smit’s remarks highlight the risk of losing treasured landscapes if developers are allowed to proceed without adequate oversight.
The Gardens Trust has voiced its opposition to the proposed changes, asserting that removing its statutory consultee status could jeopardize cherished green spaces. Many of the sites under its protection are listed on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England, including renowned locations such as Hampton Court Palace and the gardens at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, along with Highgate Cemetery in London.
The delayed consultation regarding the status of The Gardens Trust, as well as other organizations like Sport England and The Theatres Trust, was announced last month. Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that reducing the role of these organizations would help “streamline” the planning process and eliminate delays. However, The Gardens Trust has denied accusations of hindering the system, noting it made only 69 objections in the 2024-25 period.
Reed has introduced additional measures designed to accelerate housing development, including a “default yes” for housing projects near specific train stations. He has pledged to make unprecedented efforts to meet Labour’s housing target amidst a growing crisis. Yet, industry experts and local councils are raising concerns about the feasibility of this ambitious goal, particularly given that only 231,300 new homes were constructed between the last general election and September of this year.
As discussions continue, Smit and The Gardens Trust remain committed to advocating for the protection of England’s natural and historical landscapes while supporting the creation of affordable housing. The MHCLG has been contacted for further comment regarding these developments.
