Building Futures: ‘Bigger, Better, More Joined Up’

Growth, if managed well, will reap significant rewards for nature, the environment, the economy and residents. However, achieving this requires multiple groups to collaborate to deliver a matrix of management actions to turn talk and good intentions into reality. This was the central theme at the annual Hertfordshire Building Futures conference, where sustainability in action took centre stage.

By Lucy Gravatt.

The Scale of the Problem

Hertfordshire, like all other parts of UK, faces significant pressures to meet the Government’s new housing targets and protect its environment from insensitive development. Longer and more frequent heatwaves, more intense storms and flooding – and even freezing winters – are all signs of global warming. Rising temperatures are putting the most vulnerable at greater risk of heatstroke while natural disasters such as the recent flooding in Hitchin, are putting more pressure on emergency services and causing devastation for home owners and businesses.

The built environment is one of the biggest culprits of carbon emissions – accountable for approximately 35% of total global energy consumption, of which the vast majority comes from the construction, operation and maintenance of buildings. Last year, the county built 5,000 more houses than in 2001. But this is nowhere near enough to meet the mandatory housing targets set by the Government nationally to deliver the 1.5 million more homes it says are needed across the UK. With 33 per cent of the county already developed, Hertfordshire is facing pressure like never before to ensure new homes are well designed and masterplanned.

The county is a special place – its rich human heritage dates back to the Bronze Age. Ten per cent of the world’s chalkstreams are in the county. The pressing need for new housing and infrastructure therefore must be balanced with preserving this unique natural environment and biodiversity.

Sustainability in Action

At the conference, land managers, businesses, and local authorities gathered to discuss how to deliver good growth and manage the interplay between bricks and mortar and the environment. The importance of integrating nature into development plans was emphasised, highlighting the need for a delicately balanced approach that considers both the benefits of economic growth and environmental preservation.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

England is in the bottom 10 per cent globally for biodiversity therefore change is urgently needed to create ‘more, bigger, joined up’ places for wildlife. One key mechanism is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) which aims to ensure that new developments leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. Under the Environment Act 2021, BNG mandates that all new developments achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity. This means that developers must enhance or create habitats either on-site or off-site to ensure a positive impact on biodiversity which can also support local economies and community well-being.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS)

Another key mechanism are Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) which, for the first time, provide the planning at scale to drive coordinated, practical action for nature recovery across England. Each LNRS is tailored to its specific area and includes a local habitat map, and a written statement of biodiversity priorities. These strategies identify key locations for action, such as the creation of wetlands, restoration of peatlands, and planting of trees and hedgerows. This will create a ‘network of nature’ that supports a diverse range of species and habitats. Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for developing the LNRS locally working in partnership with businesses, landowners, developers, health and voluntary organisations and environment agencies. Whether a tenant farmer, a major landowner or resident, all can help to identify local nature priorities and gather knowledge of species and habitats. In short, the LNRS is for everyone.

Economic and Social Benefits

Working in tandem, BNG and the LNRS will support developers, landowners and local authorities to positively contribute to nature recovery and protect endangered species, such as the swift population which has halved in numbers. In Hertfordshire, close to 300 sites have been put forward already for inclusion in the LNRS, providing significant opportunities to not only reverse losses but to improve nature which is good for the economy, for the environment and for people.

The economic benefits of integrating BNG and the LNRS into development are substantial. For landowners, BNG provides a reliable income for over 30 years and new opportunities for marginal land. For developers, it also offers a chance to shift the focus away from ‘nimbyism’ to a more welcoming attitude to local development.

Build, back better

Hertfordshire’s rich built environment heritage offers a tapestry of New Towns and Garden Cities, market towns, villages and settlements. This attractive mix of town and country, history and heritage, is a significant contributory factor to increasing tourism footfall and spend. As awareness of environmental impact grows, consumer demand is driving more sustainable options and an increase in more eco-friendly

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destinations. Social value generated through the repair and alteration of historic buildings is also significant, contributing to the local economy and community well-being.

There is also a strong and growing business case for action if we are to develop the green skills needed for retrofit and deliver the transformational shift to decarbonise homes, buildings, transport networks and energy systems. This emphasis on sustainability, seeking low carbon solutions and driving green investment underpins the emerging Economic Strategy for Hertfordshire.

Case Studies

Panshanger Park is an award-winning country park and nature reserve, parts of which were previously quarried for sand and gravel. Since mineral extraction has ended, the site has been progressively restored to agriculture, wetland and nature conservation. Tarmac, owners of the Park, have worked with a range of partners to deliver a sustainably managed, high quality country park that now supports a range of uses and is home to many species of breeding and wintering birds, and 18 species of dragonfly and damselfly. Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation is in a unique position of stewardship and influence in Letchworth. This guides its mission to preserve Letchworth’s buildings and green spaces and provide practical information for home owners.

For more information on Building Futures, email: sustainable@hertfordshire.gov.uk

For more information on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and how you can get involved, email: localnaturerecovery@hertfordshire.gov.uk

The county is a special place – its rich human heritage dates back to the Bronze Age. Ten per cent of the world’s chalkstreams, are in the county. The pressing need for new housing and infrastructure therefore must be balanced with preserving this unique natural environment and biodiversity.

It has produced a series of guides to enable residents to find free ways and simple measures to retrofit their homes, save money on energy and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

The Hertfordshire Building Futures conference underscored the importance of the green agenda in future development and the economy. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and implementing strategic management actions, it is possible to achieve a future where economic development and environmental preservation go hand in hand. This integrated approach not only supports biodiversity but also enhances the quality of life for residents and contributes to a resilient and sustainable economy.