Our Statement of Support for the Gardens Trust
The Council for British Archaeology support the Gardens Trust in urging the UK Government to reconsider its plans to remove the Trust’s role as a statutory consultee on planning applications, announced on 10th March.
The Gardens Trust provide specialist advice on planning applications with an impact on the parks and gardens that we cherish as a nation. The Trust operate with a team of volunteers across England to advise on sustainable change whilst safeguarding the special qualities of the formal landscapes, cemeteries and urban parks that operate as the lungs of our towns and cities as well as green recreational space that communities come together in.
As a National Amenity Society, we know the critical role the Gardens Trust play in advising on managed change in the planning system. Their informed specialist advice bridges gaps in the majority of planning authorities, where there are shortages in staff capacity and expertise in this area. In their statutory role the Gardens Trust add value to informed decision making. The CBA supports reform to the planning system to improve its efficiency and best deliver public benefits to communities. Removing the Gardens Trust as a statutory consultee would not support this aim.
How you can help
You can find out how to show your support for the Gardens Trust over on their website, here.