Building a new property is a significant investment. From the initial planning phase to its completion, there are many important factors to consider. The UK has always been rich in topography and natural beauty. This is why it can be challenging to build new structures without affecting the environment. But, development is an inevitability. We have to build homes for our growing population, and we have to develop commercial buildings for economic growth.
Landowners are responsible for preserving the natural state of their land, which includes protecting it from development. But with stricter regulations imposed by the government, it’s becoming more challenging to meet these requirements. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can responsibly develop your property without compromising its green space. In this article, we’re going to look at some ways you can ensure responsible building development of your property in the UK.
The Meaning of “Sustainable Development”
Sustainable development is a comprehensive, long-term approach to development that ensures the best use of natural resources, economic growth, and protection of the environment. It’s about balancing our need for a better quality of life with the need to protect natural resources. Achieving sustainable development in the UK is critical to preserving natural assets like soils, water, air and energy sources. Sustainable development also means ensuring that future generations have access to natural spaces so they can enjoy them too.
Why You Need to Be Responsible
Developing your property responsibly is critical for preserving the natural beauty of the UK. First, you’ll want to assess what type of development you’re planning to undertake. Find out if it’s possible to build over existing structures or if you’ll need to clear the space. You’ll also want to consider whether or not you need a planning application before starting development. This will help determine how much land preservation needs to be done and how much it will cost you in the long run.
If clearing land is necessary, make sure that any vegetation removed is replaced elsewhere on your property. If this isn’t feasible, then compensate by planting native species at a location of similar habitat value elsewhere. You should also try to avoid building close to water sources like rivers or streams because this could obstruct their flow or cause flooding during heavy rains.
What is Considered Green Space?
Green space is any area that is not built on. This includes forests, parks, and fields. In the UK, green space is a resource that is strictly regulated by law. It’s important to note which areas of your property are green space as it will affect what you can build on those properties.
How to Plan for Your Site Responsibly
The first step to responsibly developing your property is planning for it. It’s best to work with a professional who has experience in the process. They can help you navigate what you should consider when planning the site, developing the design, and managing construction. It’s also essential that you consider environmental protection during this process. You don’t want to limit yourself when building, but you do want to keep in mind how your development could affect the environment.
How to Ensure Development Doesn’t Spoil the Natural Landscape
Building on land comes with an environmental impact. But, this doesn’t mean you should avoid building altogether. With some extra care, you can develop your property without compromising the natural state of the landscape.
Luckily, there are many ways to ensure responsible development. One of these ways is designing your project to fit the existing environment. This means making sure your property blends in with the natural setting by using materials that would naturally exist in the area. It also means following other factors like height restrictions and proximity to other buildings or water sources.
Surveys Your Should Arrange to Protect the Environment
The first step in protecting green spaces is understanding the current condition of the land. While this may seem like a time-consuming effort, it’s imperative to understand what methods will be necessary for preserving the land.
Surveys conducted by experts will help you understand the boundaries, topography, and natural features of your property. They’ll also evaluate soil type and determine how fertile it is. Surveyors can also provide you with details on any cultural heritage features that may exist on your property.
Afterwards, you should establish a boundary that includes all of your property’s natural features. You can then use this information to plan how to responsibly develop your property going forward. If possible, try to preserve trees and wildlife habitats by incorporating them into your development plan.
Additionally, you should also have surveys conducted to assess the wildlife populations on your land and how your development project may impact them. An expert can help you determine what you need to do to protect a variety of species, and there are different surveys you can look into, such as a bat survey, which will assist you in ensuring you are protecting the environment. When looking for surveys to protect the wildlife on your property, you can get more information over at Arbtech. They specialise in bat surveys, alongside eco surveys in general which will help you develop your property.
What You Need to Know About the Environment Act 2021
The Environment Act 2021 is the latest act to protect the environment in the UK. This act aims to ensure that we use our resources responsibly to preserve wildlife and biodiversity. The new legislation will affect how businesses operate, how land is used, and how people live their lives.
One of the main changes will be that the government will soon have the authority to set emission limits for key sectors like transport, agriculture, and buildings. It will require developers to account for the environmental cost of their developments in the UK. This includes sustainable design and consideration for habitats, species and ecosystems in the area being developed.
Conclusion
The environment is an integral part of sustainable building, and with the new Environment Act 2021, it’s essential that you’re clued up on how to be responsible when it comes to development.
The most important thing to understand about sustainable development is that it’s not just about building a property; it’s about creating something that will cause as little environmental damage as possible. The Environment Act 2021 lists environmental principles and objectives for sustainable development, and it’s essential that you follow these guidelines when planning and developing your site.
