National policy
Although there is no explicit national policy that requires or encourages the use of green roofs, there are key national policies that support them. These include Securing The Future – the UK Government’s sustainable development strategy 2005, and Climate Change – the UK Programme 2006.
The use of green roofs would also be consistent with a range of policy guidance including:
- PPS1 - Delivering sustainable development
- PPG2 - Green belts
- PPS3 - Housing
- PPS9 - Biodiversity and geological conservation
- PPG17 - Planning for space, sport and recreation
- PPS25 - Development and flood risk
London policy
Our vision of a greener London is in line with that the London Plan (consolidated with Alterations since 2004):
- Policy 4A.3 - Sustainable design and construction
- Policy 4A.9 - Adaptation to climate change
- Policy 4A.11 - Living roofs and walls
- Policy 4A.14 - Sustainable drainage
- Policy 4A.17 - Water quality
Policy 4A.11 - Living roofs and walls - states:
The Mayor will, and boroughs should, expect major developments to incorporate living roofs and walls where feasible and reflect this principle in DPD policies. It is expected that this will include roof and wall planting that delivers as many of these objectives as possible:
- Accessible roof space
- Adapting to and mitigating climate change
- Sustainable urban drainage
- Enhancing biodiversity
- Improved appearance
Boroughs should also encourage the use of living roofs in smaller developments and extensions where the opportunity arises.
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