HTA discusses green space in urban areas

A Horticultural Trades Association product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Aug 10, 2010

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) presents Greening the UK, a town planning conference on the use and benefits of green space and planting in urban communities.

Plants and green space help reduce the risk of flooding, particularly surface water flooding, through absorbing excess water into the ground as opposed to already overworked drainage systems.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) presents 'Greening the UK' conference

Just a 10 per cent increase in tree coverage would counter the predicted 4C temperature rise over the next century.

Plants can help reduce summer energy loads by 20-40 per cent .

The provision of green areas around the workplace has been shown to reduce employee annual sick leave by as much as 23 per cent.

Hospital patients have been shown to recover quicker with a view of green space and the requirement for strong pain-killing medication can be reduced by 25 per cent.

The event will provide delegates with a comprehensive overview of recent developments in planning best practice and scientific research, it will deliver an in depth analysis of how local authorities can react to the new localism agenda to deliver environmental and social objectives.

The conference will focus on how green space and planting can: Enable local authorities to meet Local Area Agreement targets; Improve the local environment; Help urban communities mitigate and adapt to climate change; Deliver economic development; Produce healthier, safer and more vibrant communities.

Confirmed speakers include: Stephen Tapper, president of the Planning Officers Society; Tim Briercliffe, chair of Greening the UK; Dr Ross Marshall of the Environment Agency; Clare Brockhurst, fellow of the Landscape Institute; Dick Longdin of Randall Thorp; and Dr Ross Cameron of the University of Reading.

Presentations have also been requested from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

This conference will be of particular interest to Town Planners, Development Control Officers, Environment Officers, Councillors involved in planning and environment, Council leaders, and Environmental Non-Government Organisations.

Greening the UK will take place at Manchester Town Hall, 10.00-15.30, Friday 17 September 2010.