In its paper ‘Eco-towns and the next 60 years of planning’, the TCPA warned that global warming could push urban temperatures past 40ºc, so more green spaces in urban areas were vital to rein in thermometers.
It also insisted that other potential climate changes, such as increased flooding and reduced rainfall must be considered, while medium density housing should be employed to strike a balance between gardens and increased housing demand.
Gideon Amos, chief executive of TCPA, said: “We have to adapt the way we build and live in our homes to cope with uncomfortably high temperatures, the strain on water resources, less stable ground conditions and, as we have experienced this Summer, more flooding.
“Responding to this requires innovative use of space within and around buildings. We need homes and gardens with generous tree cover to complement the growing amount of high density development. Large canopy trees, green cover and green roofs where there is no space for a garden at ground level can all help to keep Summer temperatures in cities cooler.”
The paper also claimed that even small measures, such as retaining gardens, could make a big difference when it came to keeping down temperatures.
Stephen Smith, director of housing at Legal & General, said: “Energy Performance Certificates are the beginnings of the public taking seriously their green responsibility to future generations.”
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