London Parks and Gardens is deeply concerned by the Government’s decision today, 17 August 2026 to remove the Gardens Trust as a statutory consultee and reforms to the English planning system. At a time when green spaces need greater protection than ever, and an estimated 100m visits are made to London parks alone, these decisions could place our historic parks, gardens and landscapes at increased risk of negative or overshadowing developments.
Wembley, London. Photo: Daniela Sheppard
We fully support the Gardens Trust’s position, set out in its statement, which outlines how the Trust no longer being a statutory consultee could mean harm for the parks which enable our cities to thrive. London Parks & Gardens operates in close collaboration with The Gardens Trust, with specific responsibility for reviewing planning applications affecting Registered Parks & Gardens listed at Grade II, and locally designated green space. In an average year we review over 320 planning applications and respond to approximately 40% of these, across 36 local planning authority areas.
The reduced recognition of setting within the government’s new planning process is especially troubling. We worry that this might result in allowing developments outside, but near enough to overshadow a park, for example leaving the public visiting parks in the shade of towers, not trees! The setting of a historic park or garden is not incidental: it shapes the visitor experience, provides context for historic design, and connects a landscape to its wider ecological, architectural and cultural surroundings. It also contributes to the peace and tranquillity that so many Londoners and visitors value.
As building work threatens Victoria Tower Gardens, SW1, even London’s best known landscapes, including Hyde Park and St James’s Park, cannot be taken for granted. Inappropriate development within or around historic green spaces can progressively diminish their free public access, character, accessibility and environmental value. Once that damage is done, it often cannot be reversed. Since 1994, London Parks and Gardens has worked to protect the capital’s historic parks, gardens, squares, cemeteries and other green spaces for the benefit of everyone. These places are essential to London’s identity and quality of life. They support physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen communities, provide vital habitats and help the city respond to the effects of climate change.
We support the Government’s aim for more homes – especially when linked to new parks and green infrastructure, which both pricing and polling demonstrate are what the public want. We also welcome the Government’s acknowledgement of the important contribution made by the Gardens Trust and therefore London Parks and Gardens to the planning process. However, recognition must be matched by meaningful opportunities for expert scrutiny and participation.
In response to this decision, we will strengthen our partnership with the Gardens Trust and renew our efforts to assess and respond to planning applications that threaten historic parks, gardens and landscapes. This is a moment for organisations, communities and individuals who care about these places to come together and ensure that their voices continue to be heard in defence of the wonderful parks which make London liveable.
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Notes to editors
Government response to its consultation on changes to the statutory consultee regime in planning matters: Reforms to the statutory consultee system – GOV.UK
HMG press notice on a new planning framework today, 17 August 2026:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/full-steam-ahead-to-fast-track-more-homes
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