Last week's Budget has grabbed a lot of headlines thanks largely to the resignation of a Cabinet minister over welfare reform.
However, there is growing concern at many other aspects of the Chancellor's plans with the proposed construction of new garden towns and cities coming under the spotlight.
The proposals have largely been welcomed but, together with a mounting campaign to protect the green belt, there is criticism about a perceived lack of clear planning and forward-thinking.
Noel Farrer, President of the Landscape Institute, described the garden towns and cities plans as an "exciting opportunity to encourage a revolution in the way we plan and deliver new communities with sustainable lifestyles fit for the 21st century".
He backed the Government's commitment is to support the construction of new garden towns and cities and support those areas that wish to establish garden villages and market towns of between 1,500 to 10,000 homes. But he added: "However, we need to see the details and we are yet to be convinced that meaningful landscape consideration is at the heart of any proposed new garden cities.
"The vision for any new garden city must first and foremost be informed by an understanding of the characteristics unique to its specific location; its local landscape character.
"Landscape is the primary consideration in delivering places where people want to be; want to work; want to innovate. People want to live in desirable housing, not just any housing. Poor design is a barrier to any new developments. Existing residents in cities, towns and villages need to believe that new housing will enhance, not diminish, their quality of life and the value of their homes.
"By adopting a landscape-led approach, change in the landscape should not be feared as it helps guarantee long term economic value and makes the most of our precious land resources."
Meanwhile, a major exhibition that looks into the future of the Green Belt has opened. The exhibition, curated by The Built Environment Trust and the Landscape Institute, examines a topic at the centre of both conservation and housing crisis discussions, with a Government consultation on planning currently having Green Belt alterations as a key potential action area.
Beyond The Green Belt looks at the long genesis of the Green Belt and brings it up to date with an expression of the current conflict. A related talks programme will bring this debate into life. The exhibition concludes with projects and questions that look to constructively develop Green Belt thinking.
Noel Farrer added: “The Green Belt is often criticised for its poor environmental quality and for impeding house building, inflating land prices and frustrating transport infrastructure but it is also a vital bulwark against unfettered urban sprawl. Many organisations and policy makers have proposed vastly opposing approaches, from tightening rules over development to scrapping the planning designation altogether. This exhibition can help us come to our own views on the best way forward.”
Beyond the Green Belt exhibition will be open to the public at The Building Centre, Store Street, London until April 27 2016.
