​A study by Danish Aarhus University has found that being deprived of green spaces when growing up is associated with an increased risk of mental illness (up to 55%).
The scientists used satellite images taken of Denmark between 1985 and 2013 and analysed square areas of land, with each square scored according to the amount of greenery it contained. The study factored in the impact of external factors such as socioeconomic factors or a family history of mental illness. The researchers then screened the adult participants for 16 different mental health disorders.
The study found that children (aged from birth to 10 years of age) in areas with the least amount of green space had an increased risk of developing a mental disorder later in life. Those with a greater exposure to green spaces showed a 15% to 55% lower risk.
This study emphasises the importance of access to green spaces and the need for effective green blue infrastructure planning in cities and new residential areas for wellbeing.  JFA published an article previously exploring “Nature Deficit Disorder” in October 2018.
Source:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/03/growing-up-near-green-space-is-good-for-adult-mental-health/

JFA Environmental Planning are excited to be providing landscape support for phases 2-4 of the urban regeneration of Aylesham in Kent.  This large village was originally laid out by the renowned architect and town planner Sir Patrick Abercrombie in the style of a Garden Village in the late 1920s for a mining community relocated from the north east.  This is a joint venture by development partners Barratt Homes, Persimmon Homes and Dover District Council.  The site has been identified as a development opportunity to provide up to 1,200 new homes in an urban renewal programme, which will integrate the new housing within the existing community and incorporate the design ethos of the Garden Village concept.  There is a distinct hierarchy of open spaces and routes through the site and these will be upgraded and enhanced to provide a network of varied recreational and amenity opportunities and improved biodiversity.

The December issue of Lawyer Monthly features an interview with JFA's Principal Jaqueline Clay. The Interview covers key critical issues for our clients when Environmental Impact Assessment may be needed: what to include, how to minimise costs and risks and how to avoid if possible.
You can find out all the detail here.