L2- Green Infrastructure provision vsHousing.pptx

the nexus between housing provision and green infrastructure

1. GREEN BELT & Housing Town Planning Principles 2 & 3 COMPLILED BY A.LUNGA

2. Green belts A greenbelt is a area of land, usually around a city or town, that is reserved for parks, conservation, and recreation, RATHER THAN urban development. This town planning principle is connected with a host of other concepts such as: Ecosystem Services Ecosystem services are the wide range of valuable benefits that a healthy natural environment provides for people, either directly or indirectly. The benefits range from the essentials for life, including clean air and water, food and fuel, to ‘cultural’ ecosystem services that improve our quality of life and wellbeing, such as recreation and beautiful landscapes.

3. Green belt Green Infrastructure A network of green spaces which provide life support functions including food, fibre , air to breathe, places for nature and places for recreation. The Green Infrastructure approach seeks to use regulatory or planning policy mechanisms to safeguard natural areas. Multi-functional green infrastructure refers to different functions or activities taking place on the same piece of land and at the same time. For example, a flood plain providing a repository for flood waters, grazing land, a nature reserve and a place for recreation.

4. History of green belts 1898 The concept of Green Belt was initially suggested in the late 19th century. In 1898, Ebenezer Howard’s proposed Garden Cities were intended to be “planned, self-contained, communities surrounded by greenbelts, containing carefully balanced areas of residences, industry, and agriculture” 1935 • Greater London Regional Planning Committee proposed: “to provide a reserve supply of public open spaces and of recreational areas and to establish a green belt or girdle of open space

5. GREEN BELT A GLOBAL PERPECTIVE The majority of the world’s population now live in cities for the first time in recorded history. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme has identified uncontrolled urban sprawl as one of the biggest challenges facing the world today, particularly developing countries. It encourages the ‘compact city’ model of urban growth to address the issue and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by additional commuting associated with urban sprawl. ‘Compact cities’ are commonly characterised by policies like Green Belts to set a clear boundary to urban growth in order to protect natural resources beyond the city boundary. Green Belts are regarded as a British success story. They have been established in a growing number of countries across the world, from China, India and Korea to Canada and the USA, with similar forms (if not always policy substance) to the British model. (Tang, Wong & Lee; 2007) The value of another Green Belt purpose – protecting the setting of historic towns – has also been recognised in international fora. UNESCO26 has designated a number of World Heritage Sites across the country in recent years. VIC FALLS

6. New challenges for Green Belt land The land around our towns and cities is continually facing a range of challenges and conflicting land use priorities. Decisions involve weighing up a number of social, economic and environmental factors and include questions about the number of houses needed, the distribution of infrastructure, facilities and services. ; the amount of open space desirable to provide healthy lifestyles and quality of life; protection of important habitats, landscapes and historic features; and the provision of jobs and schools. With the passing of the Climate Change Act 20088 NB: And a new overall statutory purpose for spatial planning to address climate change, this is an important factor to add to the list.

7. New challenges for Green Belt land Sustainable Development Concept has provided a framework for making some of these decisions around those towns and cities with the planning designation in place. It is a simple framework that assumes that urban areas need open space and breathing spaces around them – for that to happen, the form and size of urban areas should be contained. If not , urban development would sprawl and settlements would become too big and lose their historic character. The policy has defended against this successfully. But there are new challenges in the 21st century , and new expectations. Zimbabwe's population has grown, and is projected to continue to grow.

8. New challenges for Green Belt land Climate change mitigation and adaptation- Land use and management can make a contribution to this, for example, by increasing the uptake of carbon dioxide by vegetation and the subsequent incorporation of carbon into the soil. Growing concern about food security in the face of climate change, global population growth and rising prices poses an increasing challenge to the view that much or most of Zimbabwe's agricultural capacity is no longer efficient.

9. HOUSING MAIN DEFINITIONS: Shelter - a space which provides protection to people from environmental conditions without infrastructure, social services, privacy and aesthetic characters.

10. HOUSING Dwelling- means the space which can meet and absorb: activities, life needs, privacy and independence, natural health, services, etc. For that: The dwelling is the architectural environment for strengthening relations between the family members and community. The dwelling is not a shelter, it means shelter in addition to facilities as: relations, privacy, special activities, safety, dreams, entertainment.

11. Housing Housing – is the science or policy of integrated system consisting of land, dwelings , social and technical infrastructure services. Architectural view of a house is a free standing dwelling with living space for one family unit, in classification terms it is called a single family house.

12. Housing objectives 1: Human needs- it seeks to achieve human needs like protection from climate and outside conditions. Social relations between individuals, biological and physiological needs and achieving residential belonging. 2: Territoriality : make the person have his own place without intrusion from others by building physical barriers like wall or natural like trees or fences. 3: Privacy : it achieves privacy through designing the roofs and windows of the dwelling in a way that attain visual and sound isolation. 4: Accessibility : Accessibility as a Housing Objective refers to ensuring that housing is designed, constructed, and maintained in a way that allows all individuals, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities, to fully use and navigate the space.

13. Psychological and Social Comfort for Habitants Psychological and Social Comfort for Habitants as a Housing Objective focuses on creating living environments that enhance the mental well-being and social interactions of residents. Housing is not merely a physical shelter but also a space where people develop a sense of belonging, security, and identity. Addressing the psychological and social needs of residents is critical for fostering a healthy and inclusive community.

14. Key Elements of Psychological and Social Comfort in Housing: Sense of Security and Privacy :A secure home provides emotional stability. Features like proper locks, security systems, and safe neighborhood environments contribute to this sense of safety. Privacy, such as soundproofing and clearly defined personal spaces, allows residents to relax and recharge mentally. Aesthetic Appeal : Attractive and well-designed housing with natural light, ventilation, greenery, and visually pleasing architecture contributes to a positive mood and reduces stress. Spaces for Social Interaction :Communal areas like parks, courtyards, and shared facilities encourage interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community and reducing isolation.Designs that balance private and public spaces enhance social cohesion while respecting personal boundaries.

15. Key Elements of Psychological and Social Comfort in Housing: Cultural and Emotional Connections : Homes that reflect local culture, traditions, and identity create a sense of familiarity and belonging.Personalized spaces allow residents to express themselves and feel emotionally connected to their environment. Promoting Health and Well-being : Access to fresh air, natural light, and quiet environments reduces stress and supports mental health.Green spaces and recreational facilities encourage physical activity, which has positive effects on mental well-being. Inclusivity and Diversity : Housing that accommodates diverse populations, including families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities, fosters a sense of inclusion and mutual respect.Mixed -income housing and community-building initiatives can reduce social divisions and create supportive networks.

16. Planning Standards for Housing Planning standards for housing are guidelines and regulations used to ensure the development of safe, functional, and sustainable residential areas. These standards address key aspects of land use, infrastructure, and community needs to enhance the quality of life for residents. Importance of Housing Planning Standards- Prevent overcrowding and slum development . Facilitate orderly urban growth . Enhance quality of life through proper infrastructure and amenities . Promote equity and inclusivity . Support environmental sustainability. These standards provide a framework for housing development that balances social, economic, and environmental needs, ensuring functional and livable communities.

17. The Standards: 1: Zoning Regulations- Define permissible land uses: Residential, Commercial, Industrial. Prevent conflicts between incompatible uses (e.g., housing near heavy industries). 2: Setbacks and Building Heights Setbacks: Minimum distance between buildings and property lines. Building Heights: Regulated to maintain harmony and avoid overcrowding. Purpose: Ensure privacy, safety, and compliance with fire and zoning laws.

18. The Standards: 3: Social Amenities and Open Spaces Allocation of land for: Schools, Healthcare facilities, Recreational areas (parks, playgrounds). Standards often recommend a specific ratio of amenities per population unit (e.g., one park per 1,000 residents). 4: Infrastructure Standards Roads: Minimum road widths, hierarchy (primary, secondary, tertiary roads).Utilities: Provision for water supply, drainage, electricity, and waste management. Purpose: Ensure accessibility, safety, and sustainability.

19. The Standards: 5: Housing Typologies Standards vary for different types of housing: Single-family homes, Multi-family units. Mixed-use developments. Tailored regulations ensure appropriate designs for various socio-economic groups. 6:Plot Sizes and Coverage Minimum Plot Size: Defines the smallest permissible size for a residential plot. Plot Coverage: Maximum percentage of the plot area that can be built on (e.g., 50%-70%).Purpose: Balance built-up and open spaces, ensure adequate sunlight, ventilation, and green spaces.

20. GREEN BELTS VS HOUSING ‘That’s why the answer to our housing crisis does not lie in tearing up the Green Belt.’ Simons(2018) . DEBATE!!! Planning rules already say that Green Belt boundaries should be changed only in “ exceptional circumstances ". But too many local authorities and developers have been taking a lax view of what “exceptional” means. They’ve been allocating Green Belt sites for development as an easy option rather than a last resort.”

21. GREEN BELTS VS HOUSING Local Authorities (LA) especially in Zimbabwe might be taking a more relaxed approach to designated greenbelt land for development. This could undermine the original intent of the green belt policy, which is to protect areas of natural beauty, prevent urban sprawl, promote sustainable development. By allocating green belt sites for housing development as an easy option , local authorities may be prioritizing short term gains over long term environmental and social consequences. This approach could lead to the erosion of green belts and loss of valuable ecosystems (wetlands) , biodiversity, and recreational spaces.

22. Exceptional circumstances? According to the UK National Planning Policy Framework, exceptional circumstances that may warrant altering greenbelt boundaries include: LA can demonstrate that they have explored all other reasonable options for meeting their housing and development needs. (think of brown field reclaiming options) The need for development outweighs the harm it would cause to the greenbelt. (Long Chen Plaza in Harare?). The development would result in significant economic, social or environmental benefits that outweigh harm. Can a development check all the triple bottom line parameters? (social, economic, environmental) what do you say about expansion of Cowdry Park into the Bulawayo hinterland? Do the benefits outweigh the harm? Were not any alternative options?