Mayor vows to oppose building on the green belt as he launches London Tree Week
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today pledged to oppose building on London’s green belt and instructed his planning officers to ensure his view is reflected in all planning decisions made by the Greater London Authority, as he officially launched the start of London’s Tree Week, a series of fun events designed to highlight London’s beautiful green spaces until Sunday 5th June.
The Mayor joined members of the Woodland Trust for a preview of a giant 3D tree which will be on display during Tree Week (on Tuesday 31 May) outside City Hall, More London, SE1. The ‘Wandering Tree’ is a special piece of street art creating an optical illusion and people can take pictures of themselves standing on top of the impressive mighty oak.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London said: “It is vitally important we protect our city’s precious green spaces and that must include opposing building on the Green Belt. I’ve now met with my team of planners to make absolutely clear that this must stay at the forefront of planning decisions.
“Ensuring everyone in our city, especially young people, has access to green spaces from parks and playing fields to community gardens is vitally important. London Tree Week is a great reminder for us all to make better use of and enjoy our green spaces and I hope as many people as possible can enjoy some of the events during Tree Week. “
Throughout London Tree Week many of the capital’s amazing parks will be offering a variety of green trails and activities from uncovering the natural history of Crystal Palace Park, to discovering the mulberry tree heritage around the City of London, and a chance to learn how to care for trees in Beddington Park. Londoners will also have the chance to climb up an oak tree in Highgate Wood as CanopyStair, an innovative spiral staircase, will allow visitors a chance to view the woods from a new angle over the Bank Holiday weekend.