News / Local Plan
Fake lawns could be banned in new developments
Property developers could be banned from using artificial grass in Bristol in a bid to help bees and other insects.
Fake plastic grass can be easier to care for than a real lawn but is bad for insects and biodiversity.
The new ban forms one part of Bristol City Council’s new draft Local Plan, which sets out how and where new developments should be built up until 2040.
is needed now More than ever
On Tuesday next week, councillors will vote on approving the draft, ahead of an upcoming public consultation.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the Bristol Labour group said: “We’re banning artificial grass, introducing requirements for swift bricks, hedgehog holes and pollinator infrastructure, and protecting an extensive network of local green spaces.”
Artificial grass is becoming more popular across the country for residential lawns, but experts warn the material causes environmental issues. The Local Plan also includes other measures to boost biodiversity and local habitats, such as green roofs or living walls.
The draft Local Plan states: “Developments should not include artificial grass within their landscape schemes or as part of the provision of private or communal space. The policy doesn’t allow for artificial grass within the landscape treatment of development, because that form of surfacing does not support biodiversity gain or nature recovery.”
Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol
Main photo: Martin Booth
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