New homes in Barnet: 2,900-home neighbourhood in Colindale has green roofs, wildlife habitats and allotments
A decade before London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone came into force, air pollution concerns had prompted the capital’s then Mayor, Ken Livingstone, to introduce a “Living Roofs and Walls” policy. And since 2008 these eco features have seen phenomenal “growth”.
Today London has more than 40 per cent of the UK’s green roofs and walls, totalling 1.5 million sq m of space.
It represents quite a turnround. Back in the early 20th-century, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy was to embed buildings in nature.
Now the reverse is happening with planted surfaces and high-rise vegetation helping combat air pollution through architecture, reducing nitrogen dioxide levels and harmful particulates.
Interactive website londonair.org.uk allows Londoners to identify areas with the best and worst air quality.
When complete, more than 6,000 people will live in homes overlooking parks and sports pitches. And there will be an on-site primary school, shops and community facilities.
As well as green roofs and podium gardens, there are new wildlife habitats, allotments and spaces for urban agriculture.
Prices from £385,000 to £865,000. Call Redrow on 020 3811 6580.