Green spaces in London are increasingly under threat from a lack of proper advice over brownfield development according to a report published by the London Assembly Environment Committee.

According to the report, the failure of the London Development Agency to raise awareness of financial packages available for brownfield development has played a large part in the reluctance of businesses to view derelict land as a viable option. This is putting more green space under threat.

Government tax relief of 150% is available to companies for cleaning up contaminated land but the LEA says it has deep concern about the ‘limited awareness of … the LDA about the impact of financial incentives available to developers.’

Darren Johnson, chair of the Assembly committee said: "London is one of the greenest cities in the world, but between 1997 and 2000, the capital lost 105 hectares of green space to development, or an area the size of Kensington Gardens."

"The Olympics bring tremendous pressure for development in London. To prevent the capital becoming a massive concrete park, it is vital that developers are aware of the financial incentives available for building on brownfield sites."

"Given the LDA’s pivotal role in London’s development, we are extremely concerned at its apparent failure to address the crucial issue of developing on brownfield sites."

"As the body responsible for development in London, the LDA must launch an intensive and far reaching information campaign. Unless we see the LDA really gets to grips with the problem, London looks set to lose even more precious green spaces."