9.2.3 Green Infrastructure

Closed22 Dec, 2020, 9:00am - 12 Mar, 2021, 5:00pm
​​​​​​9.2.3 Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure can be defined as strategically planned and interconnected networks of green space and water capable of delivering ecosystem services and quality of life benefits.   Green Infrastructure can include parks, open spaces, rivers, farmland, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens which surround and intersperse our towns and villages. The National Planning Framework (NPF) highlights the importance of the interrelationships between biodiversity, natural heritage, landscape and our green spaces. The NPF states that integrated planning for green infrastructure and ecosystem services will be incorporated into the preparation of statutory land use plans It should be designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of economic, environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities including:

  • adaptation to the impacts of climate change and flooding
  • high‐quality environment which can attract investment and new business  
  • places for people to access nature, outdoor recreation and for social interaction
  • local food production ‐ in allotments, gardens and through agriculture
  • space for nature and wildlife to flourish
  • a sense of place and local distinctiveness
  • a resource for environmental education

Green Infrastructure planning has a significant role to play in assisting in the protection of Natura 2000 sites, biodiversity in the wider countryside and climate resilience.  The Council’s Land Use Plans will protect, manage and provide, where possible, green infrastructure in an integrated and coherent manner.

Objective:

9B           To identify and map green infrastructure assets and sites of local biodiversity value over the lifetime of the Plan.

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