North West Green Infrastructure Forum September 2009

Transcription

1 North West Green Infrastructure Forum September 2009

2 Martin Moss Natural England Chair

3 Item Introduction to forum Agenda Martin Moss - Natural England What s new? Brief update on current issues in the sub regions related to Green infrastructure development Emerging GI policies and guidance at national level Natural Economy NW - a review of work to date and looking the legacy Coffee break Developing a GI Prospectus to feed into RS2010 paper to follow Workshop on developing the Key GI Themes for RS2010 Round up and close Reports from sub regions Martin Moss - Natural England Peter Wilmers - Natural Economy North West All! Paul Nolan - The Mersey Forest All Martin Moss - Natural England Lunch All

4 Structures in Place

5 Update on current issues in the sub regions related to Green infrastructure development

6 Sub Region Cumbria Speaker Martin Moss NE Lancashire Naheed Umarji Lancashire Economic Partnership Gtr Manchester Martin Moss NE Mike Savage - Red Rose Forest Merseyside Paul Nolan - The Mersey Forest Cheshire and Warrington Tina Shiletto - TEP Paul Nolan - The Mersey Forest

7 Naheed Umarji Lancashire Economic Partnership Green Infrastructure in Lancashire

8 Martin Moss- Natural England Mike Savage - Red Rose Forest Green Infrastructure in Greater Manchester

9 Paul Nolan - The Mersey Forest Green Infrastructure on Merseyside

10 Strategic GI Planning B why bother, what do we want to achieve, Y - delivers sust and national and regional policy - CABE call - London event One day all NE will be done like this - Seattle? BL - just more noise, NATO, done all this, lets get on with it, White - get info - 5 step process, scalability, it works, has evidence, GVA and other benefits Red - not comfortable, challenging, other views, language feels helpful, engaging Green - Automate, One plan many deliveries, does not stop unilateral actions one big pot? Critical Infrastructure - evolving - not a single way of doing this!

11 Sub Regional Planning GI Framework study underway 6 key priorities Setting the Scene for Growth Climate Change adaptation and mitigation Access and recreation Rural economy Ecological framework Health and well being

12 Liverpool Knowledge Quarter Create an outstanding knowledge destination : Ensuring that we offer an inspiring and convivial place for the exchange and development of ideas set within a high quality and distinctive public realm, underpinned by strong cultural, leisure and other quality of life assets.

13 14,000 people working in the area 15% of Liverpool s GVA

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15 Existing GI Climax Plan Existing GI Climax Plan GI Area (ha) Area (ha) Cemetery, Derelict land General Grassland, churchyard or amenity space heathland, burial ground moorland or scrubland Institutional Outdoor sports Park or public grounds facility garden Private domestic garden Street trees Water body Woodland 0 Total GI

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17 An Opportunity? Ocean Gateway Same length of corridor as Thames Gateway

18 Thames Gateway

19 Some existing assets - what else is needed?

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21 Growth Points Mersey Heartlands and St Helens, Halton, Warrington Growth Point GI Growth Point Task Group set up (includes West Cheshire too) Link work to the emerging sub regional Framework

22 Tina Shiletto TEP Paul Nolan - The Mersey Forest Green Infrastructure in Cheshire and Warrington

23 Mersey Dee Alliance

24 Progress Growth Points Weaver Valley GI Planning at Sub Regional level Local Development Frameworks A 49 investment corridor GI practitioners group

25 River Dee GI Feasibility Study Review & Update NW GI Forum 17 th September 2009

26 Purpose of Study Is there a need for a GI strategy? What benefits are there? Is there support?

27 Our Approach Policy & Initiative Review Data Gathering & Spatial Analysis Consultation Report

28 Outputs 1. Identifying a study boundary 2. Understanding partnerships 3. Exploring needs & opportunities 4. Setting strategic priorities 5. Options 6. Recommendations & next steps

29 1. Identifying a Study Boundary Political Buffered River Network Thematic River Basin Catchment Preferred Option

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31 2. Understanding Partnerships Stimulate awareness & understanding Identify & minimise potential future conflict Gain consensus for objectives Foundation for co-operation Identify & understand delivery vehicles/actors

32 3. Exploring Needs, Constraints & Opportunities A discussion of the evidence An illustration of priorities An indication of opportunities An indication of constraints Conclusions: what can a planned approach to green infrastructure achieve?

33 4. Setting Strategic Priorities Principles Vision Thematic Aims

34 Principles Distinct character, opportunities and issues Co-operation/collaboration Add value to other plans/initiatives Foundation for GI within plans/programmes/policies Consider all time scales Clear objectives reflecting sub-regional GI needs and functions

35 Vision Green infrastructure is a vital part of our subregion s character and local distinctiveness, and the River Dee is our greatest shared asset. Together, we will seek to protect and enhance our landscapes, habitats and communities, so that people choose to live, work and visit here, biodiversity can thrive, and our economy grow sustainably, making the River Dee an exemplar of green infrastructure planning and management.

36 Thematic Aims Creating a setting for urban & rural economic growth Supporting & enhancing the tourist / visitor economy Providing the setting and infrastructure for healthy and sustainable communities Creating and maintaining local distinctiveness through the protection and enhancement of cultural, historic and natural features Adapting to and mitigating against the effects of climate change Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and natural networks

37 5. Options Laissez-faire Manifesto Framework Strategy Plan

38 7. Recommendations & Next Steps Recommendation: A Green Infrastructure Framework Next Steps: Creation of GI Facilitation Group Strengthening & creating key partnerships Promotion of GI in LDFs/LDPs Advocacy document Sharing of spatial data

39 Martin Moss Natural England Emerging GI policies and guidance at national level

40 Recent National Developments in GI. Martin Moss, Green Infrastructure Delivery Leader, NW Regional Advocacy and Partnerships Team.

41 Structure GI Policy current state of play. HMG Quality of Place Strategy. CLG Regional Strategy Guidance. New PPS activity. Forthcoming Natural England developments in GI.

42 Green Infrastructure and National Planning Policy. Current situation. Fragmented. Direct and indirect relevances to existing national policy. GI policy has been driven by the regions. RSS EM3. Most regions have equivalent.

43 PPS 1 and Climate Change Supplement. Delivering Sustainable Development. Refers to importance of green spaces, need for adaptability taking account of natural hazards, inc flooding. Climate Change Supplement refers to contribution of GI to urban cooling, SUDS, conserving and enhancing biodiversity.

44 Eco-Towns Supplement to PPS1. Sets 16 Standards. ET 14 GI 40% of area to be green space. At least 50% public space in a network that is well managed, high quality and multi-functional. Play, recreation, walking, cycling, wildlife support, urban cooling, flood management and local food production.

45 The NW Growth Points - 8 Environmental Conditions Water Cycle Studies Strategic Flood Risk Assessments. Habitats Regulations Assessments. Surface Water Management Plans. Water Saving and efficiency. Contaminated Land. Air Quality. Green Infrastructure Strategy via LDFs.

46 Natural England and Green Infrastructure. Policy. Housing Growth and Green Infrastructure. Sustainable location. Environmental capacity. Environmental quality. Green Infrastructure provision integral to the creation of sustainable communities.

47 PPS 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation. Contribution to rural renewal and urban regeneration by; Enhancing biodiversity Recognising functional ecosystems Ensuring development takes account of biodiversity. Refers to Networks and Natural Habitats and calls for their protection and strengthening.

48 PPS 12 Local Spatial Planning. Central role in place shaping. Calls for the necessary social, physical and green infrastructure to enable sustainable communities. Provides a definition of GI which talks of green space networks supporting natural and ecological processes with links to health and quality of life agendas.

49 PPS 25 Development and Flood Risk. Reducing risk by Safeguarding land for flood storage etc. Incorporation of SUDs in developments. Making the most of benefits of GI for storage and water conveyance.

50 PPG 17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation. Calls for assessment of local needs and opportunities. Guidance on setting standards. Sets out general planning principles. Sets out a typology of open spaces that may be of public value.

51 New National Policy Developments. Government s Strategy for improving Quality of Place. Defines four elements that shape quality of place, including Ample high quality green space and green infrastructure. Action 3.1 Developing new planning policy on green space and green infrastructure. Consolidated guidance on GI functions.

52 New PPS to Green Space and Green Infrastructure. CLG currently working on a draft. Anticipated consultation in the autumn. Centred around bringing together; PPS 9 PPG17 PPS7 landscape elements.

53 New Regional Strategy Guidance. CLG consultation on policy statement for Regional Strategies. Policies should cover how the plan will take account of infrastructure issues, including environmental infrastructure. Defined as water (supply and treatment), waste, flooding, coastal erosion, green infrastructure and habitats which help deliver ecosystem services.

54 We call it - The Fifth Critical Infrastructure Infrastructure the basic physical and organisational structures needed for the operation of society or enterprise (Oxford English Dictionary). The 4 Critical Infrastructures; Transport. Water. Power. Waste. The 5th Critical is Green! (new CLG guidance puts water, waste and green together so is it the 3rd critical now?).

55 Natural England Guidance. Launched at the ParkCity conference London Sets out Natural England s current understanding of GI and our remit. Explores how GI can be embedded within LDFs. Process checklist task relevant to LDF phase.

56 Green Infrastructure - NW Regional guidance. Purposes; Communication. Guidance on process. Case study library. Advice on policy. A live document. The further in the less well developed develops as concept becomes applied at different scales. Updates via website as experience grows (Sub-Regional and District level). NW RTPI Commended 2008

57 Natural England Manifesto for GI New NE Advocacy Document efforts to raise profile of key environmental agendas. Due to be launched in October. Probably at the Thames Gateway Forum. Focus on GI in cities and towns. Precursor to ongoing development of new NE Urban Policy.

58 Peter Wilmers NENW Natural Economy NW - update and legacy

59 Presentation to the GI Forum Preston 17 Sept 2009 The GI strand of the Natural Economy NW programme what partners have achieved and the legacy. Peter Wilmers GI Manager - Natural Economy Northwest

60 Regional Economic Strategy 2003 The Mersey Forest And St Helens Countryside in and around Towns GI conference Jan 2005 Green Infrastructure Unit (March 2005) Think tank established May 2006) GI in the climate change action plan Work on Regional Spatial Strategy GI Forum set up May 2007 Natural Economy NW June 2007 Sept 08 RSS Approved NENW - reports economic values, tests and case studies Critical GI work GI Guide Sub GI regional plans Investment Forum LDF work GIU Service

61 RES Action 113 Develop the economic benefits of the region s natural economy through better alignment of environmental activities and economic gain. and develop a strategy for Green Infrastructure and Transport Corridors

62 NENW GI Programme - summary 1) Policy + Intellectual Underpinnings: Ecotec Policy and Economic Benefits Reviews, Ibis Grey/Green Infrastructure Review, + City Greens Feasibility study, 2) Strategic approach - Planning, Funding and Coordination: Regional GI Synergy/Inter agency Coordination - via GI Steering Group, backed by new architecture : Reg GIU,GI Forum, GrITT, NENW IF and increasing joint working. Work with the SRPs to dev a strategic approach to GI planning at the subregional level (supported via Reg GIU, plus Subreg Guide), NENW Strategic Funding Review and the NW IF pilots. 3) Developing good practice: GI demonstration projects. Guidance for Natural Economy Projects re maximising econ benefits Building capacity and capability: training + culture change

63 The 11 Economic Benefits of Green Infrastructure - Flooding alleviation and Water Management. Economic growth and Investment Tourism. Climate Change adaptation and mitigation. Quality of Place. Health and Well-being. Land and Property values. Labour productivity. Recreation and Leisure. Land and Biodiversity. Products from the land. The fruits of joint work between key agencies, and research by Ecotec and Amion

64 To build on this framework we brought together a unique consortium of: 4 x RDAs Advantage West Midlands, One NE, NWDA, & Yorkshire Forward, The Northern Way Natural England NENW & Tees Valley Partnership DEFRA, and now The LDA Supported by: GONW/other GOs Forestry Commission And a wider partnership of NGOs To fund and let a contract with GENECON, managed for this consortium by the Tees Valley Partnership

65 5 Sets of Outputs from the Genecon contract: Output 1: Review of Definitions and Approaches - review the definitions of the various key environmental terms, identify the common elements and the key concepts behind each, & recommend how they should be considered by policy makers esp in Single Reg Strategies. Also identify all the main beneficiaries. Output 2: Advice for regional/strategic planners the case for GI being part of regional/sub-regional/strategic level planning, advice, and a methodology for selecting and prioritising projects/programmes, advice and a methodology for evaluating projects/programmes. Output 3: The toolkit for GI project proposers and investors - methodologies to determine the value of each of the benefits generated by a specific GI project agreed with the key target investor/s. Plus promulgation materials. Output 4: 2 business cases- Teesside + Liverpool KQ. Output 5: City Green conversion- review and costed brief.

66 The Toolbox: challenges GETTING THE BEST OF ALL THIS... Research, anecdotal evidence, case studies, departmental appraisal tools, assertions, received wisdom etc etc TOOLBOX Benefit Group 3: Quality of Place Benefit Group 2: Flood Alleviation Benefit Group 1: Climate Change...INTO THIS.

67 The Toolbox: Causality and Monetisation EVAPO- TRANSPIRATION CARBON SEQUESTRATION CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION - URBAN COOLING CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION REDUCED AIRCONDITIONING COSTS/HEALTH MARKET VALUE OF CO 2 STORED PARTICULATE FILTERING IMPROVED AIR QUALITY REDUCED HEALTH COSTS GI INTERVENTION to create enhance/maintain GI asset GI FUNCTION GI BENEFIT GI VALUE ( ) QUANTITATIVE EVIDENCE OF CAUSALITY??? ROBUST MONETISATION APPROACH, or other quatitative measure, or just an indication of scale?

68 Toolbox summary work in progress INTRODUCTION information sheet 1. PROJECT INFORMATION data entry sheet 2.GI CLASS (best fit of project to 15 project types or GI typology) 4. BENEFIT SUMMARY output sheets 4. TOOLS TO DETERMINE BENEFITS (monetised, other measure, or indication of scale) PROJECT CLASSIFICATION Linking types of project intervention or GI typology to associated benefits

69 1) Policy + Intellectual Underpinnings: Suite of research reports and research summaries published on NENW web site The 11 Economic benefits framework now widely used in the NW and more widely Acceptance that GI delivers economic value- albeit hard to measure National coalition engaged in the development of practical tools to measure the benefits More development of and more confidence in the intellectual underpinnings of GI More effective interchange between academics and practicioners across the sectors.

70 2 NW partnership Summer 2009 Natural Economy The 11 Economic Benefits + Menu of tests for investors SubRegional GI Plans Other Reports and GI Proj Guide Demonstration projects + training Planning and policy Support/Coord Services Regional Policy and Guidance NW GI Steering Gp Climate Change Eg NW CC Action Plan Action 4.3 NW GI Forum GI Think Tank Growth Points NW GI Unit + Panel NENW IF Meeting the environmental conditions Single Reg Strat + Critical Infrastructures Local Development Frameworks Area Based Regeneration initiatives Water Cycle SFRA Habitats Regs Surface Water Contaminated land Air Quality Green Infrastructure Strategy NWDA, NE, EnvAg, GONW, FC, CFNW, 4NW, NENW & CABE

71 GI - The Fifth Critical Infrastructure Infrastructure the basic physical and organisational structures needed for the operation of society or enterprise (Oxford English Dictionary). The 4 Critical Infrastructures: Transport. Water. Power. Waste. The 5th Critical one is: Green Infrastructure! Now recognised in the RS.

72 2) Strategic approach - Planning, Funding and Coordination: Regional GI Synergy/Inter agency Coordination - via GI Steering Group, backed by new architecture : Reg GIU, GI Forum, GrITT, NENWIF, and increasing joint working. Complementary work in each subregion to dev a strategic approach to GI planning (supported via Reg GIU), plus Guide to GI planning at the subregional scale, linking to NW Climate Change Action Plan activity, & providing an input to the new RS GI as the 5 th critical infrastructure. NENW Strategic Funding Review and the NENW Investment Forum pilots ( city cooling and an approach delivering GI and employment benefits together, both in development).

73 3) Developing good practice: GI demonstration projects. 8 completed, ranging from strategic industrial sites, thro HMRs to regional parks. Summaries published to web. Summary report to draw out the lessons for in development. Guidance for Natural Economy Projects re maximising econ benefits - final report in draft form. Building capacity and capability: training + culture change- key focus has been planners, esp to influence work on LDFs, GI consultants, strenthening the reources in the regional GIU, and developers of both economic and environmental projects.

74 THE LEGACY An effective cadre of GI practitioners across the Region A strengthened regional architecture and partnership enabling greater impact for the GI interest in the NW than in other regions, and more effective use of resources The concept of GI as the fifth critical infrastructure, underpinning economic growth and delivering economic, social as well as environmental benefits, accepted and built into the development of the new Regional Strategy A strong body of shared work: research, case studies, advanced technical work, mapping, PBRS and demo projects, etc, etc, all underpinning the planning and management of our precious GI. Recognition nationally and internationally for the pioneering GI work being done by partners across the NW The NW is leading a revolution in starting to plan, manage and maintainm our GI, at all scales, like the other I s I s, maximising GIs contribution to: sustainable econ dev/climate change/wellbeing/biodiversity/tourism/ sm/ work creation/health improvement/quality of place/flood management nt

75 Moving from a laisser-faire to a planned approach to GI Central Government: CLG, DCSF, DIUS, BERR, DH, DCMS, DWP, Home Office, Defra etc etc Private sector/ business Not for profit sector- sport/rec, conservation, etc Conservation + land management agencies Natural England Environment Agency Forestry Commission English Partnerships English Heritage etc Utilities, Transport Agencies and other forms of Grey Infrastructure Other Public Bodies and Government Agencies: Private landowners, farmers Local Authorities: e.g. Housing, Open Spaces, Ind, etc Householders + Individuals NATURE floods habitat loss heat drought erosion etc! NATURE The current largely UNPLANNED GI ( ok with some well protected bits!!) or A WELL PLANNED GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGED ALONG SIMILAR LINES TO THE OTHER CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURES DELIVERING THE OPTIMUM MIX OF BENEFITS

76 GI Planning - what are we seeking to do? Create new GI where needed - often retro-fitting new GI into old places (+ buildings). Enhance the functions of existing GI, esp to meet new needs. Recognise what is already good and protect it. Thro integration secure better VFM Ensure GI IS planned, delivered,managed and maintained like other forms of infrastructure at different scales and properly linked into planning + resource allocation. ~ TO MAXIMISE ALLTHE ECON, SOCIAL+ ENV BENEFITS and SUSTAIN THE ECOSYSTEM

77 CONCLUSIONS The NW has unique regional partnership & coordination, enabling us to maximise effectiveness and impact, share best practice, bring together different agendas, to secure a better mix of benefits from our GI, especially vital now in times of economic change,..and above all to continue to develop and deliver our quiet revolution. But this work needs to be sustained, especially in the era of tighter finances, and every activity needs to be designed to deliver the greatest impact. It will be especially important that we succeed in finding ways to sustain our unique regional architecture- the GIU, the GI Forum, the GrITT and the rest of the NW GI Service, to give us the means to continue to improve the way we plan and manage our precious GI at every level to underpin and enhance the sustainable development of the NW.

78 Onwards & upwards- sustainably!

79 Paul Nolan The Mersey Forest Developing a GI Prospectus to feed into RS2010

80 In the beginning. How can Green Infrastructure help to overcome investment pinch points in the region?

81 GI and Pinch Points...where investment may not fulfill its full potential due to an issue (the pinch) that green infrastructure can help to solve Key Economic Investment areas Tourism Agriculture

82 We needed to find What is a pinch point? What are the pinches that GI could help overcome? Where are they in the region? From the view of an investor public or private

83 Two forms of pinch 1. Risk of direct damage 2. Policy - has to be addressed to enable the investment to be made

84 Sub Regions

85 Sub Regional Storylines

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87 Regional Pinch Map

88 RS 2010 Our new task Set out the 5 or 6 key GI issues for the region that could be tackled through RS yr vision 5 yr Strategy

89 Regional GI planning role in reducing Green infrastructure for economic competitiveness Green infrastructure for climate resilience cooling towns and cities, storing carbon Green infrastructure for water management helping to reduce risk and impacts of flood Green infrastructure for ecological and landscape functionality Green infrastructure for the land economy sustainable production of food, fuel and fibres

90 Climate Change Many pinches get worse!

91 What are we doing? Developing a Prospectus Speaking to 4NW and NWDA Starting to consult!

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93 Opportunity to discuss Are the issues the correct ones? Can they be prioritised? Comments on the vision and 5 yr priorities Comments on the planning response

94 Workshop Notes GI as a critical infrastructure All agreed it should be viewed as critical. Noted that GI is one of the first things to be cut when money is tight must emphasise its importance in relation planning (link more closely to water and waste) Appendix 1 Discussion of 5 GI functions Ecological & landscape function Vision describes it better than the snapshot description. Ecology and biodiversity have intrinsic value in their own right. GI focus on how to use this value Water management Intrinsic especially with impending CC Climate resilience Perhaps blends into the above? Where does GI function of water management mix with CC. These two points could merge into one. However, is useful to keep these separate for SUDS planning. Sometimes CC issues can overcomplicate immediate issue of flooding and water management. The word resilience could exclude certain people, and be viewed as jargon. Current focus on CC mitigation in councils needs to shift to adaptation. Councils do not manage the trees they have let alone adding 10% - RS needs to support better maintenance. No mention of carbon storage - need to emphasise carbon storage aspect of GI, currently this is over focused on trees highlight the potential of moss lands/ peat lands (also links with flooding benefit) Economic competitiveness Must highlight benefits of GI to developer. Need to define green technology sector does it include biomass? Odd position for this phrase, move further down the list begin with promoting economic development as will appeal to developers. Land economy, food, fuel and fibres Perhaps merge with above green technology can mix with rural economy or move green technology to this point s over specific dates - Health and well being is missing. - Weak on quality of life/recreational/social aspects of GI can focus on the economic benefits of these but should be mentioned. - No mention of renewable energy and GI (not necessarily just biomass, hydro and blue space?)

95 Appendix 2 GI policy development discussion GI with relation to quality of life and quality of place must relate this to a regional level. GI of NW is very varied geology/landscape/culture. Large population. Wet climate. Heritage of despoiling need to rebuild. Industrial heritage needs interpreting use GI? To get funding/support for GI need to have supporting policy in RS that will filter through to local plans. Committees rarely refer to regional policy so must filter down effectively. RES is better for GI than RSS, so combined RS needs to enforce LDF to incorporate GI. Regional level is critical level for endorsement of local GI planning. GI in RS will be overarching policy. Developers and planners can understand single pieces of GI but it will be difficult to persuade developers to invest in the strategic level of GI. RS can raise the status of GI as a critical infrastructure to ensure S106 monies. GI can give a reason not to develop function is important.

96 Workshop Notes Peter Wilmers Des Brennan Leigh Boyton James Dalgleish Carol Douglas Dominique Tilley Cathy Elwin Christine Bennet Clare Olver GI as a critical infrastructure All agreed it should be viewed as critical. 1 st, not 5 th infrastructure GI is one of the first things to be cut when money is tight Carol Douglas: Quality if place important CB: by incorporating Ecol Framework within GI is this diminishing its value? Lots of argument between ES & GI. Des Brennan: need broad view of Qof L and no conflict between ES & GI. CB: yes there is conflict (went onto Sefton dunes vs. pine woods and got bit fractious here). Saved by PW but then CB: GI does not take ES seriously. Plan taken as read. Need to have long term views eg where to spend money. Econ assessment needs to be wide enough to include sustainability GI needs to become normal planning policy CB: data collection important- should be same as say housing data esp biological recordings.

97 Martin Moss Natural England Round up and Close

98