Richard Lemon Spatial Project Manager. Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure

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1 Richard Lemon Spatial Project Manager Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure

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4 A key concept: Multifunctionality Combining different functions on the same piece of land

5 multi-functional green space, new and existing, rural and urban supports natural and ecological processes integral to the health and quality of life conserving and enhancing the natural environment; providing wildlife corridors reducing noise and air pollution adapt to a changing climate through water and carbon management. providing routes (e.g. footpaths and cycleways) sustainable drainage flood storage and urban cooling; wide range of opportunities for engagement and active citizenship, relaxation and quiet contemplation, sport, recreation and children s play.

6 Health & Greenspace Greenspace can: Help local authorities with pressing social, health & wellbeing issues Reduce stress, anxiety & depression Enhance social interaction & promote independent living Help promote & sustain increased physical activity By 2020 depression will be the second most prevalent cause of ill health (WHO) Cost of obesity to society will be ~ 50 billion pa by 2020 Evidence to support the case: Living in the greenest areas significantly reduces the health inequality gap between rich and poor. (Lancet, 2008) For every 10% increase in green space there can be a reduction in health complaints in communities equivalent to a reduction of 5 years of age. (Nature & Health, 2001)

7 What is driving GI? Growth Agenda: Government target of 3 million new homes by 2020 Major Growth Areas e.g. Thames Gateway, PUSH Growth Points Eco-towns Regional Spatial Strategy

8 Region - South East Plan Policy CC8 Local authorities and partners will work together to plan, provide and manage connected and substantial networks of accessible multi-functional green space. particularly important in areas designated as regional hubs, where growth may impact on sites of international nature conservation importance or where there is a need to enhance the existing environmental capacity of an area.

9 Chief Planning Officer Letter REVOCATION OF REGIONAL STRATEGIES 18. What about regional policies on the natural environment? Local authorities should continue to work together, and with communities, on conservation, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment including biodiversity, geo-diversity and landscape interests. Authorities should continue to draw on available information, including data from partners, to address cross boundary issues such as the provision of green infrastructure and wildlife corridors.

10 Policy NE4: Local planning approach for green infrastructure NE4.1 Local development frameworks should set out a strategic approach for the creation, protection and management of networks of green infrastructure. In doing so, local planning authorities should build on work undertaken at the regional and subregional level. Policies should: (i) provide for green infrastructure, particularly in locations where it will assist in reducing the impacts of climate change by providing flood water storage areas, sustainable drainage systems, urban cooling and local access to shady outdoor space (ii) avoid development being located in areas which result in the fragmentation or isolation of natural habitats (iii) identify opportunities to enhance green infrastructure and the natural habitats within it, by retaining, enhancing or creating green corridors linking rural and urban fringe areas and urban green spaces; and (iii) identify opportunities to enhance the functions urban green spaces can perform.

11 Natural England s GI Guidance document

12 South East GI Framework

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17 DISCUSSION SECURE DELIVERY FUNDING NEW V EXISTING HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? CAN BIODIVERSITY TARGETS BE DELIVERED IN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL AREAS? IS IT ONLY GROWTH/ DEVELOPMENT/PLAN LED?