Natural Green Space and Planning Policy: Devising a Model for its Delivery in Regional Spatial Strategies

Abstract

Provision of natural green space within the broader umbrella of green infrastructure is now a matter of increasing importance to policy makers and decision takers in the land-use planning system. This paper examines the evolution of this new policy area. Reference is made to research studies dealing with attitudes to such spaces and consideration is given to the ‘quality of life’ agenda when addressing both growth and regeneration strategies. A methodology for the future development and appraisal of such policy is advanced.

Key Words:

• Accessible natural green space
• National Trust
• sustainable communities
• regional spatial strategies

Acknowledgement

This paper represents the opinions of the author and not any official policy stance as taken by The National Trust.

Notes

1 Defined as a network of multi-functional green space consisting of public and private assets with or without public access, in urban and rural locations, for example, urban and country parks, footpaths, ancient woodlands, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and nature reserves together with those assets needed to create a linked network of green space (source: English Nature, 2003).

2 Discussed in evidence submitted by Natural England to the South East Plan Examination-in-Public, January 2007 and the decision of the Secretary of State on the South East Plan was published in 2008.

3 Those bodies comprising English Nature, East Midlands Biodiversity Forum, RSPB, The Countryside Agency, English Heritage, The National Trust, Bedfordshire County Council, Environment Agency, Luton Borough Council and The Chilterns (AONB) Conservation Board.

4 Milton Keynes & South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy (2005). Nottingham, Government Office for the East Midlands.

5 For example, the National Trust owns 12% of all chalk and limestone grassland in Britain with much of this on chalk downland slopes in southern England. It has been estimated that since 1947 over 80% of British downland habitat has been destroyed, mainly through agricultural intensification (National Trust, 2000).

6 Where controls apply over matters of special nature conservation interests, dealing with flora, fauna, geological and physiographical features and with powers vested under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

7 Areas of high landscape importance and designated as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

8 My acknowledgements to Hayley Orchard for producing this graphic.

9 At time of writing a draft publication was being produced for the anticipated development of green infrastructure in these regions under the title of The North-West Green Infrastructure Think-Tank.

10 Natural England (2006) Strategic Direction 2006 – 2009 policy document.

11 The latest consultation on how this system will work being contained in two consultation papers, ‘Planning-gain Supplement: A Consultation’ published by HM Treasury in December 2005 and ‘Changes to Planning Obligations’ published by the Department for Communities in December 2006.