Issue - meetings

Green Infrastructure (GI) is the ‘network of multi-functional green and blue (see description below) spaces and other natural features, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental, economic, health and wellbeing benefits for nature, climate, local and wider communities and prosperity’ (National Planning Policy Framework, 2021).

Connecting urban, countryside and coastal areas at a range of scales, our green infrastructure network includes not only parks, playing fields and other public open spaces, but also woodland, heathland and other wildlife habitats, street trees, allotments and private gardens.

In addition, it embraces blue infrastructure assets such as rivers, streams and the sea. In urban areas the network also includes green engineering solutions, such as sustainable drainage systems, green roofs and living walls.

A BCP Green Infrastructure Strategy has been written to highlight the importance of our Green and Blue assets and how they should be prioritised in the future for investment. 

RESOLVED that Cabinet adopt the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Environment and Place

Development, Growth and Regeneration

REASON

To provide strategy and future direction on our Green and Blue assets; to set best practice for new developments and our own estate; and to maximise the benefits for nature and our communities that GI provides. The Green Infrastructure Strategy will become part of the suite of supporting documents of the forthcoming BCP Local Plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that Green Infrastructure (GI) is the ‘network of multi-functional green and blue spaces and other natural features, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental, economic, health and wellbeing benefits for nature, climate, local and wider communities and prosperity’ (National Planning Policy Framework, 2021).

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that connecting urban, countryside and coastal areas at a range of scales and our green infrastructure network includes not only parks, playing fields and other public open spaces, but also woodland, heathland and other wildlife habitats, street trees, allotments and private gardens.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the strategy embraces blue infrastructure assets such as rivers, streams and the sea, and in urban areas the network also includes green engineering solutions, such as sustainable drainage systems, green roofs and living walls.

Cabinet was informed that a BCP Green Infrastructure Strategy has been written to highlight the importance of our Green and Blue assets and how they should be prioritised in the future for investment. 

Councillor Hadley addressed the Cabinet supporting the paper but stressing the importance of doing things immediately which will mitigate the lack of climate action.

RESOLVED that Cabinet adopt the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Environment and Place

Development, Growth and Regeneration