Policy DM32: Provision of Green Infrastructure
Comment
Local Plan 2015-2030 Preferred Options for Consultation
Representation ID: 109
Received: 01/10/2013
Respondent: Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust would like to see trees and woodland cited as a key element of GI.
The Woodland Trust is pleased to see this policy but would like to see trees and woodland cited as a key element of green infrastructure.
The Woodland Trust believes that woodland creation is especially important for green infrastructure provision because of the unique ability of woodland to deliver across a wide range of benefits - see our publication Woodland Creation - why it matters (http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/about-us/publications/Pages/ours.aspx). These include for both landscape and biodiversity (helping habitats become more robust to adapt to climate change, buffering and extending fragmented ancient woodland), for quality of life and climate change (amenity & recreation, public health, flood amelioration, urban cooling) and for the local economy (timber and woodfuel markets).
Comment
Local Plan 2015-2030 Preferred Options for Consultation
Representation ID: 859
Received: 23/09/2013
Respondent: Thames Chase Trust
There is no mention of the Thames Chase Community Forest within this policy. The Thames Chase Plan supports the principles of green infrastructure with the delivery of a network of connected greenspace representing a primary aim of the community forest initiative. As such, a reference to the Thames Chase Plan should be made with the Thames Chase Trust added to the list of partners in the delivery section. The Trust supports the Council's rejection of the alternative approach (combining policy DM32 with DM31: Protection and enhancement of open space, community, sport and recreational facilities).
See attached
Support
Local Plan 2015-2030 Preferred Options for Consultation
Representation ID: 866
Received: 26/09/2013
Respondent: Environment Agency
We are supportive of this policy and its approach to providing multi-functional green space, which can include benefits for flood risk and biodiversity.
See attached
Support
Local Plan 2015-2030 Preferred Options for Consultation
Representation ID: 977
Received: 02/10/2013
Respondent: Natural England
Welcomed and supported, can be linked to various other policies where appropriate.
The Council having identified areas of deprivation and potential for improvement, should seek to link green spaces, alleviating fragmentation and enhance where possible green/open space provision. This will help reduce potential for impact on designated sites and help strengthen as well as be in line with the Council's policies.
See attached