Green and blue infrastructure network policy and requirements

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that protect, augment, complement and/or improve the network and connectivity of green and blue infrastructure across the district. This includes the development of a network of community paths and greenways across the district, including those designated in the LDP, as well as the provision and improvement of public access to open space and other green and blue infrastructure resources, where this does not conflict with natural heritage interests or other matters, including amenity and public safety. New development should incorporate green infrastructure features as part of the design, including green roofs and walls, SuDS, tree and hedgerow planting, and creating safe accessible links with neighbouring open space, in addition to providing open space on site, where appropriate. The LDP will seek to secure improvements and expansion of the green and blue infrastructure network, including those identified in the LDP and/or the council's GBIP and associated strategies/action plans, as a result of new development. This may include the carrying out of agreed works by the developer or a financial contribution from the developer in lieu, having regard to the scale, nature and location of the proposed development and to the terms of supplementary guidance on these matters as published by the council. The LDP will seek to safeguard designated and potential sites and corridors that form part of the network of green and blue infrastructure across the district and will only permit development either within or adjacent to such sites and corridors where it does not prejudice the retention, use, enhancement or further development of the network. Such development proposals should, where appropriate, incorporate access to the green and blue infrastructure network.