Comment

Representation ID: 1446

Received: 08/07/2008

Green/openspace should also have semi natural areas with biodiversity gain which are not impacted by sports pitches or play grounds. Increasing evidence strongly suggests that both physical & mental health is improved through contact with nature - see www.naturalengland.org.uk
Natural England recommends people living in towns & cities should have
*an accessible natural green space less than 300 metres (in a straight line) from home
*Statutory Local Nature Reserves provided at a minimum level of one ha per thousand people
*at least one accessible 20 ha site within 2km of home; one accessible site of 100 ha within 5km of home & one accessible site of 500 ha within 10km of home.
Many local authorities have since incorporated these targets into their local plans; these would be example targets for HBC development framework. Natural England recommends there is 1 ha of accessible natural green space per 1000 existing people & this target has since been adopted by the Audit Commission as a Quality of Life indicator & the green space standards have also been included as a benchmark in Government guidance on open space strategies. For new developments there may be an additional requirement for greenspace to ensure designated site protection this assumes the existing greenspace standards already meet the Natural England standards.
Clear maps need to be provided to show the location & boundaries of designated sites & other areas of greenspace in relation to proposed development. This needs to include relevant maps from the Local Plan which link to saved policies relating to the LDF.