Object

Representation ID: 19838

Received: 01/04/2021

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England welcomes the strategic approach set out within Policy SP10 to protecting existing green and blue assets, and to delivering an enhanced and expanded Green Infrastructure Network.

We note the inclusion of a Green Infrastructure Network Map in support of this policy at Appendix 14 of the Draft Local Plan, and suggest that this should be complemented by a Green Infrastructure Strategy, to underpin the strategic approach.

Although we note below the commitment to frame the wording of Thematic Policy EN1 in terms of requiring new development to meet the emerging Framework of Green Infrastructure Standards1 as defined by Natural England once published, we advise that in order to strengthen this section further, this should be included here to give prominence to the strategic importance of Green Infrastructure.

Once the Standard become available, the Plan could include an objective to use the new standards to assess Green Infrastructure provision across the Metropolitan District.

Specific reference to net gain is also made within policies SP9, SP10 and TR2, however, the minimum 10% net gain is only stated in TR2. For the sake of consistency it is recommended that these policies either state the 10% minimum net gain requirement or make specific reference to Policy EN2.