Landscape Institute Seminar Green Infrastructure – connected and multifunctional landscapes 16 th July 2009

1. Landscape Institute Seminar Green Infrastructure – connected and multifunctional landscapes 16th July 2009

2. Green Infrastructure from a planning perspective Colin White Planning Officer Chilterns Conservation Board

3. Introduction • Background • Context • AONB Management Plan • GI Plans • How can we cope? • Conclusions

4. Background - AONBs • National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 • CRoW Act 2000: • Re-enforced purposes of the AONB designation • Placed a duty on local authorities and Conservation Boards to prepare Management Plan • Placed a duty on public bodies (et al) to have regard to the purposes of the AONB (s. 85) • Conservation Boards • Recent Planning Acts and Planning Policy Statements (SPD vital)

5. Chilterns Conservation Board • Legally independent body set up on the instructions of parliament (CRoW) • Three purposes: • Conserve and enhance natural beauty • Increase understanding and enjoyment • Seek to foster economic and social well-being (in partnership with local authorities)

6. Local Planning Authorities Section 85 duty (CRoW) • Have a duty to have regard to the following purpose: • Conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the AONB In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in the AONB

7. Context

8. Context - pressures • Existing population • Growth • Housing • Infrastructure • Visitors • Loss of tranquillity

10. Management Plan Specific AONB Management Plan policies • L8 - Manage landscapes close to existing and new areas of development so as to be capable of absorbing higher levels of recreation whilst maintaining local character and biodiversity interest. • D7 - Pursue opportunities for landscape improvement and creation of green space (green infrastructure) when development is proposed in, or adjacent to, the boundaries of the AONB.

11. GI Plans • Hit and miss • Bucks and Beds • Herts • Oxon • Chalk Arc • Green Arcs (London) • Use in planning • CCB involvement

12. How can we cope? • In from the start • Can’t sit back • Be proactive • Be reactive • Cajole and berate • Ensure adoption and use (GI plans) • Multifunctional

13. Do nothing

14. Careful management

15. Involve all players …

16. … there are a few

17. Context is vital …

18. … really vital

19. Think outside the box

20. Conclusions • Essential to pre-plan GI where needed • Consistent approach – GI plans • Negotiation and involvement are vital • Use other strategies and data (CQC) • Development should be placed in GI • Existing links should be used and enhanced • More links should be created if needed, do nothing if this works • Landscape planning done at all scales

21. Thank you – questions? Contact: Colin White cwhite@chilternsaonb.org 01844 355507 Visit - www.chilternsaonb.org