Green Infrastructure (GI) is the diverse network of green spaces including: parks and gardens, amenity and natural greenspaces, green corridors and other public spaces. Good GI can provide multifunctional benefits to the residents of Essex when dealing with climate change and beyond. It can be used in to prevent flooding, to sequester carbon, to provide habitat for biodiversity, to encourage active travel and public spaces, and to reduce the urban heat island effect.
The ECC GI team provides advice to local authorities on planning applications, and on local and neighbourhood planning documents. We have also produced a number of guidance and informational documents for local authorities, developers, and other bodies on how to implement GI through new developments to help ensure delivery of high quality Green Infrastructure:
Essex's GI Standards 2022 outlines nine principles and standards for the protection, enhancement, creation, and management of GI in Essex. Applying these standards through development management and planning policy will ensure the delivery of multifunctional, accessible high-quality GI.
The Essex GI Strategy 2020 provides a vision and objectives for the future of GI delivery in Essex; to ensure a positive approach is taken in enhancing, protecting, and creating an inclusive and integrated high-quality GI network.
Essex’s GI Comment Compendium. Aimed at assisting Local Planning Authorities in their response to planning applications, the compendium outlines clear expectations and guidance on key responses for the delivery of GI. The compendium also gathers comments and responses to several planning applications, local plans, and other planning documents (such as environmental impact assessments, SPDs, and so on).
For an interactive look at our Green Infrastructure in Essex visit: https://www.placeservices.co.uk/green-essex/