Green Infrastructure (GI) is the diverse network of green spaces that include the natural assets, wildlife habitats and environmental features. GI includes parks and gardens, amenity greenspace, natural and semi-natural urban greenspaces, green corridors and other public spaces as diverse as allotments and city farms.
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 documents to inform and advice local authorities, developers, and other bodies on how to implement GI into our urban and rural areas, and through new development.
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.
Green Infrastructure Standards 2022
Published in 2022, the Essex GI Standards outlines nine principles and standards for the protection, enhancement, creation, and management of GI in Essex. The application of these principles and standards through development management and planning policy will ensure the delivery of multifunctional, accessible high-quality GI. The Essex GI Standards are based on several key policy documents including HM Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, the Environment Act (2021) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Green Infrastructure Strategy 2020
Published in 2020, The Essex Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy 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.
For an interactive look at our Green Infrastructure in Essex visit: https://www.placeservices.co.uk/green-essex/