30 | MANAGING URBAN SPACES

MOBILE SAWMILL, DANIEL HAYES WOOD © LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL OUTDOOR CLASSROOM, WATER LEYS SCHOOL, WIGSTON © LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

PRINCIPLES ■ Working in partnership, there will be opportunities for community

action and participation in green infrastructure issues

■ Everyone will enjoy well planned, managed and biodiverse landscapes that are resilient to the effects of climate change

■ Everyone will be able to participate in vibrant and competitive rural and urban economies; and

■ Everyone will have opportunities to participate in a healthier life style

INTRODUCTIONThe Stepping Stones Project has been running from Leicestershire County Council since 1992 and represents a partnership working in and around Leicester that aims to improve greenspace and make high quality Green Infrastructure available to all. Originally a Countryside Management Project working in the urban fringe the advent of growth areas in the County has meant the Project has had to make a step change to continue to be relevant.

KEY FACTORS ■ Increasing pressures on land for growth

■ Changing patterns in land ownership

■ Climate change

FUNDING AND DELIVERY The Project receives core funding from Leicestershire County Council and the 5 partner Local Authorities. Increased financial support is being sought from Growth Point Funding amongst other sources so that the Project can deliver its Action Plan.

The Project works with planning authorities to ensure quality green infrastructure within new and existing development. The Project also offers grants, advice and training linked to green infrastructure issues.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSESAn established and trusted Project, Stepping Stones has been running successfully for over 15 years delivering high quality:

■ Green infrastructure schemes on both community and privately own land

■ Rural skills training

■ Strategies for the management of crucial open spaces such as Green Wedges

■ Awareness raising activities

Much of this will continue but the project is now working to a newly developed Action Plan with a broader remit that will tackle Green Infrastructural issues linked in particular to new Growth Areas.

OUTCOMESThe Stepping Stones Project is the tangible expression of a partnership that will work to achieve the Vision to…”create a multifunctional, biodiverse and resilient network of countryside and urban green infrastructure that supports a vibrant and competitive economy so that everyone living in, working in and visiting the area may enjoy and participate in a high quality of life”.

The Project will endeavour to generate additional resources and play a coordinating role across the partnership. A measure of success for the partnership will be that the Project has helped achieve the Vision, either faster, or more efficiently than if it did not exist.

FURTHER RESOURCES Stepping Stones Project Delivery and Action Plan 2008. (can be viewed online)

www.leics.gov.uk/steppingstones

Andy Jackson and Samantha Forster 0116 305 7221/7264

CASE STUDY 17

STEPPING STONES PROJECT,

CENTRAL LEICESTERSHIRE

MANAGING URBAN SPACES | 31

VICTORIA PARK, NORTHAMPTON © RNRP VICTORIA PARK, NORTHAMPTON © RNRP

PRINCIPLES ■ To revitalise and regenerate three interconnecting urban parks in

Northampton

■ To engage with local communities and provide breathing spaces

■ To tackle issues of anti social behaviour

■ To promote leisure and cultural opportunities

■ To reconnect urban spaces with the River Nene

■ To form part of a larger strategy running between Wellingborough and Northampton

■ A summary of the project or initiative using the following headings

INTRODUCTIONConcentrating on Northampton as the southern Gateway to ‘Breathing Spaces’, the scheme is a landscape scale strategy linking Wellingborough to Northampton via a series of sites and connections following the River Nene in between. Three parks already connected by a tributary of the river are Millers Meadow, Foot Meadow and Victoria Park in Northampton. All are within the 20% most deprived areas in the country, less than a mile from the town centre, and suffered from appearing to be run down and perceived locally as ‘no go areas’.

The project looked at and addressed all the issues raised through various consultations; such as safety, lighting, improved paths and access, signage, play facilities, furniture and reconnecting the green spaces to the river.

KEY FACTORS ■ To address local concerns

■ To deliver environmental improvements, provide information panels, safe play and exercise equipment and pleasant routes across town

■ To ensure improvements were sustainable and of a high quality

■ To enhance the appearance of the Northampton Castle Station environs

■ To provide a strategic link between the Brampton Valley, the town and the Nene Valley

FUNDING AND DELIVERY £1.6 million (£650,000 RNRP) (£980,000 Caspar + NR) to deliver the improvements over a two-year period from October 2006 – March 2008. Delivery co-ordinated by NBC.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES ■ Public perception of the parks has increased greatly

■ Park usage has increased

■ Organised activities in the parks has increased

■ Anti social behaviour has been greatly reduced

■ The parks provide a pleasant pedestrian and cycle route across the western part of the town, increasing choice and supporting modal shift

OUTCOMESThe Breathing Spaces project was very successful in delivering its intended outcomes within the timescale. The project came in on budget and was very well received. It has been held up by other agencies in Northamptonshire as an example of what is required in other parks.

FURTHER RESOURCESWS Atkins “River Nene Breathing Spaces - Aspirational Master Plan” March 2007

Principal contact. James Ogle, Northampton Borough Council (01604) 838950

CASE STUDY 18

BREATHING SPACES - CENTRAL NORTHAMPTON

CONNECTIONS, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.

32 | DESIGN

STANWICK LAKES PLAYGROUND © RNRP,MIKE FINN-KELCEY STANWICK LAKES DETAIL © RNRP,MIKE FINN-KELCEY

■ Each local delivery vehicle should create examples of Green Infrastructure (GI) to a high design quality standard at an early stage, to act as exemplars for other parts of the Region and other growth areas

■ The design of new GI should create a distinctive sense of place

■ Good quality design should incorporate the objectives of sustainable development that will deliver social and economic as well as environmental benefits

■ The design of GI must be fundamental to the planning of town form, helping to integrate any new urban extensions with existing settlements and the surrounding landscape. It should also conserve and enhance the character of distinctive settlements and prevent urban coalescence. Landscape and urban characterisation should inform the design process

■ Design must seek creative green solutions to the infrastructure demands of increasing population pressure

■ All new developments must be built to the highest environmental standards and contribute to improved environmental sustainability including water efficiency measures, e.g. SuDS, grey water recycling, rainwater butts, avoid planting vegetation that requires large amount of water, design for drier summers

■ Design should seek to manage flood risk at a spatial and local level through green and openspaces. Where appropriate locally, sustainable solution such as SuDS are a key measure to reduce flood risk and have a whole range of biodiversity, water quality, water resources and recreational benefits

■ GI should contribute to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour through well-designed public space, taking into account its use at night as well as during the day

■ Rights of Way Improvement Plans should be used to create and improve Public Rights of Way and ensure a linked network providing access both to the greenspace on the doorstep and the wider countryside. The needs of all users should be taken into account, whether walking, cycling or horse riding

■ GI offers the opportunity to build community cohesion and design should offer cultural diversity of space and encourage access to such space for everyone

PRINCIPLES

DESIGN

DESIGN | 33

© SHERWOOD ENERGY VILLAGE

PRINCIPLES■ Social enterprise

■ Community involvement

■ Democratic ownership – Industrial & Provident Society

■ Community asset development

■ Sustainable development

■ Environmental protection

■ Strategic land development

INTRODUCTIONFollowing the closure of the Ollerton colliery in 1994, Sherwood Energy Village (SEV) has taken ownership of the site to develop the 91 acre site into a mixed use development incorporating industrial/commercial, housing, leisure, and environmental learning purposes. In essence delivering sustainable development in a commercial setting.

KEY FACTORS ■ Community skills base

■ Traditional culture of social interaction

■ Clear vision of what SEV wanted to do, and not selling out

■ Persistence and tenacity

■ Local control

■ Anticipating & harnessing regeneration investment ‘trends’

■ Ownership of the whole site

FUNDING AND DELIVERYEnglish Partnership, ERDF Objective 2, Landfill Tax Credit monies were invested in remedial works on site.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES■ Bringing back into use a 91 acre former colliery site

■ Accessible green spaces for local communities

■ Building and usage of one of largest SuDS water management systems in the UK

■ Attracting commercial businesses to relocate to site, bringing new jobs and investment

■ Demonstrating commercial viability and sustainable development

■ Investment and demonstration of sustainable design and construction principles in a commercial market

■ Future provision of over 190 affordable and sustainably designed dwellings

■ Design, construction and operation of a centrepiece 20,000 square foot office development demonstrating numerous sustainable design principles

OUTCOMESSEV have been successful in attracting industrial and commercial businesses to relocate to the site bringing additional employment and investment in the area. We are also in the first phase of building over 190 new sustainable dwellings in the heart of the community, and have developed a green infrastructure model protecting and promoting the biodiversity of the flora and fauna on site.

FURTHER RESOURCESName and year of key documents: Company Registration 1996

Website address: www.sev.org.uk

Principal contacts. Stan Crawford Managing Director

CASE STUDY 19

SHERWOOD ENERGY VILLAGE, NEW OLLERTON,

NORTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

34 | DESIGN

INTRODUCTIONThe EcoHouse is Britain’s original environmental show home. Laid out like a real show home it showcases hundreds of environmentally friendly products for the home and simple ideas for energy efficiency as well as renewable energy technology. The garden showcases organic, permaculture gardening and wildlife habitats within an urban setting.

One half of the building is a 1930s house which has been retro-fitted to be eco friendly. The other half is a purpose built extension added in 2000.

The project is open to the public five days per week (including the weekend) in the summer and on weekends during the winter. An audio tour guides visitors around the building and garden and explains key features to them. The project can also be pre-booked for guided tours and room bookings.

KEY FACTORS ■ Evacuated tube solar thermal panel working in conjunction with a

highly efficient gas boiler

■ Photovoltaic solar panel

■ Domestic wind turbine

■ Under floor heating

■ Loft and cavity wall insulation

■ Use of construction waste in the building materials for the extension

■ Use of colour damaged brick, which were destined for landfill, in the extension

■ Passive stack ventilation system in the kitchen

FUNDING AND DELIVERY The project receives a Service Level Agreement (SLA) from Leicester City Council towards the running of the project. The project also generates income through an admissions charge, room hire fees and guided tour fees.

The extension was built with a lottery grant.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES■ Around 200,000 people have visited the EcoHouse since it opened in

1989

■ More than 90% of visitors to the show home leave intending to make a positive change to their own home or garden

■ Limited follow up surveys suggest that around 70% of visitors do make a positive change to their own homes or garden as a result of their visit

■ Around 900 school children from Leicester City visit the project every year

FURTHER RESOURCES www.gwll.org.uk/ecohouse

0116 254 5489

ecohouse@gwll.org.uk

CASE STUDY 20

THE ECOHOUSE, LEICESTER

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | 3�

© ROCKINGHAM FOREST TRUST

■ Green Infrastructure (GI) should provide a focus for social inclusion, education, training, health and wellbeing through community involvement and life-long learning

■ Encourage community involvement from the outset in design, implementation and care as local communities are often well placed to identify the type of GI that suits their needs best and it helps ensure long-term management and ownership of GI sites

■ Encourage the involvement of special interest groups as they can have a fundamental role in building strong local commitment to the changing landscape

PRINCIPLES

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

36 | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

© GREENWOOD COMMUNITY FOREST PARTNERSHIP

PRINCIPLES Working across all areas of sustainable development, by aiming to:

■ Create a more attractive landscape whilst conserving and enhancing biodiversity

■ Encourage more active and healthier communities with the desire and skills to get positively engaged in their local environment

■ Help to stimulate a woodland economy that supports the woodland resource

INTRODUCTIONGreenwood Community Forest was established in 1991. It plays a major role in revitalising Nottinghamshire, by developing new woodlands and green open space to enhance and regenerate urban areas and the urban fringe.

Greenwood is delivered by local authorities and other organisations, drawn together by a shared mission:

“To work in partnership to enable Nottinghamshire’s communities to create, improve and enjoy woodlands and other high quality accessible green spaces in a sustainable way that benefits the environment, landscape and the local economy.”

A small team is employed to work on behalf of the partnership. This team has co-ordinated a diverse range of projects that are helping to transform underused and derelict land into wildlife rich woodlands and green open spaces.

KEY FACTORS ■ Partnership working – sharing experience and expertise, pooling

resources across boundaries

■ Innovation – new activities and different ways of working to grab the imagination

■ Community engagement - ensuring that green spaces are used and cared for and that activities improve the life of those living in and around the area

FUNDING AND DELIVERY £140k pa core costs met by local authority partners

Bigger projects are supported by external funding sourced by the team and according to need. Examples:

■ Country park currently in development: offers of funding totalling nearly £1.9 million from English Partnerships and others

■ Regeneration of former waste tip site: £200k from Living Spaces programme, Landfill Tax credits and local authority grant aid

■ Park Life project: Big Lottery/Sport England funding of £180K

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES ■ Landscape change, by creating new woodland and other habitats

■ Regeneration of former colliery sites and other derelict sites

■ Local engagement, by developing and encouraging a network of Friends groups and by providing events targeted at under-represented groups from deprived areas

■ Improving health, the Park Life project brought together parks, sports and health professionals to provide innovative physical activities on local greenspaces

OUTCOMES■ Over 1,300 ha of new woodland as well as creating or improving the

management of over 1,200 ha of other habitats

■ Derelict sites transformed into accessible green spaces for the public to enjoy

■ 36 Friends groups actively caring for, enhancing and promoting their local green spaces

■ Over 3 years, Park Life delivered 162 events, enjoyed by nearly 13,000 participants

FURTHER RESOURCESGreenwood Community Forest website www.greenwoodforest.org.uk provides access to a range of our publications, including:

■ Good Practice Guide (exemplars)

■ Community Woodland Handbook (for community groups)

■ Strategic Plan (currently under review)

■ Park Life report

Main contact: Malcolm HackettT: 01623 827327 E: malcolm.hackett@nottscc.gov.uk

www.greenwoodforest.org.uk

CASE STUDY 21

GREENWOOD COMMUNITY FOREST,

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | 37

BRAMBLESIDE SCHOOL, KETTERING © RNRPWOTHORPE TOWERS, CAMBRIDGESHIRE © RNRP, MIKE FINN KELCEY

PRINCIPLESThe projects should help to:

■ Benefit communities

■ Improve green transport routes

■ Enhance historic buildings

■ Improve the landscape

■ Enhance and create wildlife habitats

■ Promote enjoyment and understanding of the countryside and/or environment

■ Promote rural business and support environmental diversification

INTRODUCTIONThe River Nene Regional Park was awarded a grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government to fund local environmental projects. The scheme, which could fund up to 75% of the project cost, was set up to promote the link between urban and rural communities, encourage understanding of the environment and enhance the built and natural environment.

KEY FACTORSThe projects needed to incorporate some or all of the following:

■ Improving the character and quality of the landscape

■ Biodiversity – improving the diversity of wildlife and plants

■ Recreation and leisure

■ Link urban areas to the countryside

FUNDING AND DELIVERYOver £400,000 was allocated to 31 projects across a wide range area of the Regional Parks’ investment area. Grants varied from £500 for water to an allotment site to over £76,000 for historic building restoration and conservation.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSESBiodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats restored or created:■ Six ponds restored or enlarged

■ Several kilometres of hedgerow planted or restored

■ Coppicing of ancient woodland reintroduced

■ Woodland, meadow and wetland purchase part funded

■ Woodland creation part funded

■ Wildflower meadow, wood pasture and wet meadow creation funded

■ Ancient orchard restoration funded

BAP species aided:■ Black hairstreak survey and habitat work

■ Habitats created for birds and bats

Access created and interpretation provided:■ Several schemes included either new footpaths or upgraded

surfaces to all ability

■ Interpretation provided at seven sites

Other benefits:■ Play equipment provided

■ Outdoor garden at a pre-school

■ Wildlife garden at a school

■ Improvements at three allotment sites

■ Two arts and the community projects

■ Conservation and restoration at two historic building sites

OUTCOMESA highly successful project highlighted in the National Award for Excellence awarded to the RNRP by the Academy for Sustainable Communities ‘Creating the Future Awards 2008’.

The applicants for the grants were all impressed with the speed and straightforwardness of the application process and the lack of bureaucracy which allowed the maximum amount of money to be spent on the projects and the minimum amount on administration. The £400,000 worth of grant money attracted over £600,000 of further funding thus for every £1 worth of grant funding a further £1.73 was obtained. The grant scheme attracted 19 new partners for the RNRP to work with, many of whom would not have been seen as typical partner organisations.

Dr Robin Field, Land Advisor, River Nene Regional ParkMain contact: 01604 237243

FURTHER RESOURCESGreen Infrastructure Grant Scheme - ProjectsRiver Nene Regional Parkwww.riverneneregionalpark.org

Northamptonshire Biodiversity Action PlanWildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterboroughwww.northamptonshirebiodiversity.org

Northamptonshire’s Environmental Character and Green Infrastructure SuiteRiver Nene Regional Parkwww.rnrpenvironmentalcharacter.org.uk

CASE STUDY 22

RIVER NENE REGIONAL PARK (RNRP)

GI: ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT SCHEME,

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

38 | LANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY

PRINCIPLES■ Establish an overall GI strategy within which to set landscape

scale schemes

■ Optimise landscape scale features and opportunities to develop a vision

■ Consider delivering landscape scale GI corridors by linking local schemes and/or flagship projects

■ Develop accessibility of urban centres to maximise potential as ‘gateways’ to rural areas

■ Integrate and develop multi-functional greenspace into development proposals

■ Improve access for all, using cycle and pedestrian routes and the opening up of disused railway lines

■ Create sustainable green spaces to link people from doorstep to countryside

■ Provide opportunities for safe and healthy activities for all ages and abilities

■ Safeguard natural and cultural assets and make them more accessible

■ Balance the conservation and enhancement of the environment with increasing accessibility and use of natural and cultural assets

■ Showcase habitat management and restoration techniques

LANDSCAPE SCALE

CONNECTIVITY

LANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY | 39

BREATHING SPACES NORTHAMPTON TO WELLINGBOROUGH BIRD HIDE © RNRP © RNRP

PRINCIPLES ■ Improving connections along the Nene Valley, linking the Brampton

Valley Way to the north and the woodlands to the east to the Nene Valley and from Northampton to Wellingborough

■ Developing landscape scale, accessible multi-functional greenspace ■ Developing the accessibility of the urban centres at either end to

fulfil their potential as “gateways” to the Nene Valley■ Creating sustainable green space to link people from their doorstep

to the countryside■ Providing positive benefits to deprived areas of Northamptonshire’s

largest urban growth towns, Northampton and Wellingborough■ Connecting communities with nature and the Nene Valley■ Enhancing and making natural and cultural facilities more accessible

INTRODUCTIONBreathing Spaces provides a framework for the development and linking of a series of accessible community greenspaces, each contributing to the over arching GI network along the River Nene Regional Park “green investment area” and the emerging North & West Northamptonshire Green Infrastructure frameworks.

Three priority green space projects have been taken forward to create a landscape scale sustainable green corridor that enhances and makes accessible local green spaces and linking these with two of Northamptonshire’s largest urban growth settlements along the Nene Valley. This initiative forms the spine of an ongoing and far reaching project that is being implemented by the RNRP and its delivery partners from the public, private and third sectors.

KEY FACTORS ■ Strategic landscape scale GI project delivered in conjunction with a

series of linked local schemes

■ Major improvements to access using cycle and pedestrian routes, including opening up disused railway lines, to open up the Valley

■ Developing greenways through towns as part of the regeneration of urban parks and encouraging modal shift

■ Improvements to Lings Wood and Fox Covert to transform areas formerly associated with anti-social behaviour

■ Providing opportunities for better access and engagement with the river Nene and the resources of the valley

■ Securing improvements for visitors and biodiversity at sites such as Summer Leys Local Nature Reserve, at key destinations in and corridors through the landscape

■ Development of a Nene Valley Strategy to draw together opportunities for longer-term management, including the former gravel pits, a potential Special Protection Area (pSPA) an international wildlife designation, as part of a wider plan

■ Providing opportunities for safe and healthy activities for all ages and abilities

FUNDING AND DELIVERY Funding was provided by the River Nene Regional Park, from Communities and Local Government (CLG), working with RNRP delivery partners from the public, private and third sectors. Key partners are the Wildlife Trust, who acquired and manage Summer Leys and Lings Wood, Northampton Borough Council who co-ordinated and manage the Central Parks projects and the Borough Council of Wellingborough who are responsible for the planning, development and open space management of the growth settlement.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES ■ A vision and strategic landscape scale plan for the future of the

Nene Valley

■ Summer Leys is now successfully managed as an accessible Nature Reserve half way between Northampton and Wellingborough, and is a model for surrounding areas

■ Regular education activities run by The Wildlife Trust, based at Lings Wood and other LNRs

■ Town residents are benefiting from these links, such as to the Brampton Valley Way, travelling to these areas using the cycle and footpaths, with less need to take a car

■ Accessible riverside walks, such as the Embankment at Wellingborough, with associated facilities

OUTCOMESThe wider Breathing Spaces project has addressed healthy living, bio-diversity and sustainability policy targets and contributed strongly to the provision of an integrated Green Infrastructure in a key location for the growth agenda in Northamptonshire. The project has helped to link communities from their doorsteps to the countryside, targeting some of the most urban areas of Northamptonshire’s Mid-Nene Valley. It also supports and extends essential greenspace requirements for the new Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) at Wellingborough East (also known as Stantons Cross) and access to the Nene Valley to the east and west, and the Ise Valley to the north.

FURTHER RESOURCES The Wildlife Trusts ‘Vision for the Valley’

The above document and more information on the project can be found at www.rnrp.org

Contact the RNRP Executive Team onT: (01604) 237648 E: rnrp@northamptonshire.gov.uk

The Northamptonshire Wildlife TrustT: (01604) 405285 E: tom.day@wildlifebcnp.org

Contact the Borough Council of Wellingborough T: (01933) 231730 E: pthompson@wellingborough.gov.uk

CASE STUDY 23

BREATHING SPACES – THE NORTHAMPTON TO

WELLINGBOROUGH REACH OF THE RIVER NENE,

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

CASE STUDY 24

LINCOLN SUB-REGIONAL COUNTRY PARK,

LINCOLNSHIRE

40 | LANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY

© CITY OF LINCOLN COUNCIL © CITY OF LINCOLN COUNCIL

PRINCIPLES ■ To strengthen partnership working though a shared task

■ To engage with stakeholders early in the process

■ To bridge the gap between RSS policy and on the ground delivery

■ To distil large amounts of information and many ideas into a succinct document

■ To provide a sound basis on which a project plan can be developed

INTRODUCTIONLincolnshire Structure Plan and draft RSS are committed to the delivery of a sub-regional country park on the western side of Lincoln. The aim of the Park is to improve linkages between the many natural assets on this side of the city, provide a wide range of multifunctional open spaces that link the City to its surrounding countryside, protect biodiversity and create accessible and enjoyable opportunities for recreation.

KEY FACTORS■ Needed to find a way of moving from the policy in the Structure

Plan/ draft RSS to developing a project plan and delivering something on the ground

■ Needed to ensure that people/organisations felt involved early in the process and that the task group could be confident that it was working with the agreement of stakeholders

■ Needed to have a document that everyone could sign up to that did not involve a long study or a lengthy report

FUNDING AND DELIVERYNatural England provided the funding for the Concept Statement including the hire of a venue for the workshop and a consultant to facilitate the event and write up the statement. The draft was then commented on by an informal task group with representatives from the four Councils and other stakeholders which reports to the respective Councils’ Members through the Lincoln Area Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Committee. A project officer will be appointed shortly who will use the concept statement as a basis for preparing a more detailed programme of development and delivery. This post will be funded initially through Growth Point money.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSESThe process of producing a Concept Statement:

■ provided a focus for the task group

■ enabled stakeholders to be involved early in the process

■ meant that many ideas about the park were generated very quickly

■ enabled a consensus to be reached about what the broad scope, principles and aspirations are for the park

OUTCOMESThe outcome is a document that can be referred to when explaining our vision and our aims, and which will provide a steer to the project officer when developing a programme for delivery.

FURTHER RESOURCESLincoln Sub-regional Country Park Concept Statement, 2008www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/subregionalcountrypark

For further information contact Gill Wilson, Development Strategy Team Leader at City of Lincoln Council, gill.wilson@lincoln.gov.uk

WHISBY NATURE PARK, LINCOLNSHIRECASE STUDY 25

LANDSCAPE SCALE CONNECTIVITY | 41

WHISBY NATURE PARK GREBE LAKE © LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

PRINCIPLES ■ Safeguard and manage the rich biodiversity of the site

■ Showcase habitat management and restoration techniques

■ Encourage managed access for all

■ Use the site for “green education” in the widest sense

■ Encourage volunteer input at all levels of the operation

INTRODUCTIONA large (144 hectare) complex of worked out gravel pits on the southwest outskirts of Lincoln. A very wide range of habitats from open water/bare ground through to oak woodland, covering many successional stages.

The name “Nature Park” is to indicate the site has nature reserve quality but with the robust access of a country park.

The Nature Park has been operational for 20 years.

KEY FACTORS ■ Extremely rich wildlife component (500+ plant species and 200+ bird

species recorded)

■ The physically robust nature of the site allows it to be promoted for visitor use (c.a. 100,000 pa) without damaging the rich biodiversity

■ The site is managed for nature conservation and has no conflicts with other user groups

FUNDING AND DELIVERY The site is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, who also own part of the site. Two gravel companies lease the remainder on 125 year lease. The site is funded and governed by a partnership of LWT, Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES From the original portacabin office/classroom the park now boasts a Millenium Lottery funded £3M visitor centre/education building and estate workshop.

Three large lakes have been added to the park over the 20 years to help spread the increasing visitor pressure.

A flood relief scheme incorporated into the lakes has given precise water level controls to maximise the bird interest on the main lake.

Visitor numbers have increased from 15,000 to 100,000 pa with no discernable detriment to the wildlife component.

Five miles of visitor route, the vast majority of which is to “access for all” standard.

Flagship species such as nightingales, kingfishers, common terns and orchids are all flourishing.

A whole sub-regional country park concept has been identified, spreading right into Lincoln city, to join up all the green space, with Whisby Nature Park at the hub.

Ongoing consultation with the gravel companies about future expansion possibilities, with land being identified directly for conservation restoration through planning, rather than the compromise “low level agriculture”.

OUTCOMES (CONCLUSION)The project has seen a dramatic development from abandoned gravel pits to major public facility in 20 years. The extensive and complex habitats, through careful management, support an incredible wealth of flora and fauna.

FURTHER RESOURCES www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/whisby/index.php

Phil Porter, Site Manager

01522 500676

whisbynp@lincstrust.co.uk

42 | STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME

GI should be used to provide a network of greenspaces that is attractive and easily accessible, serving the needs of both rural and urban communities and strengthening the links between them. GI should be multi-functional wherever possible. Integration with the planning system is essential to deliver GI across the Region. Strategically significant potential routes and sites for green infrastructure should be safeguarded, where appropriate, within local development frameworks and supplementary planning documents. There should be a co-ordinated approach in relation to natural assets across the Region to ensure assets are viewed as inter-linked regional assets not isolated pockets. The planning system provides a framework within which LAs and LDVs can work in partnership to deliver GI.

Rights of Way Improvement Plans must address how the Public Rights of Way network meets the needs of people now and in the future. Routes within development will need to be created or improved, as will the links from new development to the countryside; some routes will need improvement to cope with higher usage. This kind of linked network creates access for the wider range of users, providing more opportunity for more people to be physically active.

Well designed public space can contribute to crime reduction and this is an important factor when considering green infrastructure in spatial planning. Attention should be given to the design of green routes, for use during the day and at night, in order to provide greenspace while ensuring people’s sense of comfort and safety.

Green Belt land should be retained, unless in exceptional circumstances there is a strategic need for release, in accordance with government guidelines and where appropriate extended, to prevent coalescence. Its amenity value as openspace should be enhanced and greater biodiversity encouraged.

MODEL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (LDV) POLICYWhat is achievable at any given location will depend on local circumstances and the scale of development taking place, but innovative solutions need to be encouraged at every level. The local area’s important environmental and cultural assets, some of which are of national or regional significance, not only need to be protected but also, where appropriate, enhanced. The Growth Area and Growth Points provide opportunities for this and for access and management for the benefit of an increased population.

Throughout the Region, the following will be sought in order to achieve a net gain in GI including:

■ Protecting and enhancing existing natural, historic and recreational assets including recreational routes and sports facilities and countryside character

■ Improving the management of existing assets and provision of new GI to meet growth requirements

■ Establishing a network of multi-functional greenspaces in urban areas, urban fringe and the wider countryside, as part of the process of developing more sustainable, safer, secure and attractive natural built and form

■ Ensuring good accessibility of GI provision that promotes healthy lifestyles and can be used for formal and informal recreational and educational purposes

■ Maintaining and increasing the local area’s stock of strategic GI assets

LOCATION HIERARCHYGI should have a multiple hierarchy of provision, in terms of location (from urban neighbourhoods to the open countryside), function, size and levels of use – at every spatial scale across the Region.

GI must be located to link or extend the network of existing sites, providing green corridors for wildlife and people from urban through suburban to the rural environment. It should be based upon analysis of local needs and opportunities and seek to apply the general location hierarchy.

■ Areas within new development

■ Adjacent to new development

■ Within the Local Development Framework area

■ Across Local Development Framework areas, including cross regional boundaries

RESOURCINGGreen Infrastructure (GI) provision requires the establishment of sound funding and delivery processes (e.g. further public finance and the use of a developer contribution framework or the Community Infrastructure Levy) based upon the principles outlined in this guide. This would identify the types, sizes and locations of assets required and the contribution levels expected to assist in their delivery, including the improved management of existing GI assets and future management of new assets.

The funding of new assets, facilities and services should not prejudice the viability of either existing assets or projects. Where there are existing environmental enhancement mechanisms with delivery plans that are endorsed locally, developer contributions that are in line with the endorsed plan should be sought.

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK &

DELIVERY PROGRAMME

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME | 43

Although development should make a significant contribution to the creation and establishment of new GI, developer contributions alone will not deliver sufficient funds to provide a step change in GI. Therefore, it is essential that key players, such as local delivery vehicles, co-ordinate efforts to attract funding over the long-term to resource GI that is necessary to deliver the aspirations of communities, especially in and around the Growth Areas and Growth Points across the East Midlands. While there may be opportunities for central government funding, existing good practice in securing funding, from the Region and elsewhere, should be used as a starting point. Lottery funding may be available for some existing facilities.

Acknowledging the multi-functional aspects of GI can help to secure funding over the long term. For example, actively managing reed beds in an environmentally appropriate context can form part of an area’s management of surface water and increase biodiversity. This needed to consider and manage GI in a wider environmental and social context may open opportunities to attract match funding from a wide range of funding organisations.

When creating new projects, long-term maintenance and management should not be overlooked. Endowment or other sources of ring-fenced funds should be sought from development and set aside for future revenue requirements. Alternatively, funding could be secured from an annual ground rent on new development that would make provision for long-term management of strategic GI.

Opportunities also exist for increasing the contribution of rural areas to GI through improved management and access. This may be achieved through the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, where the management of landscape is largely outside planning control.

Examples of longer-term governance models include:

■ An informal partnership of supportive organisations

■ A semi-autonomous, formalised partnership of supportive organisations

■ A group of existing Local Delivery Vehicles

■ An independent Trust or Company

■ A new Park Authority or similar organisation

■ A Regional Park Development Company

STRATEGIC APPROACH TO DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS The primary vehicle by which developer contributions have been secured to date has been through Section 106 Agreements. However, following extensive consultation, a more strategic approach has been developed that will provide greater certainty to developers and ensure that the cumulative effects of smaller development can be better addressed and support the funding of important sub-regional infrastructure.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the provisions for which are currently going through Parliament, will be a new charge which local authorities in England and Wales will be empowered, but not required, to charge on most types of new development in their area. CIL charges will be based on simple formulae which relate the size of the charge to the size and character of the development paying it. The proceeds of the levy will be spent on local and sub-regional infrastructure to support the development of the area.

This advocates a joined-up approach to the delivery of infrastructure through developer contributions, encouraging local planning authorities and local delivery vehicles to consider how a range of developments can contribute to the delivery of necessary infrastructure.

PLANNING POLICY GUIDANCE 17(PPG17), July 2002 on Open Space, Sport and Recreation advocates that local authorities carry out detailed assessments of all their areas of open space. Additional resources would enable this to be carried out across the Sub-Region. CABE Space has funds to provide specialist advice to local authorities through their Enabler scheme.

PPS 12 - PLANNING POLICY STATEMENTPPS 12, updated in June 2008 on Local Spatial Planning now includes Green Infrastructure (GI) and addresses how GI networks can be provided and supported now and in future to benefit and deliver sustainable communities.

FOOT MEADOW, NORTHAMPTON © RNRP DARLEY ABBEY MILLS © DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

44 | STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME

PRINCIPLES Existing and emerging landscape character assessments are essential to:■ Review local landscape designations■ Establish objective environmental base line data■ Identify natural and cultural assets■ Establish and define local landscape character■ Inform strategic environmental policy and the planning and development

of growth areas■ Inform the development and management of Green Infrastructure (GI)

networks as an integral part of new development ■ Identify constraints and opportunities across the sub region■ Inform master planning to guide development at a more localised level■ Consider the potential for the restoration of disused and derelict sites

that are unsuitable for development or have nature conservation or historic interest that should be conserved and properly managed

INTRODUCTIONThe ECA&GI suite represents a milestone in the evolution of landscape character assessment and management. It differs from previous approaches in that separate assessments of the current, historic and biodiversity character were undertaken. Whilst these have been drawn together in an Environmental Character Assessment, they provide detailed information on methodologies, assessments, strategies and guidelines. However, it takes characterisation forward by developing and defining Green Infrastructure and establishing a network of strategic and local GI corridors.

KEY FACTORS ■ The ECA&GI suite was designed as a tool for planners that could also be

used by the development industry, environmentalists, special interest groups and the general public

■ The interactive suite has an introductory guide and is available on the RNRP website and a CD that links to the website to give access to data on Northamptonshire’s historic and current landscapes, wildlife and ecology

■ It provides interactive access to text and map based information with illustrations of examples of landscape character areas and their features

■ The toolkit provides an objective and transparent framework that informs the Local Development Frameworks and Core Spatial Strategies of both the North and West Northamptonshire LDVs, promotes a strategic approach to integrated environmental management and a strategic approach to Green Infrastructure (GI)

FUNDING AND DELIVERY The project started in November 2001 and was launched in November 2006.It was developed as an objective planning tool with an integrated approach to environmental management to provide clear and authoritative strategy and guidance. Methodologies were subjected to peer review and used cutting edge techniques for mapping, survey and analysis, to support the planning process.

FUNDINGThe evidence base RNRP draws on, and the strategic function it provides, supports the delivery of effective and sustainable environmental projects and a Green Infrastructure network to provide ‘liveability’ for new and existing communities within the MKSM Growth Area. The success of the approach is demonstrated by the £6 million government funding secured for Green Infrastructure, which levered in a further £6 million in grants and partner funding to delivery £12 million of green investment.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe ECA&GI suite was developed with the support of Steering and Project Groups drawn from the partnership, and are acknowledged in the suite.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES■ ECA & GI was developed with partnership support, the digital tool kit

giving access to strategic and detailed information to shape the Core Spatial Strategies (CSS) and Local Development Frameworks (LDF) for North and West Northamptonshire (NNDC)

■ The project supported the establishment of, the River Nene Regional Park (RNRP), which has since become the focus for environmental innovation and green investment in Northamptonshire

■ At the ECA & GI launch, NNDC demonstrated the importance of its integration into the LDF and CSS showing how the environmental sensitivity analysis informed the direction of the urban extensions. This process is being adopted across the county with ECA & GI being adopted in West Northamptonshire

■ Having a strategic framework for the implementation of GI, the RNRP partnership has secured and delivered a £12 million green investment in Northamptonshire

■ The ECA & GI process has been based on adopting an holistic approach to secure environmental, social and economic benefits. These are integral to the projects already delivered, such as Salcey Forest and Stanwick lakes, where economic viability has been achieved, with significant improvements to the environmental and social wellbeing of local communities, and a balance between protecting the assets whilst increasing visitor numbers

■ ECA & GI provides a framework for integrated environmental management to complement the development of the growth areas which, as part of the statutory planning process, embraces all aspects from strategy, policy and prioritisation, to implementation and monitoring

OUTCOMES ■ ECA & GI is an exemplar environmental initiative and planning tool■ It uses GIS, which can incorporate socio-economic data sets ■ It supports the findings of the East Midlands public benefit mapping project ■ The potential of the toolkit is still being developed through the integrated

landscape sensitivity and GI studies, which inform directions for growth and set the framework for strategic GI requirements

FURTHER RESOURCESKey documents: Environmental Character Assessment and Green Infrastructure study (ECA & GI Suite), November 2006Website address: www.rnrpenvironmentalcharacter.org.ukPrincipal contacts: Michel Kerrou, CEO, River Nene Regional ParkTel: 01604 236331 E: mkerrou@northamptonshire.gov.uk

CASE STUDY 26

ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SUITE (ECA & GI SUITE),

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

© NATALIE HEUBER

CASE STUDY 27

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME | 4�

CORE SPATIAL STRATEGY,

NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2008.

PRINCIPLES ■ Provide strategic direction, with the goal of North Northamptonshire

becoming a showpiece for green living, with a high quality environment and a prosperous economy

■ Partnership working by Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire Councils, and Northamptonshire County Council, as the Joint Planning Unit (through a Joint Planning Committee) in the development of the Core Spatial Strategy

■ Core Spatial Strategy is the foundation of the Local Development Framework for North Northamptonshire

■ Local Development Framework reflects national and regional policy (Regional Spatial Strategy 8)

■ The Core Spatial Strategy fully embraces the ethos of sustainable development with Green Infrastructure at its core

INTRODUCTION North Northamptonshire is a key component of the MKSM growth area, accommodating 52,100 new dwellings by 2021; with the creation of 43,800 new jobs over the same period. As well as supporting urban regeneration, it is vital that new development has to be sustainable and contribute to protecting and enhancing environmental assets. This is achieved through the provision of Green Infrastructure, which forms a key element of the core spatial strategy. Green Infrastructure places environmental, social and economic enhancement at the heart of the planning process, providing natural life support systems for people. This concept is reflected in the North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy; which includes Green Infrastructure sub-regional and local corridors as key factors of any development.

KEY FACTORS ■ Green living – Make it easy for people to live in an environmentally

friendly way through high standards of design, promoting green industries and ensuring sustainable transport

■ Environment - Ensure a step change in biodiversity management and a net gain in Green Infrastructure; retaining and enhancing landscape character and distinctiveness through the opportunity of development and investment

■ Network of settlements – maintain distinctive settlements, ensuring the scale and location of growth is shaped by their role and character, and supports greater self sufficiency for the area as a whole

■ Connectivity and modal shift – increase transport choice to enhance North Northamptonshire’s national, regional, sub-regional and local connections through improvements to public transport and road corridors

■ Infrastructure and services – Secure provision of infrastructure, services and facilities to enhance communities and support development, including establishing priorities for future investment and collaboration

■ Economy – Build a diverse, dynamic and self reliant economy in order to reach it’s potential

FUNDING AND DELIVERY Growth area funding from Central Government, grant schemes and funding from local authorities, regional agencies and private developers. Delivery achieved through collaboration with public, private and third sector partners, Regulatory and Advisory bodies, NGO’s and the River Nene Regional Park, which identified both sub-regional and local spatial areas for Green Infrastructure.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES■ An ongoing net gain in Green Infrastructure through the protection and

enhancement of existing historical, cultural and environmental assets■ The creation of new multi functional areas that promote recreation

and tourism, public access, green education, biodiversity, sustainable land management, improved water management, the protection and enhancement of the local landscape and climate change mitigation

■ Sub-regional Green Infrastructure corridors that connect areas of green space, high ecological or other environmental interest

Achieved through:■ Not permitting development that would compromise the integrity of

the overall Green Infrastructure network■ The use of developer contributions to facilitate improvements to

Green Infrastructure quality and robustness■ Investing in enhancement and restoration; and the creation of new

resources where necessary■ Development contributing to the establishment, enhancement or

ongoing management of local corridors linked to the sub-regional corridors

■ Prioritising investment in areas where net gains in the range of functions can be improved

OUTCOMESA Green Infrastructure network has been developed which will serve the needs of both urban and rural communities, and strengthen the links between them. This “Green Framework” respects the character and diversity of the landscape, the ecological and cultural heritage, as well as promoting local distinctiveness in North Northamptonshire. The River Nene Regional Park is the key mechanism for delivering Green Infrastructure; through public and private stakeholders and investment.

The Core Spatial Strategy has been through its Examination in Public with the Inspector declaring the Strategy, and the Green Infrastructure policies within it to be sound. The Core Spatial Strategy was adopted in June 2008.

FURTHER RESOURCES North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy, June 2008

Websitewww.nnjpu.org.uk | www.emgin.org | www.riverneneregionalpark.org

Principal contacts info@nnjpu.org.uk | RNRP@northamptonshire.gov.uk

46 | STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK & DELIVERY PROGRAMME

CASE STUDY 28

Habitats Network

Network of Sites Sensitive to Development

Recreational Access Network

Landscape Character & Connectors

Multi-functionality

GI

GI INTERIM PLANNING GUIDANCE (IPG)

NOTE 11 (SEPT 2008), MANSFIELD

DISTRICT, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

PRINCIPLES The Green Infrastructure IPG sets out a framework for identifying where:

■ Protection is vital

■ Enhancement and investment of GI is required

■ Development can provide for important enhancement of the Green Infrastructure network and vice versa

INTRODUCTIONIn 2006, Mansfield District Council (MDC) recognised the importance of Green Infrastructure in relation to urban development pressures and the inter-connected nature of open spaces. In partnership with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and with support from Greenwood Community Forest and the County Council, Mansfield District Council commenced work on a Draft Interim Planning Guidance (IPG) document. It is the first strategy to take a specific, integrated and comprehensive approach to the District’s green space, habitat and trail networks. A public consultation period on the IPG runs from 24th September until 5th November 2008.

When adopted, the Green Infrastructure IPG will set out a vision, aims, objectives and policy framework for GI in the District. It will also provide a methodology (GI Framework) for underpinning a future GI Action Plan (proposed Spring 2009) which will address site specific allocations and policy recommendations. The GI Framework includes: Networks of Sites Sensitive to Development; Habitats Network; Recreational Access Network; Landscape Character Connectors; and Multi-functionality assessment.

KEY FACTORS■ Based on a need to inform the Local Development Framework and

provide an evidence base for future planning decisions

FUNDING AND DELIVERYThe document’s development has been funded by Mansfield District Council and guided by a steering group including Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire County Council and Greenwood Community Forest. Various stakeholders have also been consulted over the course of its development. The proposed GI Action Plan is likely to involve a variety of stakeholders and funding streams.

BENEFITS AND SUCCESSES■ Draft Green Infrastructure Interim Planning Guidance produced

■ Increased recognition of Green Infrastructure through the public consultation process

■ Creation of a Sustainability Planning Officer post

■ Partnership working

■ Improved greenspace mapping data bank

OUTCOMES ■ Overall, the Green Infrastructure IPG provides a comprehensive and

integrated approach to greenspace, landscape, recreational trails, and habitats networks

■ Provides an important evidence base for the emerging Local Development Framework and ensuring that the environmental, social and cultural importance of the network of green sites within Mansfield is taken account of in future planning decisions

■ The IPG will underpin a GI Action Plan providing specific policy and GI investment recommendations. Central to this action plan is identifying areas where protection is vital, where enhancement and investment is required, and where development can enhance GI and vice versa. This is an upcoming document

FURTHER RESOURCESKey Documents: Draft Interim Planning Guidance Note 11: Green Infrastructure (September 2008), Green Infrastructure IPG Information Leaflet (September 2008)

Website Address: www.mansfield.gov.uk/ipg

Principle Contact: Kira Besh (Sustainable Planning Officer)

kbesh@mansfield.gov.uk, 01623 463195

© MANSFIELD DISTRICT COUNCIL © MANSFIELD DISTRICT COUNCIL

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | 47

© RNRP MIKE FINN-KELCEY

THIS GUIDE HAS BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EAST MIDLANDS REGIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY TO PROVIDE EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICE IN THE ROLE AND USE OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

■ Bolsover Countryside Partnership

■ Borough Council of Wellingborough

■ City of Lincoln Council

■ Derby City Council

■ Derbyshire County Council

■ East Northamptonshire Council

■ East Midlands Development Agency

■ East Midlands Regional Assembly

■ English Partnership

■ Forestry Commission

■ Groundwork

■ Leicester City Council

■ Leicestershire County Council

■ Lincolnshire County Council

■ Mansfield District Council

■ Natural England

■ North Kesteven District Council

■ North Northamptonshire Development Company

■ Northampton Borough Council

■ Northamptonshire County Council

■ Nottinghamshire County Council

■ River Nene Regional Park Community Interest Company

■ Rockingham Forest Trust

■ Sherwood Energy Village

■ TEP

■ The Environment Agency

■ The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society

■ The National Forest Company

■ The National Trust

■ The University of Northampton

■ The Wildlife Trusts

The following organisations support and endorse the production of this guide and its content.We would like to thank everyone for supplying their case studies for the guide.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Published November 2008 | Design by perception-design.com

(EMGIN) East Midlands Green Infrastructure Network

Copies of the guide are available in print by contacting www.emgin.orgDigital copies of the guide can be downloaded from the EMGIN website