How can planning make green spaces count?
October 10, 2014
A report published today by the South Downs National Park Authority shows that people’s access to green spaces – so important for their health and wellbeing – varies considerably across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex. The report coincides with recent calls from Natural England for the value of green places to be given greater consideration in the planning process*.
Ray Drabble, Sustainable Development Officer for the SDNPA, said:
“We know that better health is related to people’s access to green spaces, regardless of their socio-economic status. But more deprived communities are far less likely to live in greener areas.”
The study is one of the foundation blocks for the Local Plan for the South Downs National Park, which will set out how planning can support the National Park’s purposes: to care for its landscapes, wildlife and heritage and encourage people to enjoy and understand them.
An important part of this work is understanding how well the current accessible green and blue spaces in the South Downs – places like heaths, woods, open downland and rivers where people can go to experience nature – serve those living in and around the National Park.
The new study looks at green spaces that are completely free for people to access at any time – both in the South Downs and across the surrounding areas. This shows that even in the areas with best access many people don’t have easy access to green spaces.
But the more than 3,300km of accessible public rights of way across the South Downs National Park can help to compensate areas which lack these green spaces. They also make it much easier to get to accessible green spaces.
“The South Downs National Park is a precious green space in a very crowded part of the country and we need to think strategically about how communities both in and outside its boundaries use it as part of a wider network of green areas,” continues Ray. “We’re working with local authorities across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex to develop a wider perspective. Initiatives are already underway and we want to build on this work.”
Working in partnership the local authorities and other interested parties, we are basing our Local Plan around Ecosystem Services – the benefits healthy ecosystems give people such as clean drinking water, food, timber, air quality, waste decomposition as well as exercise and recreation. Green Infrastructure is a planning tool that we will use to create a network of green spaces in and around towns and cities that enhance the quality of the natural environment and reduce the impact of climate change by helping to manage storm water, producing food and supporting biodiversity etc.
Accessible Natural Greenspace Study – Non Technical Summary
On Monday 13 October the local authorities and other organisations who contributed to the study will meet to begin to shape a framework for partnership working on Green Infrastructure.