Green Infrastructure Framework for south-east will support gardens, allotments, cycleways, street trees and green roofs

A Green Infrastructure Framework for the South East, designed as an aid for local authorities and planners in protecting and improving our greenspaces for the future, has been published by a group of Government agencies and voluntary organisations.

Gardens, parks, churchyards, allotments, cycleways, rivers, ponds, canals, street trees and green roofs are all familiar green spaces interwoven into our towns and cities in the South East, providing vital natural environments and corridors linking people and wildlife to the wider countryside.

To ensure we retain and enhance these green assets, the Government’s South East Regional Spatial Strategy, otherwise known as the SE Plan, published in May, includes a specific policy promoting the importance of green infrastructure (GI) planning and requiring local authorities to ensure delivery. Today’s new South East Green Infrastructure Framework from the eight organisations supports the policy.

Today’s new South East Green Infrastructure Framework is a toolkit to help put policy into practice. It shows that the benefits of green space reach beyond that of simply providing places in which to relax, play and unwind; they perform a multitude of other functions – as important habitats for wildlife, managing flood water and helping to fight the effects of climate change.

The Green Infrastructure Framework is for everybody involved in the design and development of the South East. It is also a useful resource for designers, planners and other interested parties enabling them to find the tools, evidence and case studies needed to keep green spaces at the top of the agenda.

Regional Minister for the South East, Jonathan Shaw, endorses the Framework and says: 'Green space is a vital component to the way we work, rest and play and has proven health benefits. This document is very welcome in the issues that it addresses including some of my key priorities for the region including sustainable housing and the provision of necessary infrastructure to deliver it. If adopted, this document will make a real difference to the lives of people across the South East.'

Sir Terry Farrell, leading architect and urban designer, also endorses the Framework, says: 'This new Framework is essential planning guidance for South East Local Authorities and planning partnerships. It will enable those who make decisions for, and live in the region, to work towards a shared vision for their surroundings.'