Policy information sourced from the Brent Local Plan

BGI1 Green and Blue Infrastructure in Brent

The council will expect the provision of additional public open space as set out in Growth Area policies.

Major residential developments outside Growth Areas will address current and future needs:

  1. in the wards with a public open space deficiency of Alperton, Brondesbury Park, Dudden Hill, Harlesden, Kensal Green, Kilburn, Mapesbury, Queens Park, Queensbury, Tokyngton, Wembley and Willesden Green by maximising the onsite provision of a range of publicly accessible open spaces for a range of users;
  2. In the rest of the borough, provision will be on-site unless the size and typology of space that the development generates a need for, with the exception of a Local Area of Play, is already within 400 metres by a direct and safe walking route.

Where public open space is not being provided on site, a financial contribution will be sought to improving the quality and/or accessibility of existing open space provision. The provision of ‘meanwhile uses’, such as pocket parks and community gardens on parts of sites that are likely to be otherwise vacant for long periods will be sought in association with development proposals.

For all developments:

  1. open space should meet all of the following criteria:
    • be appropriately designed to be accessible, safe, usable and integrated into the development site;
    • enhance biodiversity and where adjacent to, integrated into existing green and blue infrastructure network; and
    • include a suitable long-term management plan
  2. adjacent to the Blue Ribbon Network development is required to improve access to the waterway, enhance its setting and provide an appropriate landscaped set-back which may include public open space;
  3. on or near the Capital Ring (as shown on the Policies Map) development is required to take full account of the need to protect its character, and where appropriate, contribute towards its improvement;
  4. achieve a net gain in biodiversity and avoid any detrimental impact on the geodiversity of an area;
  5. in meeting the urban greening factor, place emphasis on solutions that support biodiversity;
  6. adjacent to green chains development should not undermine its biodiversity and seek to establish a connection to it;
  7. adjacent to the Blue Ribbon Network and other tributaries, or waterways, or which has the potential to negatively impact on its water quality, development will be required to contribute towards restoration and naturalisation of waterways, and seek to enhance water quality and biodiversity in accordance with the objectives of the Water Framework Directive and Thames River Basin Management Plan.

For more information please see the Brent Local Plan