Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Core Strategy

CS14 - Green Infrastructure

The Council will protect, enhance and manage a diverse network of accessible multi functional green infrastructure by:

  • Continuing to give a high level of protection to and improving the Borough’s green infrastructure assets including Suitable Accessible Natural Greenspace (SANG) and those sites designated for their biodiversity value in accordance with Policy CS15-Biodiversity(1) . Where development of open space is proposed, the scheme will be assessed against Planning Policy Guidance note 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation, Planning Policy Guidance note 2: Green Belts, and CS15 - Biodiversity. Development will not be permitted on a SANG.
  • Ensuring new development protects and enhances local landscape character (2), strategic views and key landmarks as shown on the proposals map, and takes account of their setting, intrinsic character and amenity value.

Strengthening the network and multi functional role by:

  • Requiring developer contributions from new development in accordance with CS28-Implementation and Delivery to facilitate new provision or quality and access improvements to existing facilities, including the Green Belt, in order to increase their capacity;
  • Requiring the provision of facilities for public use on-site as part of development schemes over 50 dwellings, where appropriate;
  • Improving the biodiversity value and function of the network in accordance with CS15-Biodiversity;
  • Provision of an improved, accessible open space at Waterside Drive, Walton as shown on the proposals map;
  • Securing the dual use of school facilities for sports use in accordance with CS16-Social and Community Infrastructure;
  • Developing green links within and across borough boundaries in particular by supporting the Green Arc initiative, the development of a network of SANG, and identifying green corridors;
  • Promoting access to and creating SANG - Brooklands Community Park and part of Esher Common – in accordance with the measures set out in the Council’s most up-to-date mitigation strategy for the Thames Basin Heaths SPA(3);
  • Safeguarding important trees, woodlands and hedgerows and securing provision of soft landscaping measures in new development, focusing on the use of native species, particularly trees, which are an important feature of the Elmbridge landscape, and taking opportunities to create links with the wider green infrastructure network;
  • Considering the re-designation of lower value amenity greenspace to park and garden where this helps to address a deficiency in provision;
  • Developing access routes within and between the network, building from the Thames Path National Trail, that promote sustainable transport choices and healthy living, and seeking opportunities to link to, and extend, the existing rights of way network (4) .

For more information please see the Elmbridge Core Strategy