Policy information sourced from the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033

DM5 Green and Blue Infrastructure

  • Development proposals must demonstrate that they have been designed to:
    1. retain and where possible enhance existing green and blue infrastructure assets, including trees, hedgerows, woods and meadows, green lanes, wetlands, ponds and watercourses and improve connectivity of habitats;
    2. use native species where appropriate and take account of the need for biosecurity including control of non-native invasive species, and ensure all planting stock is supplied free of pests or disease, and uses non-invasive species;
    3. incorporate appropriate provision of new green and blue infrastructure assets or space;
    4. enhance connectivity and integration by providing pedestrian/cycle access to existing and proposed green and blue infrastructure networks and established routes, including footpaths, cycleways and bridleways/Public Rights of Way (except where by doing so would create additional recreational pressures on the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation); and (v) enhance the public realm through the provision and/or retention of trees and/or designated and undesignated open spaces within built-up areas.
  • Development proposals must be accompanied by sufficient evidence to demonstrate that:
    1. the retention and protection of trees (including Veteran Trees), landscape features or habitats will be successfully secured in accordance with relevant guidance and best practice;
    2. the provision of new trees, new landscape and water features or habitat creation/improvement will be implemented in accordance with relevant guidance and best practice; and
    3. the proposals for green and blue infrastructure assets are appropriate and adequate, taking into account the nature and scale of the development, its setting, context and intended use.
  • In the Garden Communities, a framework plan of proposed green and blue infrastructure assets and networks that incorporates existing features on the site and its links to the wider landscape and townscape will be required for submission with any planning application. Further requirements may be outlined within Strategic Masterplans in accordance with Policies SP2 and DM9.

For more information please see the Epping Forest District Local Plan 2011-2033