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

SP6 The Natural Environment, Landscape Character and Green and Blue Infrastructure

  • Development proposals will ensure that the natural environment will be protected, its quality enhanced and access to it extended. In considering proposals for development the aim is to create a comprehensive network of green and blue corridors and places, appropriate to the specific rural or urban setting. In so doing, biodiversity will be enriched through habitat connection, improvement and protection at all scales, including priority habitats. Access will be extended and the recreational opportunities of the countryside and urban open spaces will be maximised.
  • The Countryside
    1. The character and appearance of the countryside will be conserved and enhanced. Landscape character assessments will be used to assist in judgements on the suitability of new development.
    2. A multifunctional countryside will be supported, which is productive, rich in biodiversity, with a well connected green and blue infrastructure network that is accessible for quiet enjoyment, recreation and exercise.
  • Towns, Villages and Rural Communities
    1. The green and blue infrastructure assets of the towns, villages and rural communities will be protected and the quality of existing greenspace will be improved.
    2. Development will be designed to protect existing green and blue infrastructure assets, enhance networks, secure better provision where deficiencies have been identified and deliver green and blue assets to link to local or wider green and blue infrastructure networks; and
    3. Quality greenspace appropriate to the scale of the development will be sought.
  • Green and Blue Infrastructure
    The District’s green and blue infrastructure network (including priority habitats) will be preserved, restored, extended, maintained and enhanced, and priority species protected, as appropriate, through the Policies in this Plan including:
    1. The location of development (Policy SP1 and Chapter 5);
    2. Habitat Protection And Improving Biodiversity (Policy DM1);
    3. Epping Forest SAC and the Lee Valley SPA (Policy DM2);
    4. Landscape Character, Ancient Landscapes and Geodiversity (Policy DM3);
    5. Green and Blue Infrastructure (Policy DM5);
    6. Sustainable Drainage Systems (Policy DM16);
    7. Supporting Sustainable Transport Choices (Policy T1); and
    8. Designated and Undesignated Open Spaces (Policy DM6)
  • Development proposals, where appropriate, should contribute towards the delivery of green and blue assets which develop and enhance a network of multifunctional green and blue infrastructure. Contributions will be proportionate to the scale of the proposed development and the rural or urban context. Development which improves the existing green and blue infrastructure and where possible, enhances and protects networks will be supported. Additional provision will be required where deficiencies have been identified through the Infrastructure Delivery Plans Schedules, Green Infrastructure Strategy and other appropriate evidence base documents. Where on-site provision is not feasible financial contributions will be sought.

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