Policy information sourced from the Harlow Local Development Plan 2020-2033 PDF.
WE2: Green Belt, Wedges, and Fingers.
Harlow is surrounded by Green Belt and has a network of Green Wedges and Green Fingers, allocated on the Policies Map.
1. The purposes of the Green Belt are to:
- (a) check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;
- (b) prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another;
- (c) assist in safeguarding the countryside from development;
- (d) preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and
- (e) assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
2. The roles of the Green Wedges are to:
- (a) provide physical, visual and audial separation between neighbourhoods and between residential and industrial areas;
- (b) provide Green Infrastructure, including open spaces for sport, recreation and quiet contemplation; wildlife corridors; footpaths, cycleways and bridleways; and rivers, canals, ponds, lakes and other bodies of water;
- (c) protect and enhance natural habitats, ecological assets and landscape features;
- (d) protect existing uses which have an open character;
- (e) provide settings which preserve the character of historic/cultural sites and areas; and
- (f) provide opportunities for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
3. Green Fingers are generally smaller and thinner than the Green Wedges. The roles of the Green Fingers are to:
- (a) provide open links between Green Wedges and/or other areas of green space;
- (b) provide Green Infrastructure, including wildlife corridors; footpaths, cycleways and bridleways; and rivers, canals, ponds, lakes and other bodies of water;
- (c) protect and enhance natural habitats, ecological assets and landscape features; and
- (d) protect existing uses which have an open character.
4. New Green Wedges or Green Fingers must fulfil the above roles and:
- (a) where possible should connect with existing Green Wedges, Green Fingers and/or the Green Belt;
- (b) be well-connected to residential areas;
- (c) be defined by a strong urban edge; and
- (d) development should front green spaces to provide a strong interface and natural surveillance.
For more information, please visit Harlow’s Local Plan here.