Strategic Objectives:

A An open Lewisham as part of an open London,

D A greener borough,

E Responding to the climate emergency,

G Healthy and safe communities,

H Securing the timely delivery of infrastructure.

A Lewisham’s network of green and open spaces, waterways and green features are a fundamental component of the natural environment. This publicly accessible network makes an important contribution to the Borough’s local distinctiveness including its character and heritage, and towards ensuring that the Borough continues to be open and inclusive of all. It is also integral to supporting sustainable neighbourhoods and socially cohesive communities. It does this by providing a wide range of multifunctional environmental, public health, social and economic benefits. Development proposals must protect and seek to enhance provision of green infrastructure across the Borough, including by improving or creating new links between its different elements. Development resulting in the loss of irreplaceable habitats (such as Ancient Woodland or veteran trees) will normally be refused unless there are demonstrable exceptional reasons, and a suitable compensation strategy exists.

B Development proposals must investigate and maximise opportunities to enhance existing green infrastructure and create new provision on site, with reference to the All London Green Grid. Consideration should be given to the site context including its setting within the wider landscape. Development proposals must make suitable arrangements for the long-term management of green areas and planting. This includes provision of sufficient space where large canopy trees can be retained and new trees established without pressure for their future removal. Proposals should explore and where possible deliver opportunities that improve connections between the Borough’s green and open spaces, with the specific objective of improving inclusive access that brings communities together and contributes towards healthier lifestyles. Where appropriate and necessary, proposals will be supported by a health impact assessment that considers the possible social causes of the inequalities being addressed through the improvements to green infrastructure.

For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan