New development should seek to ensure the quantity of open space is sufficient to meet local needs and contribute, where possible, to the network of green infrastructure, with particular emphasis on improving the linkages between identified sites and the overall greening of the environment. Open space should be designed to anticipate future climate change. Development will be required to provide a measure of biodiversity and an overall ‘net gain’ in biodiversity for the site.

Development shall make provision for new tree planting and landscaping and protect trees in good health that contribute to the character of the Area, individual streetscapes and green spaces. This shall be achieved by development that:

i. Makes provision for the appropriate planting of additional trees and landscaping, relative to the size of the development;

ii. Protects existing trees, including their roots, groundwater and canopies, and provides for their maintenance, especially during construction;

iii. Makes provision for the planting, establishment and maintenance of equivalent numbers and species of new trees where trees are removed from any location within the HopCroft Area, within the period of this plan;

iv. Makes appropriate provision for the planting and maintenance of new street trees particularly along the main road connections of the Brockley Corridor and Honor Oak Park and along the local Three Peaks Green Chain Walk (as shown on Figure 8 page 61);

v. Gives consideration to the incorporation of features such as living roofs and green walls in new developments in accordance with policy BE1. The paving over of front gardens with impermeable materials will be discouraged and will not be supported where planning permission is required under policy HW1.

For more information and policy context please see the Crofton Park and Honour Oak Neighbourhood Plan