Policy information sourced from the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan - Development Management Plan
NHE4 Green and blue infrastructure
- The Council will work with landowners, land managers and stakeholders to secure the provision of a multi-functional green and blue infrastructure network by:
- Resisting the loss of existing public open space. Where this is urban open space the criteria within OSR1(2) must be met to justify the loss.
- Ensuring best management practice of multi-functional green/blue spaces across the Borough.
- Preserving and enhancing existing green infrastructure and water features in priority regeneration areas and throughout existing urban areas.
- Looking favourably on proposals that enhance, extend, or make new provision for allotments or community food growing opportunities.
- Development proposals must:
- Where possible, increase access to and provision of green and blue infrastructure and open spaces.
- Avoid any adverse impacts on existing habitats and take the opportunity to enhance and incorporate biodiversity as an integral part of design, including watercourses and riverside habitats.
- Positively incorporate green and blue infrastructure as an integral part of the design of new developments; supporting initiatives within the Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy and Action Plan where possible. Any new green and blue infrastructure should link with existing green/blue infrastructure in the surrounding area where possible.
- Incorporate open spaces and green spaces which can be used in a variety of ways and support a range of activities.
- Protect and enhance public rights of way and National Trails.
- Where possible, create new links and corridors between open spaces, green/blue infrastructure and the countryside beyond, such as through the provision of footpaths and bicycle paths or through planting and landscaping.
- Identify measures for appropriate maintenance of relevant green/blue infrastructure.
- Within land designated as a Riverside Green Chain, the following uses and facilities will be permitted to facilitate activities compatible with the area and the maintenance of a natural green and blue environment:
- Informal recreation.
- Formal outdoor recreation, allotments, agriculture and woodland where feasible.
- Establishment of Local Nature Reserves and similar nature conservation provision.
- Enhancements to the riverine environment for water related purposes, including the establishment of buffer zones.
- Safe access provisions to appropriate sections of the riverine environment including safety measures consistent with the scale of visitor and operation activity while protecting other areas as wildlife refuges in accordance with a nature conservation strategy for the area.
- Interpretation and supervised investigation of archaeological sites.
- Creation of ponds, swales, bunds, stormwater wetlands and similar features as part of the surface water drainage system serving major new housing development and consistent with an overall agreed landscape plan.
- Construction of a combined orbital cycle and pedestrian path with connections to new and existing housing areas consistent with nature conservation values.
- Provision of facilities for horse riders, where practicable.
For more information please see the Reigate & Banstead Development Management Plan