The report presents the findings from a study which mapped the green infrastructure assets of the Yorkshire and Humber region and explored the policies and mechanisms that determine how green infrastructure is formally recorded, protected or enhanced through different kinds of plans and programmes. It highlights the emerging policy issues that affect adoption of the green infrastructure approach, and discusses the government's sustainable development strategy, the Sustainable Communities Plan, spatial planning and the development plan framework, the green belt and the 'countryside in and around towns' agenda. The report describes spatial planning connected to green infrastructure policies in the Netherlands as a comparison and source of good practice ideas.

The impetus for conducting the study arose mainly from the work of the Countryside Agency in promoting wider appreciation and more effective interventions in improving green spaces within and around towns and cities in England. This study aims to establish baseline data and scope the current state of policies that affect green infrastructure.

The study uses geographic information system (GIS) software to map the existence of, as well as shortfalls in, green space provision. It uses desk analysis, supported by interviews and feedback from a regional green infrastructure conference, to analyse local and national strategies and plans to determine where green infrastructure was represented, supported and promoted. The study also presents case studies interpreting the presence and potential of green infrastructure in the South Pennines and the Lower Aire Valley.

There is great potential for the development and application of a green infrastructure approach in Yorkshire and the Humber. The benefits of green infrastructure are most easily demonstrated in places where urban areas are close to countryside. A coalition should be built to influence the content of forthcoming spatial plans in terms of green infrastructure objectives. Green infrastructure assets should be valued alongside other common public service policy targets. Recommends that relevant bodies should adopt a strong green infrastructure stance.

Natural England (previously Countryside Agency)
Phone: +44 114 241 8920
enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk

01/07/2006

Centre for Urban Development and Environmental Management (CUDEM) et al.

research

Urban Policy > Transport and infrastructure > Services & amenities

Public space