The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This section explains the policy on historic parks, gardens and village greens. It describes them as irreplaceable historic landscapes that contribute significantly to local character, identity and biodiversity, often containing mature trees and species-rich habitats. A landscape-led approach ensures development respects historic design intent and setting. The justification notes development can also bring opportunities to reinstate lost landscape features and improve public access, and that the required assessments make sure change is well informed and well managed.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
What the plan says
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
Policy BN.11
Historic Landscapes ~ Registered Parks and Gardens and Registered Village
Greens
Development affecting a Registered Park or Garden or Registered Village Green will
only be supported where it conserves and enhances their historic significance,
landscape character, biodiversity value and public amenity, in accordance with
national policy, statutory duties and relevant local landscape and conservation
guidance.
Development proposals must:
a) Preserve and, where appropriate, enhance the historic design, layout, planting
structure and setting of the designated landscape.
b) Be landscape-led, ensuring development – including on brownfield land - does
not harm the landscape, biodiversity or heritage value of the designation.
c) Retain, enhance and restore planting, habitats and species diversity, delivering
measurable Biodiversity Net Gain and contributing to Green and Blue
Infrastructure networks and Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
d) Safeguard the openness, character, tranquillity and recreational function of
Registered Village Greens and Registered Parks and Gardens.
e) Incorporate high quality green and blue infrastructure that strengthens
landscape character and supports nature recovery.
f) Reinstate or restore lost or degraded landscape features, including historic
planting, water bodies, paths, viewpoints and boundary structures where
appropriate.
g) Maintain and enhance public access to high quality green space to support
health and wellbeing.
Proposals must be supported by a Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy proportionate
to the scale and sensitivity of the designation and where a designated heritage asset
is affected, a proportionate Heritage Impact Assessment.
Policy Justification
7.3.29 Registered Parks and Gardens and Registered Village Greens are irreplaceable
historic landscapes that contribute significantly to local character, identity and
biodiversity. National policy requires the conservation of heritage assets, the protection
of valued landscapes and the delivery of biodiversity net gain. These areas often contain
mature trees, historic planting and species -rich habitats that support wider nature
recovery objectives.
7.3.30 A landscape-led approach ensures development respects historic design intent,
planting structure and setting, consistent with national design principles and local
Landscape Character Area guidance. Protecting openness, tranquillity and recreational
values reflects the long -established public importance of Village Greens and heritage
significance of Registered Parks and Gardens.
7.3.31 Development can also provide opportunities to reinstate lost landscape features,
strengthens green and blue infrastructure and enhance public access, supporting
national ambitions for nature recovery, health and wellbeing.
7.3.32 Requiring a Heritage Impact Assessment and Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy
ensures proposals are informed by a clear understanding of historic significance,
ecological value and landscape character, enabling well -managed change while
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