The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy requires development to protect, improve and extend green and blue infrastructure, meaning natural assets such as open spaces, trees, rivers and canals. Schemes must secure management and funding for these features for at least 30 years. Proposals should contribute to strategic opportunities identified in the evidence, such as restoring ancient woodlands, a River Avon Linear Park and better access to the canals. Design must respond to local landscape character, connect habitats, use native and climate-resilient planting and help reduce flood risk.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
Policy ID.13
Green and Blue Infrastructure
Development proposals must protect, enhance, and expand green
and blue infrastructure making use of nature-based solutions to
deliver improved ecosystem services. It should be well-connected,
provide multiple benefits and be integrated into the design from the earliest stages,
forming a key part of placemaking and sustainable development. Proposals should
secure long-term management, monitoring, and funding for Green and Blue
Infrastructure features for at least 30 years.
A. Existing Green and Blue Infrastructure
Development proposals must protect and enhance existing natural features including
open spaces and recreational areas of ecological, and social, or landscape value.
Doing so creates multiple benefits for both nature, humans and the wider climate and
helps create quality public spaces and public realm.
Proposals must contribute where relevant to the below strategic Green and Blue
Infrastructure opportunities, as identified in the Green and Blue Infrastructure and
Open Space Study:
• Restoration and connection of ancient woodlands
• Grassland creation surrounding Wolford Wood Meadow
• Hedgerow Network Enhancement
• Stratford-upon-Avon greening
• Tach Brook Re-naturalisation
• River Avon Linear Park
• South Avon to Leamington Spa green links
• Expansion of the South Warwickshire Greenway network
• Improving access to South Warwickshire’s Canals
B. Landscape-led and Ecological Connectivity Design
Development proposals must, as appropriate:
• Respond to the local landscape character and geology of the area
• Protect and enhance historic assets and their settings
• Support high-quality placemaking and sustainable design
• Use native species, climate resilient planting and tree canopy cover to support
health and air quality and urban cooling
• Reduce habitat fragmentation
• Connect habitats and green/blue corridors within the site and to surrounding
areas
• Deliver biodiversity and environmental gains (in accordance with Policies DS.1
and BN.3)
• Contribute to flood risk reduction using natural features and Sustainable
Drainage Systems (SuDS) that also enhance water quality, biodiversity,
amenity, and public access