Page 14 - ALG Issue 2 2023

hot topic
The Green Infrastructure Framework (England)
The Green Infrastructure (GI) Framework was launched by Natural England in 2023. This article explains what Green Infrastructure is, why
the GI Framework is important to allotment communities and how you can use the framework for the benefit of allotments in your area.
WHAT IS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE?
Green Infrastructure is a network
of multi-functional green space
and other green features, urban
and rural, which can deliver quality
of life and environmental benefits. Green Infrastructure is not simply an alternative description for conventional open space. It includes allotments, parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, street trees, private gardens, green roofs and walls, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and soils. This includes rivers, streams, canals, and other water bodies, sometimes called ‘blue infrastructure’.1
Allotments are a firm part of Green Infrastructure, multi-functional by virtue of the multiple benefits they provide to people, wider society, economies and of course the natural environment. Existing allotment sites already form an important component of Green Infrastructure, whilst new allotment sites help to make and shape new Green Infrastructure. However,
it is important to understand that Green Infrastructure is about networks of connected green features in the landscape. So, in Green Infrastructure, allotments are not a single stand-
alone feature. Instead, allotments are one component in a bigger picture of multiple green and blue features. The consideration of Green Infrastructure within the planning system is now expected by government, as part of its 25 Year Environment Plan.
THE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE (GI) FRAMEWORK
The GI Framework aims to help
local planning authorities (LPAs)
and developers in England meet requirements in the National Planning Policy Framework to consider Green Infrastructure in local plans and in new developments. When applied, the GI Framework could help plan for good quality GI and target the creation/ improvement of GI, particularly where existing provision is poorest. Allotments are included as a positive feature in the GI Framework.
The GI Framework provides structure for LPAs, developers and communities in England to understand where greenspace in urban environments is needed most. There is an aspiration in the framework to support equitable access to greenspace across England, with an overarching target for everyone being able to reach good quality greenspace in their local area. The framework supports the greening of towns and cities and connections with the surrounding landscape. Natural England, the government body for the natural environment, is responsible for The Green Infrastructure Framework.
The framework supports the greening of towns and cities and connections with the surrounding landscape
THE GI FRAMEWORK AND ALLOTMENTS
The GI Framework is not mandatory. However, when applied, it could be a useful tool for communities and local councils looking to promote, protect and preserve their existing allotment sites as well as for those looking to create new allotment sites. The framework could enable council officers and allotment associations to plan for the creation or improvement of Green Infrastructure.
In particular, the GI Framework ‘Design Guide’ (below) provides some initial guidance on the inclusion of allotments in Green Infrastructure and, when read in conjunction with the NAS design guide “21st Century Allotments in New Developments”2, could be a useful
tool for anyone lobbying for increased provision of allotments in their local area.
The Green Infrastructure Mapping Tool could also be of use for anyone looking to evidence the need for allotments in funding applications: the interactive mapping tool contains numerous
free and easy-to-use socio-economic datasets which can help provide evidence of need for allotments at local scale.
Further Information: All of the Green Infrastructure Framework, along with the guides and tools mentioned in
this article, are available at https:// designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ GreenInfrastructure/Home.aspx
Dr Deborah Burn,
Research and Development Officer
1 Town & Country Planning Association
2 https://www.nsalg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/21st-Century-Allotments-in-New-Developments.pdf
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