Issue details

The purpose of this report is to seek delegated approval to appoint TEP through the ESPO Framework to carry out the Green Infrastructure Strategy which will form part of the evidence base for the Local Plan.
Green Infrastructure (GI) is defined by NPPF as “a network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities” . GI can include a range of spaces and assets that provide environmental and wider benefits, such as parks, playing fields, other areas of open space, woodland, allotments, private gardens, sustainable drainage features, green roofs and walls, street trees and ‘blue infrastructure’ such as streams, ponds, canals and other water bodies .
Oldham has a rich GI network and is developing various low carbon and ecological projects through the ‘Green Oldham’ agenda to promote and enhance Oldham’s natural environment to be the ‘greenest borough in Greater Manchester’ . The council has also recently declared a climate change emergency. However, there are also a number of pressures that may impact on the borough’s GI assets and network in the coming years. It is important that the Local Plan policies are informed by an extensive evidence base to ensure the ongoing protection and enhancement of this key strategic network.
The Green Infrastructure Strategy will:
•Review and update the open space audit – this will guide the protection and enhancement of open space within the borough, including providing guidance on developer contributions towards open space provision;
•Identify the surplus and deficiencies in the provision of open space and GI – this will guide funding and investment to the areas which need it the most, ensuring Oldham’s GI network is enhanced and supported;
•Make recommendations for open space and GI standards – these will inform policies and requirements within the Local Plan;
•Produce an action plan for creating a sustainable, accessible and integrated GI network – to ensure delivery and appropriate monitoring; and
•Make policy recommendations for inclusion as part of the Local Plan review, including reviewing the draft GI ‘Greener by Design’ checklist – to ensure GI is embedded throughout local planning policy.
This work will form part of the evidence base for the Local Plan, assist in the determination of planning applications and feed into work and other council projects associated with the protection and enhancement of the borough’s GI network.