Overview
Green Infrastructure is defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as “a network of multi-functional green and blue spaces and other natural features, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental, economic, health and wellbeing benefits for nature, climate, local and wider communities and prosperity.”
Although planning decisions (i.e. where and when homes and other types of development are built) happen to some extent across all levels of government, development of ‘Local Plans’ by Oxfordshire’s five City/District Councils are important milestones in the wider system. These are at different stages across the county and all are updated every 5 years.
Natural England has developed a 'Green Infrastructure Framework', which is a set of principles and standards that help Local Planning Authorities and developers consider green infrastructure in Local Plans and in new development.
Improving Green Infrastructure doesn’t always depend on the Local Plan process, however, and there are ongoing opportunities for a range of stakeholders to build capacity and improve specific sites or networks.
What we're doing
- We commissioned rapid research completed by a University of Oxford Local Policy Lab Fellow to explore the potential to assess greenspace quality across Oxfordshire, and held a subsequent stakeholder workshop to progress recommendations from this report.
- We coordinated a stakeholder group across all our Local Planning Authorities to submit an expression of interest for the Nature Towns and Cities fund managed by National Lottery, National Trust and Natural England.
- We have submitted consultation responses to Oxfordshire District Local Plans in development.
- We continue to work with Local Planning Authorities (District and County) to support adoption of the Green Infrastructure Standards wherever possible.
Find out more
- Visit Natural England's Green Infrastructure Home pages.
- Check out resources and networking opportunities available through the Nature Towns and Cities programme website.
Related publications
Recognitional equity in access to and planning of urban green spaces
This research by Mattia Troiano looks at how fair access to parks and green spaces in Oxford is influenced by income and community backgrounds. It finds that poorer communities often struggle to have their voices heard in decisions about these spaces, making it harder for them to shape their local environment. Even when efforts are made to include them, a lack of trust and practical barriers can stop them from taking part. Without recognizing these challenges, attempts to improve access and involvement in planning may not work as intended and could even make inequalities worse.
Equitable distribution of nature-rich accessible green space: An Oxfordshire case study
Oxfordshire’s Local Nature Partnership commissioned this research to understand the equality of access to green space, in terms of quantity and quality, across the county to help prioritise effort and funding. The project has identified neighbourhoods that are relatively deprived according to socio-economic measures and lack access to greenspace on a number metrics (including amount of greenspace, greenspace crowding and private gardens). Recommendations for Oxfordshire greenspace based on the report have been developed with local government officers and NGOs with responsibilities and/or interest in the subject.
Understanding the barriers to greenspace access
Access to green space and connection with nature are key determinants of physical and mental wellbeing. Yet some groups face significant barriers to access, many of which are poorly understood. Greenspace & Us is a community insights partnership project that used participatory and creative approaches to understand the barriers and enablers influencing access to greenspace for young women in East Oxford. The project was supported by Oxfordshire County Council and funded by Natural England.
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