Putting the green in the grey (2009) - Green Infrastructure North West
Putting the green in the grey (2009) - Green Infrastructure North West
Putting the green in the grey (2009) - Green Infrastructure North West
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“<strong>Putt<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong>”<br />
Creat<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>able <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
A guide for developers, planners and project managers
“The health of <strong>the</strong> natural environment is under threat.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong>re have been some real improvements <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
state of <strong>the</strong> natural environment, many aspects of it are<br />
still suffer<strong>in</strong>g substantial degradation. The pressures of<br />
economic growth and development, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g transport<br />
and new hous<strong>in</strong>g, along with <strong>the</strong> challenges presented by<br />
climate change, are threaten<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> health of natural ecosystems<br />
upon which people depend.”<br />
Public Service Agreement 28 – Secure a healthy environment for today<br />
and <strong>the</strong> future, (HM Government, 2007)<br />
“Climate change presents a unique challenge for economics:<br />
it is <strong>the</strong> greatest and widest-rang<strong>in</strong>g market failure<br />
ever seen.”<br />
Stern Review: The economics of climate change, (HM Tresury, 2006)
Foreword<br />
This is one <strong>in</strong> a series of reports produced between 2007 and <strong>2009</strong> with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Natural Economy <strong>North</strong>west (NENW) programme. NENW is a regional partnership<br />
programme led by Natural England, <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> Development Agency and <strong>the</strong><br />
SITA Trust on behalf of a wide range of economic and environmental partners. The<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> focus is to deliver priority action 113 <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Economic Strategy, to<br />
optimise <strong>the</strong> natural environment's contribution to <strong>the</strong> regional economy and quality<br />
of life.<br />
The programme also <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>the</strong> Enrich<strong>in</strong>g Nature SITA Trust biodiversity programme<br />
and <strong>the</strong> aspirations of Natural England and o<strong>the</strong>r environmental and economic<br />
partners to ma<strong>in</strong>stream <strong>the</strong> natural environment with<strong>in</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>able economic<br />
development. Key work areas with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> programme are to:<br />
• <strong>in</strong>crease awareness of <strong>the</strong> value of <strong>the</strong> natural economy,<br />
• commission and dissem<strong>in</strong>ate research to promote and facilitate delivery,<br />
• provide direction to promote effective use of limited f<strong>in</strong>ancial resources,<br />
• contribute to <strong>the</strong> development and delivery of regional and sub-regional strategies,<br />
• facilitate natural economy project development and encourage project delivery,<br />
• promote and facilitate <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> and Natural Tourism especially<br />
through <strong>the</strong> Sub-Regional Economic Partnerships and <strong>the</strong> Tourist Boards,<br />
• encourage strategic <strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong> natural economy projects, and<br />
• to facilitate tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, skills <strong>in</strong>novation and advice to bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
This particular report was commissioned from Ibis Environmental and Design<br />
Consultants. The dialogue with a range of public and voluntary bodies has been<br />
very much appreciated.<br />
This work along with o<strong>the</strong>r NENW <strong>in</strong>formation and publications is on our website<br />
– www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk. You can contact us through our website. We are<br />
<strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ways that this report has been of use to you so that we can take <strong>in</strong>to<br />
account <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r development of <strong>the</strong> programme.<br />
The dialogue with a range of public and voluntary bodies and local economic<br />
partnerships was critical <strong>in</strong> distill<strong>in</strong>g this guidance and has been very much<br />
appreciated.<br />
Dr Will Williams<br />
Programme Director<br />
Natural Economy <strong>North</strong>west
Natural Economy <strong>North</strong>west<br />
Creat<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>able <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure - A guide for<br />
developers, planners and project managers<br />
CONTENTS<br />
1.0 Introduction<br />
2.0 Grey and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure – understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> terms<br />
3.0 Us<strong>in</strong>g mapp<strong>in</strong>g to plan <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
4.0 Why should we bo<strong>the</strong>r - The policy case for embedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong><br />
5.0 Assess<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> potential for <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
development with<strong>in</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects<br />
6.0 The Toolkit <strong>in</strong> action - case studies<br />
Appendix 1<br />
Signpost<strong>in</strong>g, advice and guidance
1<br />
1.0 Introduction<br />
This guide is aimed at developers, planners and project managers <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> development of<br />
physical economic <strong>in</strong>frastructure. It is <strong>in</strong>tended to provide a framework that can be used to<br />
identify <strong>the</strong> additional environmental benefits that projects primarily focussed on deliver<strong>in</strong>g<br />
economic outputs can deliver at <strong>the</strong> same time.<br />
In this guide a ‘project’ is understood to be <strong>the</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g and delivery of work that is <strong>in</strong>tended to<br />
result <strong>in</strong> some form of physical <strong>in</strong>tervention <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment. Examples of such <strong>in</strong>terventions<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The construction of new roads, and car parks<br />
The provision of commercial <strong>in</strong>frastructure such as <strong>in</strong>dustrial estates, office blocks and<br />
retail parks.<br />
The provision of sewers, sewage treatment plants and energy generat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
New schools, hous<strong>in</strong>g and hospitals.<br />
There is an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g pressure on those <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> delivery of economic <strong>in</strong>frastructure to<br />
mitigate some of <strong>the</strong> deleterious effects that such development has on <strong>the</strong> environment and <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
a match<strong>in</strong>g understand<strong>in</strong>g that often quite simple actions <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegration of some<br />
quantity of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>se ‘<strong>grey</strong>’ <strong>in</strong>frastructure schemes is a potent way of help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to address <strong>the</strong> problem.<br />
The Natural Economy <strong>North</strong>west programme has run a programme that has exam<strong>in</strong>ed a number<br />
of case studies 1 and used <strong>the</strong>se to demonstrate how <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure can be used to <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
<strong>the</strong> overall benefit of <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects. The work <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>the</strong> development of a<br />
methodology for analys<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> projects <strong>in</strong> order to determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> scope for <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g economic<br />
and environmental features. This guidance is <strong>the</strong> result of <strong>the</strong> lessons learned and <strong>the</strong><br />
methodology applied to <strong>the</strong> eight case study projects <strong>in</strong>volved.<br />
How can this guide help you<br />
This guide provides an approach to facilitate a better <strong>in</strong>tegration of environmental and economic<br />
activities at a project level. It will provide:<br />
<br />
<br />
A deeper understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> environmental benefits of economically focussed<br />
projects.<br />
Guidance on how to <strong>in</strong>corporate socio-environmental objectives <strong>in</strong>to economic<br />
projects.<br />
1 For fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation See NENW website: http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/resources+reports.php
2<br />
<br />
<br />
Guidance on how an economic project can support and evidence conformity to<br />
national and regional policies and help to demonstrate an <strong>in</strong>tegrated approach to<br />
funders, stakeholders and partners.<br />
Signpost<strong>in</strong>g to useful sources of advice, research, good practice case studies and<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g sources of support<strong>in</strong>g evidence.<br />
This guidance is <strong>in</strong>tended to offer practical advice on how projects can make a real difference by<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g social and environmental benefits, whilst contribut<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> economic health of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> region.<br />
It is important to understand that this guide is not <strong>in</strong>tended as a tutor for project development<br />
generally. It is anticipated that many users of <strong>the</strong> guide will already be experienced <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
development and delivery of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong>re already exists plenty of<br />
standard advice available for those seek<strong>in</strong>g broader project plann<strong>in</strong>g and development advice.<br />
Where appropriate, however, this guide will provide <strong>the</strong> necessary l<strong>in</strong>ks to such sources of<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
2.0 Grey and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure – understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> terms<br />
Possibly <strong>the</strong> simplest was to dist<strong>in</strong>guish between <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure is to look, <strong>in</strong> a very<br />
general sense, at <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as compris<strong>in</strong>g of constructed assets that occupy land as<br />
compared with <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure that comprises of natural assets that also occupy land.<br />
In recent years <strong>the</strong> term <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure has found <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g utility as a means of see<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual environmental projects as components of an <strong>in</strong>terconnected whole. This view provides<br />
<strong>the</strong> basis for describ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> multi-functional manner <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> environment provides many<br />
outputs and an even larger number of outcomes that deliver significant social and economic<br />
benefits as well as <strong>the</strong> environmental benefits that would naturally be expected. The def<strong>in</strong>ition of<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure has been agreed at a regional level:<br />
“<strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> is <strong>the</strong> Region’s life support system –<strong>the</strong> network of natural<br />
environmental components and <strong>green</strong> and blue spaces that lies with<strong>in</strong> and between<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong>west’s cities, towns and villages and which provides multiple social,<br />
economic and environmental benefits”<br />
(<strong>North</strong>west <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Guide, 2007 2 )<br />
2<br />
This Guide can be downloaded from:<br />
http://www.<strong>green</strong><strong>in</strong>frastructurenw.co.uk/html/<strong>in</strong>dex.phppage=resources&<strong>North</strong><strong>West</strong>Region=true
3<br />
Grey <strong>in</strong>frastructure can be grouped <strong>in</strong>to typologies, or categories, <strong>in</strong> much <strong>the</strong> same way as<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure. These <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure typologies (see figure 1) <strong>in</strong>clude motorways, retail<br />
premises, water and gas pipel<strong>in</strong>es, hospitals and so on. The target audience for this guide is<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore those practitioners who are predom<strong>in</strong>ately <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> left hand box <strong>in</strong> figure 1.<br />
Some practitioners may also f<strong>in</strong>d that a companion guide, aimed at environmental practitioners,<br />
will provide an additional useful <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>ir work. This companion guide “How to deliver,<br />
measure and demonstrate <strong>the</strong> economic contribution of <strong>the</strong> natural environment at a project<br />
level” 3 (TEP & Ecotec, <strong>2009</strong>) provides an <strong>in</strong>formative view on how <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> general<br />
can itself contribute to <strong>the</strong> economic outputs of any project.<br />
Figure 1 – Component parts of <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
Grey <strong>Infrastructure</strong> typologies<br />
<strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> typologies<br />
Transport <strong>Infrastructure</strong>:<br />
Motorways<br />
Roads<br />
Car Parks<br />
Railways<br />
Ports/Freight term<strong>in</strong>als<br />
Airports<br />
Commercial <strong>Infrastructure</strong>:<br />
Factories & <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
Offices<br />
Retail<br />
M<strong>in</strong>es and quarries<br />
Utilities & distribution of services:<br />
Sewers<br />
Cables (underground & overhead.<br />
Water and gas pipel<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Waste management & landfill<br />
Sewage treatment<br />
Energy generation<br />
Social <strong>in</strong>frastructure:<br />
Schools, Universities & Colleges<br />
Hospitals, Cl<strong>in</strong>ics & healthcare<br />
facilities<br />
Gymnasia, Swimm<strong>in</strong>g and sports<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Coastal defences & flood control<br />
MOD & govt establishments<br />
<strong>North</strong>west <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Guide<br />
Typologies (based on PPG17)<br />
Parks and public gardens.<br />
General amenity space.<br />
Outdoor sports facilities.<br />
School play<strong>in</strong>g fields.<br />
Woodland.<br />
Watercourses & waterways.<br />
Waterbodies<br />
Grassland and heathland.<br />
Coastal habitat.<br />
Moorland.<br />
Agricultural land.<br />
Allotments, community gardens<br />
and urban farms.<br />
Cemeteries, churchyards and burial<br />
grounds.<br />
Derelict land.<br />
Private gardens.<br />
Street trees<br />
We can view <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as <strong>the</strong> vehicle for deliver<strong>in</strong>g socio-economic benefits. Examples<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude build<strong>in</strong>gs and plant for manufactur<strong>in</strong>g processes, provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>frastructure to move goods<br />
and people and <strong>the</strong> distribution of energy. Likewise <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure can be considered to<br />
deliver socio-environmental benefits. These <strong>in</strong>clude: <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> amount of biodiversity,<br />
ameliorat<strong>in</strong>g flood<strong>in</strong>g and provid<strong>in</strong>g amenity areas for community recreation.<br />
While most forms of economic development <strong>in</strong>volve <strong>the</strong> creation of some type of <strong>grey</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure, it is never<strong>the</strong>less often <strong>the</strong> case that <strong>the</strong>re will also be some amount of <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure delivered at <strong>the</strong> same time. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, a greater overall benefit could often be<br />
3<br />
Available for download from: http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/resources+reports.php
4<br />
derived without significant additional expenditure by simply adjust<strong>in</strong>g designs and creat<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
better alignment of effort to deliver <strong>green</strong> and <strong>grey</strong> simultaneously.<br />
Grey and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructures are not mutually exclusive. Road and motorway verges, balanc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
ponds, domestic gardens and landscap<strong>in</strong>g around commercial <strong>in</strong>frastructure are just a few<br />
obvious examples of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure delivered with<strong>in</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure. However, <strong>the</strong><br />
design and quantity of this embedded <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure may not return optimal benefits. The<br />
landscap<strong>in</strong>g around a factory may add little to local biodiversity and plant<strong>in</strong>g around a school<br />
could fail to contribute much to climate change adaptation. In such cases a simple adjustment <strong>in</strong><br />
design will often be all that is required to move <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>to a better alignment and<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> gross benefit. Sometimes <strong>the</strong> design concepts may need to be more complex and<br />
take a radical approach to solv<strong>in</strong>g eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g problems. For example, us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> upstream water catchment areas to mitigate <strong>the</strong> siz<strong>in</strong>g of pipes and sewers<br />
downstream offers <strong>the</strong> option of solv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure problems of a large hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
project while at <strong>the</strong> same time deliver<strong>in</strong>g socio-environmental benefits such as <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
biodiversity, social health and so on.<br />
Of course <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure does, <strong>in</strong> itself, provide economic benefits 4 and <strong>the</strong> provision of<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure should also be viewed as a potential vehicle for add<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> region’s<br />
economic value and add<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> regions quality of life.<br />
The importance of understand<strong>in</strong>g multifunctionality<br />
A vital feature of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure is <strong>the</strong> concept that <strong>the</strong> sum of <strong>the</strong> whole delivers much more<br />
than <strong>the</strong> sum of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual elements of <strong>green</strong> spaces. Understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> importance of<br />
multifunctionality is central to identify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> added socio-economic benefits delivered by <strong>the</strong><br />
natural environment.<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g multifunctional, <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure has <strong>the</strong> potential to deliver a wide range of benefits to<br />
society. Although <strong>the</strong> physical appearance of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure, <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>herent biodiversity and<br />
its potential as recreational space may seem <strong>the</strong> most obvious attributes, <strong>the</strong>re are many o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
functions to consider.<br />
Many of those functions that seem to be primarily environmental or social will have significant<br />
economic consequences. For example:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The provision of landscap<strong>in</strong>g around and with<strong>in</strong> large commercial development not only<br />
provides attractive surround<strong>in</strong>gs but also provides a sett<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>in</strong>vestment, can reduce <strong>the</strong><br />
temperature of <strong>the</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs through shad<strong>in</strong>g or provide a valuable habitat resource. It<br />
can also act as an attractor for <strong>in</strong>ward <strong>in</strong>vestment: eye-catch<strong>in</strong>g locations can be an<br />
important factor <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestment location choices.<br />
Urban <strong>green</strong>space can play a part <strong>in</strong> reduc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> rate of storm water run-off and<br />
reduc<strong>in</strong>g local flood risk.<br />
A project aimed at positively <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> experience of city centre visitors might be<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> provision of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure. An example might be <strong>the</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
urban street trees. As well as encourag<strong>in</strong>g tourism and enhanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ‘visitor<br />
experience’, such measures may also provide valuable habitat for dim<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g urban<br />
biodiversity, help to mitigate <strong>the</strong> effects of storm water run-off and m<strong>in</strong>imise <strong>the</strong> urban<br />
heat island effect.<br />
4<br />
‘Economic Benefits of <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong>’ (Ecotec, 2008): http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/resources+reports.php
5<br />
As <strong>the</strong> NW <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Guide makes clear, some of <strong>the</strong>se functions are more easily<br />
understood at <strong>the</strong> broad strategic level and some are more relevant at a local level. The key<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t is that <strong>in</strong>dividual functions often co-exist and <strong>the</strong>refore deliver multiple benefits.<br />
3.0 Us<strong>in</strong>g mapp<strong>in</strong>g to plan <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce both <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructures are types of physical assets it is possible to show <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
spatial distribution through mapp<strong>in</strong>g. This helps to confirm that <strong>the</strong>y comb<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> a way that is<br />
largely scale free – exhibit<strong>in</strong>g similar patterns of distribution at regional, sub-regional and local<br />
levels. Examples of mapp<strong>in</strong>g at different scales serves to demonstrate that <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure is<br />
often <strong>in</strong>timately l<strong>in</strong>ked to, and delivered alongside <strong>grey</strong>.<br />
Figure 2 shows mapp<strong>in</strong>g at a sub-regional scale. A motorway can be seen runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a northsouth<br />
orientation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> map. Even at this scale it is possible to identify <strong>the</strong> wooded<br />
nature of certa<strong>in</strong> sections of motorway verges and roundabouts. The map is, <strong>in</strong> fact, a plan of<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure but <strong>the</strong> nature of this form of mapp<strong>in</strong>g allows us to <strong>in</strong>fer <strong>the</strong> extent of <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure. Settlements show up clearly because <strong>the</strong> gardens of houses are captured and<br />
represented by a pale mauve colour. At this scale <strong>the</strong> considerable extent of <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure can be seen - confirm<strong>in</strong>g that it functions as a ‘<strong>green</strong> matrix’ wrapp<strong>in</strong>g around <strong>grey</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure and, <strong>in</strong> a sense, hold<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> built form <strong>in</strong> place.<br />
At a larger scale <strong>the</strong> local level mapp<strong>in</strong>g still reveals <strong>the</strong> same matrix-like relationship. This can<br />
clearly be seen <strong>in</strong> figure 3 where <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual areas of <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure can be easily<br />
identified. Industrial area A on figure 3 clearly sits with<strong>in</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure created as<br />
landscap<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> commercial units. On <strong>the</strong> western boundary some of this <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
sits immediately adjacent to <strong>the</strong> verges of <strong>the</strong> motorway. This element of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure not<br />
only provides l<strong>in</strong>ks for biodiversity but also contributes some screen<strong>in</strong>g, shade and shelterbelt<br />
functionality at <strong>the</strong> same time. Industrial Area B appears to be located on brownfield land and <strong>in</strong><br />
addition to offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> opportunity to provide <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to help improve <strong>the</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment, <strong>the</strong> location suggests <strong>the</strong> possibility of mak<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>ks to <strong>the</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g woodland areas to<br />
<strong>the</strong> east and south of <strong>the</strong> site and of creat<strong>in</strong>g balanc<strong>in</strong>g ponds and o<strong>the</strong>r susta<strong>in</strong>able dra<strong>in</strong>age<br />
measures to delay storm water run-off and ameliorate flood risk.<br />
At this larger scale <strong>the</strong> domestic hous<strong>in</strong>g and roads can clearly be seen as pale <strong>grey</strong> areas sitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> substantial <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure of domestic gardens. This fur<strong>the</strong>r serves to demonstrate<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tricate relationship between <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure and <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>the</strong> latter <strong>in</strong><br />
help<strong>in</strong>g to provide a better quality of life for residents by giv<strong>in</strong>g ready access to <strong>green</strong> space for<br />
leisure, play and recreation. Mapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tricate mosaic of <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure at<br />
any scale <strong>in</strong> this way produces a useful aid <strong>in</strong> identify<strong>in</strong>g opportunities to deliver <strong>the</strong> two forms of
6<br />
Figure 2 – <strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure mapped at a sub-regional scale<br />
Village settlement<br />
motorway<br />
Wooded verges<br />
to motorway<br />
Map produced courtesy of TEP based on mapp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> East Midlands <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong><br />
Scop<strong>in</strong>g Study (IBIS, TEP & Alison Millward<br />
Associates, 2005)
7<br />
Figure 3 – <strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure mapped at a local scale<br />
motorway<br />
Hous<strong>in</strong>g & estate<br />
roads shown <strong>in</strong><br />
pale <strong>grey</strong><br />
Industrial Area A<br />
Grey<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
verges<br />
Grey <strong>in</strong>frastructure –<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial estate<br />
Industrial Area B<br />
Map produced courtesy of TEP based on mapp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> East Midlands <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong><br />
Scop<strong>in</strong>g Study (IBIS, TEP & Alison Millward<br />
Associates, 2005)
8<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> a planned and <strong>in</strong>tegrated manner. This also helps to anchor <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure logically with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> landscape.<br />
The <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> region has been <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> vanguard of develop<strong>in</strong>g GIS mapp<strong>in</strong>g tools and<br />
methodologies to help plan and develop <strong>green</strong> and <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure. In particular, The Mersey<br />
Forest team are lead<strong>in</strong>g exponents of this form of mapp<strong>in</strong>g and fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong><br />
methodology is conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a report ‘A <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure mapp<strong>in</strong>g method’ 5 that <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from <strong>the</strong>ir website.<br />
Geographical Information Systems as a means of provid<strong>in</strong>g an evidence base<br />
A project plan should be based on perceived needs and opportunities def<strong>in</strong>ed/identified by an<br />
evidence base and exam<strong>in</strong>ation of strategic fit. Select<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>terpret<strong>in</strong>g data from across <strong>the</strong><br />
economic, social and environmental spectrum can help to demonstrate <strong>the</strong> range and depth of<br />
potential benefits any project can deliver. This is an essential part of <strong>the</strong> evidence base that can<br />
clearly demonstrate <strong>the</strong> value of <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to all partners and stakeholders.<br />
In any region that has seen more than one iteration of regional strategies it should be reasonable<br />
to assume that <strong>the</strong> region’s needs have been well articulated and exam<strong>in</strong>ed and that targets and<br />
objectives set out <strong>in</strong> regional plans and strategies are a reasonable representation of need (and<br />
opportunity). However more detailed analyses, such as that provided by <strong>the</strong> Forestry<br />
Commission’s mapp<strong>in</strong>g and analysis tool PBRS, can give greater focus to a project’s objectives<br />
and provide a strong evidence base for discussion with potential partners and funders.<br />
Developed by <strong>the</strong> Forestry Commission, TEP and partners <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong>west Development<br />
Agency, PBRS uses a range of datasets to illustrate where particular needs or opportunities (and<br />
so potential benefits of a project) may be highest, as well as be<strong>in</strong>g able to <strong>in</strong>dicate spatial<br />
relationships between <strong>the</strong> environment and socio-economic characteristics accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong><br />
particular issues be<strong>in</strong>g addressed by <strong>the</strong> project. It can be tailored to supply <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> a<br />
range of ways from site-based to area-based assessments or even <strong>the</strong>matically based assessments.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from <strong>the</strong> PBRS website 6 .<br />
5<br />
http://www.<strong>green</strong><strong>in</strong>frastructurenw.co.uk/html/<strong>in</strong>dex.phppage=resources&<strong>North</strong><strong>West</strong>Region=true<br />
6<br />
PBRS website: http://www.pbrs.org.uk/
9<br />
4.0 Why should we bo<strong>the</strong>r - The policy case for<br />
embedd<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong><br />
Most organisations deliver<strong>in</strong>g <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure – highways, sewage works, hous<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
parks and so on are do<strong>in</strong>g so for economic reasons. The question <strong>the</strong>n is why should such<br />
organisations seek to add cost and complexity to <strong>the</strong>ir schemes by add<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir designs<br />
One answer is of course that <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure will itself yield additional economic outputs.<br />
The precise range of those economic benefits delivered by <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure has recently been<br />
confirmed by research carried out for NENW 7 . However, it is possible to identify fur<strong>the</strong>r reasons<br />
why <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure should be <strong>in</strong>tegrated with <strong>grey</strong>. Primarily <strong>the</strong>se reasons relate to <strong>the</strong><br />
ability of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to mitigate <strong>the</strong> negative environmental impacts often <strong>in</strong>herent <strong>in</strong> <strong>grey</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
There is also a significant and well-articulated need for <strong>the</strong> development of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
that can be <strong>in</strong>ferred from national, regional and local policies, strategies and plans. The body of<br />
recent evidence – particularly that emanat<strong>in</strong>g from government, provides a clear message that<br />
future economic development will need to reduce many of <strong>the</strong> negative impacts that such<br />
development might have on <strong>the</strong> environment. We can expect that concerns for improv<strong>in</strong>g quality<br />
of life with<strong>in</strong> communities will, if anyth<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>crease this need. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> response to<br />
climate change, <strong>in</strong> particular <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g frequency and impact of extreme wea<strong>the</strong>r events,<br />
often affect<strong>in</strong>g many thousands of citizens, appears to have fed through policy at all levels at<br />
remarkable speed thus <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> pressure on all bodies <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
development of all forms of <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
<strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure is multifunctional and consequently a project that <strong>in</strong>corporates it <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> design<br />
will, <strong>in</strong> most cases, be found to be contribut<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> fulfilment of policies that seek to ameliorate<br />
some of <strong>the</strong> adverse effects caused by expand<strong>in</strong>g populations, resource consumption and<br />
economic growth. Those organisations prepar<strong>in</strong>g economically driven projects should <strong>the</strong>refore<br />
be aware of <strong>the</strong> opportunities that <strong>the</strong>ir proposals, through <strong>the</strong> considered use of <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure, might offer <strong>in</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> demands of such policies.<br />
This section gives a brief overview of those policy areas where <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure has a role<br />
to play <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> design, development and delivery of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects.<br />
7<br />
‘Economic Benefits of <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong>’ (Ecotec, 2008)
10<br />
Provid<strong>in</strong>g a process for deliver<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>able development<br />
Probably <strong>the</strong> most important of all national policies – <strong>the</strong> policy that overarches all Government<br />
actions and <strong>in</strong>terventions, is ‘Secur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Future’ (DEFRA, 2005) - <strong>the</strong> Government’s strategy for<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able development.<br />
The strategy sets out four shared priorities:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Susta<strong>in</strong>able consumption and production.<br />
Climate Change and energy.<br />
Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement.<br />
Susta<strong>in</strong>able communities.<br />
All of <strong>the</strong>se of <strong>the</strong>se are clearly highly relevant because <strong>the</strong>y <strong>in</strong>volve <strong>the</strong> need to embed <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> all forms of physical <strong>in</strong>frastructure development.<br />
Some types of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure that contribute to regional targets for economic growth<br />
sometimes appear to sit uneasily with ‘Secur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Future’ which is after all aimed at ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that future generations will have as many resources at <strong>the</strong>ir disposal as are enjoyed today.<br />
Closely l<strong>in</strong>ked to susta<strong>in</strong>able development is <strong>the</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g issue of how society will mitigate and<br />
adapt to <strong>the</strong> effects of climate change. Adaptation to climate change effects <strong>in</strong> urban areas is a<br />
critical component of deliver<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>able development and susta<strong>in</strong>able communities. <strong>Green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure, when aligned with and delivered alongside o<strong>the</strong>r forms of <strong>in</strong>frastructure has a<br />
transformational capability that helps to deliver <strong>the</strong> guid<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of <strong>the</strong> government’s current<br />
UK susta<strong>in</strong>able development strategy set out <strong>in</strong> ‘Secur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Future: Deliver<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> UK Susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />
Development Strategy (DEFRA, 2005).<br />
Reduc<strong>in</strong>g economic risks<br />
The grow<strong>in</strong>g pressure for socio-economic development to be pursued without damag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
environment is also referred to <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> report ‘The economic value of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure’ 8<br />
produced by consultants Amion for <strong>the</strong> NWDA. Amion commented that:<br />
“The <strong>in</strong>creased costs of environmental problems and climate change are of grow<strong>in</strong>g significance<br />
to bus<strong>in</strong>esses and local authorities. While costs such as <strong>the</strong> carbon levy are easily measurable <strong>in</strong><br />
cash terms, o<strong>the</strong>rs – such as <strong>the</strong> impacts of flood<strong>in</strong>g, ‘urban heat islands’ and poor health – can<br />
be less predictable. Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>vestment clearly addresses many of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
concerns. Ways to measure its impact <strong>in</strong>clude count<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess premises protected from<br />
flood<strong>in</strong>g, or calculat<strong>in</strong>g reduced air condition<strong>in</strong>g costs for city centre bus<strong>in</strong>esses, or how many<br />
skilled workers are attracted to <strong>the</strong> region.”<br />
This sentiment echoes several areas of policy development that, taken toge<strong>the</strong>r, provide<br />
significant justification for <strong>the</strong> development and delivery of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure with<strong>in</strong> projects.<br />
These are discussed <strong>in</strong> more detail below:<br />
8<br />
available for download: http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/resources+reports.php
11<br />
Regional Strategies<br />
The grow<strong>in</strong>g realisation that <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure has a part to play <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> economic development<br />
of a region is evidenced <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> way <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> Regional Economic Strategy<br />
(RES) makes provision for <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> several specific actions:<br />
Quality of life <strong>the</strong>me: Environment<br />
RES action 113<br />
Reason<br />
(Transformational action)<br />
Develop <strong>the</strong> economic benefits of <strong>the</strong> region’s A key under-exploited economic resource for<br />
natural environment through better alignment of <strong>the</strong> region and part of our quality of life. It is<br />
environmental activities and economic ga<strong>in</strong> important to nurture <strong>the</strong> natural resources of<br />
<strong>the</strong> region and develop a strategy for <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure and transport corridors<br />
Quality of life <strong>the</strong>me: Environment<br />
RES action 117<br />
Reason<br />
Implement <strong>the</strong> Regional Forestry Framework<br />
Delivers image and regeneration benefits<br />
Quality of life <strong>the</strong>me: Environment<br />
RES action 119<br />
Reason<br />
Transformational action)<br />
Invest <strong>in</strong> quality public realm, <strong>green</strong> space and<br />
environmental quality focussed on:<br />
A quality environment is essential for private<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestment, attract<strong>in</strong>g knowledge workersand a<br />
The cities of Liverpool, Manchester and<br />
Preston<br />
high quality of life. The areas mentioned are<br />
key for future growth<br />
Tourism ‘Attack Brand’ and ‘Signature<br />
Project’ locations and key arrival po<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
HMR and URC areas<br />
Key Rural Service centres<br />
Quality of life <strong>the</strong>me: Environment<br />
RES action 122<br />
Reason<br />
Protect exist<strong>in</strong>g areas of high economic value<br />
from flood<strong>in</strong>g, to appropriate standards<br />
Ensures key economic assets will be guarded<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st flood risk<br />
Practitioners should remember that <strong>the</strong> RES is a top down approach and as a consequence, local<br />
authority funders <strong>in</strong> particular are obliged to ensure that <strong>the</strong>ir sub-regional and local strategies<br />
underp<strong>in</strong> RES objectives.<br />
The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) is<br />
<strong>in</strong>tended to provide a framework for <strong>the</strong> physical development of <strong>the</strong> region over a fifteen to<br />
twenty year period. The current RSS was adopted on <strong>the</strong> 30 September 2008.
12<br />
The RSS addresses <strong>the</strong> scale and distribution of future hous<strong>in</strong>g and it sets priorities for transport<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure, economic development, agriculture, m<strong>in</strong>erals and waste. It comprehensively covers<br />
most of <strong>the</strong> range of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure typologies set out <strong>in</strong> figure 1. Unlike <strong>the</strong> RES it deals more<br />
overtly with <strong>the</strong> environment – provid<strong>in</strong>g a framework for environmental issues. It <strong>the</strong>refore has a<br />
critical role to play <strong>in</strong> guid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terface between <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
The importance of <strong>the</strong> RSS is highlighted by <strong>the</strong> fact that every Local Development Framework,<br />
prepared under a statutory duty by all local authorities, is required to be <strong>in</strong> general conformity<br />
with <strong>the</strong> provisions of <strong>the</strong> RSS. Plann<strong>in</strong>g applications will be considered aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> provisions of<br />
<strong>the</strong> RSS. The <strong>in</strong>fluence of <strong>the</strong> RSS extends to o<strong>the</strong>r key strategies – most notably <strong>the</strong> RES and <strong>the</strong><br />
regional Hous<strong>in</strong>g Strategy (RHS) due to <strong>the</strong> general requirement for <strong>the</strong> alignment of regional<br />
policies.<br />
The RSS makes it clear (2007) that <strong>the</strong> strategy must be read as a whole.<br />
EM1 now states:<br />
For example policy<br />
“Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should deliver an <strong>in</strong>tegrated approach to conserv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and enhanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> landscape, natural environment and woodlands of <strong>the</strong> region”.<br />
All <strong>the</strong> policies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> RSS re<strong>in</strong>force <strong>the</strong> concept that economic and environmental <strong>in</strong>tegration is<br />
obligatory. Policy EM3 illustrates this po<strong>in</strong>t (see box 1) by assert<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> part to be played by<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
Box 1<br />
Policy EM3 – <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong><br />
EM3: <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong><br />
Plans, strategies, proposals and schemes should aim to deliver wider spatial outcomes that <strong>in</strong>corporate environmental and socio-economic benefits by:<br />
Conserv<strong>in</strong>g and manag<strong>in</strong>g exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure;<br />
Creat<strong>in</strong>g new <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure;<br />
Enhanc<strong>in</strong>g its functionality, quality and connectivity.<br />
Local authorities should work with partners to:<br />
Identify partnerships at an appropriate scale to take forward <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure plann<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> context of relevant environmental and socio-economic<br />
objectives. <strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure should <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> identification, development and management of new areas of open space, not just more <strong>in</strong>tensive use<br />
of exist<strong>in</strong>g areas of open space;<br />
Ensure that a key aim of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure is <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance and improvement of biodiversity;<br />
Protect <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegrity of sites of <strong>in</strong>ternational importance;<br />
Use exist<strong>in</strong>g strategies and frameworks to develop consensus on <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure priorities and associated data needs;<br />
Consider how to improve access to and usage of open spaces by disadvantaged groups and communities;<br />
Set out <strong>the</strong> significant <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure needs across <strong>the</strong> spectrum of economic, environmental and social objectives;<br />
Identify and secure opportunities for delivery and put <strong>in</strong> place implementation plans;<br />
Integrate proposals to improve <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> delivery of new developments, particularly through area based regeneration <strong>in</strong>itiatives and<br />
major proposals and schemes;<br />
Maximize <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> mitigat<strong>in</strong>g and adapt<strong>in</strong>g to climate change;<br />
Provide new areas of appropriate <strong>green</strong>space where development would o<strong>the</strong>rwise cause unacceptable recreational pressure on sites of <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
ecological importance, for example where new hous<strong>in</strong>g is proposed close to such sites.<br />
Local Delivery of <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Plans should seek first to make use of exist<strong>in</strong>g delivery mechanisms supplemented by bespoke delivery mechanisms where<br />
necessary.<br />
A <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Guide for <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> has been produced which provides more detailed guidance and will assist <strong>the</strong> way this policy is put <strong>in</strong>to practice.
13<br />
There are several o<strong>the</strong>r notable policies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> RSS that are relevant to <strong>the</strong> relationship between<br />
<strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructures. These are:<br />
Policy EM5 - Integrated Water Management<br />
This policy makes l<strong>in</strong>ks with <strong>the</strong> River Bas<strong>in</strong> Management plans required by <strong>the</strong> EU<br />
Water Framework Directive. It also requires that plans and strategies should protect <strong>the</strong><br />
quality and quantity of surface, ground and coastal waters and manage flood risk. It<br />
requires new, and where possible exist<strong>in</strong>g development to <strong>in</strong>corporate susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />
dra<strong>in</strong>age systems and water conservation measures. It specifically <strong>in</strong>cludes transport<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> this – thus creat<strong>in</strong>g an important driver for <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure solutions <strong>in</strong> Local Development Frameworks.<br />
Policy EM7 - M<strong>in</strong>eral Extraction<br />
This form of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure is required by this policy to ensure sensitive<br />
environmental restoration and aftercare of m<strong>in</strong>eral extraction sites <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
public access where <strong>the</strong>y are of amenity value.<br />
Policy EM15 - A Framework for susta<strong>in</strong>able energy <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> north west<br />
The promotion of susta<strong>in</strong>able energy production and consumption form <strong>the</strong> core of this<br />
policy that goes on to exhort local authorities to lead by good example by emphasis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir commitment to susta<strong>in</strong>able energy generation. This establishes a useful l<strong>in</strong>k to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>North</strong>west Regional Forestry Framework (NWRFFP, 2006) and its <strong>in</strong>tended actions 33-<br />
37. These aim to promote <strong>the</strong> biomass sector <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g short rotation coppice.<br />
Deliver<strong>in</strong>g Public Service Agreement targets<br />
The Government’s Comprehensive Spend<strong>in</strong>g Review 2007 (CSR07) cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>the</strong> use of Public<br />
Service Agreements (PSAs) as a method of driv<strong>in</strong>g up standards of public service delivery. Some<br />
30 new and revised PSAs have been published, many of which have an <strong>in</strong>fluence on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terface<br />
between economic development and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
Just one example is PSA Delivery Agreement 27: ‘Lead <strong>the</strong> global effort to avoid dangerous<br />
climate change’ 9 , that provides direction on <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g regional policies and strategies with<br />
respect to climate change and susta<strong>in</strong>able development. Paragraph 3.37 states:<br />
“At <strong>the</strong> regional level, Government Offices (GOs), Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and<br />
Regional Assemblies will ensure that climate change and susta<strong>in</strong>able development are considered<br />
and <strong>in</strong>tegrated <strong>in</strong>to regional policies, strategies and programmes. The outcome of <strong>the</strong> Review of<br />
Sub National Economic Development and Regeneration, which proposes a s<strong>in</strong>gle <strong>in</strong>tegrated<br />
strategy and changes to regional governance, will impact dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong> CSR period<br />
and will need to be taken <strong>in</strong>to account <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> delivery of climate change and energy outcomes at<br />
regional and local level.”<br />
9<br />
HM Treasury (2007)
14<br />
As a fur<strong>the</strong>r example, PSA Delivery Agreement 28: ‘Secure a healthy environment for today and<br />
<strong>the</strong> future’ 10 refers to <strong>the</strong> need to consider <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure and economic growth toge<strong>the</strong>r is<br />
very pronounced as can be seen <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g extract:<br />
‘The health of <strong>the</strong> natural environment is under threat. Although <strong>the</strong>re have been some real<br />
improvements <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>the</strong> natural environment, many aspects of it are still suffer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
substantial degradation. The pressures of economic growth and development, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g transport<br />
and new hous<strong>in</strong>g, along with <strong>the</strong> challenges presented by climate change, are threaten<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
health of natural ecosystems upon which people depend.”<br />
Comply<strong>in</strong>g with flood<strong>in</strong>g and water management policy<br />
The floods of 2007 led to an accelerated pressure on organisations to develop strategic plans<br />
and actions to mitigate future flood<strong>in</strong>g. These were set out <strong>in</strong> ‘Future Water’ 11 . The Government<br />
now has a clear agenda for water management that is set out <strong>in</strong> this strategy. Closely l<strong>in</strong>ked to<br />
<strong>the</strong> strategy is a programme called ‘Mak<strong>in</strong>g Space for Water’ 12 under which <strong>the</strong> Environment<br />
Agency is identified as <strong>the</strong> body responsible for tak<strong>in</strong>g a strategic overview of <strong>in</strong>land flood<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
This urgent focus on water management is already highlight<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> role that <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
can play <strong>in</strong> support<strong>in</strong>g a range of solutions.<br />
The report sets out several actions, many of which will have a positive re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g effect on <strong>the</strong><br />
need for <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>vestment. The most relevant of <strong>the</strong>se are:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Developers and owners or managers of land and property will be required to consider<br />
creat<strong>in</strong>g local ra<strong>in</strong>water storage for both commercial sites and houses.<br />
The Government has changed householders’ permitted development rights to allow <strong>the</strong>m<br />
to pave over <strong>the</strong>ir front garden without plann<strong>in</strong>g permission only if <strong>the</strong> surface is porous,<br />
such as by us<strong>in</strong>g permeable pav<strong>in</strong>g or gravel.<br />
The Government will consult on options for resolv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> barriers to <strong>the</strong> take up of<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able dra<strong>in</strong>age systems (SUDS), <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g options for ownership and adoption of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se systems across <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> agencies <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> urban and land dra<strong>in</strong>age.<br />
A Practice Guide Companion to Plann<strong>in</strong>g Policy Statement on development and flood risk<br />
(PPS 25:Development and flood risk 13 ) helps plann<strong>in</strong>g authorities implement <strong>the</strong> new<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g policy.<br />
The Government is to publish fur<strong>the</strong>r guidance on <strong>the</strong> role of land use management <strong>in</strong><br />
controll<strong>in</strong>g flood risk.<br />
A surface water dra<strong>in</strong>age tax has been <strong>in</strong>troduced. Sometimes referred to as a ‘ra<strong>in</strong> tax’<br />
<strong>the</strong> new charges better reflect <strong>the</strong> polluter pays pr<strong>in</strong>ciple. Property owners retrofitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able dra<strong>in</strong>age systems will be eligible for a rebate.<br />
To this must be added o<strong>the</strong>r significant <strong>in</strong>itiatives be<strong>in</strong>g pursued at a regional level. These<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude United Utilities’ Susta<strong>in</strong>able Catchment Management Programme (ScaMP) and <strong>the</strong><br />
Environment Agency’s work <strong>in</strong> progress on Catchment Flood Management Plans. When viewed<br />
as a collection of proposed imm<strong>in</strong>ent actions it becomes clear that flood risk and water<br />
management will offer many challenges and opportunities for <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure over<br />
<strong>the</strong> next few years.<br />
10<br />
HM Treasury (2007)<br />
11<br />
DEFRA (2008)<br />
12<br />
DEFRA (2008)<br />
13<br />
Communities and Local Government, (2006)
15<br />
<strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure and Hous<strong>in</strong>g policy<br />
Communities and Local Government (CLG) explicitly references <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as a key<br />
component for susta<strong>in</strong>able growth and for improved environmental outcomes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Growth Po<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
Programme, and encourages <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>clusion of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure providers <strong>in</strong> partnerships. The<br />
six Growth Po<strong>in</strong>t Programmes of Development <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> 14 <strong>in</strong>clude provisions for <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong> relation to hous<strong>in</strong>g allocations and proposed locations for growth <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with<br />
CLG requirements for:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A statement on design and environmental aspirations;<br />
A statement on <strong>the</strong> delivery of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to support new development;<br />
An assessment of <strong>the</strong> impact on exist<strong>in</strong>g, or <strong>the</strong> need for new major water related<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
Help<strong>in</strong>g to deliver <strong>the</strong> biodiversity duties of public bodies<br />
The government’s stated <strong>in</strong>tention is to make biodiversity an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of policy and decisionmak<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Public and local authorities now have a key part to play <strong>in</strong> conserv<strong>in</strong>g biodiversity<br />
through <strong>the</strong>ir role <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g local polices and strategies, plann<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
development control and <strong>in</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir estates. They have a duty under <strong>the</strong> Natural<br />
Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) to have regard to <strong>the</strong> conservation of biodiversity<br />
<strong>in</strong> exercis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir functions. DEFRA has published two sets of guidance 15 on <strong>the</strong> subject - one for<br />
local authorities and one for public authorities.<br />
Support<strong>in</strong>g Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation<br />
The UK Government is committed to address<strong>in</strong>g both <strong>the</strong> causes and consequences of climate<br />
change and to that end has published legislation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form of <strong>the</strong> Climate Change Act (2008) 16 .<br />
The Act <strong>in</strong>troduces a clear, credible, long-term framework for <strong>the</strong> UK to achieve its goals of<br />
reduc<strong>in</strong>g carbon dioxide emissions and ensure steps are taken towards adapt<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> impacts of<br />
climate change.<br />
Under action 4.3 of <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> Climate Change Action Plan (NW CCAP), Community<br />
Forests <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> has carried out a 17 to assess future regional risks, opportunities and priorities<br />
for <strong>the</strong> potential for <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g regional parks, to adapt and mitigate for<br />
climate change impacts and commence implementation of f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs. An fur<strong>the</strong>r study 18 seeks to<br />
identify where climate change mitigation and adaptation functions of exist<strong>in</strong>g and potential <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure are critical for <strong>the</strong> short-term susta<strong>in</strong>able economic development of <strong>the</strong> region. The<br />
work is particularly useful <strong>in</strong> show<strong>in</strong>g how spatial mapp<strong>in</strong>g and geographical <strong>in</strong>formation systems<br />
(GIS) techniques can be used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects – particularly <strong>in</strong><br />
help<strong>in</strong>g to assemble an evidence base.<br />
Adaptation to climate change effects <strong>in</strong> urban areas is a critical component of deliver<strong>in</strong>g<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able development and susta<strong>in</strong>able communities. The University of Manchester Centre for<br />
Urban Regional Ecology (CURE) has published research carried out under <strong>the</strong> Adaptation<br />
14<br />
Carlisle, Central Lancashire & Blackpool, Greater Manchester, Mersey Heartlands, Mid Mersey and <strong>West</strong> Cheshire.<br />
15<br />
Guidance for Public Authorities on implement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> biodiversity duty (DEFRA, (2007a & b)<br />
16<br />
Department of Energy and Climate Change<br />
17<br />
<strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Solutions to P<strong>in</strong>ch Po<strong>in</strong>t Issues <strong>in</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> England (<strong>2009</strong>)<br />
18<br />
‘Critical Climate Change functions of <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> for susta<strong>in</strong>able economic development <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong>west’<br />
(CFNW, 2008
16<br />
Strategies for Climate Change <strong>in</strong> Urban Environments (ASCCUE) Project 19 . This work established<br />
that <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure is able to play a vital cool<strong>in</strong>g function as city temperatures <strong>in</strong>crease.<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g CURE’s approach it should be possible to demonstrate how a project’s <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
would to contribute to <strong>the</strong> region’s Climate Change Action Plan and mitigate some of <strong>the</strong> effects<br />
of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure development<br />
Worklessness and well-be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The value that <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure has to offer <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g with worklessness is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
understood through research which has, for example, been able to study <strong>the</strong> improved recovery<br />
rates of hospital patients and <strong>the</strong> way <strong>in</strong> which stress is reduced and performance enhanced<br />
when people are exposed to natural environments 20 .<br />
Through success <strong>in</strong> deliver<strong>in</strong>g earlier environmental projects under New Deal and <strong>the</strong><br />
Environmental Task Force, many organisations have helped to demonstrate that people respond<br />
positively to work<strong>in</strong>g on environmental projects. This expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> high rates of volunteer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
enjoyed by regional environmental delivery bodies, as well as <strong>the</strong> success of Intermediate Labour<br />
Market (ILM) programmes based <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> environment and <strong>the</strong> achievements of re-engagement<br />
programmes aimed at disaffected and truant<strong>in</strong>g school children.<br />
There is evidence to suggest that projects with an environmental focus are successful <strong>in</strong> reach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out to people. <strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure can, for example, provide <strong>the</strong> stage for transitional<br />
employment programmes to be developed. Environmental work is a ready attractor for<br />
participants and successful programmes can have fur<strong>the</strong>r economic sp<strong>in</strong>-offs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form of<br />
creat<strong>in</strong>g social enterprises and stimulat<strong>in</strong>g an enterprise culture. There is no reason why <strong>grey</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure projects should not consider tapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to this important socio-economic benefit<br />
where <strong>the</strong> scale of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure embedded with<strong>in</strong> a <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure project is sufficiently<br />
large.<br />
Sources of fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g policies and mitigat<strong>in</strong>g economic risk<br />
The NENW has commissioned two reports 21 that take a more <strong>in</strong>-depth look at <strong>the</strong> policies and<br />
strategies that support <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as a means of ameliorat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> negative<br />
environmental impacts of economic development opportunities. These documents will provide<br />
greater detail for those seek<strong>in</strong>g to understand <strong>the</strong> policy drivers underp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g this guide.<br />
19<br />
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/research/cure/research/<br />
20<br />
Ulrich <strong>in</strong> Trees Matter! Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g last<strong>in</strong>g benefits to people <strong>in</strong> towns, National Urban Forestry Unit (2005)<br />
21<br />
‘Develop<strong>in</strong>g an outl<strong>in</strong>e strategy for l<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g <strong>grey</strong> and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure (NENW, 2008) and ‘A strategic plan for develop<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g natural economy projects’ (NENW 2007)
17<br />
5.0 Assess<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> potential for <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
development with<strong>in</strong> <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects<br />
Designed and developed as part of <strong>the</strong> NENW demonstration projects programme, <strong>the</strong><br />
methodology outl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> this section uses an algorithmic approach that can be applied to a wide<br />
range of potential projects. It can be applied to a wide range of projects that might <strong>in</strong>volve <strong>the</strong><br />
creation, enhancement or ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of any physical asset. However, for <strong>the</strong> purpose of this<br />
guide, it is considered particularly <strong>in</strong> relation to those projects that will typically comprise of <strong>the</strong><br />
creation of some form of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure. The algorithm <strong>in</strong> effect represents a framework for<br />
deal<strong>in</strong>g with a complex array of variable conditions that <strong>the</strong> project <strong>in</strong> question might be likely to<br />
display. Such a project could, for example be <strong>the</strong> development of a large <strong>in</strong>dustrial estate<br />
located on <strong>the</strong> urban fr<strong>in</strong>ge, a city centre hospital development or a new hous<strong>in</strong>g scheme <strong>in</strong> a<br />
designated growth po<strong>in</strong>t area. The algorithm allows <strong>the</strong> design and development of <strong>the</strong> project to<br />
proceed <strong>in</strong> a manner that optimises on <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure alongside <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong>.<br />
The idea beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> development of this particular framework tool is that <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
component of any proposed project is a physical asset that can be described <strong>in</strong> terms of a series<br />
of attributes. Diagram 1 offers an array of <strong>the</strong>se attributes.<br />
The conditions relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>dividual sites will vary and this gives rise to a range of possibilities<br />
(variables) for each attribute. Each attribute carries <strong>the</strong> potential to determ<strong>in</strong>e an action or<br />
<strong>in</strong>tervention that could be carried out on <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure asset <strong>in</strong> order to deliver a range<br />
of benefits. The physical size of <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure that might be available on any particular<br />
site (attribute 1) determ<strong>in</strong>es, for example, <strong>the</strong> viability of many possible actions or <strong>in</strong>terventions.<br />
A small, urban <strong>green</strong> space of less than 10 Hectares would be unsuitable for grow<strong>in</strong>g biomass<br />
but might be em<strong>in</strong>ently suitable for use as a community horticultural scheme.<br />
Diagram 1 can be used as a checklist aga<strong>in</strong>st which to consistently exam<strong>in</strong>e an array of possible<br />
actions. Given that <strong>the</strong> checklist covers 14 attributes and over 40 variables, <strong>the</strong> number of<br />
possible comb<strong>in</strong>ations runs <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> many hundreds. A project team of <strong>in</strong>dividuals each with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own expertise and knowledge represents, however, quite a powerful expert system with which to<br />
exam<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> potential of any project.<br />
One fact that helps with <strong>the</strong> adopted approach is that while <strong>the</strong> number of possible actions might<br />
be ma<strong>the</strong>matically large, <strong>the</strong> types of possible actions and <strong>in</strong>terventions are already well known<br />
and are of a manageable size. These are set out <strong>in</strong> Diagram 2 where <strong>the</strong>y have been sorted <strong>in</strong>to<br />
groups that reflect <strong>the</strong> NENW group<strong>in</strong>g of benefits as set out <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ecotec report mentioned<br />
earlier. The <strong>in</strong>teraction between <strong>the</strong> assets attributes and <strong>in</strong>terventions is driven by a complex<br />
permutation compris<strong>in</strong>g of a large number of possibilities. While a detailed discourse regard<strong>in</strong>g<br />
all <strong>the</strong> possible permutations is clearly not possible an example is used below to show how <strong>the</strong><br />
methodology works <strong>in</strong> practice.
18<br />
Diagram 1 – Def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a project’s attributes<br />
Attribute<br />
Variable<br />
(1)<br />
(2)<br />
Area of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
element of <strong>the</strong> project (Ha):<br />
Shape of <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure elements:<br />
(3) Exist<strong>in</strong>g ecological quality:<br />
(4) Landscape character:<br />
(5) Contam<strong>in</strong>ant levels:<br />
(6) Soils characteristics:<br />
(7) Plann<strong>in</strong>g constra<strong>in</strong>ts:<br />
10Ha<br />
10 – 50 Ha<br />
50 –100 Ha<br />
>100 Ha<br />
corridor<br />
fragmented<br />
coherent<br />
high - <strong>in</strong>tervention to be m<strong>in</strong>imal<br />
medium - some <strong>in</strong>tervention allowable<br />
poor - <strong>in</strong>tervention not an issue<br />
mixed - some areas to be preserved<br />
ecology not known – some data<br />
required<br />
Refer to Natural England Jo<strong>in</strong>t<br />
Character Areas<br />
none<br />
contam<strong>in</strong>ation is present - not pollut<strong>in</strong>g<br />
contam<strong>in</strong>ation is present - need for<br />
remediation<br />
contam<strong>in</strong>ation level not known<br />
ph<br />
moisture<br />
nutrients<br />
none known<br />
Zoned Commercial<br />
Zoned Hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Zoned Public openspace<br />
(8) Natural Tourism Attributes Assess tourism potential<br />
(9) Access Attributes<br />
(10) Cultural/Heritage attributes:<br />
(11) Community attributes<br />
Public Access allowed<br />
No public access<br />
Site has heritage value<br />
A cultural report has been produced<br />
None<br />
Community <strong>in</strong> close proximity<br />
Remote site<br />
Local IB/IMD statistics<br />
Attributes and variables determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> range of possible <strong>in</strong>terventions and actions<br />
relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> provision, enhancement and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of types of <strong>green</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure as set out <strong>in</strong> Diagram 2<br />
(12) Ownership<br />
(13) Connectivity<br />
(14) Flood<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Private<br />
Local Authority (or o<strong>the</strong>r public body<br />
Good connectivity to adjacent sites<br />
Isolated site<br />
High risk<br />
Low risk
19<br />
Diagram 2 – Assess<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> scope for <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>terventions<br />
Benefit Possible GI Actions and <strong>in</strong>terventions Additional commentary<br />
Climate change<br />
adaptation and<br />
mitigation.<br />
Flood alleviation and<br />
water management.<br />
Quality of place.<br />
Health and wellbe<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Land and property<br />
values.<br />
Climate proof<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>Green</strong> construction<br />
Plant trees as Shelter belts<br />
Plant trees for summer shad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Plant trees to reduce <strong>the</strong> urban heat-island effects<br />
Put <strong>green</strong> roofs on build<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Use site based coppice to construct grid shell build<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Water management<br />
Install SuDS<br />
Use ponds for storm balanc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Utilise <strong>grey</strong> water recycl<strong>in</strong>g – us<strong>in</strong>g reed bed treatment<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to ameliorate flood<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> and outside <strong>the</strong><br />
site area.<br />
Improv<strong>in</strong>g visual amenity<br />
Plant/ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to create a high quality <strong>green</strong> space<br />
Reduc<strong>in</strong>g pollution<br />
Plant/ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to improve <strong>the</strong> quality of soils, water<br />
and air<br />
Improv<strong>in</strong>g social health<br />
Provide plant<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance schemes as a vehicle to help special<br />
needs groups<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to support volunteer<strong>in</strong>g and improv<strong>in</strong>g social<br />
cohesion<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to provide facilities for walk<strong>in</strong>g, & cycl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Education<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as an outdoor classroom<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to help develop ‘susta<strong>in</strong>able’ schools<br />
Provide plant<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance schemes to support re-engagement<br />
schemes & help<strong>in</strong>g NEET 22 cohort<br />
Gateways & corridors<br />
Provide <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to improve approaches to urban areas.<br />
Hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Plant/ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to <strong>in</strong>crease amenity to local hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Economic growth Creat<strong>in</strong>g a sett<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
Design<strong>in</strong>g <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to <strong>in</strong>corporate <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>creases a<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g’s BREEAM and CEEQUALassessments. The <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure helps<br />
to reduce <strong>the</strong> urgab heat island effect<br />
<strong>Green</strong> roofs do not have <strong>the</strong>ir own typology <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> NW GI Guide. Their cumulative<br />
area is likely to be small for <strong>the</strong> next few years. <strong>Green</strong> roofs can be used to<br />
provide habitat for species such as <strong>the</strong> Black Redstart<br />
SuDs and balanc<strong>in</strong>g ponds are excellent habitats, help manage storm water and<br />
can reduce surface water dra<strong>in</strong>age tax<br />
SuDs will help to reduce <strong>the</strong> cost of dra<strong>in</strong>age <strong>in</strong>frastructure and add to biodiversity,<br />
amenity and so on<br />
Creat<strong>in</strong>g cleaner, safer <strong>green</strong>er communities is a central <strong>the</strong>me to CLG’s<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able communities policy and impacts on Local Area Agreements & Multi<br />
Area Agreements.<br />
Short rotation coppice can be used to lock up heavy metals <strong>in</strong> contam<strong>in</strong>ated soils.<br />
Trees absorb very f<strong>in</strong>e particulates – <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g emissions from road transport<br />
This action is based on <strong>the</strong> concept of <strong>the</strong> environment as an ‘attractor’ that<br />
encourages and motivates people to get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> environmental pursuits. The<br />
underly<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure asset is <strong>the</strong>refore a critical resource for this action.<br />
<strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure acts as an ‘attractor’ to groups that are often <strong>the</strong> most difficult<br />
to reach and help.<br />
See Bold Colliery Community Woodland: District Valuer’s Report on Property<br />
Values (2004)<br />
See CABE’s report ‘Does Money Grow on Trees’ 23<br />
22<br />
NEET Young people classed as be<strong>in</strong>g not <strong>in</strong> employment, education or tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
23<br />
http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/does-money-grow-on-trees.pdf
20<br />
Benefit Possible GI Actions and <strong>in</strong>terventions Additional commentary<br />
and <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
Labour productivity<br />
Natural Tourism.<br />
Recreation and<br />
leisure.<br />
Land and<br />
biodiversity.<br />
Employment<br />
Plant/ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure with<strong>in</strong> and around <strong>green</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
parks and o<strong>the</strong>r forms of <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as a vehicle for runn<strong>in</strong>g transitional<br />
employment schemes (ILMs)<br />
Use ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to <strong>in</strong>crease employment<br />
Adopt <strong>green</strong> construction techniques.<br />
Embed horticultural work with<strong>in</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as a resource to set up social enterprises<br />
Iconic species<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to provide habitats for species that attract<br />
visitors.<br />
Improv<strong>in</strong>g urban visitor experience<br />
Provide <strong>green</strong> spaces to improve <strong>the</strong> image and quality for visitors.<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
Protect <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure asset from <strong>the</strong> effects of high visitor<br />
numbers<br />
Provid<strong>in</strong>g access<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> quantity and quality of<br />
accessible <strong>green</strong> space<br />
Provide <strong>green</strong>ways and cycle ways<br />
Provide facilites for outdoor sports activities<br />
Habitat enhancement<br />
Design and deploy <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to rebuild biodiversity<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to protect soils<br />
This action is based on <strong>the</strong> concept of <strong>the</strong> environment as an ‘attractor’ that<br />
encourages and motivates people to get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> environmental pursuits. The<br />
underly<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure asset is <strong>the</strong>refore a critical resource for this action.<br />
Urban wildlife is constantly threatened by economic development. An imag<strong>in</strong>ative<br />
approach to design can make provision for endangered species.<br />
Products from <strong>the</strong><br />
land<br />
Food production<br />
Renewables<br />
Forestry products<br />
Use rural <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure to support farm<strong>in</strong>g and rural development<br />
Use horticultural <strong>in</strong>itiatives to set up community box schemes<br />
Plan and design allotments <strong>in</strong>to <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
Plan and design Urban Farms <strong>in</strong>to <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
Produce biomass as part of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
Utilise recycled <strong>green</strong> waste through large scale compost<strong>in</strong>g projects to<br />
produce a nutrient source for short rotation coppice.<br />
Use short rotation coppice to address fuel poverty <strong>in</strong> rural areas<br />
Use <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure as a source of forestry products<br />
Woodfuel from under managed woodland, and forestry products<br />
Comb<strong>in</strong>ed Heat and Power schemes based on biomass could help to alleviate<br />
rural fuel poverty <strong>in</strong> areas not serviced by natural gas
21<br />
A case study demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> algorithm <strong>in</strong> action<br />
To illustrate how <strong>the</strong> algorithm was employed <strong>in</strong> practice <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g hypo<strong>the</strong>tical example can<br />
be considered where, for illustrative purposes, an array of variables has been arbitrarily<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>ed. The numbers <strong>in</strong> brackets refer to a particular attribute <strong>in</strong> Diagram 1.<br />
The profile of an example site<br />
A site designated for commercial development has, over part of <strong>the</strong> area, contam<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
present <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form of an earlier use as a waste disposal site but while <strong>the</strong>re is a target<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form of a local stream, <strong>the</strong>re is no leachate from <strong>the</strong> site (5). It is large <strong>in</strong> scale<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g over 100ha <strong>in</strong> area (1). Its shape is that of an irregular polygon but it is not<br />
fragmented and it is not a long, th<strong>in</strong> corridor (2). Over <strong>the</strong> undisturbed areas <strong>the</strong> area<br />
has th<strong>in</strong>ly distributed topsoil on clay sub-soils founded on coal measures sandstones and<br />
siltstones.<br />
The landfill is capped with a mixture of imported clay subsoils spread <strong>in</strong> a thick capp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
layer that has been <strong>in</strong> place for a sufficient period for vegetation to develop naturally<br />
(6).<br />
Abandoned and underused for some time, <strong>the</strong> low nutrient levels, <strong>the</strong> moisture and <strong>the</strong><br />
acidity have all contributed to <strong>the</strong> development of an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g vegetation and habitat<br />
(3). Some areas have scattered distribution of pioneer tree species such as Silver Birch<br />
and, <strong>in</strong> more moist areas, Alder. Already <strong>the</strong> trajectory of this habitat is show<strong>in</strong>g signs<br />
of a movement that would, some years hence, end <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> development of climax species<br />
woodland. Over much of <strong>the</strong> area vegetation has developed that has attracted a<br />
particular species of moth that was thought to be all but ext<strong>in</strong>ct <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region. This is<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g to attract visitors to <strong>the</strong> area <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural history of <strong>the</strong> site (8).<br />
The site is zoned for an <strong>in</strong>dustrial use (7) and it occupies an area that has a rich history<br />
of coal m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and associated <strong>in</strong>dustrial use <strong>the</strong> traces of which are fast disappear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
a post-<strong>in</strong>dustrial society (10).<br />
The geology that produced <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustrial wealth also drives <strong>the</strong> characteristics of <strong>the</strong><br />
landscape and <strong>the</strong> derivation of <strong>the</strong> Jo<strong>in</strong>t Character description with<strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> site is<br />
located (4).<br />
The site is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ownership of <strong>the</strong> local authority (12) and despite be<strong>in</strong>g fenced to<br />
prevent access <strong>the</strong> area is never<strong>the</strong>less heavily used <strong>in</strong>formally by residents of <strong>the</strong> local<br />
hous<strong>in</strong>g estate who have few <strong>green</strong> amenities and enjoy <strong>the</strong> site for dog-walk<strong>in</strong>g, and<br />
k<strong>in</strong>dred forms of relaxation (9).<br />
The local community is affected by high rates of multiple deprivation. Many residents<br />
are <strong>in</strong> receipt of <strong>in</strong>capacity benefit and <strong>the</strong>re is a remnant pocket of long-term<br />
unemployed (11).<br />
The site is located on <strong>the</strong> edge of a river corridor that is develop<strong>in</strong>g as a <strong>green</strong> corridor<br />
with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sub-region (13). The site itself is not subject to flood<strong>in</strong>g but <strong>the</strong> run-off enters<br />
a small stream that floods part of <strong>the</strong> local hous<strong>in</strong>g estate from time to time (14).
22<br />
Possible <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>in</strong>terventions<br />
Left to an unfettered commercial development that sought only to maximise <strong>the</strong> <strong>grey</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure footpr<strong>in</strong>t, <strong>the</strong> site would lose a lot of its <strong>in</strong>tr<strong>in</strong>sic and valuable<br />
environmental qualities. However, <strong>the</strong> above array of attributes and variables would<br />
suggest a range of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure actions and <strong>in</strong>terventions:<br />
(a)<br />
(b)<br />
(c)<br />
(d)<br />
(e)<br />
(f)<br />
(g)<br />
The site is of significant ecological value and it is worth protect<strong>in</strong>g this important<br />
attribute. Left to a natural trajectory, <strong>the</strong> area would gradually lose <strong>the</strong> habitat<br />
for <strong>the</strong> moth species. This would impact on <strong>the</strong> local biodiversity and <strong>the</strong> sites<br />
potential for natural tourism. At this scale, it may be viable to build some form of<br />
educational/visitor facility.<br />
After carefully preserv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> undevelopable surface of <strong>the</strong> landfill. a<br />
management plan would be an obvious action <strong>in</strong> order to preserve a balanced<br />
ecology. This would mean some form of ma<strong>in</strong>tenance such as remov<strong>in</strong>g young<br />
self-set trees and this would offer volunteer<strong>in</strong>g opportunities to <strong>the</strong> local<br />
community. Fur<strong>the</strong>r work <strong>in</strong> preserv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ecology of <strong>the</strong> site would benefit <strong>the</strong><br />
land and biodiversity. Keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> area free of fertilisers would keep <strong>the</strong> soils <strong>in</strong><br />
a state of low fertility lead<strong>in</strong>g to a wider biodiversity.<br />
At this scale <strong>the</strong> site would be large enough to warrant some form of retention of<br />
site storm water run-off by creat<strong>in</strong>g a balanc<strong>in</strong>g pond for road and roof<br />
dra<strong>in</strong>age. Such an asset would reduce <strong>the</strong> downstream flood risk and also<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> ecological opportunities and attractiveness to employees and visitors<br />
alike. Here, o<strong>the</strong>r variable have to be taken <strong>in</strong>to account however. The clay cap<br />
may not be structurally suitable, <strong>the</strong> topography may not be satisfactory and it<br />
might mean <strong>the</strong> removal of o<strong>the</strong>r valued habitat.<br />
Provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustrial units with <strong>green</strong> roofs would benefit climate change,<br />
mitigate flood<strong>in</strong>g and help with temperature control of <strong>the</strong> facility. New plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
around <strong>the</strong> new build<strong>in</strong>gs would provide summertime shad<strong>in</strong>g, create shelter belts<br />
and <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> visual amenity of <strong>the</strong> site.<br />
Allow<strong>in</strong>g public access to <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure areas of <strong>the</strong> site would benefit<br />
<strong>the</strong> social health of <strong>the</strong> adjacent community through provid<strong>in</strong>g a local recreation<br />
facility that could be properly managed. A friends group would <strong>in</strong>crease a sense<br />
of community and provide a potential source of volunteer time.<br />
Under formal management potential eyesores caused by fly tipp<strong>in</strong>g and antisocial<br />
behaviour such as noisy use by motorbikes could be managed out and <strong>the</strong><br />
site could become a visual asset that would lift <strong>the</strong> value of surround<strong>in</strong>g<br />
properties as well as creat<strong>in</strong>g a sett<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>in</strong>vestment to enhance <strong>the</strong> commercial<br />
elements of <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
The scale of ma<strong>in</strong>tenance on <strong>the</strong> site would be such that it would be viable to run<br />
transitional employment schemes that aimed to help some of those <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> local<br />
population to move from benefit dependency towards be<strong>in</strong>g employable.<br />
All <strong>the</strong>se types of <strong>in</strong>tervention are <strong>in</strong>dicated <strong>in</strong> Diagram 2.
23<br />
What happens with a different set of variables<br />
If we take <strong>the</strong> same project and change some of <strong>the</strong> parameters of <strong>the</strong> variables <strong>the</strong>n we can see<br />
how <strong>the</strong> methodology can accommodate differ<strong>in</strong>g scenarios.<br />
(a)<br />
(b)<br />
(c)<br />
(d)<br />
If, for example <strong>the</strong> site were produc<strong>in</strong>g leachate at a level that might now def<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
as pollution and <strong>in</strong> consequence <strong>in</strong>volved regulatory action by <strong>the</strong> Environment<br />
Agency, <strong>the</strong>n many of <strong>the</strong> ecological attributes would be adversely affected.<br />
With a need to prevent pollution <strong>the</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g self-generated vegetation might well<br />
have to be destroyed as a consequence of <strong>the</strong> physical <strong>in</strong>terventions demanded<br />
by <strong>the</strong> remediation process. This would impact on <strong>the</strong> habitat of <strong>the</strong> rare species<br />
of moth and <strong>the</strong> site’s status as a home for this ‘iconic’ species might be lost.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> reclamation of <strong>the</strong> site would <strong>in</strong>volve large-scale<br />
earthworks that might allow for substantial reshap<strong>in</strong>g allow<strong>in</strong>g for a more<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g topography and <strong>the</strong> formation of water reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g features such as<br />
balanc<strong>in</strong>g ponds. These ponds could be reservoirs tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> roof water from <strong>the</strong><br />
large <strong>in</strong>dustrial units and roads on <strong>the</strong> site. Some pollution can be dealt with by<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure. For example, <strong>the</strong> egress of m<strong>in</strong>e water contam<strong>in</strong>ated with<br />
iron oxide can, for example, be treated on site us<strong>in</strong>g reed beds.<br />
The loss of habitat could be mitigated us<strong>in</strong>g what is now a well-understood<br />
process of natural regeneration. In o<strong>the</strong>r words <strong>the</strong> trajectory of natural<br />
regeneration could be mimicked <strong>in</strong> order to produce a landscape that was<br />
visually satisfactory at an early stage.<br />
Advantage could also be taken of <strong>the</strong> large-scale <strong>in</strong>terruption to dedicate part of<br />
<strong>the</strong> area for <strong>the</strong> economic production of short-rotation coppice that would employ<br />
local people. The landscape value of <strong>the</strong> area would quickly benefit <strong>the</strong> local<br />
community <strong>in</strong> terms of health and wellbe<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> site might still warrant some<br />
form of visitor/educational facility. In <strong>the</strong>se circumstances a grid-shell build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
constructed of coppiced timber from <strong>the</strong> site, erected by community volunteers<br />
and clad <strong>in</strong> a <strong>green</strong> roof would all be possible actions aris<strong>in</strong>g from this new set<br />
of variables.<br />
It is easy to see that <strong>the</strong> variable of site shape and size would quickly impact on <strong>the</strong> viability of<br />
most of <strong>the</strong> above range of possible outcomes lead<strong>in</strong>g to an entirely new set of possibilities.<br />
By <strong>the</strong> same token, if <strong>the</strong> site variable for <strong>the</strong> ecology were such that <strong>the</strong>re was no significant<br />
ecological value <strong>the</strong>n many of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terventions just outl<strong>in</strong>ed would become possible without<br />
need<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> presence of pollution as a variable.<br />
The above example demonstrates that a change <strong>in</strong> just one critical variable of one attribute can<br />
trigger a range of differ<strong>in</strong>g possible actions and <strong>in</strong>terventions.
24<br />
Anchor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> scheme <strong>in</strong> a wider spatial and strategic context<br />
As demonstrated <strong>in</strong> section 3, <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure forms a matrix that can be viewed at any scale<br />
from <strong>the</strong> micro level of ecological survey to <strong>the</strong> national scale. This guide so far has looked at <strong>the</strong><br />
site scale but projects will realise optimal benefits if <strong>the</strong>y can also look beyond <strong>the</strong> site boundaries<br />
to <strong>the</strong> district and sub-regional scales. The northwest region has made significant process <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure at <strong>the</strong>se wider scales and has adapted <strong>the</strong> burgeon<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ories of<br />
<strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure and translated <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>to very useful guidance <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form of <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong>west<br />
<strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Guide.<br />
The NW <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Guide 24 sets out an approach to <strong>the</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
that can be applied to any project to identify <strong>the</strong> way <strong>in</strong> which it relates to <strong>the</strong> wider surround<strong>in</strong>g<br />
area. Us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> NW GI Guide for <strong>grey</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects provides an excellent means of<br />
strategically plac<strong>in</strong>g a project <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> wider spatial context.<br />
The NW GI Guide offers eight pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure plann<strong>in</strong>g, design and<br />
implementation:<br />
1. Identify and protect <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure before development<br />
2. Engage diverse people and organisations from a range of sectors<br />
3. L<strong>in</strong>kage is key, connect<strong>in</strong>g <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure components with each o<strong>the</strong>r and with people<br />
4. Design <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure systems that function at different scales and across boundaries<br />
5. <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> activity must be grounded <strong>in</strong> good science and plann<strong>in</strong>g practice<br />
6. Fund <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure up-front as a primary public <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
7. Emphasise <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure benefits are afforded to all; to nature and people<br />
8. <strong>Green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure should be <strong>the</strong> framework for conservation.<br />
These pr<strong>in</strong>ciples are embodied <strong>in</strong> an approach to <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure plann<strong>in</strong>g that is set out <strong>in</strong> a<br />
series of five steps:<br />
9. Partnerships and priorities<br />
10. Data audit and <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure resource mapp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
11. Functional assessment<br />
12. Needs assessment<br />
13. Intervention plan<br />
The aim at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> full process is to have a plan that provides a comprehensive, <strong>in</strong>teractive<br />
and highly flexible evidence base for a range of purposes. These are:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A framework for <strong>the</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>able land management of <strong>the</strong> study area.<br />
A tool for predict<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> implications of change on <strong>the</strong> natural environment.<br />
An accurate picture of <strong>the</strong> <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure of <strong>the</strong> study area – essential <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
plann<strong>in</strong>g decisions and <strong>in</strong>form<strong>in</strong>g developments and strategies.<br />
A tool for deliver<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> natural environmental contribution to identified priorities <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
fields of health, economy, quality of life and so on.<br />
A structured plan for deliver<strong>in</strong>g environmental change.<br />
Attract<strong>in</strong>g fund<strong>in</strong>g by demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g researched needs and outcomes.<br />
Attract<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ward <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
24<br />
download available: http://www.<strong>green</strong><strong>in</strong>frastructurenw.co.uk.
25<br />
The NW GI Guide was used <strong>in</strong> some of <strong>the</strong> NENW demonstration project studies and its<br />
usefulness <strong>in</strong> plac<strong>in</strong>g a project <strong>in</strong> a larger strategic context was repeatedly confirmed.<br />
6.0 The toolkit <strong>in</strong> action – case studies<br />
Case studies have not been <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> this guide because <strong>the</strong> NENW Demonstration Project has<br />
been written up and each of <strong>the</strong> eight projects can be read <strong>in</strong> detail through <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>k:<br />
The eight projects selected were:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Omega South Office development – one of <strong>the</strong> NWDA’s ‘strategic sites’ be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
developed by Miller Developments.<br />
The Irwell City Park – a large, riverside mixed development led by Central Salford Urban<br />
Regeneration Company.<br />
Liverpool Knowledge Quarter – a city centre development <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g new university<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure, a new hospital and public realm improvements be<strong>in</strong>g led by Liverpool<br />
Vision.<br />
Oldham and Rochdale Hous<strong>in</strong>g Market Renewal programmes<br />
Penn<strong>in</strong>e Lancashire Forest Park – a largely <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure project to <strong>the</strong> east of<br />
Burnley town centre.<br />
W<strong>in</strong>dermere Catchment Restoration Programme – a very large-scale project dom<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
by high quality <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure that is seek<strong>in</strong>g to address <strong>the</strong> problem of damag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
contam<strong>in</strong>ation, aris<strong>in</strong>g from human activity, that is threaten<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong><br />
environment and <strong>the</strong> economic future a major tourist asset.<br />
The Weaver Valley Regional Park - ano<strong>the</strong>r large-scale project compris<strong>in</strong>g of rural areas<br />
and urban settlements each hav<strong>in</strong>g its own mosaic of <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.<br />
The details of each project can be downloaded from:<br />
http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk/resources+reports.php
26<br />
Appendix 1<br />
Signpost<strong>in</strong>g, advice and<br />
guidance
27<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g pages conta<strong>in</strong> descriptions of and l<strong>in</strong>ks to<br />
organisations that may be able to provide help and support <strong>in</strong><br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g project ideas, prepar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation for potential<br />
funders and provid<strong>in</strong>g advice on potential delivery options and<br />
outputs.<br />
This is not an exhaustive list, and project developers should also<br />
carry out <strong>the</strong>ir own research and <strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>in</strong>to potential<br />
sources of advice and guidance for project development.
28<br />
BUSINESS PLANNING<br />
Many funders will require a Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Plan <strong>in</strong> to support a fund<strong>in</strong>g application. A Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Plan<br />
should identify any bus<strong>in</strong>ess benefits that will arise from a project. A bus<strong>in</strong>ess plan will need to<br />
address cash flow and consequently will need to consider <strong>the</strong> source of <strong>the</strong> project, what <strong>the</strong><br />
project's capital and revenue costs will be, how much <strong>in</strong>come it will make, and how it will be<br />
marketed. This should identify how economically susta<strong>in</strong>able a project will be and what <strong>the</strong><br />
concomitant risks are. Guidance and advice can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess L<strong>in</strong>k<br />
site:<br />
http://www.bus<strong>in</strong>essl<strong>in</strong>knw.co.uk<br />
FUNDING<br />
Funders will <strong>in</strong>variably want to see evidence of expenditure, milestones and outputs and will require<br />
<strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of a very robust audit trail. Funders may also operate with<strong>in</strong> different time<br />
frames, for example, <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial year for European programmes runs from January to December.<br />
Public fund<strong>in</strong>g will certa<strong>in</strong>ly be subject to audits and projects can, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ory at least, be made to<br />
repay funds if it is not clear that <strong>the</strong> money has been spent on what it was agreed for, or if correct<br />
accounts are not <strong>in</strong> place.<br />
Potential contributions from <strong>the</strong> private sector as bus<strong>in</strong>esses can be very generous. A good start<strong>in</strong>g<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t here is to contact Bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Community (BITC). The charity <strong>Green</strong>Space is a useful<br />
source of <strong>in</strong>formation on fund<strong>in</strong>g. It also has a network of community groups that share best<br />
practice and ideas. The two ma<strong>in</strong> national funds that will support environmental <strong>in</strong>itiatives are <strong>the</strong><br />
Big Lottery Fund and <strong>the</strong> Heritage Lottery Fund.<br />
Useful l<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• Bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Community: http://www.bitc.org.uk<br />
• <strong>Green</strong>Space: http://<strong>green</strong>-space.org.uk/<strong>in</strong>dex.php<br />
• Big Lottery Fund: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk<br />
• Heritage Lottery Fund: http://www.hlf.org.uk/English<br />
• Government Office <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> - European fund<strong>in</strong>g: http://www.gos.gov.uk/gonw<br />
ADVICE AND GUIDANCE<br />
<strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Infrastructure</strong> Unit is operated by <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong>’s two Community Forests (The<br />
Mersey Forest and Red Rose Forest). It was established to provide a support, advice and<br />
signpost<strong>in</strong>g service for those want<strong>in</strong>g to implement <strong>green</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure projects. www.g<strong>in</strong>w.org.uk<br />
Commission for Architecture and Built Environment (CABE) offers a variety of publications on<br />
improv<strong>in</strong>g public space. http://www.cabe.org.uk<br />
Groundwork Trusts work to improve <strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong> local environment, particularly <strong>in</strong> areas <strong>in</strong><br />
need of <strong>in</strong>vestment and support. http://www.groundwork.org.uk<br />
BCTV is a charity that has been <strong>in</strong> operation s<strong>in</strong>ce1959, and is dedicated to environmental<br />
conservation volunteer<strong>in</strong>g throughout <strong>the</strong> UK and around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/home
29<br />
Natural England's remit is to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife <strong>in</strong> rural,<br />
urban, coastal and mar<strong>in</strong>e areas. It is a useful source of research and publications.<br />
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk<br />
Royal Society for <strong>the</strong> Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a charity work<strong>in</strong>g towards <strong>the</strong> conservation of<br />
birds and <strong>the</strong> environment. Its website is a useful source of advice on land management.<br />
http://www.rspb.org.uk<br />
Sustrans is a susta<strong>in</strong>able transport charity. Its projects are designed to encourage people to walk,<br />
cycle or use public transport to reduce <strong>the</strong> harmful effects of traffic on <strong>the</strong> environment and<br />
improve health. The website is a useful source of free <strong>in</strong>formation and research for download.<br />
http://www.sustrans.org.uk<br />
The Wildlife Trusts work to conserve habitats and species <strong>in</strong> towns and <strong>the</strong> countryside. Useful<br />
reports and publications are free to download from its website. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/<br />
<strong>North</strong>west Regional Development Agency (NWDA) - You can download copies of <strong>the</strong> Regional<br />
Economic Strategy, <strong>the</strong> Climate Change Action Plan and <strong>the</strong> tourism strategy from <strong>the</strong> NWDA's<br />
website. http://www.nwda.co.uk/publications.aspx<br />
Government Office for <strong>the</strong> <strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> (GONW) - You can obta<strong>in</strong> a copy of <strong>the</strong> Regional Spatial<br />
Strategy (RSS) from this website. The environment is a strong <strong>the</strong>me with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> strategy, which also<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes specific environmental actions and policies. http://www.gos.gov.uk/gonw<br />
<strong>North</strong> <strong>West</strong> Regional Intelligence Unit (NWRIU) is one of <strong>the</strong> n<strong>in</strong>e regional <strong>in</strong>telligence<br />
observatories operated by <strong>the</strong> NWDA. Its regional <strong>in</strong>telligence network is free to jo<strong>in</strong> and allows<br />
access to its database of research, which <strong>in</strong>cludes environment, natural resources and tourism via<br />
its extranet. http://www.nwriu.co.uk<br />
The Department for <strong>the</strong> Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is a good source of research<br />
and <strong>in</strong>formation which is downloadable from its website. It may even be able to offer your project<br />
grant fund<strong>in</strong>g if it meets certa<strong>in</strong> criteria. For more <strong>in</strong>formation, visit <strong>the</strong> website.<br />
http://www.defra.gov.uk<br />
The Environment Agency is a useful source of downloadable research and publications.<br />
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk<br />
The Forestry Commission is responsible for <strong>the</strong> protection and expansion of woodland. It is a<br />
useful source of research and <strong>in</strong>formation. http://www.forestry.gov.uk<br />
Local Authorities make key documents such as Local Area Agreements and <strong>Green</strong> Space Strategies<br />
available for download on <strong>the</strong>ir websites.
Produced by:<br />
In association with: