Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

Green Grid5.7.3 There has been a long term aspiration to develop a linked network ofopen spaces and routes across the Borough, joining with a wider networkbeyond the Borough's boundaries. This is known as the Green Grid. Thefocus of the Green Grid in Gravesham is on building a network that:• Links green spaces to create green continuity, including ecologicalcontinuity, wherever possible;• Improves access within the urban area, from the urban area to the ruralarea and along the River Thames for leisure and sustainable travelpurposes; and• Creates safe and attractive routes for walkers, cyclists and mobilityimpairedpeople.5.7.4 The network includes: public highways, public rights of way and cycleroutes, with their associated verges and planting; waterways with theirassociated bank-sides and verges; railway and road embankments; andgreen roofs and walls. Ultimately, the Green Grid aims to become a well-used,safe and attractive network of green links carrying a variety of non-vehicularpaths and ecological corridors through the urban area, and connecting up withlocal and long distance riverside and countryside trails.5.7.5 There is a long standing desire to develop a Thames Estuary Path toprovide a continuous route for walkers and cyclists from the Thames Barrier inLondon to the Isle of Sheppey in Kent 30 which the Council supports. NaturalEngland is also implementing a Coastal Access Scheme which seeks tocreate and improve pedestrian access along the coast. Work has started onthis scheme in Kent. The Urban Baseline Study recognises the importance ofproviding open access to the riverside in new developments and creating acontinuous riverwalk from Canal Basin to Swanscombe Peninsula. This issupported through both the Green Infrastructure and Transport policies.5.7.6 There is also an aspiration for a dedicated pedestrian link betweenNorthfleet and Ebbsfleet stations. If implemented, such a link would provide30 Thames Estuary Path Survey 2008155