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Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council
Green Infrastructure Strategy Report
August 2011
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Third-Party Disclaimer Any disclosure of this report to a third-party is subject to this disclaimer. The report was prepared by Entec at the instruction of, and for use by, our client named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third-party who is able to access it by any means. Entec excludes to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising from reliance on the contents of this report. We do not however exclude our liability (if any) for personal injury or death resulting from our negligence, for fraud or any other matter in relation to which we cannot legally exclude liability.
Document Revisions
No. Details Date
1 Partial draft 17 Nov 2010
2 Full draft 28 Jan 2011
3 Revised draft 29 Mar 2011
4 Final draft 22 Jul 2011
5 Final report 26 August 2011
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Contents
1. Introduction 1
1.1 The NewcastleGateshead Green Infrastructure Study 1
1.2 What is Green Infrastructure? 2
1.3 What Benefits can Green Infrastructure Provide? 3
1.4 Why is a Green Infrastructure Strategy needed? 3
1.5 Previous Work 4
2. Context 5
2.1 Policy Context 5
2.1.1 Joint Core Strategy 5
2.1.2 Bridging Document 5
2.1.3 Strategic Alignment 7
2.1.4 The Vision for Green Infrastructure in NewcastleGateshead 7
2.1.5 Policy Direction 8
2.2 Spatial context 9
3. Green Infrastructure in NewcastleGateshead 11
3.1 Current Green Infrastructure Assets 11
3.1.1 Overview 11
3.1.2 Key Issues with Existing Provision 13
3.1.3 A strategic network 14
3.1.4 Key Gaps in Green Infrastructure Provision 15
3.2 Green Infrastructure Functions 15
3.2.1 Green Infrastructure Priorities for NewcastleGateshead 15
3.2.2 Cross-cutting Principles 16
3.3 Links to the Core Strategy themes 17
3.3.1 Sustainable Quality of Place 17
3.3.2 Economic Growth and Prosperity 17
3.3.3 Homes and Thriving Neighbourhoods 17
3.3.4 Health and Well Being 17
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4. Green Infrastructure Strategy for NewcastleGateshead 25
4.1 Vision 25
4.2 Green Infrastructure Priorities for Action 26
4.2.1 Strategic network 26
4.2.2 Opportunity Areas 28
4.2.3 Areas of development 31
4.2.4 Biodiversity 32
4.2.5 Non-motorised transport systems 35
4.2.6 Recreation, quiet enjoyment and health benefits 36
4.2.7 Economic benefits 37
4.2.8 Heritage preservation and cultural expression 39
4.2.9 Green Infrastructure Priority - Landscape and townscape 40
4.2.10 Sustainable water and flood risk management 42
4.2.11 Mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change 42
4.3 Further Green Infrastructure Functions 43
4.3.1 Links between the Town and Country 43
4.3.2 Waste Management 43
4.3.3 Sustainable Energy Production 44
4.3.4 Sustainable Food Production 44
4.3.5 Community Development and Cohesion 44
4.3.6 Regular Exposure to Nature and Awareness of Environmental Issues 45
4.3.7 Education and Training 45
4.3.8 Improved Air Quality 45
4.3.9 Opportunities for Children to Play Freely 45
4.4 Cross Cutting Principles 46
5. Delivery 49
5.1 Overview 49
5.2 Design Guidelines 49
5.3 Standards 49
5.4 Links with Neighbouring Authorities 50
5.5 Synergies with the Core Strategy 50
5.6 Funding 51
5.6.1 Sources 51
5.6.2 Maintenance and Revenue Funding 51
5.7 Monitoring Green Infrastructure Performance 52
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1. Introduction
The provision of green infrastructure in and around urban areas is now widely recognised as contributing towards creating places where people want to live and work. The concept of green infrastructure is embodied in the Government’s Planning Policy Statements (PPS) 1 and 12. It is an essential component of good planning for urban and rural areas, particularly in the face of climate change.
However, increased awareness of the importance of green infrastructure does not always go hand in hand with a full understanding of what it is, the range of benefits it can deliver and how it can be promoted and delivered through existing policies and process.
Source: extracted verbatim from Green Infrastructure Guidance (Natural England, 2009)
1.1 The NewcastleGateshead Green Infrastructure Study This study identifies the network of multifunctional green space and other relevant land and watercourses, which supports the activity, health and well being of local people and wildlife across NewcastleGateshead. It also identifies green infrastructure deficiencies that can be addressed through future growth whilst looking at opportunities for conservation and enhancement of existing provision, including links in green space provision both within and across council boundaries. There is a focus on the River Tyne, as a key recreational, access and wildlife corridor of shared significance for Newcastle and Gateshead and a physical connection between many of the future growth locations.
Figure 1.1 NewcastleGateshead
Green Infrastructure is a network of multi-functional green space, both new and existing, both rural and urban, which supports natural and ecological processes and is integral to the health and quality of life of sustainable communities.
Definition from PPS 12 Local Spatial Planning
The green infrastructure network does not respect administrative boundaries and the two councils will work with neighbouring local authorities to ensure that key corridors are recognised jointly and benefits are maximised.
The Tyne is a boundary between Newcastle and Gateshead but also a joint focus for development
The study currently comprises two documents - the Green Infrastructure Study Evidence Base, completed in February 2011, and this document, the Green Infrastructure Strategy. These two documents represent the first two of three stages, which have been identified as necessary for the delivery of the final Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan to be produced in 2011.
1.2 What is Green Infrastructure? Green Infrastructure is a relatively new term used to describe green spaces and other environmental features and the ways in which they are linked together to create a network with many uses and benefits. This multifunctional resource can assist environmental functions (such as biodiversity, climate change adaptation and flood mitigation), as well as providing quality of life benefits for the local community (including recreation, sustainable transport, wellbeing and sustainable quality of place). Green infrastructure should be looked at as we do other utilities, as an essential part of our local environment and the lives we lead. Green infrastructure provision is therefore integral to Core Strategy preparation and planning development.
Multi-user paths and woodland near Gateshead Town Centre (Riverside Park)
Green infrastructure includes, but is not limited to the following:
Woodland & street trees
Floodplains
Areas ofcountryside
Ponds, lakes & watercoursesFootpaths, cycle
& bridleways
Localgreenspaces
Wildlifesites
Areas ofhistoric value
Outdoor sportsprovision
Parks &gardens
Allotments &agricultural land
Woodland & street treesWoodland & street trees
FloodplainsFloodplains
Areas ofcountryside
Areas ofcountryside
Ponds, lakes & watercourses
Ponds, lakes & watercoursesFootpaths, cycle
& bridlewaysFootpaths, cycle
& bridleways
Localgreenspaces
Localgreenspaces
Wildlifesites
Wildlifesites
Areas ofhistoric value
Outdoor sportsprovision
Outdoor sportsprovision
Parks &gardensParks &gardens
Allotments &agricultural land
Allotments &agricultural land
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1.3 What Benefits can Green Infrastructure Provide? Green infrastructure provides a very diverse range of functions, which in turn delivers a variety of social, economic and environmental benefits, reflecting its multi-functionality. These functions and benefits are often inter-related, being complementary, mutually supportive or physically combined, and this Green Infrastructure Strategy will help us to ensure that achieving these benefits forms an integral part of the Core Strategy.
1.4 Why is a Green Infrastructure Strategy needed?
Urban, accessible green infrastructure in east Newcastle (Ouseburn Valley)
Significant economic and housing developments are planned for NewcastleGateshead over the next 20 years. NewcastleGateshead was one of twenty areas chosen by the previous government as new Growth Points for housing development. The concept remains in place but national government funding for it has been cancelled and the specific locations within NewcastleGateshead, previously identified, no longer apply. However, the two Councils' joint Core Strategy, currently being prepared and due for a second round of public consultation in autumn 2011, identifies major growth and regeneration at a number of locations in the urban core (Newcastle city centre and central Gateshead), in neighbourhoods across the built-up area, and on the edge of the built-up area and in villages. Some of the largest-scale proposals for residential development are in deprived areas around the urban core and along the River Tyne. Although these will increase the density of development, our strategy is to ensure that new development embodies the highest standards of sustainability and we see green infrastructure provision as a key element in attaining this. Similarly, enhancement of green infrastructure throughout NewcastleGateshead will achieve the benefits set out earlier, as well as helping to meet identified needs and increasing the area's attractiveness to inward investors and new residents.
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1.5 Previous Work We have prepared an evidence base, the Green Infrastructure Study, to support the Green Infrastructure Strategy. This provides relevant contextual information for NewcastleGateshead, including:
� the distribution of green infrastructure sites;
� green infrastructure’s potential on a local basis to contribute to landscape, ecology and biodiversity, recreation, sustainable transport, accessible greenspace and the historic environment, as well as ameliorating adverse effects of climate change and flooding;
� gaps in provision; and
� information on local regeneration initiatives relating to green infrastructure.
To support development of the strategy, we held a visioning workshop, facilitated by CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), as well as a consultation event focussed specifically on the River Tyne corridor.
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2. Context
2.1 Policy Context
2.1.1 Joint Core Strategy
In June 2009, Gateshead and Newcastle agreed to prepare a joint Core Strategy - One Core Strategy NewcastleGateshead 2030. The Strategy will be the principal document of both Gateshead and Newcastle’s Local Development Frameworks. It will set the vision for the future of Newcastle Gateshead over the next twenty years and will provide a strategic policy framework that will shape development to achieve that vision.
NewcastleGateshead 2030
Our vision is that by 2030 NewcastleGateshead will be a more prosperous, attractive and sustainable place, with improved quality of life and thriving communities.
The strategy will cover the whole of the administrative areas of both Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council. It will allow both Councils to work together, addressing strategic cross-boundary and common spatial issues in a co-ordinated and efficient manner.
This Green Infrastructure Strategy will be an important building block in the development of our Strategy.
2.1.2 Bridging Document
The One Core Strategy responds to needs and ambitions of our local residents and business. Gateshead and Newcastle’s Local Strategic Partnerships have worked together to align both authorities’ respective Sustainable Community Strategies and to prepare a joint bridging document, Developing Sustainable Cities - NewcastleGateshead 2030.
Each council had previously considered the ‘big’ issues for its own communities and, by aligning these, we have identified four key themes which meet both councils’ aspirations:
� economic growth and prosperity - NewcastleGateshead will be a place of opportunity with a flourishing economy driven by science, creativity and innovation and a place recognised for and characterised by a highly skilled, inclusive working population;
� health and well being - a place of high rates of emotional and physical wellbeing recognised in the opportunity to live healthy lifestyles, with reduced inequalities;
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� homes and thriving neighbourhoods - a place where people choose to live; that offers quality housing set in safe, attractive neighbourhoods, with good access to employment, education, facilities and health care; and
� sustainable quality of place - a place that maximises the potential of its landmarks, environment, riverscape, townscape, heritage and culture - using these to inform standards for development across NewcastleGateshead.
Underpinning the four themes is our commitment to tackle climate change and improving transport and accessibility for all.
Bridging NewcastleGateshead 2030 also sets out a shared vision for our future:
By 2030 NewcastleGateshead will be prosperous and sustainable cities that are unique and distinctive places - where people choose to live, work and visit because everybody can realise their potential and enjoy a quality lifestyle.
In expanding on these themes, the challenges for each theme were identified and a set of objectives formulated which will address these challenges. The next steps will be to translate these objectives into policy. This Green Infrastructure Strategy explains how green infrastructure will contribute to the four Joint Core Strategy themes.
Newcastle SCS ThemesStrengthening the economy
Wellbeing, health and independenceManaging environmental impact
Creating and sustaining quality placesSafe, inclusive, cohesive and empowered
Children and young people
Gateshead SCS ThemesCity of Gateshead
Gateshead goes globalGateshead volunteers
Sustainable GatesheadCreative Gateshead
Active & healthy Gateshead
Bridging documentDeveloping sustainable cities -
NewcastleGateshead 2030
Thematic
Spatial
Joint CoreStrategyThemes
LDFplanningtopics
SustainableCommunityStrategies
Economic growthand prosperity
• Economic development• City centre retailing• Commercial leisure• Regeneration
programmes• Tourism • Diversify the evening
economy• Strategic sites• Education facilities• Transport and
accessibility
Health and wellbeing
• Green infrastructure• Outdoor leisure• Health facilities• Accessibility
Homes and thrivingneighbourhoods
• Housing• Local retail• Community facilities• Green infrastructure• Gypsies and travellers• Urban design
Sustainablequality of place
• SUDS & climate change• Biodiversity• Air quality• Flood risk• Sustainable construction• Minerals and waste• Heritage
Newcastle SCS ThemesStrengthening the economy
Wellbeing, health and independenceManaging environmental impact
Creating and sustaining quality placesSafe, inclusive, cohesive and empowered
Children and young people
Gateshead SCS ThemesCity of Gateshead
Gateshead goes globalGateshead volunteers
Sustainable GatesheadCreative Gateshead
Active & healthy Gateshead
Newcastle SCS ThemesStrengthening the economy
Wellbeing, health and independenceManaging environmental impact
Creating and sustaining quality placesSafe, inclusive, cohesive and empowered
Children and young people
Gateshead SCS ThemesCity of Gateshead
Gateshead goes globalGateshead volunteers
Sustainable GatesheadCreative Gateshead
Active & healthy Gateshead
Bridging documentDeveloping sustainable cities -
NewcastleGateshead 2030
Bridging documentDeveloping sustainable cities -
NewcastleGateshead 2030
Thematic
Spatial
Thematic
Spatial
Joint CoreStrategyThemes
LDFplanningtopics
SustainableCommunityStrategies
Economic growthand prosperity
• Economic development• City centre retailing• Commercial leisure• Regeneration
programmes• Tourism • Diversify the evening
economy• Strategic sites• Education facilities• Transport and
accessibility
Health and wellbeing
• Green infrastructure• Outdoor leisure• Health facilities• Accessibility
Homes and thrivingneighbourhoods
• Housing• Local retail• Community facilities• Green infrastructure• Gypsies and travellers• Urban design
Sustainablequality of place
• SUDS & climate change• Biodiversity• Air quality• Flood risk• Sustainable construction• Minerals and waste• Heritage
Economic growthand prosperity
• Economic development• City centre retailing• Commercial leisure• Regeneration
programmes• Tourism • Diversify the evening
economy• Strategic sites• Education facilities• Transport and
accessibility
Economic growthand prosperity
• Economic development• City centre retailing• Commercial leisure• Regeneration
programmes• Tourism • Diversify the evening
economy• Strategic sites• Education facilities• Transport and
accessibility
Health and wellbeing
• Green infrastructure• Outdoor leisure• Health facilities• Accessibility
Health and wellbeing
• Green infrastructure• Outdoor leisure• Health facilities• Accessibility
Homes and thrivingneighbourhoods
• Housing• Local retail• Community facilities• Green infrastructure• Gypsies and travellers• Urban design
Homes and thrivingneighbourhoods
• Housing• Local retail• Community facilities• Green infrastructure• Gypsies and travellers• Urban design
Sustainablequality of place
• SUDS & climate change• Biodiversity• Air quality• Flood risk• Sustainable construction• Minerals and waste• Heritage
Sustainablequality of place
• SUDS & climate change• Biodiversity• Air quality• Flood risk• Sustainable construction• Minerals and waste• Heritage
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2.1.3 Strategic Alignment
This Green Infrastructure Strategy focuses upon promoting and implementing the green infrastructure concept and provision in NewcastleGateshead. It provides information on the processes required to support its delivery. To support the protection, enhancement and development of green infrastructure, we have related the strategy to the four key themes of the Joint Core Strategy. However, it is crucial that cross cutting issues such as the multifunctionality of green infrastructure are not lost through the use of such themes, particularly as no one agency has responsibility for dealing with green infrastructure and its delivery.
It is important that the Green Infrastructure Strategy aligns with and feeds into the targets and delivery of other documents such as:
� sustainable community strategies (SCS) (Bridging document);
� renewable energy proposals;
� water cycle studies; � rural accommodation studies;
� strategic flood risk assessments (SFRA); � sustainability appraisals; and
� biodiversity studies; � infrastructure studies.
The SCS will provide the context for determining strategies for the future spending of the local authorities’ funds. These strategies are managed by Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs). Therefore the green infrastructure concept and its benefits need to be adopted by the relevant LSPs to attract future public sector funds, often required to kick-start the development and enhancement of green infrastructure. Further partnership working will be required to encourage the reflection of the objectives of this Green Infrastructure Strategy in documents created by relevant local partners, such as the health service delivery bodies, the Environment Agency and Natural England.
2.1.4 The Vision for Green Infrastructure in NewcastleGateshead
To guide the work on the Green Infrastructure Strategy, the following vision was agreed:
NewcastleGateshead’s green infrastructure is the network of multi-functional green and undeveloped land, urban and rural, which supports the activity, health and well being of local people and wildlife.
The Green Infrastructure Strategy is intended to achieve better quality, more effective functioning and greater diversity of our green infrastructure. This will contribute to achieving sustainable communities and regeneration, promote better health and a better quality of life for all, mitigate the effects of climate change, enhance biodiversity and preserve historiclandscapes. A high quality provision and comprehensive framework of geographically inter-connected green infrastructure will offer ease of movement to people and wildlife and provide many different opportunities for outdoor activity. It will alsoprovide an attractive and healthy setting for homes, schools, workplaces and the rest of the built environment, thereby improving the well being of everyone, even when they are not directly using it. Green infrastructure also provides a valuable biodiversity resource; while inter-connections between habitats may enable movement of species in response to climate change.
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2.1.5 Policy Direction
Significant support is included in national and local policies, for the protection, enhancement and creation of a green infrastructure networks through existing spatial planning guidance. The evidence base of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and other regeneration documents indicates the pressure on land, including green infrastructure, for residential development.
This strategy is important in identifying the wider environmental, social and economic benefits and opportunities associated with creation, protection and enhancement of green infrastructure, thus justifying use of land for the development of green infrastructure rather than, or as well as, other uses.
New planning guidance is being developed in relation to green infrastructure through the preparation of a new Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Natural and Healthy Environment. Consultation took place on this from March to June 2010. New housing in Gateshead making use of existing
historic buildings (the old Greenesfield railway works)
In summary, policy NE4 in the draft policy statement proposes that local development frameworks should set out a strategic approach for the creation, protection and management of networks of green infrastructure and that policies should:
� provide for green infrastructure, particularly in locations where it will assist in reducing the impacts of climate change by providing flood water storage areas, sustainable drainage systems, urban cooling and local access to shady outdoor space;
� avoid development being located in areas, which result in the fragmentation or isolation of natural habitats;
� identify opportunities to enhance green infrastructure and the natural habitats within it, by retaining, enhancing or creating green corridors linking rural and urban fringe areas and urban green spaces; and
� identify opportunities to enhance the functions urban green spaces can perform.
On access, draft policy NE6 proposes that rights of way, national trails and open access land should be protected and enhanced and, where appropriate, LDFs should identify where new or improved links to rights of way should be provided for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
National and regional planning is likely to alter over forthcoming years, due to changes in the government in 2010, but it is expected that political support will continue for green infrastructure.
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Local planning policies are currently being prepared through the Core Strategy and wider LDF. Such policies will provide opportunities to enhance the green infrastructure network across and beyond NewcastleGateshead. The Green Infrastructure Strategy will sit with a number of further documents, listed above, as the evidence base for the Core Strategy. Area Action Plans have been prepared for specific parts of NewcastleGateshead and will be updated in relation to current issues. The information in this Green Infrastructure Strategy will be taken into account when completing these reviews.
A number of regeneration agencies are active in the area, including 1NG, as well as the two local authorities. Such agencies are responsible for the delivery of residential and commercial schemes, which provide significant opportunities for green infrastructure development. Development briefs and Supplementary Planning Documents will be created for the larger sites. This strategy provides guidance on how green infrastructure should be incorporated into such documents.
2.2 Spatial context The spatial context of existing green infrastructure provision is set out in Figure 2.1, which also shows key green infrastructure sites and visitor destinations in NewcastleGateshead and links to other similar assets outside the Newcastle and Gateshead boundaries.
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Figure 2.1 Spatial context and strategic green infrastructure links
Key green infrastructure sites in NewcastleGateshead Visitor destinations based on green infrastructure 1. Chopwell Wood 5. Bill Quay Park and Farm A. Tyne Riverside Country Park H. Tyne Riverside Country Park 2. Gibside 6. Leazes Park B. Derwent Walk/Derwenthaugh Country Parks (Northumberland) 3. Derwent Walk Country Park 7. Town Moor/Exhibition Park C. Angel of the North I. Northumberlandia (Northumberland) 4. Saltwell Park 8. Jesmond Dene (including D. Weetslade Country Park (North Tyneside) J. Prestwick Carr
Paddy Freemans and E. Rising Sun Country Park (North Tyneside) K, Beamish Museum (County Durham) Heaton Parks) F. Herrington Country Park (Sunderland) L. Wardley Manor Country Park (proposed)
G. James Steel Park (Sunderland) M. Watergate Forest Park
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3. Green Infrastructure in NewcastleGateshead
3.1 Current Green Infrastructure Assets
3.1.1 Overview
The extent of existing green infrastructure assets in terms of greenspace, watercourses and non-motorised access (though some of the cycle routes shown are on-road) within NewcastleGateshead is illustrated in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1 Existing green infrastructure assets
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The majority of green infrastructure in Newcastle is located to the north and west in the form of open countryside. There is also a notable presence of green infrastructure concentrated along the Denes (Walbottle Dene, Denton Dene and in particular Jesmond Dene), along the lower Ouseburn valley and alongside the banks of the Tyne. Located within the urban form close to the City Centre are the Town Moor and Nuns’ Moor which together provide a large expanse of green infrastructure within the heart of the city. Further green infrastructure is generally well dispersed throughout the urban fabric through the presence of various types of open space (e.g. Leazes Park - a formal public park) which are interconnected via the public rights of way network.
Thornley Woodlands Centre in the Derwent Valley. © Christine Westerback CCBYSA 2005
In Gateshead, large expanses of green infrastructure are located to the south and west, and similarly to Newcastle, these areas are in the form of open countryside. Key green infrastructure destination sites within this area include Chopwell Wood (Forestry Commission woodland), Gibside (a National Trust property) and the Derwent Walk Country Park. For west Gateshead the provision of green infrastructure is strongly related to the topography and hydrology of the area. Large swathes of green infrastructure are associated with the river valleys (e.g. Blaydon Burn and the River Derwent) that separate the built-up areas of Ryton, Blaydon, and Whickham before joining the River Tyne. As in Newcastle the River Tyne
has a corridor of green infrastructure alongside much of its bank. Within the urban area, additional green infrastructure is provided through various formal types of open space (e.g. Windy Nook Nature Park, Saltwell Park), many of which are linked through the public rights of way system.
We have identified a number of key visitor destinations within green infrastructure in NewcastleGateshead (see Figure 2.1) on the basis of the following criteria:
� sites known to be visited by people from outside the study area (promoted sites);
� sites where festivals/ organised events are held; or
� sites which are of perceived strategic importance to the general population of the study area for amenity, historical, ecological or landscape reasons.
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3.1.2 Key Issues with Existing Provision
Key issues associated with existing green infrastructure provision were identified in the Evidence Base (see chapter 5) and these have been summarised as follows:
� reinforcing the ‘connectivity’ and ‘accessibility’ of the green infrastructure resources to form a robust green infrastructure network for both people and wildlife, integrated with networks in adjacent authorities and contributing to all four Joint Core Strategy themes;
� protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing existing green infrastructure assets (including addressing gaps in the network), with a focus on maximising benefits from existing and enhanced assets and from regeneration schemes, before embarking on more ambitious extension of the existing network;
� realising opportunities for wildlife benefits through review, and amendment/extension where appropriate, of protected wildlife site designations, as well as small scale enhancements within built-up urban areas;
� ensuring that larger developments, including the regeneration of brownfield sites, include green infrastructure provision that contributes to the coherence of the network, to the sustainable quality of place and to social cohesion and personal wellbeing, especially as many brownfield sites are in deprived areas, while recognising that it may be challenging to achieve the necessary allocation of land within major developments;
� ensuring that green infrastructure assets meet identified current and predicted needs through measures such as increasing the multifunctionality of existing assets, making local people aware of the functions that the assets are designed to achieve and better management and maintenance of green space which is not fulfilling its potential and may even be regarded as a blight on the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood;
� the appropriate funding and management of existing green infrastructure assets (taking into consideration the functions they provide), to maintain quality and provide appropriate facilities, making them attractive and accessible for people to use for recreation, relaxation and personal non-motorised transport;
� the promotion of green infrastructure assets within the community, through education and interpretation, to encourage communities to 'take ownership of' and respect their green infrastructure and obtain the community and health benefits available from such assets;
� ensuring that flood management plans provide the maximum green infrastructure benefits and that green infrastructure contributes to flood risk management; and
� maximising the benefits from and protection of the River Tyne corridor, which is both a strategic corridor and a barrier.
The green infrastructure assets referred to in the list above include both the network of green corridors and dispersed assets, such as parks, allotments, play areas, playing fields, cemeteries, and so on.
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3.1.3 A strategic network
Using the evidence collected (see the Evidence Base) and taking account of the key issues listed above, we have identified thirteen strategic corridors which together make up a strategic green infrastructure network, based on multifunctional corridors fulfilling wildlife, access, floodplain and landscape functions and aligning with key green infrastructure assets and opportunity areas for development of green infrastructure. These are shown in Figure 3.2. Appendix B sets out in detail how we derived the corridors.
Figure 3.2 Strategic green infrastructure network
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Local authority boundaries are not drawn taking account of green infrastructure corridors; in fact rivers are often boundaries, while the river valley as a whole may be the corridor. Thus several of the corridors extend beyond the Newcastle and Gateshead boundaries and we have developed strategies for such corridors taking account of their wider green infrastructure functions.
3.1.4 Key Gaps in Green Infrastructure Provision
NewcastleGateshead already has a significant green infrastructure network, as is shown in Figure 3.1, however, gaps in provision do exist. The Evidence Base identified many of these gaps, which are detailed in Appendix A of this Strategy. These relate to gaps in landscaping, open space, wildlife networks and missing links within the sustainable transport network.
Scotswood Road Bridge (in the foreground) is a poor river crossing for non-motorised transport users. The railway bridge in the background, still in use here in 1976, closed in 1982 and could fill a significant gap in provision by conversion to a multi-user bridleway/cycleway
In addition the mapping of the complete green infrastructure network in Figure 3.1 highlights, as would be expected, the relative lack of green infrastructure within densely built up areas of NewcastleGateshead. However this lack of green infrastructure is often coincidental with regeneration areas, which will provide opportunities for green infrastructure creation.
3.2 Green Infrastructure Functions
3.2.1 Green Infrastructure Priorities for NewcastleGateshead
Many different agencies have developed different lists of green infrastructure functions, including CABE and Natural England. However, we have used as a guide the list compiled by the Town and Country Planning Association in its document The Essential Role of Green Infrastructure: Eco-towns Green Infrastructure Worksheet Advice to Promoters and Planners, 2008, on the basis that it provides a comprehensive list of functions from a recognised, independent body in the planning sector. Our aim was to avoid the high degree of subjectivity surrounding various other lists of green infrastructure functions. The matrix in Appendix E aims to identify the relevance of these green infrastructure functions to the four key themes of the Joint Core Strategy, in line with an approach developed by NewcastleGateshead with input from the CABE Enabling Team. Ticks in the matrix indicate a function with a strong primary link to a Core Strategy Theme and this assessment was used to identify priority green infrastructure functions for consideration in this strategy.
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On the basis described above, we identified the following as priority green infrastructure functions for this strategy.
• Biodiversity;• Non-motorised transport;• Recreation, quiet enjoyment and health benefits;• Economic benefits, including:
� a high quality environment to attract and retain a quality workforce;� enhanced property values;� boosts to the local economy;
• Heritage preservation and cultural expression;• Landscape and townscape priorities including:
� visual screening of unsightly buildings or infrastructure; � landscape restoration and the regeneration of degraded sites; � wider landscape and townscape benefits;
• Sustainable water and flood risk management;• Microclimate adjustment and adaptation to climate change; and• Link between town and country
Further detail on the green infrastructure opportunities to contribute to each theme is provided in section 3.3. This sets the background against which the strategy is set out in chapter 4.
3.2.2 Cross-cutting Principles
A number of cross cutting principles have also been identified in relation to the management and creation of green infrastructure. These issues relate to the entirety of green infrastructure provision and cut across all four Joint Core Strategy Themes, as shown in the flow diagram on the right. Note that the River Tyne is a slightly different cross-cutting element from the others but is included here because a separate strategy has been prepared for the River Tyne (see Appendix D) which incorporates many of the priority functions identified.
Joint Core Strategy - Key Themes
Priority green infrastructure functions defined
Matrix assessment
Multifunctionality River TyneNetwork
developmentPromotion to
partners
Communityengagement SafetyMaintenance
(long-term)
Cross-cutting principles applied to all functions
Delivery of the Green Infrastructure Strategy
Joint Core Strategy - Key Themes
Priority green infrastructure functions defined
Matrix assessment
Feed
back
Multifunctionality River TyneNetwork
developmentPromotion to
partnersMultifunctionalityMultifunctionality River TyneRiver TyneNetwork
developmentNetwork
developmentPromotion to
partnersPromotion to
partners
Cross-cutting principles applied to all functions
Communityengagement SafetyMaintenance
(long-term)CommunityengagementCommunityengagement SafetySafetyMaintenance
(long-term)Maintenance(long-term)
Delivery of the Green Infrastructure Strategy
Feed
back
3.3 Links to the Core Strategy themes
3.3.1 Sustainable Quality of Place
Increasing the Sustainable Quality of Place is a high priority for both councils and this is expressed within the Joint Core Strategy and the councils’ Local Area Agreements (LAAs). The Gateshead LAA has a specific objective to ‘provide clean and green neighbourhoods’, while enhancement of Newcastle’s parks is a significant objective of its LAA. Existing land use is shown on Figure 3.3 and relevant key functions of green infrastructure for NewcastleGateshead in respect of this Core Strategy Theme are listed in Table 3.1, with priority functions in bold.
3.3.2 Economic Growth and Prosperity
NewcastleGateshead aims to compete with other global cities to attract and retain inward investment and skilled employees. Investment in green infrastructure can contribute to ensuring that NewcastleGateshead is considered a world-class city area. Figure 3.4 shows key sites for economic activity and development in NewcastleGateshead and relevant key functions of green infrastructure in respect of this Core Strategy Theme are listed in Table 3.1, with priority functions in bold.
3.3.3 Homes and Thriving Neighbourhoods
Significant regeneration and house building is planned for deprived areas of NewcastleGateshead. Figure 3.5 shows the location of the most severely deprived areas. Relevant key functions of green infrastructure in respect of this Core Strategy Theme are listed in Table 3.1, with priority functions in bold.
3.3.4 Health and Well Being
Increasing residents’ health and well being is a primary concern for NewcastleGateshead and this is supported by its inclusion as a high level objective within the Joint Core Strategy. Figure 3.6 shows the extent of areas of green infrastructure specifically contributing directly to health and wellbeing in NewcastleGateshead and relevant key functions of green infrastructure in respect of this Core Strategy Theme are listed in Table 3.1, with priority functions in bold.
26173rrPage 17
26173rrPage 18
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011
Figu
re 3
.3
Sust
aina
ble
qual
ity o
f pla
ce
Figu
re 3
.4
Econ
omic
gro
wth
and
pro
sper
ity
Key
to in
dust
rial e
stat
es, b
usin
ess
park
s an
d
high
er e
duca
tion
esta
blis
hmen
ts
IE1.
Bru
nsw
ick
IE
2. N
orth
ern
Dev
elop
men
t Are
a IE
3. A
irpor
t IE
4. R
edbu
rn
IE5.
Gos
forth
IE
6. F
ossw
ay W
alke
rgat
e
IE7.
Eliz
abet
h S
treet
/Byk
er
IE8.
Eas
t Gat
eshe
ad
IE9.
Sal
tmea
dow
IE
10. B
ill Q
uay
IE
11. W
alke
r Riv
ersi
de
IE12
. Gre
en L
ane
IE
13. F
ollin
gsby
Par
k
IE14
. Por
tobe
llo
IE15
. Row
letc
h
IE16
. Tea
m V
alle
y
IE17
. Dun
ston
IE
18. S
ands
IE
19. D
erw
enth
augh
IE
20. B
layd
on H
augh
s
IE21
. Whi
ckha
m
IE23
. Add
ison
IE
24. S
targ
ate
IE
25. H
igh
Spe
n
IE26
. Whi
nfie
ld
IE27
. Brit
ish
Engi
nes/
RM
NB
IE28
. Els
wic
k IE
29 S
tage
coac
h G
arag
e IE
30 C
ounc
il D
epot
B1. T
he S
age
Busi
ness
Par
k B2
. Sci
ence
City
B
3. B
altic
Bus
ines
s C
entre
U1.
New
cast
le U
nive
rsity
U
2. N
orth
umbr
ia U
nive
rsity
U
3. G
ates
head
Col
lege
U
4 N
ewca
stle
Col
lege
2617
3rr
Aug
ust 2
011
Figu
re 3
.5
Hom
es a
nd th
rivin
g ne
ighb
ourh
oods
2617
3rr
Aug
ust 2
011
Figu
re 3
.6
Hea
lth a
nd w
ellb
eing
2617
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Aug
ust 2
011
2617
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Page
19A
ugus
t 201
1
Tabl
e 3.
1 R
elat
ions
hips
bet
wee
n C
ore
Stra
tegy
them
es a
nd g
reen
infr
astr
uctu
re fu
nctio
ns
Func
tion
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Sust
aina
ble
Qua
lity
of P
lace
The
me
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Econ
omic
G
row
th a
nd P
rosp
erity
The
me
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Hom
es
and
Thriv
ing
Nei
ghbo
urho
ods
Them
e O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
ealth
an
d W
ell B
eing
The
me
Bio
dive
rsity
pr
otec
tion
and
enha
ncem
ent
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
cont
ribut
es to
qu
ality
of p
lace
thro
ugh:
�en
hanc
ing
and
prot
ectin
g hi
gh
qual
ity g
reen
spa
ce w
ith v
alue
d w
ildlif
e ha
bita
ts a
nd s
ites;
�m
ultip
le s
mal
l sca
le a
ctio
ns in
ur
bani
sed
area
s (e
.g. p
onds
, w
ildflo
wer
are
as, s
hrub
s/tre
es a
nd
gree
n ro
ofs
and
wal
ls);
�w
ell m
anag
ed g
reen
cor
ridor
s to
su
ppor
t mov
emen
t and
pr
opag
atio
n of
wild
life.
A hi
gh q
ualit
y na
tura
l env
ironm
ent r
ich
in
wild
life
prov
ides
opp
ortu
nitie
s fo
r ec
otou
rism
.
Prov
idin
g ac
cess
ible
gre
en
infra
stru
ctur
e cl
ose
to c
omm
uniti
es c
an
help
them
to th
rive
thro
ugh:
�su
ppor
ting
resi
dent
s to
und
erst
and
and
care
for t
he n
atur
al
envi
ronm
ent;
and
�de
velo
ping
opp
ortu
nitie
s fo
r re
laxa
tion;
�pr
ovid
ing
volu
ntee
ring
oppo
rtuni
ties
in n
atur
e co
nser
vatio
n, b
enef
iting
co
mm
unity
coh
esio
n.
Expo
sure
to n
atur
e pr
ovid
es:
�op
portu
nitie
s fo
r rel
axat
ion
and,
as
a re
sult,
can
impr
ove
peop
le’s
ph
ysic
al a
nd m
enta
l hea
lth.
Non
-m
otor
ised
tran
spor
tsy
stem
s
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
cont
ribut
es to
qu
ality
of p
lace
thro
ugh:
�im
prov
ed a
ir qu
ality
due
to
redu
ced
emis
sion
s fro
m c
ars;
�m
aint
aine
d gr
een
corri
dors
in
urba
n ar
eas,
whi
ch p
rovi
de
sust
aina
ble
trans
port
rout
es, a
lso
incr
ease
the
qual
ity o
f pla
ce.
Wel
l mai
ntai
ned,
gre
en, s
usta
inab
le
trans
port
rout
es b
etw
een
resi
dent
ial a
reas
an
d em
ploy
men
t site
s as
sist
eco
nom
ic
activ
ity th
roug
h:
�pr
ovid
ing
chea
per a
ltern
ativ
es to
car
-ba
sed
trave
l;
�de
crea
se tr
affic
con
gest
ion.
Sust
aina
ble
trans
port
rout
es c
an a
ssis
t ne
ighb
ourh
oods
by:
�en
cour
agin
g us
e of
loca
l ret
ail a
nd
com
mun
ity fa
cilit
ies
rath
er th
an
trave
lling
to m
ore
dist
ant f
acilit
ies
by c
ar;
�in
crea
sing
the
sens
e of
ow
ners
hip
and
resp
onsi
bilit
y to
war
ds lo
cal
faci
litie
s.
Sust
aina
ble
trave
l usi
ng g
reen
in
frast
ruct
ure:
�in
volv
es p
hysi
cal e
xerc
ise
and
ther
efor
e ca
n im
prov
e he
alth
and
w
ellb
eing
.
Func
tion
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Econ
omic
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
omes
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
ealth
Su
stai
nabl
e Q
ualit
y of
Pla
ce T
hem
e G
row
th a
nd P
rosp
erity
The
me
and
Thriv
ing
Nei
ghbo
urho
ods
Them
e an
d W
ell B
eing
The
me
Rec
reat
ion,
qu
iet
enjo
ymen
t an
d he
alth
be
nefit
s
Qua
lity
gree
n in
frast
ruct
ure
loca
tions
for
recr
eatio
n:
�at
tract
wor
kers
, tou
rists
and
in
vest
ors,
hel
ping
to s
uppo
rt th
e lo
cal
econ
omy.
Qua
lity
gree
n in
frast
ruct
ure
avai
labl
e lo
cally
for r
ecre
atio
nal u
se:
�ca
n in
crea
se o
ppor
tuni
ties
for l
ocal
re
side
nts
to in
tera
ct;
�in
resi
dent
ial d
evel
opm
ents
can
he
lp to
enc
oura
ge lo
cal r
esid
ents
to
par
ticip
ate
in o
utdo
or re
crea
tion.
Use
of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e fo
r re
laxa
tion
and
exer
cise
can
impr
ove
heal
th le
vels
, pro
vide
d:
�co
nven
ient
, ope
n sp
aces
are
ac
cess
ible
;
�pe
ople
are
aw
are
of w
hat i
s av
aila
ble;
�pe
ople
feel
com
forta
ble
in th
ese
spac
es a
nd w
ith e
very
one
they
m
eet i
n th
em.
Econ
omic
be
nefit
s G
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e ca
n pr
ovid
e be
nefit
s to
the
loca
l eco
nom
y by
:
�im
prov
ing
the
qual
ity o
f the
w
orkp
lace
, if i
ncor
pora
ted
into
de
sign
s fo
r bus
ines
s pa
rks
and
indu
stria
l est
ates
;
�en
hanc
ing
the
qual
ity o
f pla
ce in
re
side
ntia
l are
as th
roug
h in
corp
orat
ion
into
rege
nera
tion
sche
mes
.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
cont
ribut
e to
m
aint
aini
ng a
hig
h qu
ality
and
attr
activ
e en
viro
nmen
t whi
ch s
uppo
rts in
war
d in
vest
men
t and
eco
nom
ic g
row
th b
y:
�im
prov
ing
perc
eptio
ns a
nd im
age
of
the
conu
rbat
ion,
par
ticul
arly
thro
ugh
enha
ncem
ent o
f the
gat
eway
s to
N
ewca
stle
Gat
eshe
ad v
ia ro
ads
and
railw
ays;
�su
ppor
ting
wid
er re
gene
ratio
n ob
ject
ives
thro
ugh
the
attra
ctio
n/re
tent
ion
of a
ski
lled
wor
kfor
ce to
the
area
.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
help
to b
uild
th
rivin
g co
mm
uniti
es th
roug
h:
�in
corp
orat
ion
into
urb
an d
esig
n of
ne
w h
ousi
ng d
evel
opm
ents
, es
peci
ally
in d
ense
ly u
rban
ised
ar
eas
with
exi
stin
g hi
gh le
vels
of
depr
ivat
ion,
to p
rovi
de a
mor
e at
tract
ive
envi
ronm
ent w
here
pe
ople
wan
t to
live;
�su
ppor
ting
attra
ctio
n of
a
wor
kfor
ce w
ith g
reat
er s
kills
to
cont
ribut
e to
dev
elop
men
t of
stro
nger
and
mor
e ac
tive
com
mun
ities
.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
prov
ide
oppo
rtuni
ties
for f
ree
or c
heap
re
crea
tion
with
out e
ntry
or t
rave
l cos
ts
and
for f
ood-
grow
ing,
bot
h be
nefit
ting
depr
ived
com
mun
ities
.
Her
itage
pres
erva
tion
and
cultu
ral
expr
essi
on
Gre
enin
g of
her
itage
site
s ca
n:
�in
crea
se th
eir d
esira
bilit
y as
vis
itor
dest
inat
ions
.
Gre
enin
g of
her
itage
site
s ca
n:
�en
cour
age
inco
me
gene
ratio
n fro
m
casu
al v
isito
rs a
nd c
omm
unity
led
even
ts to
con
tribu
te to
thei
r co
nser
vatio
n.
Gre
en h
erita
ge s
ites
can
prov
ide:
�a
focu
s fo
r com
mun
ity e
vent
s,
incr
easi
ng c
omm
unity
de
velo
pmen
t and
coh
esio
n.
2617
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20A
ugus
t 201
1
Func
tion
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Econ
omic
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
omes
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
ealth
Su
stai
nabl
e Q
ualit
y of
Pla
ce T
hem
e G
row
th a
nd P
rosp
erity
The
me
and
Thriv
ing
Nei
ghbo
urho
ods
Them
e an
d W
ell B
eing
The
me
Land
scap
e an
d vi
sual
be
nefit
s
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
prov
ide
bene
fits
to th
e ae
sthe
tic v
alue
of t
he
loca
l env
ironm
ent b
y:
�en
hanc
ing
the
land
scap
e th
roug
h th
e sc
reen
ing,
rest
orat
ion
and
rege
nera
tion
of d
egra
ded
or
dere
lict s
ites
and
trans
port
corri
dors
;
�pr
ovid
ing
acce
ss th
roug
h th
e st
rate
gic
netw
ork
to h
igh
qual
ity
land
scap
es.
Impr
ovem
ent o
f the
aes
thet
ic q
ualit
y of
th
e lo
cal e
nviro
nmen
t thr
ough
land
scap
ing
wor
ks c
an:
�cr
eate
upl
ift in
the
prop
erty
mar
ket,
as p
ositi
ve p
erce
ptio
ns o
f an
area
ar
e re
info
rced
.
Use
of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e to
impr
ove
aest
hetic
qua
lity
of re
side
ntia
l are
as
can:
�ha
ve a
pos
itive
impa
ct o
n a
com
mun
ity’s
prid
e an
d se
nse
of
plac
e;
�en
cour
age
inw
ard
inve
stm
ent a
nd
attra
ct/re
tain
resi
dent
s.
Impr
ovin
g en
viro
nmen
tal q
ualit
y an
d at
tract
iven
ess
of g
reen
spa
ces
can:
�en
cour
age
peop
le to
use
them
, th
us im
prov
ing
thei
r hea
lth a
nd
wel
lbei
ng th
roug
h ex
erci
se.
Sust
aina
ble
wat
er a
nd
flood
risk
m
anag
emen
t
App
ropr
iate
floo
d ris
k m
anag
emen
t of
fers
the
oppo
rtuni
ty fo
r im
prov
ing
the
qual
ity o
f pla
ce b
y:
�de
velo
pmen
t of q
ualit
y gr
een
infra
stru
ctur
e re
crea
tion
and
wild
life
site
s in
floo
d pl
ains
whe
re
othe
r bui
lt de
velo
pmen
t is
inap
prop
riate
;
�gr
eeni
ng o
f den
se u
rban
are
as to
in
crea
se g
roun
d su
rface
pe
rmea
bilit
y, th
us re
duci
ng
flood
ing
due
to ra
pid
surfa
ce
runo
ff, w
hile
als
o co
ntrib
utin
g to
a
high
er q
ualit
y en
viro
nmen
t.
Use
of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e to
sup
port
sust
aina
ble
drai
nage
sys
tem
s ca
n:
�re
duce
the
econ
omic
cos
ts
asso
ciat
ed w
ith fl
ood
dam
age.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
cont
ribut
es to
floo
d ris
k re
duct
ion
thro
ugh
flood
plai
n m
anag
emen
t, su
stai
nabl
e dr
aina
ge
syst
ems
and
incr
ease
d gr
ound
pe
rmea
bilit
y, th
us re
duci
ng th
e ad
vers
e ef
fect
s on
hea
lth w
hich
can
aris
e fro
m:
�di
srup
tion
of w
ater
sup
plie
s an
d sa
nita
tion
syst
ems;
�pe
rson
al s
tress
ass
ocia
ted
with
da
mag
e to
pro
perty
.
2617
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21A
ugus
t 201
1
Func
tion
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Econ
omic
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
omes
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
ealth
Su
stai
nabl
e Q
ualit
y of
Pla
ce T
hem
e G
row
th a
nd P
rosp
erity
The
me
and
Thriv
ing
Nei
ghbo
urho
ods
Them
e an
d W
ell B
eing
The
me
Miti
gatio
n of
an
d ad
apta
tion
to
clim
ate
chan
ge
Gre
enin
g of
are
as to
pro
vide
loca
l ad
apta
tion
to c
limat
e ch
ange
can
in
crea
se th
e qu
ality
of p
lace
by:
�br
eaki
ng u
p th
e ur
ban
heat
isla
nd
effe
ct o
f con
stru
ctio
n m
ater
ials
w
ith a
hig
h th
erm
al c
apac
ity;
�pr
ovid
ing
shad
e fo
r peo
ple;
�pr
ovid
ing
mul
tifun
ctio
nal f
eatu
res
of in
tere
st in
the
land
scap
e, s
uch
as n
ew S
uDS
wet
land
s.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
cont
ribut
e to
cl
imat
e ch
ange
ada
ptat
ion:
�by
impr
ovin
g th
e qu
ality
of p
lace
, w
hich
will
incr
ease
the
appe
al o
f N
ewca
stle
Gat
eshe
ad a
s a
plac
e to
w
ork;
�fo
r com
mer
cial
pre
mis
es in
pa
rticu
lar,
by u
se o
f riv
ers
to p
rovi
de
heat
ing
and
cool
ing
of b
uild
ings
us
ing
heat
-pum
p te
chno
logy
.
Use
of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e fo
r loc
al
clim
ate
chan
ge a
dapt
atio
n, e
.g. t
hrou
gh
tree
shad
ing,
can
:
�en
cour
age
resi
dent
s to
spe
nd ti
me
outd
oors
, inc
reas
ing
com
mun
ity
cohe
sion
.
Use
of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e fo
r loc
al
clim
ate
chan
ge a
dapt
atio
n, e
.g. t
hrou
gh
tree
shad
ing,
can
:
�he
lp to
avo
id a
dver
se e
ffect
s of
ex
cess
ive
expo
sure
to th
e su
n.
Link
s be
twee
n to
wn
and
coun
try
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
links
bet
wee
n to
wn
and
coun
try c
an:
�he
lp to
sup
port
mov
emen
t bet
wee
n th
e tw
o ar
eas,
allo
win
g re
side
nts
to
acce
ss w
ider
em
ploy
men
t op
portu
nitie
s.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
links
bet
wee
n to
wn
and
coun
try c
an
�in
crea
se th
e at
tract
iven
ess
and
desi
rabi
lity
of re
side
ntia
l are
as
bene
fittin
g fro
m th
ese
links
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
links
bet
wee
n to
wn
and
coun
try c
an:
�pr
ovid
e pe
ople
with
acc
ess
to
tranq
uil,
rura
l are
as, t
hus
aidi
ng
rela
xatio
n an
d re
lievi
ng s
tress
.
Sust
aina
ble
ener
gy u
se
and
prod
uctio
n
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
help
to im
prov
e en
ergy
effi
cien
cy th
roug
h;
�ap
prop
riate
use
of t
ree
plan
ting,
pa
rticu
larly
in c
omm
erci
al b
uild
ings
;
�de
velo
pmen
t of s
mal
l-sca
le
hydr
oele
ctric
ity g
ener
atio
n, w
here
pr
actic
able
.
Con
tribu
tions
to e
nerg
y ef
ficie
ncy:
�in
crea
se th
e su
stai
nabi
lity
of
com
mun
ities
.
2617
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22A
ugus
t 201
1
Func
tion
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Econ
omic
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
omes
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
ealth
Su
stai
nabl
e Q
ualit
y of
Pla
ce T
hem
e G
row
th a
nd P
rosp
erity
The
me
and
Thriv
ing
Nei
ghbo
urho
ods
Them
e an
d W
ell B
eing
The
me
Sust
aina
ble
food
pr
oduc
tion
Dev
elop
men
t of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e fo
r su
stai
nabl
e fo
od p
rodu
ctio
n:
�co
ntrib
utes
to th
e lo
cal e
cono
my
and
can
be b
enef
icia
l to
disp
osab
le
inco
me
leve
ls in
dep
rived
co
mm
uniti
es.
The
avai
labi
lity
of o
ppor
tuni
ties
to
grow
food
loca
lly c
an in
crea
se th
e at
tract
iven
ess
of a
reas
as
plac
es
to li
ve a
nd p
rom
ote
com
mun
ity
cohe
sion
Prov
isio
n of
an
adeq
uate
num
ber o
f al
lotm
ents
to m
eet d
eman
d w
ill:
�en
cour
age
prod
uctio
n of
food
by
resi
dent
s in
thei
r ow
n al
lotm
ents
or
gard
ens,
typi
cally
lead
ing
to
heal
thie
r die
ts a
nd re
duce
d fo
od
mile
s;
�en
cour
age
phys
ical
exe
rcis
e, a
t an
inte
nsity
ove
r whi
ch p
eopl
e ha
ve
full
cont
rol.
Reg
ular
ex
posu
re to
na
ture
and
bo
osts
to
awar
enes
s of
en
viro
nmen
tal
issu
es.
Prov
idin
g ac
cess
ible
gre
en
infra
stru
ctur
e cl
ose
to c
omm
uniti
es c
an
help
them
to th
rive
thro
ugh:
�su
ppor
ting
resi
dent
s un
ders
tand
ing
of th
e na
tura
l en
viro
nmen
t;
�de
velo
ping
opp
ortu
nitie
s fo
r re
laxa
tion.
Expo
sure
to n
atur
e pr
ovid
es:
�op
portu
nitie
s fo
r rel
axat
ion
and,
as
a re
sult,
can
impr
ove
peop
le’s
ph
ysic
al a
nd m
enta
l hea
lth.
Educ
atio
n an
d tra
inin
g N
ewca
stle
and
Nor
thum
bria
Uni
vers
ities
an
d G
ates
head
and
New
cast
le
Col
lege
s:
�ar
e se
t in
cam
puse
s w
hich
can
co
ntrib
ute
sign
ifica
ntly
to g
reen
in
frast
ruct
ure
in th
e ci
ty c
entre
;
�ha
ve p
olic
ies
supp
ortin
g bi
odiv
ersi
ty a
nd g
reen
in
frast
ruct
ure,
whi
ch s
uppo
rt th
e w
ider
net
wor
k.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
cont
ribut
e to
ec
onom
ic p
rosp
erity
thro
ugh:
�gr
eeni
ng o
f cam
puse
s, e
spec
ially
in
the
city
cen
tre, w
hich
will
enc
oura
ge
stud
ents
to a
ttend
;
�pr
ovid
ing
oppo
rtuni
ties
for b
oth
volu
ntee
ring
and
empl
oym
ent i
n th
e ‘g
reen
’ sec
tor.
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
cont
ribut
e to
co
mm
uniti
es th
roug
h:
�pr
ovid
ing
oppo
rtuni
ties
for w
ork
by
volu
ntee
rs, w
hich
can
pro
vide
sk
ills tr
aini
ng a
nd fo
ster
a s
ense
of
owne
rshi
p of
and
resp
ect f
or th
e gr
een
infra
stru
ctur
e an
d th
e en
viro
nmen
t gen
eral
ly.
2617
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23A
ugus
t 201
1
Func
tion
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Opp
ortu
nitie
s to
sup
port
the
Econ
omic
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
omes
O
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
uppo
rt th
e H
ealth
Su
stai
nabl
e Q
ualit
y of
Pla
ce T
hem
e G
row
th a
nd P
rosp
erity
The
me
and
Thriv
ing
Nei
ghbo
urho
ods
Them
e an
d W
ell B
eing
The
me
Impr
oved
air
qual
ity
Enco
urag
emen
t of s
usta
inab
le tr
ansp
ort
thro
ugh
gree
n in
frast
ruct
ure:
�re
duce
s ve
hicl
e us
e an
d em
issi
ons
lead
ing
to c
lean
er a
ir. fo
r peo
ple
and
wild
life.
Red
uced
veh
icle
em
issi
ons,
due
to u
se
of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e fo
r sus
tain
able
tra
nspo
rt:, c
ontri
bute
s to
hea
lth a
nd
wel
lbei
ng th
roug
h:
�re
duce
d ex
posu
re to
veh
icle
ex
haus
t em
issi
ons.
Opp
ortu
nitie
s fo
r chi
ldre
n to
pl
ay fr
eely
Gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
can
cont
ribut
e to
co
mm
unity
coh
esio
n th
roug
h:
�in
tegr
atio
n of
mea
sure
s to
add
ress
id
entif
ied
defic
ienc
ies
in p
lay
prov
isio
n in
to w
ider
gre
en
infra
stru
ctur
e.
The
use
of g
reen
infra
stru
ctur
e to
ad
dres
s de
ficie
ncie
s in
pla
y ar
ea
prov
isio
n ca
n:
�en
cour
age
parti
cipa
tion
in p
hysi
cal
recr
eatio
nal a
ctiv
ities
;
�en
cour
age
child
ren
to a
dopt
ex
erci
se ro
utin
es w
hich
may
be
cont
inue
d in
late
r life
;
�m
ake
a po
sitiv
e co
ntrib
utio
n to
pe
ople
’s h
ealth
and
wel
lbei
ng.
2617
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24A
ugus
t 201
1
26173rrPage 25
August 2011
4. Green Infrastructure Strategy for NewcastleGateshead
4.1 Vision Networks
Quality of place
Economic prosperity
Homes and thriving neighbourhoods
Health andwellbeing
SCS themes
Enhance
Protect
Regenerate
Meet needs
NetworksNetworks
Quality of placeQuality of place
Funding
EnhanceEnhance
Attractpeople
Promote
ManagefloodsTyne Estuary
Key issues
Economic prosperityEconomic prosperity
Homes and thriving neighbourhoods
Homes and thriving neighbourhoods
Health andwellbeing
SCS themes
Health andwellbeing
SCS themes
ProtectIn this chapter we set out an overall strategy for future provision of green infrastructure in NewcastleGateshead, which aims to address the key issues listed in section 3.1.2 (summarised to the right) and contribute to the Joint Core Strategy themes as described in Table 3.1. We consider in turn each priority function of green infrastructure (see section 3.2.1 for derivation of priority functions). As will be clear from the tables, many green infrastructure functions contribute to more than one Joint Core Strategy theme.
Protect
RegenerateRegenerate
Meet needsMeet needs
FundingFunding
AttractpeopleAttractpeople
PromotePromote
ManagefloodsManagefloodsTyne EstuaryTyne Estuary
Key issues
Examples of some of the elements of a typical green infrastructure strategy are illustrated in the conceptual diagram below.
Source: Natural England, Green Infrastructure Guidance
4.2 Green Infrastructure Priorities for Action
4.2.1 Strategic network
We will seek to ensure that:
� the integrity of the strategic network is safeguarded and enhanced;
� gaps within the strategic green infrastructure corridors that limit wildlife movement or access by people using sustainable non-motorised transport are addressed.
In section 3.1.3, we identified a strategic network of green infrastructure corridors based on information detailed in Appendix B. These corridors provide a spatial framework within which we will prioritise protection and development of green infrastructure, particularly features providing linkages for wildlife and for access by people. This strategic green infrastructure network is summarised in Table 4.1 and shown in Figure 4.1, which also shows particular areas where there are specific opportunities for green infrastructure development, as described in the next section, as well as development areas, which should also be a focus for development of green infrastructure.
The River Tyne green infrastructure corridor provides a key link in the strategic network
More detailed maps of each of the thirteen corridors are given in Appendix C, along with larger scale maps showing boundaries of the individual corridors where they meet.
Many of the strategic green infrastructure corridors identified follow river valleys or former/restored waggonway or railway routes, as here with the Tanfield Railway corridor at Andrews House © Christine Johnstone CCBYSA 2010
26173rrPage 26
August 2011
N
Bas
ed u
pon
the
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nanc
e S
urve
y M
ap w
ith th
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rmis
sion
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he C
ontro
ller o
f Her
Maj
esty
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tatio
nery
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ce. ©
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ht. E
ntec
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en In
frast
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reen
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ithin
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c G
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ad
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nity
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er T
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urn
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eato
n Sl
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urn
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twic
k Ca
rr
Tyne
Est
uary
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ridor
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oast
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ley
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c Co
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ield
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lston
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ailw
ay (E
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ll Q
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ton
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k an
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ewor
th
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lsen
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rn to
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ks M
ill
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ridor
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ridor
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Tow
n M
oor
and
Woo
lsin
gton
Ous
ebur
n to
W
albo
ttle
Den
e
Team
Val
ley
Saltw
ell P
ark
Blay
don
and
Barlo
w B
urns
Der
wen
t Va
lley
Der
wen
t Val
ley
Stra
tegi
c Co
rrid
or
to D
erw
ent R
eser
voir
Tanfi
eld
Railw
ay
Team
Val
ley
Gos
fort
h Pa
rk a
nd
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tsla
de
Ous
ebur
n to
W
albo
ttle
Den
e
Der
wen
t Va
lley
26173rrPage 27
August 2011
Table 4.1 Strategic green infrastructure corridors
No. Corridor Description
1 Seaton Burn and Prestwick Carr Seaton Burn valley, including Big Waters (open water) and Prestwick Carr, continuing outside Newcastle to the sea at Seaton Sluice, linking with corridor 2 at Weetslade Country Park.
2 Gosforth Park and Weetslade Tributary valley of the Ouseburn valley through Gosforth Park and Weetslade Country Park, linking to corridor 3 and with corridor 1 (outside Newcastle)
3 Ouseburn to Walbottle Dene Whole of the Ouseburn valley and Walbottle Dene, including extensive floodplain, recreational areas in Jesmond Dene and the lower Ouseburn regeneration areas,; this corridor is linked to corridor 13 at each end, corridor 2 at Gosforth and corridor 4 at Haddricks Mill.
4 Wallsend Burn to Haddricks Mill Wallsend Burn valley plus link via managed green space to corridor 3, continuing outside Newcastle to the River Tyne at Willington Gut.
5 Town Moor and Woolsington Extensive city centre grassland areas (Town Moor and Nuns Moor), formal parks (Leazes Park, Exhibition Park) and link through to corridor 3.
6 Bowes Railway East and Bill Quay
Link from River Team at Lamesley (corridor 9), along the former Bowes Railway line, linking with corridor 7 at Eighton Banks, crossing the Gateshead boundary twice, linking with corridor 13 at Bill Quay, then continuing outside Gateshead to the River Don valley and the River Tyne at Jarrow Slake.
7 Eighton Banks, Windy Nook and Heworth
Green link comprising a diverse range of green infrastructure, linking corridor 6 at Eighton Banks with corridor 13 at Felling Shore.
8 Saltwell Park Large municipal park and cemetery, not linked to other corridors.
9 Team Valley River Team Valley upstream of Team Valley Trading Estate, incorporating floodplain areas, continuing upstream along and then beyond the Gateshead boundary through County Durham to Tanfield; links with corridor 6 at Lamesley and corridor 10 at Hedley Fell.
10 Tanfield Railway Corridor along the former Tanfield Railway line from Hedley Fell (link with corridor 9) to the River Tyne (corridor 13) at Teams, incorporating Hedley Hall nature reserve, Burdon Moor and Watergate Forest Park.
11 Derwent Valley Steep valley with extensive deciduous woodland, including ancient woodland, from River Tyne (corridor 13) at Derwenthaugh upstream to the Gateshead boundary and beyond into County Durham, incorporating Gibside Estate and a link via Chopwell Wood (mainly coniferous woodland) to corridor 12.
12 Blaydon and Barlow Burns Steep-sided stream valley with mixed woodland and lagoons, flanked by meadows; from River Tyne (corridor 13) to Coalburns, linking with Chopwell Wood (corridor 11).
13 River Tyne The River Tyne corridor from Wylam to Wallsend/Felling and continuing to the sea outside NewcastleGateshead, supporting aquatic, inter-tidal and bankside habitats, as well as commercial and recreational navigation and waterside development for residential, business and cultural uses; linking with corridors 3, 6, 7, 10, 11 and12.
4.2.2 Opportunity Areas
We will:
� take account of opportunity areas in spatial plans;
� investigate opportunities further and draw up a list of priorities in the Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
Based on the outputs of the Evidence Base and the consultation events undertaken as part of this study, a number of ‘opportunity areas’ for specific green infrastructure development have been identified within the strategic corridors. These are illustrated on Figure 4.2.
Figure 4.2 Opportunity areas
Identified opportunity areas A. Brenkley Colliery and opencast site E. Gateshead Town Centre I. Jesmond Dene/lower Ouseburn valley M. Lower Derwent valley B. Upper Ouseburn Valley F. Metro Green/Scotswood J. Walker Riverside/Felling Shore N. Wardley Manor C. Denton Dene G. Newburn Haugh/Riverside K. Team Valley O. River Tyne Estuary corridor D. Dunston Staiths H. Newcastle City Centre L. Walker Park
26173rrPage 28
August 2011
The opportunities presented by these opportunity areas are summarised in Table 4.2. The green infrastructure functions that could be fulfilled at each site are summarised in Table 4.3.
Table 4.2 Opportunity areas
Site Site description Key opportunities for green infrastructure action
A - Brenkley Colliery and open cast coal sites
Parts of the area have been used previously as a colliery, as an open cast coal site (OCCS) and more recently for waste disposal and electricity generation (1.9MW) from landfill gas. Further opencast mining is proposed within Newcastle City at Brenkley.
� The opencast area to the north of the Newcastle City boundary is being restored as extraction finishes and the restoration will include a major new visitor attraction, a vast earth sculpture to be called Northumberlandia. There is an opportunity for restoration and regeneration of the area within Newcastle to provide a green infrastructure corridor linking the Seaton Burn strategic corridor and Northumberlandia.
B – Upper Ouseburn Valley
The river has a low gradient in this area and the valley includes floodplain areas
� The floodplain represents an opportunity for larger scale green infrastructure development, particularly habitat improvement to achieve wildlife conservation benefit.
C – Denton Dene Site is currently amenity grassland providing accessible green space within the urban area.
� Potential for development of outdoor recreation facilities.
� Development of linkages with Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.
D - Dunston Staiths
The last of the many wooden coal staiths used for tipping coal from railway wagons into seagoing ships, the staiths represent a significant link to the coal mining heritage of the area and are now a Scheduled Monument. The surrounding mudflat that has developed since dredging ceased is the most important inter-tidal area on the tidal River Tyne for birds.
� Increase/improve access, use and cultural heritage interpretation of the staiths, while maintaining the wildlife value of the mudflats and the staiths themselves as a bird roosting site. This will require partnership working between stakeholders to agree compromises to accommodate different, potentially conflicting, uses.
E - Gateshead Town Centre
Dense urban development has limited the extent of green space
� Green infrastructure links are required between Gateshead Quayside and Town Centre to promote the use of sustainable transport routes and improve the legibility of linkages.
� Use of enhanced green infrastructure to improve the settings of and access to existing historic environment features and the recreational use of parks.
� Restoration/regeneration of degraded sites and highway buffers, e.g. East Gateshead Quays.
� Development of further green infrastructure sites in the town centre to decrease the urban heat island effect.
� Development of detailed guidance on incorporation of green infrastructure during regeneration and development projects.
26173rrPage 29
August 2011
Site Site description Key opportunities for green infrastructure action
F – Metro Green / Scotswood
MetroCentre and Metro Green are on made ground on the south bank of the Tyne in an area of former mudflats. Scotswood is on the north bank but at a higher elevation.
� Potential for green infrastructure development around the flood zone and retail area, which could improve the setting of the MetroCentre and the new residential village.
� Potential for better access to the riverbank at the MetroCentre.
� Enhancement of highway buffers in the area which would improve the aesthetic quality of this key retail area.
� Incorporation of green infrastructure in housing redevelopment plans for Scotswood.
G - Newburn Haugh/Riverside
Low lying business park within a river meander with relict tidal channel (Lemington Gut) providing saline grassland and some saltmarsh habitat.
� Possible area for salt marsh extension along Lemington Gut.
� Possible increased use of the River Tyne for recreation.
� Possible links with the Natural England offices in this area, e.g. interpretation and education provision.
H – Newcastle City Centre
Dense urban development has limited the extent of green space
� Use of green infrastructure to break up and improve the aesthetic quality of the urban environment and historic features in parts of the City Centre.
� Development of detailed guidance on incorporation of green infrastructure during regeneration and development projects
I - Jesmond Dene/ lower Ouseburn Valley
Very accessible green corridor heavily used for recreation but with a break in continuity in the Ouseburn Culvert/City Stadium area.
� Improved green infrastructure links between the City Centre and Jesmond Dene to improve environmental quality and expand the tourism offer. Jesmond Dene and lower Ouseburn valley could be promoted as a green infrastructure hub within the City.
� Improved green infrastructure links between Jesmond Dene and the lower Ouseburn valley via the City Stadium area.
� Enhancement of green infrastructure within Jesmond Dene and South Jesmond Conservation Areas.
J - Walker Riverside/Felling Shore
Extensive green linear riverbank areas.
� Enhancement of the riverside areas to increase perceptions of safety and support accessibility along these linear parks areas, supporting regeneration objectives.
K - Team Valley Flood plain area upstream of Team Valley Trading Estate
� Larger scale green infrastructure development in the floodplain areas, particularly habitat improvement to achieve wildlife conservation benefit. This could be linked to ongoing development work at Ravensworth Castle and Estate.
L – Walker Park Municipal park � Creation of green infrastructure links from Walker Park to Walker Riverside Park using under utilised space which requires enhancement and purpose.
M - Lower Derwent Valley
The lower 1200m of the River Derwent crosses the A1 road and passes a number of poor quality industrial areas, resulting in poor access to the riverside on the east bank. The river is channelised here.
� Improvement of green infrastructure access between the Derwent Walk and the River Tyne, particularly on the east bank of the River Derwent, where paths pass though poor quality industrial areas.
� In the longer term softening of riverbanks where land is available to provide better marginal habitat.
N – Wardley Manor Country Park
A proposed new country or forest park on the site of Wardley Colliery
� Proposed further development and opening of the country or forest park.
O – River Tyne Largely canalised tidal river � See River Tyne Strategy at Appendix D
26173rrPage 30
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Table 4.3 Opportunity areas and priority green infrastructure functions
Priority green infrastructure functions
Opportunity areas
Bio
dive
rsity
Non
-mot
oris
edtr
ansp
ort s
yste
ms
Rec
reat
ion,
qui
et
enjo
ymen
t and
he
alth
ben
efits
Econ
omic
ben
efits
Her
itage
pres
erva
tion
and
cultu
ral e
xpre
ssio
n
Land
scap
e an
d to
wns
cape
Sust
aina
ble
wat
er
and
flood
risk
m
anag
emen
t
Miti
gatio
n of
and
ad
apta
tion
to
clim
ate
chan
ge
A - Brenkley Colliery and OCCS
B – Upper Ouseburn Valley
C – Denton Dene
D - Dunston Staiths
E - Gateshead Town Centre
F – MetroGreen/Scotswood
G - Newburn Haugh/Riverside
H – Newcastle City Centre
I - Jesmond Dene/lower Ouseburn valley
J - Walker Riverside/Felling Shore
K - Team Valley
L – Walker Park
M - Lower Derwent Valley
N – Wardley Manor Country Park
O – River Tyne
4.2.3 Areas of development
For the provision of additional or improved green infrastructure that is not necessarily part of the strategic network, our priorities will be to:
Development sites in the lower Ouseburn Valley
� work with developers to address identified gaps in the green infrastructure provision;
� provide developers with adequate guidance on inclusion of green infrastructure;
� agree developer contribution models.
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Areas of significant housing growth or of redevelopment will be the principal focus for the provision of new or improved green infrastructure. We will use the planning system to ensure that, wherever possible, development includes measures to address identified gaps in provision of open spaces, especially in the strategic network, and others, examples of which are set out in Appendix A. These include deficiencies in supply of:
� parks and open spaces for general recreation;
� outdoor playing pitches;
� play areas;
� allotments;
� a cemetery.
These may be aligned with the strategic green infrastructure network but need not be. Some deficiencies relate only to certain parts of NewcastleGateshead and could be addressed by inclusion of such provision within one or more development sites.
In addition, developers will be encouraged to design housing with green infrastructure provision as a fundamental part of the design, not as an add-on at the end. We will include this in our urban design guidance as it is updated and developed.
We will look to developers to include much of this as part of the design of the development, particularly in terms of local, doorstep green infrastructure. For provision of more centralised facilities, such as sports pitches, we will obtain funding where appropriate through developer contributions managed through planning agreements and/or through the Community Infrastructure Levy. The Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan will set out in more detail what improvements to green infrastructure will be prioritised and how we will seek to fund them.
4.2.4 Biodiversity
We will seek to ensure that wildlife benefit is achieved when planning any green infrastructure, particularly within strategic green infrastructure corridors, even in highly urban areas.
We will work with partners to avoid conflict between nature conservation and users of green infrastructure, through sympathetic design and management.
We will seek to remove or address gaps and constraints along wildlife enhancement corridors and ensure that all green infrastructure links are designed to act as wildlife corridors.
We will protect, monitor and promote positive management of Local Wildlife Sites across NewcastleGateshead, and designate the Tyne and its banks as a single Local Wildlife Site.
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Research during production of the Evidence Base helped to identify issues in relation to the protection, enhancement and creation of wildlife sites. A number of these issues relate principally to the River Tyne and are dealt with in more detail in the separate River Tyne Green Infrastructure Strategy (see Appendix D).
Kingfisher nest holes provided in the lower Ouseburn Valley – a strategic corridor
Biodiversity benefits can be obtained from most types of green infrastructure provision to a greater or lesser extent. At one end of the spectrum, some green infrastructure is managed principally for wildlife conservation and public use is mainly by those who are interested in and attracted by the wildlife present, for example Shibdon Pond Local Nature Reserve. However, other green infrastructure, such as playing fields and formal parks, depends for its utility on being maintained as highly managed grassland of major public amenity value, although it may have little wildlife conservation value. Even here though, it is rare that there is no opportunity to provide wildlife benefit, even if this is limited to narrow marginal fringes of rough grass, shrubs and trees. There is also often scope for reducing the frequency of non-essential mowing and introducing more sympathetic management around amenity areas. Similarly, paths used mainly as access routes, particularly those along stream valleys (denes) or old railways and waggonways, can often accommodate significant fringing vegetation which, if managed properly, provides habitat for meadow flowers or wet grassland and a corridor for movement of animals.
In some cases, human uses of green infrastructure may present a conflict with the requirements of wildlife. This is a particularly significant issue along the River Tyne Corridor, where wading birds which feed on the mudflats at low tide are very susceptible to disturbance by people or dogs. For example, Dunston Staiths area is a strategically important site for such birds, while the Staiths themselves are of great cultural heritage significance and warrant better interpretation and access, as well as activities to generate funding for maintenance. Furthermore, the riverside land lies within the MetroGreen and Dunston Riverside potential housing development area, creating development pressures, and the riverside forms part of a strategic off-road access route. Thus, there is significant potential for conflict between wildlife conservation and other interests, requiring careful planning to maximise the multifunctional benefits of green infrastructure in the area, while protecting wildlife. This issue is addressed in more detail in the River Tyne Green Infrastructure Strategy in Appendix D. Experience indicates that this sort of conflict is best avoided by early engagement of all stakeholders and establishment of partnerships to advise on design and management.
Gaps
Key gaps identified in wildlife corridors are shown in Figure 4.3 and listed in Appendix A.
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Figure 4.3 Gaps in wildlife corridors and access routes
Protection and enhancement issues
Lemington Gut is a Local Wildlife Site and the location of much of the remaining saltmarsh
Several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) were deemed to be at unfavourable status by Natural England and the protection and restoration of these sites should be a priority (Brenkley Meadows SSSI, Hallow Hill SSSI, Prestwick Carr SSSI and Ryton Willows SSSI). The River Derwent was also identified as a candidate for notification as an SSSI and this should be progressed.
Saltmarsh habitat is under severe threat on the Tyne, due to land reclamation, canalisation and hard flood defences. Threats will increase with sea level rise due to climate
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change. Priority should be given to protection of the remaining saltmarsh and extension of these areas where possible. Most of the inter-tidal area and some bankside areas of the River Tyne are protected through wildlife designations, with each council looking after its own bank. Advantages are seen in planning for wildlife conservation, while also allowing for navigation and riverbank access for travel and recreation, in designation of the whole of the tidal Tyne within NewcastleGateshead as a single Local Wildlife Site, taking in relevant (tidal) sections of the Team and Derwent and linking with Lemington Gut.
Most areas of higher quality habitat which fall below the standard of SSSIs are designated as Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs). These sites cover a significant area of land and form a vital part of our biodiversity resource. They currently comprise 126 sites in Gateshead and 28 in Newcastle. Ensuring the protection and appropriate management of LWSs is therefore vital to the conservation of biodiversity across NewcastleGateshead. Wildlife enhancement corridors also provide important ecological connectivity between these sites.
4.2.5 Non-motorised transport systems
We will seek to promote non-motorised transport routes across the green infrastructure network and remove identified gaps/constraints.
Hadrian’s Way is a key east-west route for non-motorised transport
Footpaths, cycle-ways and other non-motorised transport routes, in particular green off-road routes, provide an excellent resource for non-motorised transport users including commuters (community to work, services or school) and recreational users alike. Provision of a good interconnected network of such routes (including links to public transport) will help facilitate and encourage non-motorised travel. Routes linking places of work, residence and popular community areas, such as town centres, leisure centres and retail parks, are important in promoting the use of sustainable transport, particularly if they provide shorter journey times than using the road network.
The development of non-motorised transport routes will help also to improve health levels. The use of such paths can provide a ‘win win’ situation for residents allowing them both to improve their health through increasing their participation in exercise and decrease their journey time to and from work.
Gaps
Key gaps identified in non-motorised transport corridors are shown in Figure 4.3; fuller details are in Appendix A.
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Enhancement
The design of sustainable transport routes should consider safety (are sites overlooked and lit) and accessibility (are there enough entrances/exits to the routes, are these logical in relation to activity hubs). Routes should be developed or upgraded as appropriate to support a variety of users (i.e. multi-user routes/paths). The filling of missing links where routes end abruptly or do not join up should also be sought. Potential areas for growth will in particular provide opportunities to create and/or improve routes and create new linkages. Within area of potential growth existing routes should, where appropriate, be retained specifically those that contribute to the key routes within NewcastleGateshead (see Figure 2.1)
‘Car free’ days (Skyride) have been introduced in other cities, e.g. Brussels and Edinburgh, to promote the use of sustainable transport methods and such schemes should be considered in NewcastleGateshead. These schemes increase the awareness of sustainable transport routes and websites with this information should also be promoted.
A number of cities have introduced bicycle hire schemes, with cycles available at numerous docking stations providing the opportunity for hire for short one-way journeys, and there may be potential for cycle hire schemes to be considered for NewcastleGateshead.
Docking station on the London cycle hire scheme
Further issues to be considered in the development of the green infrastructure access network, include:
� developing links between the green infrastructure network and the public transport system, e.g. provision of bus stops close to major parks and links between foot/cycle-paths and public transport by rail, bus or waterbus; and
� supporting the development of continuous, permeable paths, where possible using old railway routes and existing linear spaces, between the city centre, employment/retail areas, community facilities and residential estates.
4.2.6 Recreation, quiet enjoyment and health benefits
We will seek to address the identified gaps in provision.
We will examine ways to address opportunities to provide recreation, quiet enjoyment and health benefits.
We will seek to maximise opportunities for recreational use of green infrastructure, including the River Tyne and its banks, and realisation of associated health benefits, consistent with protection and enhancement of biodiversity.
Green infrastructure is already being used in NewcastleGateshead to support residents in improving their health. Opportunities for outdoor recreation include the use of sports fields, play areas, parks,
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allotments and sustainable transport routes. Some gaps have been identified in recreation provision, see Appendix A, and these areas will be the initial focus of green infrastructure development and enhancement. Further work is needed to assess whether provision matches demand.
Gaining the maximum benefits for people from recreational use of green infrastructure depends both on the adequacy of the infrastructure itself and on people knowing it is there, knowing how they can best use it and being comfortable in using it.
This can be assisted by:
� improving the quality of provision;
� ensuring that a range of accessible quality green infrastructure provision is located within walking distances from residents homes;
� development and adoption of principles to guide the development of green infrastructure in housing growth areas and support an improvement in its quality;
� a focus initially on decreasing mismatches between supply and demand; and
� promotion of the benefits of green infrastructure, including health, amongst stakeholders to develop the case for funding green infrastructure enhancement and development.
The River Tyne provides a focus for recreational activity, including rowing, centred on the Newburn and Blaydon area, and activities based at Tyne Riverside Country Park, Newburn.
4.2.7 Economic benefits
We will work to maximise the opportunity to seek the greening of major transport corridors in NewcastleGateshead.
A high quality environment to attract and retain a quality workforce
Green infrastructure contributes to the quality of the local environment, which can have a significant impact on the perceptions and image of an area and thus support wider regeneration objectives through attraction and retention of skilled workers and inward investors required to support a modern economy. This contribution to the quality of place is particularly important:
� along the gateways to the conurbation (road and rail corridors);
� at employment locations and hotels; and
� at major educational establishments, such as universities.
Examples of greening of transport corridors include recent works to green the Felling Bypass. In some areas small grants have been provided to local businesses and retail establishments to support environmental improvements to landscapes within their sites, which are located along main A roads.
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The potential to implement such a scheme in NewcastleGateshead could be considered to enhance environs, particularly around the area’s industrial estates.
The River Tyne is currently a focal point for economic development and significant commercial floorspace has recently been developed along the riverfront in both Newcastle and Gateshead. It is important to ensure that green infrastructure is incorporated within new schemes to support linkages and vistas to the river.
Enhanced property values
A study completed by CABEspace Does Money Grow on Trees demonstrates a number of green infrastructure factors, primarily related to parks, which have a positive impact upon property prices.
Further information has been developed to demonstrate the uplift that green infrastructure can provide to local property values. The Economic Value of Green Infrastructure (Amion, 2008) provides information on the proportion of uplift associated with green spaces, as shown in Table 4.4. Further research conducted by Amion indicated that residents in suburban settings are willing to pay £7,680 per household for views of broadleaved trees.
Table 4.4 How green spaces affect domestic property prices
Detached Flat Non- Detached
City park +20% +8% +3%
Local park +10% +8% +9%
Open space +3% +5% +1%
Source: The Economic Value of Green Infrastructure, Amion, 2008
Boosts to the local economy
The Quaysides are the focus of a thriving visitor economy and of riverside green infrastructure links�
The appearance of the urban core is key to attracting employees, shoppers and tourists. Innovative green infrastructure projects will help to increase aesthetic quality and can also improve sustainability.
Providing a strong green infrastructure network which helps to attract tourists and their movement across the area is also beneficial. Tourism plays a significant role in NewcastleGateshead’s economy and this is particularly related to the area’s history, the growth of art-related destinations, its nightlife and its good transport links making it an attractive destination.
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The tourism economy could be boosted by green infrastructure developments such as:
� creating open spaces within Newcastle to provide better access to Hadrian’s Wall, with the possibility of visitor centres (similar to others in Northumberland and Wallsend, North Tyneside) and improved interpretation provision;
� extension of existing green links from the focus of visitor activity around the Quayside, The Sage Gateshead, the Baltic and central hotels, with interpretation facilities (e.g. signed and interpreted heritage trails, a maritime heritage centre) to raise interest in local history and wildlife and encourage visitors to explore NewcastleGateshead further, expanding the benefits of the tourism economy more widely across the area; and
� promotion of links from the central tourist area to woodlands and other outdoor recreation sites (the value of tourism related to woods has recently been assessed by Amion, who suggest that woodland recreation has a value of between £1.66 and £2.78 per visit, therefore increasing such visits would provide significant benefits to the local economy).
We will seek to improve green infrastructure links from the central tourism area and to provide interpretative material to encourage expansion of the tourism economy, with effort focussed on the strategic green infrastructure corridors.
4.2.8 Heritage preservation and cultural expression
We will seek to use green infrastructure where appropriate to enhance heritage assets and use them to contribute to creation of distinctive and attractive green spaces.
A number of nationally recognised landmarks are located in NewcastleGateshead, including Hadrian’s Wall and the River Tyne especially the bridges, and there are several Conservation Areas where local distinctiveness is protected. These features support the area’s identity providing historic, geographical and cultural focal points, which ensure that its image is distinctive from other urban areas. Appropriate green infrastructure developments that enhance local distinctiveness and architectural quality can help to:
Dunston Staiths, an important cultural heritage asset, provides challenges in terms of interpretation and use in a way which is compatible with the value of the inter-tidal mud habitat to birds
� increase the attractiveness of such heritage visitor destinations; and
� provide sites that are suitable venues for cultural events, helping to increase community development and cohesion.
Many areas of existing green infrastructure, particularly within the identified Opportunity Areas, contain or comprise significant historic environment features, some of which have been adapted to new uses, like former colliery waggonways re-used as cycle paths. Other features such as former industrial complexes, historic buildings or archaeologically important sites also have the potential to become or contribute to well-designed multifunctional spaces incorporating green infrastructure. In this way, the contribution of the historic resource to the quality of the environment is maximised.
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4.2.9 Green Infrastructure Priority - Landscape and townscape
Wider Landscape and Townscape Benefits
We will seek to use green infrastructure to enhance distinctive landscapes and townscapes.
NewcastleGateshead contains many locally distinctive landscape/townscapes as well as being distinct in its own right and it is important that the green infrastructure assets that contribute to this character are conserved and enhanced within future development and land management proposals. Landscape/ townscape scale green infrastructure assets can help maintain a sense of place, bringing a clear identity to an area, e.g. the more ‘natural’ green spaces along the Derwent compared to the more utilitarian green spaces and iconic designs along the Tyne in the central area (the Quayside, The Sage Gateshead and Baltic comprise a nationally recognised sense of place). Where opportunities arise to build upon an existing sense of place these should be harnessed.
For new development, areas of green infrastructure which are both consistent with the area’s character and as multifunctional as is possible/appropriate should be incorporated into masterplans. The provision of green infrastructure within new development should also consider the wider green infrastructure context of the surrounding landscape and townscape and, as is best practice, development proposals should look outwards as well as inwards. This Green Infrastructure Strategy provides a useful starting point for developers to understand the green infrastructure context of their site and develop their own site specific green infrastructure strategy.
Visual screening of unsightly buildings or infrastructure
The presence of unsightly building and infrastructure (including roads, rail and utility infrastructure) is common to all urban areas. For NewcastleGateshead screening of unsightly buildings and infrastructure in the industrial quayside areas and alongside road and rail corridors into the city/town centres in Scotswood and Walker in Newcastle, and East Gateshead, Blaydon and Felling in Gateshead should be considered as opportunities emerge. The screening of larger industrial buildings alongside the River Tyne, possibly by greening the recreational routes associated with the Tyne and in some cases moving them to the waterside between industry and the river, should also be considered as opportunities arise.
A number of main approaches to the city / town centres pass through industrial zones or neglected areas (for example the main railway from the south, and some roads from the east). There are opportunities through ‘greening’ these routes to make visitors' first impressions of a NewcastleGateshead more positive, while also securing ecological benefits. Examples already carried out include:
� the A184 road corridor near the Gateshead Stadium has a successful planting buffer along the road side which separates the road from the pedestrians/cyclists, partially screening the road traffic but also providing an attractive road corridor through an industrial/housing area; and
� the A695 road approach to the city through Scotswood and Elswick has had extensive planting on edges of the road and around the business park/industrial areas.
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Visual screening opportunities should be considered as early as is possible in the planning/master-planning processes for new infrastructure and industrial development. In areas where development (and associated landscaping/greenspace) is already established it is often more difficult to enhance existing or create new green infrastructure to improve unsightly buildings or a neglected public realm. Green infrastructure retrofitting can include the ‘greening’ of streets using street trees, the creation of green infrastructure linkages to nearby green spaces, the use of green roofs and facades and the de-culverting of watercourses. Gaps in industrial and business parks where buildings or vacant plots are left empty could provide additional opportunities for green infrastructure. Creative soft and hard landscaping, with ongoing management, can mitigate the visual impact within the immediate landscape and surrounding population.
However, temporary uses or public art can also be effective, offering a positive contribution to the urban and historic environment, and may be more appropriate or more easily secured in some cases.
Landscape restoration and the regeneration of degraded sites
A number of significant derelict sites are located in the study area, with a concentration of empty sites along the River Tyne. Many of these derelict sites are currently in a poor condition waiting for development plans to be progressed and opportunities to green over these sites in the short term may have a significant beneficial impact on the quality of the urban environment in these areas. Several mining sites have been restored in the wider region to provide green infrastructure. There are similar restored sites in NewcastleGateshead. Innovative uses of large derelict sites, former quarries and landfills which have the potential to provide significant green infrastructure should be considered as opportunities emerge.
Shibdon Pond SSSI was developed from a derelict colliery site and now represents a major green infrastructure asset
Derelict/former industrial areas can often be highly biodiverse sites where there has been minimal disturbance over time. At a city/regional scale these sites need to be valued and the most important sites may be protected, with any new development incorporating biodiversity plans for the site. Active management of derelict sites within the strategic green infrastructure corridors may contribute significantly to landscape enhancement of the corridors and should be considered whether sites are to be redeveloped in the short term or the long term.
Landscape improvements can make green spaces considerably more attractive and encourage people to use them, with attendant benefits for the local economy, community cohesion and health.
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4.2.10 Sustainable water and flood risk management
We will seek to maximise flood alleviation using green infrastructure and protect and manage flood plains.
Flood events can cause chaos in urban areas and great expense in terms of damage to property and businesses. Significant levels of investment are required to protect areas from flooding and this is a particular issue along the quaysides of the River Tyne, as the most significant flooding threat is tidal, although fluvial flooding in combination can exacerbate this. However, above the tidal limits of the rivers, green infrastructure, such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), permeable paving and green roofs, can contribute to mitigating rainfall run-off rates. Conversely, maintenance of functional flood plains free from built development, to manage flood flows, provide water storage and as buffers to protect wildlife from disturbance, provides an ideal opportunity for development of high quality green infrastructure for biodiversity conservation and recreational use. These principles will be applied in the light of the conclusions of other water-related studies, including the surface water management plan, the water cycle study and the strategic flood risk assessment.
The opening up of culverted streams, otherwise known as daylighting, will be supported in opportunity areas, where the likelihood of increasing flooding potential is limited. This will allow the recreational use of these watercourses to be expanded.
4.2.11 Mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change
We will take opportunities wherever possible to promote mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change through the provision and enhancement of green infrastructure.
We will seek to ensure that development briefs and proposals incorporate requirements for green spaces, green roofs and SUDS where applicable.
It is widely accepted that the climate is changing and that the greenhouse gas emissions created by human activity are largely responsible. This means that we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit the scale of future changes (mitigation). At the same time we need to understand the ways in which we will be affected by climate change and weather events so that we can manage the risk (adaptation).
Green infrastructure reduces the need for motorised transport, providing footpaths and cycleways and thus mitigating climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Green infrastructure also has a large role in allowing us to adapt to the climate changes predicted for the next fifty years. Over this period NewcastleGateshead is expected to become warmer, with winters becoming wetter and summers drier. Extreme weather events, such as storms, heat waves and flooding, are expected to increase.
Urban greening in general, and tree planting in particular, can reduce urban temperatures and improve liveability by providing additional shade.
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Green infrastructure can contribute to adaptation by:
� ensuring that new developments minimise the risk of flooding from watercourses and drainage systems, including the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS);
� use of landscaping to provide shade from the sun and shelter from the wind;
� use of green roofs for insulation and management of storm water run-off rates;
� use of water bodies as heat sources or sinks for heating and cooling buildings by use of heat pumps;
� providing attractive visitor facilities at sites with woodland and/or water giving relief from hot weather; and
� enhancement of wildlife habitat to maintain optimal conditions and allow movement between habitat areas.
The positive role of green infrastructure and detailed design in mitigating, and adapting to, climate change will be embedded in development proposals and fully reflected in planning briefs. This applies not only to areas of green infrastructure, whether new or enhanced, but to the inclusion of features such as green roofs and sustainable drainage in proposals for built development. The Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan will include more detailed mechanisms for putting this approach in place comprehensively.
4.3 Further Green Infrastructure FunctionsA number of other green infrastructure functions should be considered alongside the priorities described above and, although these have not been identified as priority functions, design and enhancement of green infrastructure should also consider realising the benefits below.
4.3.1 Links between the Town and Country
Green infrastructure links between urban and rural areas facilitate use of non-motorised transport for commuting but are also important in increasing the permeability of the urban core area, supporting enhancements in Sustainable Quality of Place and altering perceptions of urban areas. Access to the countryside or recreation and relaxation can provide benefits in terms of education and wellbeing.
4.3.2 Waste Management
Green infrastructure is able to support waste management through providing sites, which are able to support green composting activity. Such waste is collected in green bins from residents’ homes. Garden composting by residents at home is also being promoted across NewcastleGateshead.
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4.3.3 Sustainable Energy Production
Green infrastructure provides a range of opportunities to support the development of sustainable and renewable energy. Such opportunities include the creation of renewable energy projects on green infrastructure sites and the growth of crops, such as Miscanthus (Elephant Grass) and short rotation coppice, which can be used to support the use of biomass to create sustainable energy in local combined heat and power plants. Further work is required to consult with farmers and other landowners to find suitable locations for such crops. Several sites have been identified for their potential to support wind turbines in the report Delivering Carbon Reductions through Planning commissioned by NewcastleGateshead. This report also highlights opportunities for hydro power and indicates possibilities for such provision at the Lady Steps Weir on the River Derwent. The Derwent is the only river in NewcastleGateshead considered to have sufficient flow and suitable weirs to make a low-head installation worthwhile. It may also be possible to gain tidal power from the Tyne, using a floating tidal power generator similar to the Neptune device being installed on the River Humber, as tidal velocities are adequate in the gorge section of the tidal river.
4.3.4 Sustainable Food Production
Opportunities exist for sustainable food production in the more urban areas of NewcastleGateshead. Newcastle already has a successful community garden scheme in Scotswood and such examples may be reproduced elsewhere. We support community garden initiatives, which tend to be particularly relevant in areas of high density housing, where such facilities provide a focal point for local residents, aiding community cohesion and helping residents to gain knowledge of the components of a healthy diet. Opportunities to create community orchards may also be supported, building upon the example of Walbottle Community Orchard in Newcastle, which has strong links with the local community and primary school. Bill Quay Community Farm in Gateshead is using lottery funding to develop a local food project.’
4.3.5 Community Development and Cohesion
Many of the spaces regularly used by the community, e.g. school grounds, community centre gardens and sports facilities, are closed at weekends and in the evenings, decreasing their accessibility to local people. Other barriers to accessing such spaces can be the costs associated with such use. Increasing access by the local community and increasing their involvement in the maintenance of such sites through volunteering schemes has been demonstrated to decrease vandalism and anti social behaviour. The community use of green infrastructure sites by friends groups, sports teams and other organisations can provide a range of formal and informal activities which provide local residents with opportunities to interact.
Work may be required in some areas to decrease the cultural barriers that residents may perceive with regard to accessing green infrastructure provision. Consultation demonstrated a number of examples where this was the case. Saltwell Park in Gateshead was identified as important historic park; however, some residents living a short walk from the park do not use it, as this facility as it is considered ‘not for
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them’. Derwent Walk Country Park’s Red Kite Watch walk was also considered to have cultural barriers, as a middle class audience were the main attendees of such events. Further work is required to overcome such perceptions through promoting the sites to all local residents, developing a sense of ownership and ensuring that events and activities cater for a wide range of audiences.
4.3.6 Regular Exposure to Nature and Awareness of Environmental Issues
Natural environments connected to local communities can support residents understanding of the importance of biodiversity and the processes of geography and biology. Through such knowledge an individual is more likely to understand the importance of sustainable living and the value of environmental resources. A number of outdoor education centres currently exist in NewcastleGateshead, and opportunities for further sites supporting interpretation should be explored. Potential locations include the Quayside and Dunston Staiths. Exemplar projects such as Thornley Woodland Centre, Ouseburn Farm and Bill Quay Farm help to increase environmental awareness and there may be opportunities for a mobile/outreach education service (from these farms or other facilities), which could be used to support educational events at prominent green infrastructure sites. Walking initiatives can also be used to provide information on the local environment, e.g. nature walks, and health benefits, e.g. the Natural England Walking for Health initiative. In environmental outreach work, there is scope for partnership working with, for example, the local Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB.
4.3.7 Education and Training
A number of education programmes have been developed which are focused on the River Tyne corridor. It may be possible to extend such schemes to support eco-schools and extended schools activities. Environmental skills adult training schemes and opportunities to set up related social enterprises and new businesses relating to green infrastructure will be explored.
4.3.8 Improved Air Quality
Current Environment Agency guidance is being reviewed regarding the use of tree planting and green infrastructure to break up urban areas and therefore improve air quality, particularly in Air Quality Management Zones. It is considered that the main focus of improving air quality should be on decreasing emissions of pollutants.
4.3.9 Opportunities for Children to Play Freely
It is important that green infrastructure provides both formal and informal opportunities for children and young people to play, supporting them to develop physically and mentally and improving their levels of health. Play Strategies have been developed for both Newcastle and Gateshead and provision assessed in PPG17 assessments.
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It is important that play facilities are accessible and attractive to encourage children to participate in outdoor recreation, helping to decrease childhood obesity and setting exercise habits for later life. Accessibility to play areas can be improved through ensuring provision is located close to dense residential areas and that barriers created by transport routes and industrial estates are considered. Incorporating natural play areas into existing sites improves children’s development, providing early contact with the natural world and developing the ability to identify risks through play.
4.4 Cross Cutting PrinciplesIn all actions concerning green infrastructure provision, we will seek to ensure that:
� the provision is multifunctional where appropriate
� the integrity of the strategic green infrastructure network is maintained and other initiatives are linked to it where practicable;
� the local community is involved in the design, creation and future maintenance of provision; and
� resources have been identified to ensure that new green infrastructure will be properly managed and maintained.
As mentioned earlier, there are some principles which will be considered across all aspects of green infrastructure provision.
Multifunctionality
A key point of green infrastructure is multifunctionality. Sites can be categorised by the number of functions they provide and the needs they address. Therefore a site that fulfils as many functions as possible without detracting from the site is fundamental. When developing new green infrastructure or enhancing the existing network it is important to consider how sites can be diversified to ensure that they can support a number of functions, for example, sustainable transport routes and playing fields can provide biodiversity benefit with appropriate design and management. Accessible open greenspace may provide a valuable drainage and flood management function and biodiversity enhancement opportunities may arise from provision of storage ponds. Appropriate landscape design of any green infrastructure may contribute both to improvement of views from elsewhere and provide new views outwards. However, good design practice will be needed to avoid building in conflict, for example between greater public access and sensitive wildlife or between different users of access routes (e.g. cyclists, walkers, horse riders).
Specific deficiencies in the green infrastructure network may be met by increasing the number of functions existing green infrastructure can support and this can assist in gaining funding.
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Network development
To ensure that green infrastructure provides maximum value, it must be accessible, both to wildlife and the local community. Figure 3.1 demonstrates the extent of the current green infrastructure network. It can be seen that, as expected, deficiencies exist within the dense urban areas around the centres of Newcastle and Gateshead, either side of the River Tyne. Consultation indicated that the green infrastructure network supports movement in an east to west direction, particularly along the Tyne banks, but further work is required to improve existing north south links, which are severed by the River Tyne. Many large green spaces in NewcastleGateshead are considered to be isolated. The strategic green infrastructure network identified in Figure 4.1 provides the main network but opportunities to create additional, quality green infrastructure as part of development areas or other initiatives will not be discounted and should link with the strategic network where possible. Green infrastructure links with neighbouring authorities are also important to the coherence of the network.
Issues that will be considered in the development of the green infrastructure network include:
� elimination of gaps in sustainable transport networks and wildlife corridors;
� ensuring that access networks serve places which people want to access;
� using the network as a focal point for development, including realigning land use, so that buildings face onto parks, woodlands and rivers, increasing their desirability; and
� decreasing the fragmentation of existing open spaces through partnership working between land owners, reducing perimeter fencing and creating good links across the private/public interface and between new and existing green infrastructure.
Promotion to partners
To be successful, this strategy needs acceptance by key delivery partners and other stakeholders. While some existing initiatives codes supporting green infrastructure are widely accepted, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM; other aspects will be best delivered through input of local ideas and expertise. We want to see green infrastructure accepted as an integral part of the local economy and a focal point for development that can bring economic, as well as social and environmental benefits. We will seek to ensure that all interested partners and stakeholders are fully informed as to how green infrastructure can contribute to a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits and that they have the opportunity to input to the development of the Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
Community engagement
It is important that local communities are involved in the development and enhancement of green infrastructure sites. Community representatives and local residents will therefore be consulted with regards to green infrastructure provision and maintenance. Community engagement will be sought early in the design process.
Green infrastructure facilities need to be accessible and appropriate to the needs and interests of the community and they will be safe using them. This is more likely to be achieved if the community is
26173rrPage 47
August 2011
involved in the specification and design of local green infrastructure development and even more likely if local volunteers are involved in creation of green infrastructure.
Maintenance
A key issue for green infrastructure is the standard of maintenance. During the visioning workshop it was agreed by stakeholders that enhancing the quality of existing green infrastructure sites in NewcastleGateshead should be the focus of activity, before increasing the amount of provision. Increasing the extent of green infrastructure without appropriate revenue funds was seen as potentially being detrimental to the quality of the green infrastructure network. However, while many funding packages provide capital project funding, few provide resources for ongoing maintenance costs or associated personnel.
However, funding can be made available. Successful examples of funding maintenance activities include the creation of specific trusts who manage the stewardship of sites within a particular development. Developer contributions can also be used to ring-fence maintenance funding for a specific area or site. In other cases, volunteer groups have provided general and specialist work parties. It is recognised that including the local community in site development and maintenance can lead to a decrease in anti social behaviour and vandalism within green infrastructure sites.
Safety
Poorly maintained and secluded sites can decrease perceptions of safety, leading parks to be under-used by local residents and visitors. In other places, paths through industrial areas with high fences and no means of ‘escape’ if confronted by threatening behaviour are seen as unsafe and permeability of such paths needs to be increased.
Perceptions of safety can be encouraged through increasing the number of people working at the site, e.g. park wardens, Community Safety Officers, and increased staff/maintenance visits to improve maintenance, as well as by active promotion of trails and visitor locations with signposting and guidance leaflets. Dropped litter, fly tipping, dog fouling, vandalism and a general lack of management can result in feelings of apprehension and decrease residents’ use of green infrastructure sites. Supporting evening activities at local green infrastructure facilities can often reduce vandalism and anti social behaviour.
Thus both actual safety and perceptions of safety can be influenced both by design of the infrastructure and by its promotion. Realisation of the full potential of publicly accessible green infrastructure will depend on consideration of actual and perceived risks and action to reduce both.
River Tyne
A separate River Tyne Evidence Base was included at Appendix M of the overall Evidence Base and a strategy for the River Tyne corridor is included in this strategy at Appendix D. These two components together form a stand-alone report on the River Tyne, which is available separately, although it also forms an integral part of the overall NewcastleGateshead Green Infrastructure Strategy.
26173rrPage 48
August 2011
5. Delivery
5.1 OverviewTo support the delivery of the various projects identified by NewcastleGateshead, various structures will be required to support the promotion and implementation of green infrastructure alongside other infrastructure. There will be constraints to green infrastructure development in some post-industrial areas, such as contamination and financial viability, which will be considered when developing the Delivery Plan. (Information on developing a Delivery Plan is provided in Appendix G).
Major developments provide a significant opportunity to kick-start the development of green infrastructure and encourage its inclusion within new housing schemes. We anticipate that development briefs and Supplementary Planning Documents will be created for major development sites and it will be imperative to include plans for green infrastructure within them. Such details may refer to:
� the preservation and protection of particular green infrastructure assets;
� the creation of new green infrastructure sites appropriate to the development;
� the enhancement of green spaces outside, but relating to, the development site; and
� innovative requirements to implement green roofs, SUDS, sinks, living walls etc.
Area Action Plans also provide a mechanism for securing strategic green infrastructure development.
5.2 Design Guidelines New green infrastructure should be designed to take into consideration opportunities for multifunctional use. We will prepare or identify guidelines for allotments, green streets and wildlife corridors, making use of documentation created by the Local Government Agency, Shared Earth Trust, CABEspace and the Forestry Commission. We will ensure that designs for new sites adhere to Secure by Design principles in an effort to reduce opportunities for vandalism and antisocial behaviour within green infrastructure sites, whilst remaining sympathetic to the nature of the site. We will also consider Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) principles, alongside biodiversity and future maintenance requirements. These guidelines will be considered within specific site management plans.
5.3 Standards A range of standards is available in relation to the different types of green infrastructure provision. These standards have been created for use nationally and would provide, in some cases challenging, targets for NewcastleGateshead to meet over the forthcoming thirty years. However the government's
26173rrPage 49
August 2011
Planning Policy Guidance note (PPG) 17, ‘Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation’, advises that standards for the provision of such sites should be devised locally, based on identified needs and local circumstances. A list of the nationally-recommended standards is provided in Appendix F with commentary on how they relate to NewcastleGateshead.
5.4 Links with Neighbouring Authorities The movement of wildlife and people is not constrained by administration boundaries and it is therefore important to ensure that NewcastleGateshead’s wildlife corridors, public rights of way and other green infrastructure linkages have synergies with plans created by neighbouring authorities. We will work with our neighbouring authorities to ensure that green infrastructure linkages and policies are co-ordinated across relevant local authority boundaries.
5.5 Synergies with the Core Strategy The achievement of the Green Infrastructure Strategy’s objectives and aims will depend upon the implementation of not only this document but also other policies in the One Core Strategy 2030 that will influence how future development could affect green infrastructure.
The Core Strategy structure, policies and proposals are currently being prepared and will take account of the following evidence base documents, which will relate to the Green Infrastructure strategy and its delivery:
� Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP);
� Water Cycle Study;
� Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA);
� Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA);
� Employment Land Review (ELR);
� Delivering Carbon Reductions through Planning;
� Strategic Land Review;
� Green Belt Study;
� Sustainability Appraisal; and
� Infrastructure Study.
The Green Infrastructure Strategy may also be able to help support the Core Strategy in meeting some of the objectives, which will be set out in its Sustainability Appraisal. A Habitats Regulations Assessment is also likely to be undertaken on the Core Strategy.
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August 2011
5.6 Funding
5.6.1 Sources
A number of funding sources can be used to finance the development of green infrastructure in NewcastleGateshead. A list of these potential resources is included within Appendix H, which demonstrates the variety of the funding pots including the size and grants and initial criteria. Funding is distributed not just directly by government departments but also by area-based regeneration initiatives, local strategic partnerships, non-departmental public bodies and other intermediate agencies. Various grants can be combined for larger projects to provide the level of resources required. Different funding agencies have their own objectives and targets and this will be considered when mixing various funds, as monitoring a project against a wide range of differing targets can become onerous and costly.
Funds for the development of green infrastructure are likely to be most readily available in association with urban regeneration projects, including housing, through planning agreements and developer contribution models. We will use the information in this strategy document on the benefits of green infrastructure in supporting regeneration activity to promote these ideas to political leaders and funding agencies.
5.6.2 Maintenance and Revenue Funding
Concerns were raised through the visioning workshop and a consultation event focused on the River Tyne that the quality of existing green infrastructure was inadequate in some areas. This is supported by the Councils’ own audits. A significant number of new green infrastructure sites could potentially stretch existing maintenance activity.
We therefore need to make sure that adequate revenue funds are in place to support the management and maintenance of new sites before construction commences on site; this may be from private or public funding sources. It is therefore important that we consider improving existing green infrastructure sites as part of development proposals, as well as creating new sites. Such enhancements can be negotiated with developers through planning agreements.
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August 2011
5.7 Monitoring Green Infrastructure Performance In order to monitor green infrastructure performance and development activity, indicators and targets should be identified. Where appropriate, existing indicators employed in the Councils’ Local Area Agreements and the Annual Monitoring Reports can be employed, to decrease the amount of additional information which the two councils will need to collect.
We will ensure that targets are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and have a Timescale) but they cannot be defined in full detail without the identification of future projects and the outcome of further work to align standards between the two councils, and in the Delivery Plan. Applications for external funding may also require a demonstration of how the delivery of these projects will support the achievement of the relevant agencies’ targets and outcomes.
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26173rrAppendix A - Page 1 of 2
August 2011
Appendix A Identified Gaps in Provision
Gaps identified by the NewcastleGateshead Green Infrastructure Evidence Base
Landscape deficiencies
� Structural landscaping on industrial estates on the rural urban fringe.
� Structural landscaping and landscape corridors along and adjacent to grey infrastructure, such as roads (A1) and factories.
Examples of deficiencies in provision of open space
Specific deficiencies in the various kinds of public open space, and of sports pitches, have been identified in various geographical areas within each local authority area. A summary of these identified gaps in provision is listed below. However, ifthe standards used by the two local authorities are changed or aligned a slightly different pattern of deficiencies may emerge.
� Parks and Open Spaces either side of the A1 through Newcastle (mapped in the PPG 17 study).
� Parks and Open Spaces in Crawcrook and Ryton, Winlaton, Felling, Birtley and some areas of Whickham and Sunniside in Gateshead.
� Outdoor pitches in the west end of Newcastle (mapped in the PPG 17 study).
� Outdoor pitches Ryton/Crawcrook, Chopwell and Rowlands Gill, and east and south Gateshead including Birtley and Felling (list subject to forthcoming revision of the Playing Pitch Strategy).
� Play areas in Newcastle - insufficient provision particularly east of the city centre.
� Play areas in Gateshead - imperfect distribution and in some cases inadequate size of play areas for teenagers and juniors throughout Gateshead and for toddlers as well in some areas.
� Allotments in Newcastle - 826 people on the waiting lists.
� Allotments in Gateshead - over 1,000 people on the waiting lists.
� Cemetery in east end of Newcastle.
� There are specific deficiencies in local, doorstep and neighbourhood open spaces in a significant minority of neighbourhoods within Newcastle and Gateshead but particularly in Fawdon and North Jesmond; and various parts of Gateshead.
Wildlife Network Gaps
1. Town Moor to River Tyne requires further development of the green infrastructure network to support wildlife habitat.
2. River Tyne urban encroachment in area where the bridges cross the river.
3. Follingsby - where the A194 (M), the A194, and the A184 (T) roads cross the corridor.
4. River Team - heavily polluted tidal section, and general pollution of the river, narrowness of the corridor north of the A1 dual carriageway, and culverted sections under the railway line.
5. River Derwent - the canalised lower part of the tidal section
6. Blaydon Burn - where the B6317 and the minor Blaydon Burn road cross the Blaydon Burn valley, and sections of the Blaydon Burn have been culverted.
7. River Derwent - the riparian component of the wildlife corridor on the section of the Derwent as it passes though Blackhall Mill is constricted by housing and flood defences.
8. Kenton Bar – roads and urban development encroachment.
9. Windy Nook/Heworth - where the A184 dual carriageway and other roads cross the corridor.
10. Bobgins Burn - where the A692 Burnopfield and A6076 Stanley roads cross the corridor.
11. Stanley Burn - where the A695 and B6395 roads cross the Stanley Burn.
Access Route Gaps
1. Havannah to North East Mason Farm via Big Waters: Bridleway route on existing adopted links; also upgrade Footpath 6/construct bridleway through Big Waters Country Park.
2. Ponteland Road to Brunton Lane: Upgrade footpath to bridleway. Middle Drive; extend from Woolsington Hall to Brunton Lane.
3. Low Luddick to Callerton: Horse riding route on highway verges/field headland.
4. Letch Path Lemington/Percy Pit: Upgrade footpath to bridleway.
5. Walbottle Brick works LNR: Dedicate bridleway: Hospital Lane to Newburn.
6. Dene Terrace Newburn to Blucher: Upgrade existing route to bridleway.
7. Throckley Bank Top to South Farm: Upgrade existing permissive route to bridleway.
8. Whorlton Hall to Black Lane: Upgrade existing footpath/create new bridleway on existing tracks.
9. Stepney Bank Stables, Byker to Coxlodge Waggonway: Permissive horse riding route via Jesmond Dene.
10. Stepney Bank Stables, Byker to Walker Riverside Country Park: Permissive horse riding route: Walker Riverside and Hadrian’s Way.
11. Melton Park, Gosforth to Heathery Lane: Upgrade existing footpath to bridleway.
12. Ponteland Road Throckley to Drove Road: divert restricted byway on to existing new route.
13. Multi-user link from Winlaton Mill to Northumberland boundary using former Chopwell Mineral Line.
14. Upgrade FP28 to bridleway Blackhall Mill - Armondside - Chopwell Wood.
15. Create surfaced multi user route on highway verge along off-road route Winlaton Mill to Thornley Woodland Centre.
16. Improve safety of crossing at Tanfield Railway Path - Pennyfine crossing.
17. Improve safety of crossing Tanfield Railway Path - A6076 crossing.
18. Upgrade and create bridleway link (River Lane, Ryton to Newburn Bridge).
19. Establish permissive equestrian access routes at Spen Burn Woods.
20. Bridleway link from RB44 to Derwent Walk (existing claim) in the Lower Derwent Valley.
21. Establish footpath link (existing claim) along the Stargate Mineral Line.
22. Create cycle/pedestrian link in Keelman’s Way (Stella Riverside).
23. Establish link on Greenside Mineral Line a former mineral line.
24. Upgrade to “Black Ashy Path” bridleway Winlaton to Winlaton Mill.
25. Create surfaced multi user path along verge Birtley - Longacre - Lamesley Church.
26. Create a multi user river crossing point at the former Scotswood railway bridge.
26173rrAppendix A - Page 2 of 2
August 2011
App
endi
x B
G 2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 1
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
reen
Infr
astr
uctu
re S
trat
egic
Net
wor
k M
atrix
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mat
rix fo
rms
the
basi
s fo
r the
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tific
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n of
cor
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s m
akin
g up
a s
trate
gic
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n in
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ruct
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netw
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pally
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s fu
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and
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sets
and
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how
s th
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akin
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Stra
tegi
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etw
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sele
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the
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porta
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term
s of
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to:
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nkin
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y w
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s id
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in th
e E
vide
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ue to
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n de
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en in
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how
s id
entif
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gaps
or d
efic
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ies
in w
ildlif
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twor
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nd a
cces
s ro
utes
for p
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umbe
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item
s re
fer t
o th
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iden
tifie
d in
the
Evi
denc
e B
ase
and
liste
d in
App
endi
x A
. Fu
rther
gap
s ha
ve b
een
iden
tifie
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roug
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revi
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f the
stra
tegi
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ors
unde
rtake
n as
par
t of t
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deve
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ent o
f thi
s st
rate
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2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 2
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
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s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
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and
flood
plai
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Stra
tegi
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Link
s to
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GI a
sset
s an
d vi
sito
r loc
atio
ns
Opp
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A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
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1. S
eato
n B
urn
and
Pre
stw
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Car
r
Incl
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iden
tifie
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or
DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
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oor c
onse
rvat
ion
stat
us o
f Pre
stw
ick
Car
r
Incl
udes
Reg
iona
l Cyc
le R
oute
(Rei
vers
W
ay).
GA
P (N
o.1)
:
�H
avan
nah
to N
orth
Eas
t Mas
on F
arm
vi
a B
ig W
ater
s: B
ridle
way
rout
e on
ex
istin
g ad
opte
d lin
ks; a
lso
upgr
ade
Foot
path
6/c
onst
ruct
brid
lew
ay th
roug
h B
ig W
ater
s C
ount
ry P
ark.
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
The
Rei
vers
Way
pro
vide
s an
E-W
rout
e fo
r ped
estri
ans,
cyc
lists
and
hor
se ri
ders
th
roug
h th
e co
rrid
or.
N-S
rout
es fo
r pe
dest
rians
, cyc
lists
and
hor
se ri
ders
are
av
aila
ble
via
a br
idle
way
and
a p
erm
issi
ve
brid
lew
ay (p
erm
issi
ve b
ridle
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at H
ack
Hal
l with
in a
n ac
cess
agr
eem
ent i
n pl
ace
until
201
8).
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e N
-S ro
utes
pro
vide
ci
rcul
ar ro
utes
bet
wee
n B
ig W
ater
s C
ount
ry P
ark
and
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e R
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nd li
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n ad
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t D
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es p
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ning
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to B
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ater
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gain
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ace
until
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8).
GA
P F
RO
M R
EV
IEW
:
�D
inni
ngto
n to
Pre
stw
ick
Car
r: P
rovi
sion
of a
n of
f-roa
d ro
ute
for
pede
stria
ns, c
yclis
ts a
nd h
orse
ride
rs
requ
ires
furth
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onsi
dera
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Sea
ton
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n
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
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cipa
l flo
od z
ones
(flu
vial
) w
ith g
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infra
stru
ctur
e de
velo
pmen
t pot
entia
l are
:
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ea in
clud
ing
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stw
ick
Car
r in
the
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er
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t cat
chm
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smal
l are
a ar
ound
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ater
s in
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ton
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tchm
ent.
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s ou
tsid
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boun
dary
:
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st a
t S
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luic
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a th
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rate
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acce
ss ro
utes
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d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
(Sea
ton
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alle
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t - v
ia th
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and
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er P
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stw
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rt in
N
orth
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)
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tsla
de C
ount
ry P
ark
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th T
ynes
ide)
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thum
berla
ndia
(N
orth
umbe
rland
)
Big
Wat
ers
A -
Bre
nkle
y C
ollie
ry
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 3
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
idor
s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
ers
and
flood
plai
ns
Stra
tegi
c Li
nks
Link
s to
Key
GI a
sset
s O
ppor
tuni
ty
and
visi
tor l
ocat
ions
A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
rrid
or
2. G
osfo
rth
Par
k an
d W
eets
lade
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
Incl
udes
Reg
iona
l Cyc
le R
oute
(Rei
vers
W
ay).
Gap
(No.
11)
�M
elto
n P
ark,
Gos
forth
to H
eath
ery
Lane
: upg
rade
exi
stin
g fo
otpa
th to
br
idle
way
.
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
No
gaps
with
in N
ewca
stle
Gat
eshe
ad.
Nor
th-S
outh
gap
bet
wee
n S
andy
Lan
e an
d W
eets
lade
Cou
ntry
Par
k (in
Nor
th
Tyne
side
).
Gos
forth
Par
k La
ke a
nd
tribu
tary
of O
useb
urn
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
Prin
cipa
l flo
od z
ones
(flu
vial
) w
ith fu
rther
gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
deve
lopm
ent p
oten
tial i
n G
osfo
rth P
ark
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
link
to:
- Ous
ebur
n co
rrid
or.
Link
out
side
NG
bo
unda
ry to
Sea
ton
Bur
n co
rrid
or
Wee
tsla
de C
ount
ry P
ark
(Nor
th T
ynes
ide)
N
one
3. O
useb
urn
to W
albo
ttle
Den
e
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
�C
ulve
rted
sect
ion
at
City
Sta
dium
Incl
udes
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
(Jes
mon
d D
ene,
W
albo
ttle
and
Thro
ckle
y D
ene)
GA
PS
(Nos
.3,4
,5,6
,8,a
nd 9
):
�Lo
w L
uddi
ck to
Cal
lerto
n: h
orse
ridi
ng
rout
e on
hig
hway
ver
ges/
field
he
adla
nd.
�Le
tch
Pat
h Le
min
gton
/Per
cy P
it:
upgr
ade
foot
path
to b
ridle
way
.
�W
albo
ttle
Bric
k w
orks
LN
R: d
edic
ate
brid
lew
ay: H
ospi
tal L
ane
to N
ewbu
rn.
�D
ene
Terr
ace
New
burn
to B
luch
er:
upgr
ade
exis
ting
rout
e to
brid
lew
ay.
�W
horlt
on H
all t
o B
lack
Lan
e –
upgr
ade
to b
ridle
way
�S
tepn
ey B
ank
Sta
bles
, Byk
er, t
o C
oxlo
dge
Wag
gonw
ay: p
erm
issi
ve
hors
e rid
ing
rout
e vi
a Je
smon
d D
ene.
Ous
ebur
n an
d tri
buta
ries,
(in
clud
ing
Gos
forth
Lak
e an
d C
alle
rton
Pon
d), N
ew B
urn,
D
ewle
y B
urn
Gre
at P
ark
deve
lopm
ent
incl
udes
SuD
S to
mai
ntai
n gr
een
field
run-
off r
ates
.
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
Prin
cipa
l flo
od z
ones
with
gre
en
infra
stru
ctur
e de
velo
pmen
t po
tent
ial a
re u
pstre
am o
f H
addr
icks
Mill
(flu
vial
floo
ding
).
Ther
e is
als
o po
tent
ial f
or fl
ood
wat
er s
tora
ge u
pstre
am o
f W
ools
ingt
on a
nd b
etw
een
Woo
lsin
gton
and
Bru
nton
Lan
e to
miti
gate
floo
ding
of h
ousi
ng
area
s in
Woo
lsin
gton
, Faw
don
and
Gos
forth
. Fl
ood
zone
s in
Je
smon
d D
ene,
the
low
er
Ous
ebur
n V
alle
y an
d W
albo
ttle
Den
e (N
ew B
urn)
are
mos
tly
narr
ow a
nd c
onst
rain
ed b
y to
pogr
aphy
Loop
to R
iver
Tyn
e
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
links
to
:
- Riv
er T
yne
- Wal
lsen
d B
urn
to
Had
dric
ks M
ill c
orrid
or
- Tow
n M
oor t
o K
ento
n co
rrid
or
Jesm
ond
Den
e
Tyne
Riv
ersi
de P
ark
Pad
dy F
reem
ans
Par
k
Arm
stro
ng P
ark
Gos
forth
Par
k
B -
Upp
er
Ous
ebur
n V
alle
y
I –Je
smon
d D
ene
/Low
er O
useb
urn
Val
ley
O –
Riv
er T
yne
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 4
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
idor
s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
ers
and
flood
plai
ns
Stra
tegi
c Li
nks
Link
s to
Key
GI a
sset
s O
ppor
tuni
ty
and
visi
tor l
ocat
ions
A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
rrid
or
3. O
useb
urn
to W
albo
ttle
Den
e(c
ontin
ued)
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
s ar
e pr
esen
t eith
er e
nd o
f th
e co
rrid
or.
To th
e w
est,
Wal
bottl
e an
d Th
rock
ley
Den
e pr
ovid
es a
rout
e fo
r pe
dest
rians
, cyc
lists
and
hor
se ri
ders
from
H
adria
n’s
Way
Nat
iona
l Tra
il an
d N
atio
nal
Cyc
le N
etw
ork
rout
e 72
to W
ools
ingt
on.
To th
e ea
st J
esm
ond
Den
e st
rate
gic
rout
e ru
ns fr
om J
esm
ond
to S
outh
Gos
forth
. Fr
om J
esm
ond
Den
e no
rthw
ards
to
Sal
ters
Brid
ge a
cces
s is
rest
ricte
d to
m
inor
road
s un
til it
reac
hes
Whi
te B
ridge
.
GA
PS
FR
OM
RE
VIE
W:
�N
o ac
cess
bet
wee
n W
hite
Brid
ge a
nd
Woo
lsin
gton
(no
off-r
oad
rout
es
betw
een
Sal
ters
Brid
ge a
nd
Woo
lsin
gton
): o
ppor
tuni
ties
to p
rovi
de
a co
nnec
ted
rout
e th
roug
h th
e O
useb
urn
and
Wal
bottl
e D
ene
GI
corr
idor
sho
uld
be c
onsi
dere
d es
peci
ally
in re
gard
to o
ppor
tuni
ties
avai
labl
e th
roug
h ex
istin
g op
en s
pace
an
d/or
new
/re d
evel
opm
ent.
�Li
nks
betw
een
Jesm
ond
Den
e an
d B
yker
Lin
k ne
ed to
be
revi
ewed
es
peci
ally
in re
gard
to o
ppor
tuni
ties
avai
labl
e th
roug
h ne
w/re
dev
elop
men
t.
�Li
nks
betw
een
Jesm
ond
Den
e an
d C
oxlo
dge
Wag
gonw
ay a
t Had
dric
ks
Mill
roun
dabo
ut n
eed
to b
e re
view
ed
4. W
alls
end
Bur
n to
H
addr
icks
Mill
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
GA
PS
�C
onst
rain
ts in
link
age
arou
nd H
addr
icks
Mill
du
e to
road
cro
ssin
gs
Incl
udes
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
(Cox
lodg
e W
aggo
nway
)
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
The
Cox
lodg
e W
aggo
nway
pro
vide
s a
rout
e al
ong
the
corr
idor
for p
edes
trian
s an
d cy
clis
ts.
No
iden
tifie
d ga
ps w
ithin
N
ewca
stle
Gat
eshe
ad a
lthou
gh c
ross
ing
the
Coa
st R
oad
may
be
a po
tent
ial g
ap in
N
orth
Tyn
esid
e.
Wal
lsen
d B
urn
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
No
sign
ifica
nt fu
nctio
nal
flood
plai
n is
pre
sent
in th
is
corr
idor
with
in
New
cast
leG
ates
head
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
link
to
Ous
ebur
n &
Wal
bottl
e co
rrid
or
Link
s ou
tsid
e N
G
boun
dary
to R
iver
Tyn
e vi
a th
e st
rate
gic
acce
ss
rout
es a
nd w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or (W
alls
end
Bur
n)
Ris
ing
Sun
Cou
ntry
Par
k (N
orth
Tyn
esid
e)
I – J
esm
ond
Den
e Lo
wer
Ous
ebur
n V
alle
y
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 5
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
idor
s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
ers
and
flood
plai
ns
Stra
tegi
c Li
nks
Link
s to
Key
GI a
sset
s O
ppor
tuni
ty
and
visi
tor l
ocat
ions
A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
rrid
or
5. T
own
Moo
r and
W
ools
ingt
on
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or, a
lso
Tow
n M
oor,
Nun
s M
oor a
nd L
eaze
s P
ark
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S)
�P
oor l
inks
to
Tyne
/Ous
ebur
n
�C
onst
rain
ts in
link
age
arou
nd K
ento
n B
ar –
in
clud
ing
A1
road
as
a ba
rrie
r
No
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
s pr
esen
t
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
Tow
n M
oor a
nd N
uns
Moo
r is
Acc
ess
Land
upo
n w
hich
acc
ess
by fo
ot is
av
aila
ble.
Equ
estri
an a
cces
s in
als
o av
aila
ble
in th
ese
area
s. I
n ad
ditio
n of
f-ro
ad c
ycle
rout
es a
re a
vaila
ble
acro
ss th
e m
ajor
ity o
f the
are
a (e
xcep
tion
bein
g N
uns
Moo
r).
Bey
ond
Nun
s M
oor a
cces
s is
lim
ited
alth
ough
ther
e ar
e go
od li
nks
betw
een
New
bigg
in B
urn
and
Kin
gsto
n P
ark
GA
PS
FR
OM
RE
VIE
W:
�N
o of
f-roa
d ac
cess
thro
ugh
Ken
ton:
op
portu
nitie
s to
pro
vide
a c
onne
cted
of
f-roa
d ro
ute
shou
ld b
e co
nsid
ered
es
peci
ally
in re
gard
to o
ppor
tuni
ties
avai
labl
e th
roug
h ex
istin
g op
en s
pace
an
d/or
new
/re d
evel
opm
ent.
�A
1 cr
ossi
ng a
t Ken
ton
to b
e re
view
ed
espe
cial
ly in
rega
rd to
opp
ortu
nitie
s av
aila
ble
thro
ugh
new
/re d
evel
opm
ent.
�Li
nks
betw
een
New
bigg
in D
ene
and
Bla
ck L
ane
need
to b
e re
view
ed
espe
cial
ly in
rega
rd to
opp
ortu
nitie
s av
aila
ble
thro
ugh
exis
ting
open
spa
ce
and/
or n
ew/re
dev
elop
men
t.
�P
rovi
sion
of a
pav
ed o
ff-ro
ad c
ycle
way
th
roug
h N
uns
Moo
r to
be c
onsi
dere
d (p
ossi
bly
on n
orth
ern
edge
).
Cra
g H
all D
ene
(Ous
ebur
n tri
buta
ry) a
long
nor
ther
n bo
unda
ry o
f Tow
n M
oor
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
No
sign
ifica
nt fu
nctio
nal
flood
plai
n is
pre
sent
with
in th
e N
ewca
stle
bou
ndar
y al
ong
this
st
rate
gic
corr
idor
.
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
link
to
Ous
ebur
n &
Wal
bottl
e D
ene
corr
idor
Eas
t wes
t lin
k ac
ross
N
ewca
stle
Link
to w
ider
cou
ntry
side
Tow
n M
oor
Nun
s M
oor
Leaz
es P
ark
Exh
ibiti
on P
ark
B -
Upp
er
Ous
ebur
n V
alle
y
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 6
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
idor
s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
ers
and
flood
plai
ns
Stra
tegi
c Li
nks
Link
s to
Key
GI a
sset
s O
ppor
tuni
ty
and
visi
tor l
ocat
ions
A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
rrid
or
6. B
owes
R
ailw
ay
(Eas
t) an
d B
ill Q
uay
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
�C
onst
rain
ts a
t Whi
te
Mar
e P
ool (
Folli
ngsb
y)
due
to ro
ads
and
railw
ay c
ross
ings
Incl
udes
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
(Bow
es R
ailw
ay)
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
The
Bow
es R
ailw
ay P
ath
(Reg
iona
l Cyc
le
Rou
te) p
rovi
des
a ro
ute
alon
g th
e co
rrid
or
for p
edes
trian
s an
d cy
clis
ts.
No
iden
tifie
d ga
ps w
ithin
New
cast
leG
ates
head
al
thou
gh m
inor
gap
s m
ay e
xist
at J
arro
w
in S
outh
Tyn
esid
e.
Non
e
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
No
sign
ifica
nt fu
nctio
nal
flood
plai
n is
pre
sent
with
in th
e G
ates
head
bou
ndar
y al
ong
this
st
rate
gic
corr
idor
.
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
links
to
Riv
er T
yne,
Eig
hton
, W
indy
Noo
k &
Hew
orth
an
d Te
am V
alle
y co
rrid
ors
Link
out
side
NG
bo
unda
ry to
Riv
er D
on
catc
hmen
t and
Tyn
e a
t Ja
rrow
Ang
el o
f the
Nor
th
War
dley
Man
or C
ount
ry
Par
k (p
ropo
sed)
Bill
Qua
y P
ark
K –
Tea
m V
alle
y
N –
War
dley
Man
or
Cou
ntry
Par
k (p
ropo
sed)
O –
Riv
er T
yne
7. E
ight
on
Ban
ks,
Win
dy N
ook
and
Hew
orth
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
�C
onst
rain
ts a
t Win
dy
Noo
k/H
ewor
th d
ue to
ro
ads
and
railw
ay
cros
sing
Incl
udes
Pel
aw M
ain
Wag
gonw
ay o
ff-ro
ad
cycl
e ro
ute
(the
Dill
ey L
ine)
link
ing
Team
V
alle
y w
ith H
ebbu
rn R
iver
side
Par
k
GA
PS
:
�G
aps
in s
urfa
ced
rout
e ne
ar W
indy
N
ook
Par
k
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
The
Pel
aw M
ain
Wag
gonw
ay p
rovi
des
a ro
ute
alon
g th
e m
ajor
ity o
f the
cor
ridor
for
pede
stria
ns, c
yclis
ts a
nd h
orse
-rid
ers.
Th
e no
rth –
east
ern
part
of th
e ro
ute
is a
pe
rmis
sive
brid
lew
ay.
Nor
th o
f the
A18
4 th
ere
is a
n of
f-roa
d cy
cle
rout
e to
Bill
Qua
y Fa
rm a
nd th
e R
iver
Tyn
e.
From
the
Pel
aw M
ain
Wag
gonw
ay th
ere
is
a br
idle
way
(pro
vidi
ng p
edes
trian
, cyc
list
and
hors
e-rid
er a
cces
s). t
hat r
uns
to th
e pr
opos
ed W
ardl
ey M
anor
Cou
ntry
Par
k
GA
P F
RO
M R
EV
IEW
:
�(a
s m
entio
ned
abov
e) c
onne
ctio
ns fo
rpe
dest
rians
, cyc
lists
and
hor
se-r
ider
s th
roug
h W
indy
Noo
k ne
ed to
be
revi
ewed
esp
ecia
lly in
rega
rd to
op
portu
nitie
s av
aila
ble
thro
ugh
exis
ting
open
spa
ce a
nd/o
r new
/re
deve
lopm
ent.
Non
e
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
No
sign
ifica
nt fu
nctio
nal
flood
plai
n is
pre
sent
with
in th
e G
ates
head
bou
ndar
y al
ong
this
st
rate
gic
corr
idor
.
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
links
to
Riv
er T
yne
and
Bow
es R
ailw
ay (E
ast)
&
Bill
Qua
y co
rrido
rs
Ang
el o
f the
Nor
th
Bill
Qua
y P
ark
Heb
burn
Riv
ersi
de P
ark
(Sou
th T
ynes
ide)
Win
dy N
ook
Nat
ure
Par
k
J - W
alke
r R
iver
side
/ Fel
ling
Sho
re
O –
Riv
er T
yne
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 7
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
idor
s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
ers
and
flood
plai
ns
Stra
tegi
c Li
nks
Link
s to
Key
GI a
sset
s O
ppor
tuni
ty
and
visi
tor l
ocat
ions
A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
rrid
or
8. S
altw
ell
Par
kIn
clud
es id
entif
ied
wild
life
corr
idor
, inc
lude
s S
altw
ell
Par
k an
d S
altw
ell
Cem
eter
y
No
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
s pr
esen
t
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
Ther
e is
acc
ess
thro
ugho
ut th
e pa
rk b
ut
no o
ff-ro
ad li
nks
outs
ide
the
park
.
Ther
e ar
e no
sig
nific
ant
wat
erco
urse
s or
func
tiona
l flo
odpl
ain
in th
e co
rrid
or.
Not
link
ed to
oth
er
corr
idor
s.
Cla
ssed
as
a ke
y gr
een
infra
stru
ctur
e as
set
Non
e
9. T
eam
V
alle
y
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
No
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
s pr
esen
t alth
ough
B
owes
Rai
lway
cut
s ac
ross
the
corr
idor
.
GA
P (N
o.25
):
�C
reat
e su
rface
d m
ulti
user
pat
h al
ong
verg
e B
irtle
y - L
onga
cre
- Lam
esle
y C
hurc
h
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
Ther
e is
no
cont
inuo
us ro
ute
thro
ugh
this
co
rrid
or.
With
in th
e no
rther
n pa
rt of
the
Team
Val
ley
GI c
orrid
or o
ppor
tuni
ties
to
prov
ide
an in
terc
onne
cted
off-
road
rout
e fo
r ped
estri
ans
and
cycl
ists
sho
uld
be
cons
ider
ed a
s ci
rcum
stan
ces
aris
e.
With
in th
e so
uthe
rn p
art o
f the
Tea
m
Val
ley
GI c
orrid
or th
ere
is a
goo
d fo
otpa
th
rout
e al
ongs
ide
the
river
whi
ch li
nks
to
Nat
iona
l Cyc
le N
etw
ork.
GA
PS
FR
OM
RE
VIE
W:
�U
rpet
h B
ridge
to U
rpet
h Fo
rge:
co
nsid
er u
pgra
ding
to b
ridle
way
Riv
er T
eam
Long
cul
verte
d/ch
anne
lised
se
ctio
ns in
/nea
r Tea
m V
alle
y Tr
adin
g E
stat
e (T
VTE
) do
wns
tream
of c
orrid
or w
ould
be
impr
oved
by
dayl
ight
ing
and
appl
icat
ion
of ri
ver r
esto
ratio
n pr
inci
ples
whe
re p
ract
icab
le.
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
Prin
cipa
l flo
od z
ones
with
gre
en
infra
stru
ctur
e de
velo
pmen
t po
tent
ial a
re in
the
Lam
esle
y ar
ea u
pstre
am o
f TV
TE (f
luvi
al
flood
ing)
. U
se o
f the
latte
r are
a fo
r flo
od w
ater
sto
rage
to
miti
gate
floo
ding
of u
rban
are
as
dow
nstre
am h
as b
een
inve
stig
ated
but
floo
d ris
k is
al
read
y lo
w in
the
TVTE
so
this
is
not
a p
riorit
y.
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
links
to
Bow
es R
ailw
ay (E
ast)
& B
ill Q
uay
and
Tanf
ield
R
ailw
ay c
orrid
ors.
Link
out
side
NG
bo
unda
ry to
upp
er
reac
hes
of T
eam
Val
ley
(Kyo
, Tan
field
H
ough
wel
l, C
ause
y, a
nd
Bea
mis
h B
urns
).
Bea
mis
h M
useu
m
(Cou
nty
Dur
ham
) K
- Te
am V
alle
y
10. T
anfie
ld
Rai
lway
C
ross
ed b
y se
vera
l id
entif
ied
wild
life
corr
idor
s.
Incl
udes
all
of W
ater
gate
Fo
rest
Par
k
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
�R
oad
cros
sing
s at
B
obgi
ns B
urn
Tanf
ield
Rai
lway
Pat
h is
a s
trate
gic
rout
e
GA
PS
(Nos
.16
and
17):
�Im
prov
e sa
fety
of c
ross
ing
at T
anfie
ld
Rai
lway
Pat
h - P
enny
fine
cros
sing
�Im
prov
e sa
fety
of c
ross
ing
at T
anfie
ld
Rai
lway
Pat
h –
A60
76 c
ross
ing
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
No
addi
tiona
l gap
s w
ere
iden
tifie
d.
Ther
e ar
e no
sig
nific
ant
wat
erco
urse
s or
func
tiona
l flo
odpl
ain
in th
e co
rrid
or.
Stra
tegi
c ne
twor
k lin
ks
to T
eam
Val
ley
and
Riv
er T
yne
corr
idor
s.
Link
out
side
NG
bo
unda
ry to
upp
er
reac
hes
of T
eam
Val
ley
(Kyo
, Tan
field
H
ough
wel
l, C
ause
y, a
nd
Bea
mis
h B
urns
).
Wat
erga
te F
ores
t Par
k D
– D
unst
on
Sta
iths
O –
Riv
er T
yne
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 8
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
idor
s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
ers
and
flood
plai
ns
Stra
tegi
c Li
nks
Link
s to
Key
GI a
sset
s O
ppor
tuni
ty
and
visi
tor l
ocat
ions
A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
rrid
or
11. D
erw
ent
Val
ley
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or, C
hopw
ell W
ood
and
Gib
side
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
�C
anal
ised
tida
l sec
tion
of R
iver
Der
wen
t
�C
onst
ricte
d rip
aria
n co
rrid
or o
n th
e R
iver
D
erw
ent a
t Bla
ckha
ll M
ill
Incl
udes
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
(Der
wen
t Wal
k)
and
Nat
iona
l Cyc
le N
etw
ork
14
GA
PS
(Nos
. 14,
15,1
9,20
,24)
:
�U
pgra
de F
P28
to b
ridle
way
Bla
ckha
ll M
ill -
Arm
onds
ide
- Cho
pwel
l Woo
d.
�C
reat
e su
rface
d m
ulti
user
rout
e on
hi
ghw
ay v
erge
alo
ng o
ff-ro
ad ro
ute
Win
lato
n M
ill to
Tho
rnle
y W
oodl
and
Cen
tre.
�E
stab
lish
perm
issi
ve e
ques
trian
ac
cess
rout
es a
t Spe
n B
urn
Woo
ds.
�B
ridle
way
link
from
RB
44 to
Der
wen
t W
alk
(exi
stin
g cl
aim
) in
the
Low
er
Der
wen
t Val
ley.
�U
pgra
de to
“Bla
ck A
shy
Pat
h”
brid
lew
ay W
inla
ton
to W
inla
ton
Mill
.
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
The
Der
wen
t Wal
k/N
atio
nal C
ycle
Net
wor
k 14
pro
vide
s a
rout
e al
ong
the
maj
ority
of
the
corr
idor
for p
edes
trian
s, c
yclis
ts a
nd
hors
e-rid
ers.
The
nor
th p
art o
f the
rout
e in
clud
es a
per
mis
sive
brid
lew
ay.
Nor
th o
f th
e A
1 th
ere
is a
n of
f-roa
d cy
cle
rout
e to
th
e R
iver
Tyn
e.
GA
P F
RO
M R
EV
IEW
:
�A
t the
mou
th o
f the
Der
wen
t: th
e su
rrou
ndin
g en
viro
nmen
t (hi
gh fe
nces
) an
d na
rrow
pat
hs c
reat
e a
thre
aten
ing
envi
ronm
ent:
impr
ovem
ents
to b
e co
nsid
ered
.
Riv
er D
erw
ent
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
Prin
cipa
l fun
ctio
nal f
lood
zon
es
with
gre
en in
frast
ruct
ure
deve
lopm
ent p
oten
tial a
re a
long
th
e tid
al re
ache
s (c
ombi
ned
fluvi
al a
nd ti
dal f
lood
ing)
and
ar
ound
Bla
ckha
ll M
ill, L
intz
ford
B
ridge
and
Row
land
s G
ill
(fluv
ial).
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
link
to
Riv
er T
yne
corr
idor
Link
out
side
NG
bo
unda
ry v
ia D
erw
ent
Val
ley
to D
erw
ent
Res
ervo
ir.
Der
wen
t Wal
k C
ount
ry
Par
k (p
art i
n C
ount
y D
urha
m)
Cho
pwel
l Woo
d
Gib
side
M –
Low
er D
erw
ent
Val
ley
O –
Riv
er T
yne
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 9
of 1
0 A
ugus
t 201
1
Cor
ridor
Wild
life
corr
idor
s *
Acc
ess
rout
es *
Riv
ers
and
flood
plai
ns
Stra
tegi
c Li
nks
Link
s to
Key
GI a
sset
s O
ppor
tuni
ty
and
visi
tor l
ocat
ions
A
reas
link
ed to
ne
twor
k co
rrid
or
12. B
layd
on
and
Bar
low
B
urns
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
�C
ulve
rted
sect
ions
nea
r Ty
ne c
onflu
ence
No
stra
tegi
c ro
utes
pre
sent
exc
ept
Kee
lman
’s W
ay o
n th
e no
rther
n bo
unda
ry
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
A p
erm
issi
ve b
ridle
way
runs
alo
ng th
e G
I co
rrid
or fr
om th
e R
iver
Tyn
e to
B
arlo
w/G
reen
side
. A
cces
s fu
rther
sou
th is
av
aila
ble
alon
g fo
otpa
ths
(for p
edes
trian
s on
ly.
�B
arlo
w/G
reen
side
to C
oalb
urns
:: up
grad
ing
of r
oute
to b
ridle
way
to b
e co
nsid
ered
Bla
ydon
Bur
n
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
Floo
d zo
nes
(fluv
ial)
in th
e B
layd
on B
urn/
Bar
low
Bur
n va
lley
are
narr
ow a
nd
cons
train
ed b
y to
pogr
aphy
, pr
esen
ting
limite
d gr
een
infra
stru
ctur
e de
velo
pmen
t po
tent
ial.
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
link
to
Riv
er T
yne
corr
idor
C
hopw
ell W
ood
O –
Riv
er T
yne
13. R
iver
Ty
ne
Incl
udes
iden
tifie
d w
ildlif
e co
rrid
or
GA
PS
/DE
FIC
IEN
CIE
S:
�In
tegr
ated
nat
ure
cons
erva
tion
desi
gnat
ion
for w
hole
tid
al ri
ver
�C
onst
rain
ts in
cen
tral
gorg
e ar
ea d
ue to
en
croa
chm
ent o
f de
velo
pmen
t to
river
ed
ge
�C
onfli
ctin
g de
man
ds in
D
unst
on S
taith
s ar
ea
�M
anag
emen
t of
saltm
arsh
are
as
Incl
udes
Stra
tegi
c R
oute
Nat
iona
l Tra
il (N
CN
72,
14,
Kee
lman
’s W
ay)
GA
PS
(Nos
.10,
18,2
2,26
):
�S
tepn
ey B
ank
Sta
bles
, Byk
er to
W
alke
r Riv
ersi
de C
ount
ry P
ark:
pe
rmis
sive
hor
se ri
ding
rout
e: W
alke
r R
iver
side
and
Had
rian’
s W
ay.
�U
pgra
de a
nd c
reat
e br
idle
way
link
(R
iver
Lan
e, R
yton
to N
ewbu
rn
Brid
ge).
�C
reat
e cy
cle/
ped
estri
an li
nk in
K
eelm
an’s
Way
(Ste
lla R
iver
side
).
�C
reat
e a
mul
ti us
er ri
ver c
ross
ing
poin
t at
the
form
er S
cots
woo
d ra
ilway
brid
ge
Rev
iew
of a
cces
s w
ithin
the
corr
idor
.
See
Riv
er T
yne
repo
rt at
App
endi
x D
.
Tyne
FLO
OD
PLA
IN:
Prin
cipa
l flo
od z
ones
with
gre
en
infra
stru
ctur
e de
velo
pmen
t po
tent
ial a
re a
long
the
sout
h ba
nk b
etw
een
Der
wen
thau
gh
and
the
Riv
er T
eam
con
fluen
ce,
espe
cial
ly w
est o
f the
Der
wen
t an
d in
the
Met
roC
entre
are
a.
Floo
d ris
k ar
ises
mai
nly
from
tid
al s
urge
and
sea
leve
l ris
e.
Stra
tegi
c N
etw
ork
links
to
mos
t oth
er c
orrid
ors.
Inte
rcep
ts n
orth
to s
outh
ro
utes
Link
s ou
tsid
e N
G
boun
dary
:
- wes
t - T
yne
valle
y lin
ks
to K
ield
er a
nd A
lsto
n;
- eas
t – T
yne
link
to
coas
t.
Bill
Qua
y P
ark.
Tyne
Riv
ersi
de C
ount
ry
Par
k
Ryt
on W
illow
s
O -
Riv
er T
yne,
pl
us D
, E, F
, G, J
, M
,
2617
3rr
App
endi
x B
- Pa
ge 1
0 of
10
Aug
ust 2
011
26173rrAppendix - C Page 1 of 20
August 2011
Appendix C Strategic Network Corridors Detailed Maps
This Appendix contains a detailed map highlighting each strategic green infrastructure corridor (to a standard scale with the exception of that of the River Tyne corridor).
Detailed maps are also included showing detail of the boundaries between corridors.
26173rr Appendix - C Page 2 of 20
August 2011
Detailed plans of boundaries (not to scale)
Ouseburn
River Tyne
Figure C15 – Eastern boundary between Ouseburn to Walbottle Dene and River Tyne corridors
Ouseburn
River Tyne
Figure C14 – Western boundary between Ouseburn to Walbottle Dene and River Tyne corridors
Ouseburn
Wallsend Burn
Ouseburn
Figure C16 - Boundary between Ouseburn to Walbottle Dene and Wallsend Burn to Haddricks Mill corridors
Ouseburn
Town Moor &Woolsington
Figure C17 - Boundary between Ouseburn to Walbottle Dene and Town Moor & Woolsington corridors
26173rrAppendix - C Page 17 of 20
August 2011
26173rrAppendix - C Page 18 of 20
August 2011
Ouseburn
GosforthPark &Weetslade
Figure C18 – Boundaries between Gosforth & Weetslade and Ouseburn to Walbottle Dene corridors
GosforthPark &Weetslade
Seaton Burn &Prestwick Carr
Figure C19 - Boundaries between Gosforth & Weetslade and Seaton Burn & Prestwick Carr corridors
BowesRailway
Eighton Banks, Windy Nook & Heworth
River Tyne
Figure C20 - Boundaries between Bowes Railway (East) & Bill Quay and River Tyne corridors and between Eighton Banks, Windy Nook & Heworth and River Tyne corridors
BowesRailway
Eighton Banks, Windy Nook & Heworth
River Team
Figure C21 - Boundaries between Bowes Railway (East) & Bill Quay and Eighton Banks, Windy Nook & Heworth corridors and between Bowes Railway (East) & Bill Quay and River Team corridors
Tanf
ield
Railw
ay
Tyne
Figure C22 - Boundaries between Tanfield Railway and River Tyne corridors
TanfieldRailway
TeamValley
Team Valley
Team Valley
This bitnot GI
Figure C23 - Boundaries between Tanfield Railway and Team Valley corridors Figure C23 - Boundaries between Tanfield Railway and Team Valley corridors
This bitnot GI
Derwent Valley
Blaydon& BarlowBurns
Figure C25 - Boundaries between Blaydon & Barlow Burns and Derwent Valley corridors
Tyne
Derwent Valley
Figure C24 - Boundaries between Derwent Valley and River Tyne corridors
26173rrAppendix - C Page 19 of 20
August 2011
26173rrAppendix - C Page 20 of 20
August 2011
26173rrAppendix D
August 2011
Appendix D River Tyne Green Infrastructure Strategy
26173rrAppendix D
August 2011
Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council
Green Infrastructure Strategy Report – River Tyne Appendix D
August 2011
Page ii
August 2011
Third-Party Disclaimer
Any disclosure of this report to a third-party is subject to this disclaimer. The report was prepared by Entec at the instruction of, and for use by, our client named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third-party who is able to access it by any means. Entec excludes to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising from reliance on the contents of this report. We do not however exclude our liability (if any) for personal injury or death resulting from our negligence, for fraud or any other matter in relation to which we cannot legally exclude liability.
Document Revisions
No. Details Date
1 Draft May 2011
2 Second draft August 2011
Page iii
August 2011
This report has been written for Newcastle City and Gateshead Councils by Entec and forms part of the evidence base for the joint Core Strategy, the Green Infrastructure Delivery Plans and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. The work has been funded by Growth Point, through Bridging NewcastleGateshead.
Main Contributors
John Pomfret
Issued by
John Pomfret
Entec UK Limited
Gables House Kenilworth Road Leamington Spa CV32 6JX England Tel: +44 (0) 1926 439000 Fax: +44 (0) 1926 439010
h:\projects\ea-210\#26000 projects\26173 newcastle - gateshead green infrastructure study\final eb study\appendices report\appendix m\river tyne study report volume 1 - evidence base final feb 2011.doc
Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council
Green Infrastructure Strategy Report – River Tyne Appendix D
August 2011
Entec UK Limited
Council officers steering this project: Nina Barr, Derek Hilton-Brown and Theo van Looij (Newcastle City Council); Peter Bell and Clive Gowlett (Gateshead Council).
In accordance with an environmentally responsible approach,
this document is printed on recycled paper produced from 100% post-consumer waste, or on ECF (elemental chlorine free) paper
Page iv
August 2011
Page v
August 2011
Copyright Lis Burke CCBYSA 2008
Copyright Newbiggin Hall Scouts CCBYSA 2007
NewcastleGateshead Green Infrastructure Strategy River Tyne Report
Volume 2 – Strategy Report
This volume forms Appendix D of the NewcastleGateshead Green Infrastructure Strategy Report
Page vi
August 2011
Page vii
August 2011
Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Green infrastructure strategy for the River Tyne 3
2.1 Strategic corridor 3
2.2 Development areas 3
2.3 Extent and quality of the aquatic environment 4
2.4 Aquatic and water dependent ecology 5
2.5 Landscape, townscape and cultural heritage 6
2.6 Social uses 7
2.6.1 Bankside use 7
2.6.2 Waterborne use 8 2.7 Integrated management 10
Page viii
August 2011
Page 1
August 2011
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge helps to unite the quayside areas of Newcastle and Gateshead as a single visitor destination
1. Introduction
The Green Infrastructure Strategy for NewcastleGateshead recognises the importance of the River Tyne as a key recreational, access and wildlife corridor of shared significance for Newcastle and Gateshead and a physical connection between many of the future growth locations. The evidence base of this River Tyne Study describes the central role that the River Tyne has played over history in shaping the surrounding urban infrastructure and the communities of Newcastle and Gateshead. It also explains that, despite extensive modification for navigation and bankside development, leading to loss of many of its natural characteristics, and a legacy of contamination and industrial dereliction, the river remains a valuable green infrastructure asset and focus for commercial development, with potential for improvement better to meet the aspirations of the local communities and the needs of its wildlife.
Historic heavy industrial uses of the riverside in NewcastleGateshead have largely been replaced by new housing, business and retail areas, recreation facilities and green open space – as seen here at Newburn Haugh
Both Newcastle and Gateshead have, over recent years, pursued policies aimed at protecting green infrastructure assets associated with the river and maximising the benefits of the river to the quality of the riverside urban space and local communities. However, the tidal River Tyne is a single ecosystem and separate management is unlikely ever to lead to maximum benefits to people and communities while giving the best protection for the natural processes and valued green infrastructure assets. This River Tyne Strategy takes an ecosystem approach and considers the tidal River Tyne in NewcastleGateshead as a single functional entity and a shared resource requiring integrated management by the two councils and partner organisations, such as neighbouring local authorities, the Environment Agency and the Port of Tyne Authority.
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This strategy aims therefore to encourage:
• maintenance of the physical extent and chemical quality of the water environment, including floodplains, the full range of inter-tidal and tidally influenced habitats and fully aquatic habitat;
• alleviation of deficiencies in and threats to such habitats, particularly gaps in wildlife corridors and loss of habitat due to ‘tidal squeeze’ between developed river banks on one hand and deepened channels and rising sea levels on the other;
thus providing habitat to support
• flora and fauna ranging from wetland and saltmarsh communities in flood plains and on the upper shore, through inter-tidal mud and harder substrate communities, to sub-tidal benthic communities and fish;
• other fauna that are dependent on or can use aquatic ecosystems, such as wetland and wading birds, otters and bats;
and protecting/enhancing the functioning of this ecosystem, while securing benefits for communities and individuals through:
• the contribution of the River Tyne to the local landscape and townscape and to the expression of cultural heritage, thus enhancing the ‘quality of place’ within the river corridor;
• promotion of the river as a focus for development of housing and community facilities, as well as a focus for events, thus contributing to thriving communities and community cohesion; and
• use of the river itself and its corridor by local people and visitors for personal transport and for recreation, thus contributing to their health and wellbeing.
The objectives of maintaining water quantity and quality and maximising the potential of the dependent ecosystems align closely with those of the Water Framework Directive and the aims of the Northumbrian River Basin Management Plan to achieve ‘good chemical status’ and ‘good ecological potential’, while recognising the effects of modifications for uses such as navigation, which may limit the ecological potential.
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Tidal reaches of tributaries of the River Tyne form an important part of strategic green infrastructure corridors for wildlife and
human access, as here in the Ouseburn valley
2. Green infrastructure strategy for the River Tyne
2.1 Strategic corridor
We recognise the value of the River Tyne in NewcastleGateshead as a strategic corridor and will seek to protect its green infrastructure functions in terms of use of the waterway and its banks by both people and wildlife.
The River Tyne has always represented an important natural corridor for wildlife and, after providing an early barrier to movement and periodically a defence line up to the 17th century, the industrial revolution saw the tidal reaches of the River Tyne also become a major strategic corridor for people, in terms of transport of freight and passengers. Key aspects of its functioning as a strategic green infrastructure corridor include:
• a route for movement and spread of wildlife in the water, along its banks and in the air;
• a focus for development along its banks;
• a personal transport and recreational corridor along its banks; and
• a corridor for waterborne activity.
These functions are enhanced through links with other strategic corridors based on tributary river valleys (River Team, River Derwent, Blaydon/Barlow Burns, Ouseburn and New Burn) and by the continuation of the River Tyne corridor upstream of the boundaries of NewcastleGateshead through rural Northumberland. Large swathes of green infrastructure are associated with these river valleys. To the east, the strategic corridor continues to the sea.
The legacy value of disused waggonways as green infrastructure links is also highlighted in the evidence base. As over 30 waggonways and railways were built to carry coal to vessels on the Tyne, the River Tyne corridor is particularly important in linking together different waggonway routes.
2.2 Development areas
We will seek to ensure that waterside redevelopment is set back from the river and incorporates public access to the riverside and adequate buffer zones to protect wildlife associated with the river corridor.
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The tidal River Team lies within a development area. Redevelopment could provide opportunities for increasing the brackish intertidal area
and encouraging saltmarsh development
Many older communities situated on the riverside and formerly dependent on river based industries now suffer high levels of deprivation and there are also derelict industrial sites on the river bank. The majority of the river bank within the urban areas lies within areas which have been, or are likely to be, identified for development through the emerging Local Development Framework. Despite the pressure on land in NewcastleGateshead for redevelopment, particularly in these potential growth areas, our strategy is to ensure that new development embodies the highest standards of sustainability and we see green infrastructure provision as a key element in achieving this. In particular, while recognising the demand for waterfront residential properties, we wish to ensure that:
• such development does not cut off public access to sections of the river bank or restrict wildlife movement along the corridor;
• adequate buffer areas are provided where appropriate to avoid disturbance of sensitive wildlife (particularly birds); and
• enhancement of green infrastructure provision is incorporated where possible.
Similarly, we also wish to see industrial and commercial development that protects the functions of the river corridor.
Where brownfield sites are unlikely to be developed for a long time, we support temporary greening and management of these sites to contribute to the green infrastructure resource providing it does not negatively affect the ecological value of the site.
2.3 Extent and quality of the aquatic environment
We will ensure that there is no loss of inter-tidal area as a result of development schemes and, where practicable, we will look to increase the inter-tidal area through planning agreements, particularly extension of saltmarsh area.
We will seek to gain green infrastructure and wildlife benefits where possible through better floodplain management and re-instatement of functional floodplain whenever opportunities arise.
The major modification of the tidal reaches of the River Tyne for navigation and land reclamation to provide land for construction (as at the MetroCentre) has squeezed the inter-tidal area, particularly cutting off the upper zones where saltmarsh can develop. On the upper tidal reaches of the Tyne and its tributaries, the installation of flood defences and agricultural development have greatly reduced the area of functional floodplain. These habitats (saltmarsh and floodplain wetlands) are therefore particularly under pressure and will be the main focus of efforts to increase the extent of aquatic habitat. Flood risk areas, in particular, can provide valuable green infrastructure resources in areas where other development will generally not be permitted. Work undertaken will be in accordance with the Tyne Catchment Flood Management Plan.
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Modification of hard bank protection, as seen here on the tidal
River Derwent, could provide an opportunity to increase the area of intertidal habitat
Riverside development at Dunston, where disturbance of birds using the mudflats is minimised by maintaining vertical separation from the
areas accessed by people
Management for navigation has had a significant impact on the balance between inter-tidal and sub-tidal mud habitats. In previous years, dredging limited the extent of inter-tidal mud but, with cessation of regular dredging in NewcastleGateshead, the inter-tidal mud area is expanding, particularly off Dunston Staiths and Newcastle Business Park. This is seen as beneficial by some, as it provides additional bird feeding habitat, but it represents a problem for those interested in navigating the river.
Water quality in the tidal River Tyne has improved vastly over the last 25 years, such that the Tyne now supports the best salmon run in England. However, there are still local water quality problems on some of the tributaries and areas of residual contamination of
river sediments resulting from historic industries. We will co-operate with the Environment Agency and the Port of Tyne Authority in trying to resolve these existing problems. We will contribute to the maintenance, and where appropriate improvement, of water quality using our planning powers. Developments will be required to utilise sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) wherever possible, or connect to main rivers, to ensure efficient usage of the public sewerage system, as well as wider flood management and biodiversity benefits.
Initiatives to improve the cleanliness of the river and its banks, such as the Clean Tyne Initiative, will also be encouraged.
2.4 Aquatic and water dependent ecology
We will designate the whole of the tidal River Tyne, tidal reaches of tributaries and the adjacent banks in NewcastleGateshead as a Local Wildlife Site and we will enter discussions with neighbouring local authorities to examine the potential for extending this Local Wildlife Site to cover parts of the tidal river within their boundaries
The aquatic environment of the River Tyne corridor supports a range of wildlife, including phytobenthos (small algae on the bed), planktonic algae, zooplankton, macroalgae (seaweeds), saltmarsh plants, benthic invertebrates and fish. Within NewcastleGateshead, the non-mobile benthic organisms are limited in their diversity because this is a naturally highly stressed environment due to the variation in salinity with the tide. However, the benthic invertebrate communities are highly productive and are important in supporting other species in the food chain. The health of these
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Inter-tidal mud habitats on both sides of the tidal River Tyne at
Dunston and Elswick are protected separately. A single LWS for the whole river would provide better opportunities for protection and enhancement of habitats through integrated management
components of the ecology is largely determined by the extent of suitable habitat and maintenance of good water quality, so they are protected by the strategy on supporting habitats set out in section 2.3.
However, higher predators, such as birds and otters, can also be affected by other factors, including disturbance and deficiencies in the continuity of the wildlife corridor along the river banks, and specific measures are proposed to protect these. There are several areas along the river banks that are notified as SSSI, declared as Local Nature Reserves or designated as Local Wildlife Sites, where some degree of protection for river-related avian and terrestrial species may already be in place through existing management arrangements. However, there are generic measures that should be applied throughout the River Tyne corridor, particularly regarding limiting access to and screening of principal inter-tidal bird feeding and roosting areas and maintaining continuity in riverside wildlife corridors.
While limiting public access (and, importantly, access by dogs) to inter-tidal areas of importance for birds can be achieved by fencing, this is often unsightly, difficult to maintain and presents safety issues and better options include vertical separation (e.g. by maintenance of a quay wall) or screening using a vegetated buffer zone. We will also investigate the possible provision of bird hides, working with partners from the voluntary wildlife bodies.
In terms of maintaining a continuous wildlife corridor along the banks, the key issues are ensuring passage is available under bridges which cross the river, maintaining or creating suitable space between urban development and the river, maintaining vegetation cover for wildlife movement (e.g. unmown areas alongside riverside paths) and provision of rest sites for particular species, such as otter. For bats, maintaining roosting sites, tree lines and water features and ensuring that lighting schemes are sympathetic are important. As noted in section 2.3, the balance of habitats is changing over time and it is important to understand how the different aspects of the ecology of the estuary function and interact, as a basis for determining the best approach to protecting and enhancing particularly valued habitats such as
saltmarsh. This would best be achieved by integrated management of the wildlife interest through designation of the tidal river and its corridor as a single Local Wildlife Site (LWS) within NewcastleGateshead (and beyond if agreement could be reached with adjacent local authorities).
2.5 Landscape, townscape and cultural heritage
We will seek to use green infrastructure to enhance the distinctive landscape, townscape and cultural features of the River Tyne corridor while also promoting these features as an attraction for users of the green infrastructure resource.
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The installation of public art within the River Tyne green
infrastructure corridor will be continued
The River Tyne corridor comprises a varied and interesting landscape with unique character areas and iconic features which are widely known outside the area. Many are well maintained and, in the case of the bridges for example, provide an essential function. Where redevelopment is taking place, green infrastructure provision will be designed where possible to enhance the visual appearance of these assets and the wider landscape/townscape and green access routes will be maintained to retain views of the main features from key viewpoints with signage describing the features.
The principal landscape and heritage asset that is currently unused, and where use would need to be sympathetic to the use by birds of the adjacent mudflat and the structure itself, is Dunston Staiths. This could provide a venue for an educational and interpretative visitor attraction about the coal trade. Access would need to be managed to avoid
significant disturbance of feeding or roosting birds. The eastern section of the Staiths, isolated by fire damage, has assumed particular significance as a bird roost, because of the absence of any access. We will investigate this further.
We will seek to use green infrastructure to enhance the distinctive landscape, townscape and cultural features of the River Tyne corridor while also promoting these features as an attraction for users of the green infrastructure resource.
Both Gateshead and Newcastle Councils have had long-standing policies of encouraging public art, which have been successful in attracting visitors and these policies will be continued.
2.6 Social uses
2.6.1 Bankside use
We will seek to maximise use of shared access routes along the banks of the River Tyne, and bridge gaps in provision of continuous riverside access along both banks of the River Tyne as well as their connecting routes up the tributary river valleys and along former railways and waggonways, consistent with protection and enhancement of biodiversity, to achieve health benefits to users.
We will survey existing routes to identify areas of degraded surroundings and areas of low permeability and improve these as funds permit.
We will continue to investigate and seek opportunities to obtain funding for a multi-user crossing of the Tyne in the Newburn/Blaydon/Scotswood area.
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A key target in the medium term is to establish a multi-user green
transport link across the river in the Blaydon area. One option is to make use of the old Scotswood railway bridge
© Peter McDermott CCBYSA 2010
The banks of the River Tyne support key west-east routes for walkers and cyclists through NewcastleGateshead, including the Hadrian’s Cycleway and the Keelman’s Way, which form part of the C2C cycle route. There are various places where the routes diverge from the river bank and these missing links in the riverside path should be addressed when riverside redevelopment is taking place or where agreement can be reached with existing users. The need for screening to protect wildlife from disturbance will be considered in each case.
The tidal river presents a barrier to north-south movement. Suitable crossing points for walkers and cyclists exist in the east and west of NewcastleGateshead but there are gaps in provision and we need to improve linkages between the two banks of the river.
Use of such routes for personal transport to and from work, shops etc or simply for recreation contributes to people’s health and wellbeing, a core strategy theme, and should therefore be encouraged. A number of factors discourage use, as set out in the evidence base, a key factor being poor direction signage. We will improve direction signage and signs about visitor attractions on key routes.
In some places the green access routes are poorly managed with degraded and unattractive surroundings. In other cases, routes are hemmed in for long distances with tall fences preventing ‘escape’ from the path, which discourages use and can be alleviated by making the route more permeable (i.e. increasing the number of access/exit points).
2.6.2 Waterborne use
We will encourage the development of sporting, educational and recreational facilities that make use of waterborne activities on the River Tyne, without compromising the ecological quality of the river and its banks.
The River Tyne is a historic communication artery but the section in NewcastleGateshead is no longer used by freight vessels or regular ferry services. Current uses include trip boats and sports and outdoor activities, including rowing, Sea Cadets and Sea Scouts activity, RNR training and motor cruisers but there is capacity for much greater use. Such activities provide health and economic benefits and add to the attraction of the river for river bank users, so are encouraged.
However, apart from arrangements made in advance with the few motor boat clubs and marinas on the river there are no casual visitor moorings and few steps or pontoons where users can disembark from motor cruisers. Because of this most locally-based motor boats go straight to sea and there is little internal motor boating activity which could tie in with use of other green infrastructure. Visiting yachts and cruisers from elsewhere are discouraged from proceeding inland of Royal Quays in North Tyneside because of lack of public moorings and visitor facilities,
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Additional mooring pontoons for trip boats and visiting vessels
could increase access to the river corridor and encourage visits to riverside green infrastructure destinations
although new mooring pontoons proposed on the Newcastle bank between the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Tyne Bridge will allow visiting vessels to access the riverside and other attractions in the central area.
Similarly, the trip boats are currently unable to land passengers other than in the central area, precluding use of the trip boats as part of a visit to green infrastructure or other visitor attractions on the riverside elsewhere in NewcastleGateshead.
We will encourage development of additional publicly available boat landings on the River Tyne in NewcastleGateshead, for use by visiting vessels and by trip boats/river bus services, to allow passengers to disembark at riverside attractions, for example, Ryton Willows, Newburn Riverside Country Park, the MetroCentre, Dunston Staiths, Ouseburn valley and Bill Quay. We will also encourage owners of slipways to make these available to visiting vessel users. We will promote and publicise the facilities available for recreational use of the River Tyne.
The Ouseburn is now more accessible following completion of the Ouseburn Barrage and lock and there is potential for more activity there tied in with the various visitor attractions, once redevelopment of the
large derelict sites alongside the waterway has progressed. Such use could include waterborne educational activities tied in with Seven Stories and the Ouseburn Farm and trip boats operating, for example, between a landing stage at The Cluny and the NewcastleGateshead quaysides, with an intermediate calling point at the barrage.
Previous studies of the potential for a river bus service on the Tyne concluded it would not be financially viable, although this was based on a new-build bespoke vessel. The river is now more accessible and visited by greater numbers of people and we will examine the opportunities for testing the market using an existing vessel.
The increasing siltation in the River Tyne west of the central area is causing some problems for navigation but is welcomed by bird interests – overall management is required to avoid conflicts developing.
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2.7 Integrated management
We will engage with users and wildlife groups in the management of the River Tyne corridor.
A number of potential conflicts have been identified, for example:
• access to and use of the river banks by people and pets causing disturbance to birds;
• management of siltation raises different views between navigation and wildlife interests;
• developers often prefer to have no public access between their development and the river, which conflicts with the wider public interest.
The benefits of integrated management of wildlife habitats as part of a single LWS have already been mentioned.
We aim to address this in two ways:
• we will engage with users and wildlife groups, using existing partnerships where appropriate.
• we will draw up a conservation management plan (CMP) for the River Tyne corridor, linked with the LWS designation.
The CMP could cover all uses of the River Tyne corridor and the aim would be to resolve potential conflicts before they arise by agreeing protocols for the different uses, balancing human uses and wildlife needs. This may involve agreement on zoning of uses in space and time (seasonally). Key stakeholders would include local authorities, ING, the Environment Agency, the Port of Tyne Authority, Natural England, RSPB and user groups.
We will work with the River Tyne Steering Group, whose long term objective is to improve water quality by investigating and containing sources of contamination which affect the river.
26173rrAppendix E – Page 1 of 2
August 2011
Appendix E Green Infrastructure Function Matrix
This matrix aims to identify the relevance of green infrastructure functions to the four key themes of the Joint Core Strategy, in line with an approach developed by NewcastleGateshead with input from the CABE Enabling Team. Ticks in the matrix indicate a function with a strong primary link to a Core Strategy Theme and this assessment was used to identify priority green infrastructure functions for consideration in this strategy.
Ticks have only been given when there are strong links between the function and theme. In the first analysis, functions with three or more ticks were considered to be a high priority due to their significant links to the Core Strategy theme, although it must be recognised that this approach takes no account of relative values that may be ascribed to the different green infrastructure functions.
An example of how priority and secondary functions have been identified in the matrix is provided by sustainable energy use and production, which is related to green infrastructure through the growth of biofuels. These can be burnt to create electricity and heat for use in local neighbourhoods and by local businesses and surplus energy can be sold to National Grid, supporting the local economy. Significant links therefore exist between energy production and the Core Strategy objectives for economic growth and thriving neighbourhoods. Such direct links are not as clear between sustainable energy production and quality of place/health and well being. The planting of biomass species may improve the aesthetic quality of the environment but the construction of an energy plant could have a negative impact on the landscape.
Core strategy theme
GI Function (TCPA, 2008)
Sustainable quality of
place
Economic growth and prosperity
Homes and thriving
neighbour-hoods
Health and wellbeing
Priority
Biodiversity protection and enhancement:
- protection for sites of importance. � � � � High
Non-motorised transport systems � � � � High
Recreation, quiet enjoyment and health benefits (physical, mental and spiritual)
- � � � High
Economic benefits, including:
- a high quality environment to attract and retain a quality workforce;
- enhanced property values; and
- boosts to the local economy.
� � � - High
Heritage preservation and cultural expression � � � - High
Landscape and townscape, including:
- wider landscape and townscape benefits;
- landscape restoration and the regeneration of degraded sites; and
- visual screening of unsightly buildings or infrastructure.
� � � - High
Sustainable water and flood risk management � � - � High
Mitigation of and adaptation to climate change � � � � High
Links between town and country - � � � High
Reductions in the ecological footprint � - - - Low
Carbon sequestration - - - - Low
Sustainable waste management � - - - Low
Sustainable energy use and production - � � - Low
Sustainable food production - � - � Low
Community development and cohesion - - � - Low
Regular exposure to nature and boosts to awareness of environmental issues
- - � � Low
Education and training - � � - Low
Improved air quality � - - � Low
Opportunities for children to play freely - � � Low
(TCPA, The Essential Role of Green Infrastructure: Eco-towns Green Infrastructure Worksheet Advice to Promoters and Planners, 2008)
26173rrAppendix E – Page 2 of 2
August 2011
26173rrAppendix F - -
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Appendix F Recommended Green Infrastructure Standards
Type of green infrastructure and agency
Standard Commentary
National Nature Reserves (NNRs)
Source: Natural England Green Infrastructure Guidance
� A new framework of service standards for visitors to National Nature Reserves has been developed by Natural England.
There are currently no NNRs in the NewcastleGateshead area.
Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)
Source: Natural England Green Infrastructure Guidance
Criteria for LNR designations include:
� an active local community/friends group that supports the reserve Junior management groups including WATCH groups;
� ongoing support and training for volunteers from the local authority or responsible management authority (often a County Wildlife Trust);
� a visitor travel plan to secure sustainable access to the LNR;
� an access plan that considers the overall physical accessibility of the site for all users; and
� a visitor and education access plan that considers the diversity of its local community and potential visitor audience.
Such standards should be applied in relation to the LNRs within NewcastleGateshead and performance monitored against these criteria.
Monitoring of the LNRs could possibly be completed in relation to the county Wildlife Trust.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
95% of SSSIs should be considered to be in favourable condition by 2010. Favourable condition is defined as special habitats and features are in a healthy state and are being conserved for the future by appropriate management.
Such standards should be applied in relation to the SSSIs within NewcastleGateshead and performance monitored against these criteria.
The Woodland Trust Woodland Access Standards
Source: ‘Nature Nearby’ Accessible Natural Greenspace Guidance
These standards are based on a similar principle of accessibility to the Natural England ANGSt:
� no person should live more than 500 metres from at least one area of accessible woodland of no less than 2 hectares in size;
� there should also be at least one area of accessible woodland of no less than 20 hectares; and
� within 4 kilometres (8 kilometre round-trip) of peoples’ homes.
The typology of green infrastructure provision may need to be altered to support NewcastleGateshead’s ability to meet this standard.
NewcastleGateshead’s ANGSt standards are provide in Appendix G of the Evidence Base.
Type of green Standard Commentary infrastructure and agency
Green Flag A national set of quality standards for parks in relation to maintenance, community engagement, management in relation to biodiversity etc.
Green Flag sites in Gateshead include:
� Bill Quay Community Farm
� Saltwell Park
� Watergate Forest Park
Green Flag sites in Newcastle include:
� Benwell Nature Park
� Brandling Park
� Clarewood Green
� Elswick Park
� Gosforth Central Park
� Heaton Park
� Leazes Park
� Nunsmoor Park
� Paddy Freeman’s Park
� Tyne Riverside Country Park
� Walker Park
Allotment Standards
Source: ‘Nature Nearby’ Accessible Natural Greenspace Guidance
The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG) has also produced a national allotment standard for a minimum provision of 20 standard plots of 250 square metres per 1,000 households.
Many plots in NewcastleGateshead have been decreased in size to meet demand for allotments therefore these size standards are unlikely to be met. However a standard for the area of land or the number of plots for a given population, or that demand will be met as far as possible, can still be considered.
Quality Standards for National Trails
Source: Countryside Agency
The ‘Quality Standards for National Trails’ (Countryside Agency 2004) sets out measures for the route itself (route alignment, obstructions, surfaces etc); management of the wider route corridor; trail furniture; services (to ensure users have access to relevant services that complements enjoyment of the trail); and route information.
Public Rights of Way provision should be assessed in relation to the various standards provided.
National Trails in the area include Hadrian’s Way.
Public Rights of Way
Source:www.ramblers.org.uk
Path should be maintained to whatever width was dedicated for public use. If this width is unknown the following standards can be applied:
� footpaths 1m (or 1.5m if field edge path)
� bridleway 2m (or 3m if field edge path)
Public Rights of Way provision should be assessed in relation to the various standards provided.
26173rrAppendix F - -
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Type of green Standard Commentary infrastructure and agency
Public Rights of Way
Duties of landowners and occupiers of land
Source:http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/places/rightsofway/prowresponsibility/landownerduties.aspx
Landowners and occupiers should:
� keep rights of way clear of any obstructions and warn users of potential dangers (eg slurry lagoons, cliffs) near rights of way;
� cut back vegetation encroaching from the sides (but not the surface), and above, so that it does not inconvenience the public or prevent the line of the right of way being apparent on the ground (on bridleways, horse-riders should be allowed 3 metres (10 feet) of headroom);
� keep paths clear of crops (other than hay and silage) to ensure that they do not inconvenience users;
� ensure that stiles and gates on rights of way are maintained in good order: a minimum contribution of 25 per cent of the cost of any works may be claimed by the occupier from the highway authority;
� provide adequate bridges where, with the permission of the highway authority, new ditches are made or existing ones widened;
� ensure that cross-field footpaths and bridleways are cultivated (i.e. ploughed or disturbed) only when it is inconvenient to avoid them;
� ensure that field-edge footpaths and bridleways and all byways open to all traffic, restricted byways and unsurfaced public roads are never cultivated; and
� where the cultivation of a cross-field footpath or bridleway cannot be conveniently avoided, ensure that its surface is made good to at least the minimum width.
These standards should generally be applied across NewcastleGateshead.
Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI 178),
Source: Tyne and Wear Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007/11.
The BVPI describes Public Rights of Way that are “easy to use” as:
� being signposted or way marked where Public Rights of Way leave the road in accordance with the authority’s duty under section 27 of the CA 1968 and to the extent necessary to allow users to follow the path;
� being free from unlawful obstructions and there interference, including overhanging vegetation to the public’s right of passage; and
� having surface and lawful barriers, e.g. stiles, gates, in good repair and to a standard necessary to enable the public to use the way without undue inconvenience.
These standards should generally be applied across NewcastleGateshead and have been created locally.
26173rrAppendix F - -
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Type of green Standard Commentary infrastructure and agency
British Standard, BS5709 (2006)
Source: Tyne and Wear Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007/11.
British Standard, BS5709 (2006) covers the provision of gaps, gates and stiles of landowners and land managers, and recommends specifications for stiles and other structures.
These standards should generally be applied across NewcastleGateshead.
Country Parks Accreditation Scheme
Source: ‘Nature Nearby’ Accessible Natural Greenspace Guidance
Natural England launched this scheme in August 2009 to secure the brand name of Country Parks and explain the full range of facilities and services visitors can expect to find at a site that calls itself a country park. Criteria include:
� at least 10 hectares (25 acres) in size;
� must have an identifiable boundary;
� readily accessible to the population which it is intended to serve;
� entry free of charge;
� evidence of a site access plan, with information on DDA compliance;
� must predominantly consist of natural or semi-natural landscape, e.g. woodland, grassland, wetland, heathland, parkland;
� less than 5% total area of buildings;
� easily followed paths, bridleways and cycle paths, e.g. waymarked or with a leaflet;
� toilets on site or within 2 minutes walking distance;
� opportunities for the local community to have an influence over the management and development of the site;
� daily staff presence;
� up to date management plan;
� available for public or educational events; and
� clear entrance signage.
Such standards could be applied in relation to the Country Parks in NewcastleGateshead and performance monitored against these criteria. Country Parks in NewcastleGateshead include:
� Derwent Walk Country Park;
� Tyne Riverside Country Park; and
� Wardley Manor Country Park.
26173rrAppendix F - -
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Type of green Standard Commentary infrastructure and agency
Green infrastructure in Eco-towns
Source: Eco Towns, A Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1
Forty per cent of the eco-town’s total area should be allocated to green space, of which at least half should be public and consist of a network of well managed, high quality green/open spaces which are linked to the wider countryside.
Planning applications should demonstrate a range of types of green space, for example community forests, wetland areas and public parks. The space should be multifunctional, e.g. accessible for play and recreation, walking or cycling safely, and support wildlife, urban cooling and flood management.
Particular attention should be given to land to allow the local production of food from community, allotment and/or commercial gardens.
Climate Change Adaptation in Eco-towns
Source: Eco Towns, A Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1
Eco-towns should deliver a high quality local environment and meet the standards on water, flooding, green infrastructure and biodiversity set out in this PPS, taking into account a changing climate for these, as well incorporating wider best practice on tackling overheating and impacts of a changing climate for the natural and built environment.
No Eco-towns are planned in the NewcastleGateshead area but these standards can be used as guidelines for significant development schemes.
Green infrastructure design in Eco-towns
Source: http://www.tcpa.org.uk/data/files/etws_green_infrastructure.pdf
The following standards should also guide the planning, development and operation of eco-towns:
� all streets and roads should be tree lined unless there are sound technical reasons preventing this. The full contribution of verges to green infrastructure should be realised, and land allocations should both allow for this and accommodate underground services and all necessary sight lines;
� at least one major, well equipped and very high-quality town park, offering a variety of facilities, services and experiences for all age groups and able to accommodate a wide range of community events;
� a range of gardenesque spaces providing social and amenity space (which is especially attractive to older people), possibly associated with toddler play areas at a neighbourhood scale;
No Eco-towns are planned in the NewcastleGateshead area but these standards can be used as guidelines for significant development schemes.
26173rrAppendix F - -
Page 5 of 6 August 2011
Type of green Standard Commentary infrastructure and agency
GI design in Eco-towns (continued)
Source: http://www.tcpa.org.uk/data/files/etws_green_infrastructure.pdf
� semi-natural spaces, including designated nature reserves, that combine passive recreational access and activities with biodiversity value and a variety of habitats. Wherever possible they should incorporate appropriate educational facilities or features to encourage use by school groups;
� a range of sports facilities and pitches designed and maintained for use by the whole community, not just schools and other institutions;
� a network of greenways to connect larger or more expansive open spaces;
� a presumption of public access to all green infrastructure (with the exception of private gardens) unless there are sound reasons to restrict this;
� basic green infrastructure facilities and services needed to enable full use of the green infrastructure by all sections of the community;
� a network of streets, open spaces and parks, with safe routes linking them to homes and schools, allowing children to both play in their own neighbourhoods and move around without traffic danger;
� natural green spaces and wild or free play areas in the urban setting – providing a very cost-effective land use, as much of the required infrastructure is already in place, and if managed correctly will look after itself to some degree.
The above standards relate almost exclusively to the quality rather than the quantity of provision. Standards exist in relation to play areas and outdoor playing pitches, e.g. Fields In Trust standards for play areas and the Six Acre Standard for pitches; however, these do not relate to local standards created by Gateshead and Newcastle, and to be reviewed, for these types of provision.
26173rrAppendix F - -
Page 6 of 6 August 2011
26173rrAppendix G – Page 1 of 4
August 2011
Appendix G Development of a Delivery Plan
Following the completion of the Green Infrastructure Strategy a Delivery Plan will be prepared by NewcastleGateshead, identifying sites in which green infrastructure activities will be implemented and the table below indicates the type of issues we will address. Information on the completion of aspects of the table, e.g. phasing, monitoring, etc is detailed in the sections below.
Prioritisation and Phasing
The Delivery Plan will provide a provisional list of green infrastructure projects for delivery between 2010 and 2030. A significant number of projects will be identified and it is therefore important to have an appropriate phasing mechanism, so that robust decisions can be taken on which green infrastructure projects should be delivered first or will be considered a funding priority. Table G1 indicates criteria for placing projects in particular phases. (Note: not all criteria need to be met at each phase.)
When completing the Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan it will be important to distinguish which projects can be delivered alongside Area Action Plans and major development activity. In some cases it may be considered whether green infrastructure provision could be delivered in the initial phases of activity to attract private investors and new residents. In the current economic climate, and where public sector funds can be found, it may be sensible to provide development platforms (remediated brownfield sites with utility and transport links) in which green infrastructure provision is already integrated. The financial viability of developing such sites is therefore enhanced and their appeal to developers increased following an upturn in the market.
Table G1 Phasing criteria
Phase Criteria
Project relates to a primary green infrastructure function
Deliverable in the next five years (phase one)
Project will have a significant regional impact
Site is located within a deprived area
Detailed project information has been prepared and funding applications submitted
Funding has been secured for the project
The project is identified within a masterplan/AAP and is scheduled to be delivered within phase one
Works are ready to commence on site
Planning approval has been granted
The project is part of a SUDS scheme which is due to be completed as part of a residential development to be delivered within the five year period;
Project within a dense urban area – categories 1 and 2 of Land Use map in Evidence Base and Figure 3.2
The project has been identified to meet an existing deficiency
One
Landowners are engaged and are happy to be involved in the project.
A planning brief is being prepared for the site but a developer has yet to be identified
Project details exist however further testing of the project’s feasibility is required
Difficulties have been met in identifying or engaging with landowners
Two
The project is part of a residential scheme phased for development within the next five to ten years.
The project was identified through consultation and further work is required to examine its feasibility
The project is part of a residential scheme phased for development beyond the next ten years
Project within a rural area or area already with significant open space– categories 4 and 5 of Land Use map in the Evidence Base and Figure 3.2
Three
It is believed that there will be difficulties gaining funding for the identified project
26173rrAppendix G – Page 2 of 4
August 2011
Responsibilities for Delivery
Following the completion of the Green Infrastructure Strategy, Newcastle and Gateshead Councils will be responsible for delivering related activity with a variety of partners. Entec recommends that a working group is set up to ‘champion’ the delivery of the Strategy across a number of council departments. A short assessment should be completed to identify any green infrastructure strands which do not have an appropriate officer and information developed on how to progress development in these areas. It is also important that green infrastructure has a representative at member level to support its inclusion and consideration at a strategic level.
It is suggested that the council each nominate an officer to act as an advocate for green infrastructure, ensuring that it is included within site masterplans for residential and employment development and managing any further studies required. This officer would also be responsible for co-ordinating partnership working between various council departments and with partner agencies, due to the multifunctional nature of green infrastructure. The development of green infrastructure and its ability to support regeneration objectives should also be advocated within the council, particularly through the Local Strategic Partnership and other similar groups.
It is expected that a wide range of external partners will also be responsible for both the construction and maintenance of green infrastructure provision. Further details of Newcastle and Gateshead Councils’ and their partners’ involvement will be considered in the completion of the Delivery Plan, where a key agency will be identified plus relevant partners.
Table G2 identifies the agencies associated with delivering green infrastructure provision in NewcastleGateshead and its future management. Consultation will be required with these agencies when developing the Delivery Plan to consider their roles and contributions.
26173rrAppendix G – Page 3 of 4
August 2011
Table G2 Agencies potentially responsible for future green infrastructure development and maintenance
Sector Delivery Agencies Sector Delivery Agencies
Newcastle City Council Private sector developers
Gateshead Council Northumbrian Water Ltd
Neighbouring Local Authorities – Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council, Durham County Council
Gateshead Town Centre Manager
Newcastle Primary Care Trust Land and property owners
Gateshead Primary Care Trust Port of Tyne Authority for the River Tyne
Homes and Communities Agency MetroCentre, Gateshead
Environment Agency Local maintenance companies
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Private sector
Registered Social Landlords
Bridging NewcastleGateshead RSPB
One North East Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle, Groundwork North East
Natural England Wildlife Trusts (Durham Wildlife Trust, Northumberland Wildlife Trust)
Parish Councils Local sports clubs
Gateshead College Conservation groups and agencies
Newcastle University Community groups
Public sector
University of Northumbria
Voluntary sector and charities
26173rrAppendix G – Page 4 of 4
August 2011
26173rrAppendix H – Page 1 of 14 August 2011
Appendix H Funding Mechanisms
The table below provides information on funding streams available in July 2010, with subsequent deletion of certain schemes which have been abolished. The funding arena is changing considerably in the current political climate and therefore the table will require regular review.
Source Details Funding
INTERREG IVA/B European funding is funding made available by the European Union for cooperation between organisations in other European Member states. Its aims include promoting harmonious economic and social development through the sharing of knowledge and experience. INTERREG funding is currently in its fourth stage. The A Strand funds cooperation between land and sea-based border areas in the European Union. The B Strand funds trans-national cooperation between wider groups of European regions.
e.g. MP4 Making Places Profitable - Public and Private open spaces, Sheffield City Council (South Yorkshire Forest Partnership)
Variable
Rural Development Programme
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is partly funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and through funding provided by Defra. The Programme is jointly delivered by EEDA, The Forestry Commission and Natural England.
e.g. Environmental Stewardship Scheme
Variable
EU
LIFE + (UK) The aim of the LIFE + is to fund actions that protect and improve the environment. The European Commission has announced that that the third call for proposals under the Life + Programme is now open for applications. The Life + programme is the EU’s main fund for supporting environmental projects. Under this call for proposals, the Commission will be supporting projects under the following headings; nature and biodiversity; environment policy and governance; and information and communication. A total of €250 Million is available for this call and the total available to the UK is in excess of €19 million.
e.g. The University of Teesside Clean Environment Management Centre
Matched funding. (The maximum co-financing rate can be 75 percent, but is normally 50 percent.)
NationalGovernment
Revenue Support Grants
Revenue support grants are given by central government to local authorities to support their activities. Through Local Area Agreements green infrastructure can be prioritised to meet a range of objectives.
e.g. Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council
Varies between authorities
Source Details Funding
Lottery Funding The lottery funds a number of lottery funds including the following relevant funds:
Awards for All Big Lottery Fund Heritage Lottery Fund UK Sport
The funds are distributed by various organisations and trusts. Different funds are open for various objectives and for different applicants including:
� Not-for-profit organisations or community groups
� Profit making organisations/private sector
� Schools or further education institutions
� Parish/town councils
� Local authority/local education authority
� Other statutory organisations
� Individuals e.g. Sow and Reap Sensory Garden, Blaydon, Gateshead (Awards for All)
Big Lottery Fund The Big Lottery fund gives out half the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes. There are two programmes of particular relevance: See below:
� Parks For People
� Changing Spaces
New Parks for People programme
Parks for People offers grants for projects involving urban or rural green spaces designed for informal recreation and enjoyment.
Parks for People offers grants for projects involving urban or rural green spaces designed for informal recreation and enjoyment.
e.g. Ouseburn Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
£250,000-£5million
Lottery and ExternalFunds
Changing Spaces Changing spaces incorporates 5 schemes of relevance:
See below:
� Community Spaces
� Access to Nature
� Community Sustainable Energy Programme
� Ecominds
� Local Food
e.g. Teams Adventure Playground and Organic Garden, Gateshead
26173rrAppendix H – Page 2 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Community Spaces The Community Spaces programme, run by Groundwork UK, opened in 2008. It funds community groups who want to improve local green spaces such as play areas, community gardens, parks, wildlife areas and village greens, kick-about areas and pathway improvements.
The following are some examples of projects that Community Spaces will fund:
� community gardens and parks
� informal sports areas and multi-use games areas
� nature reserves
� squares and village greens
� creation or improvements to churchyard gardens
� ponds and projects which improve the local community’s access to green space.
e.g. The Byker Centre Community Garden, Newcastle upon Tyne
Community groups can apply for
Small grants of between: £10,000-£25,000
Medium grants of between: £25,001-£49,999
Large grants of between: £50,000-£100,000
Flagship grants of between: £100,001-£450,000
Local Food, run by RSWT (Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts)
Local Food, run by RSWT (Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts), opened in 2008. It funds a range of organisations who want to carry out a variety of food related projects to make locally grown food more accessible and affordable to local communities. Grants from £2,000 up to £300,000 are available for not-for-profit groups and organisations in England delivering such projects as growing, processing, marketing and distributing local food; composting and raising awareness of the benefits of such activities.
e.g. Food for Though Project, Ashington, Northumberland
£2,000-£300,000
Community Sustainable Energy (CSEP) programme
The Community Sustainable Energy (CSEP) programme, run by BRE (Building Research Establishment) helps community-based organisations in England reduce their environmental impact through the installation of energy saving measures and microgeneration technologies (producing heat or electricity on a small-scale from a low carbon source) CSEP will only award grants to not-for-profit community based organisations in England. Grants are open to not-for-profit community based organisations in England
e.g. Othona Community Wind Turbine and Solar Thermal project for community building, East of England
Organisations can apply for up to £50,000 or 50 per cent of the project cost (whichever is lower) for installingmicrogenerationtechnologies and energy efficiency measures.
26173rrAppendix H – Page 3 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Ecominds Ecominds is a grant programme which helps people with experience of mental distress get involved in local environmental projects that improve mental and physical health. Projects include:
� Community agricultural projects linking gardeners and producers with local selling opportunities
� Wildlife habitat or other site creation or renovation
� Clearing open spaces for community use
� Graffiti removal projects
� Environmental protection (such as rebuilding a flood plain)
� Creating or renovating urban green areas
� Installing signposts to encourage community environmental awareness
e.g. Walking Group, Mind in Gateshead
Small grants - up to £20,000
Medium grants - £20,001-£60,000
Large grants-£60,001 to £150,000
Heritage Lottery Fund
The Heritage Lottery Fund is the UK’s leading funder of diverse heritage – including buildings, museums, natural heritage and the heritage of cultural traditions and language. It help groups and organisations of all sizes with projects that:
� conserve the UK's diverse heritage for present and future generations to experience and enjoy;
� help more people, and a wider range of people, to take an active part in and make decisions about their heritage;
� help people to learn about their own and other people's heritage
e.g. Walker Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Landscape Partnerships
The Landscape Partnerships grant programme aims to support schemes of between £250,000 and £2million led by partnerships of local, regional and national interests which aim to conserve areas of distinctive landscape character throughout the United Kingdom. Each scheme is based round a portfolio of smaller projects, which together provide a varied package of benefits to an area, its communities and visitors
e.g. Sulworth Connections Landscape Partnership, Dumfries and Galloway
£250,000-£2million
Your Heritage Your Heritage provides grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 to support community-focused heritage projects. To qualify for a grant, projects should conserve and enhance our diverse heritage or encourage communities to identify, look after and celebrate their heritage or both. Projects should also ensure that everyone can learn about, have access to, and enjoy their heritage.
e.g. Newcastle City Council Parks
£5,000-£50,000
Heritage Grants This programme offers grants of £50,000 or more. Projects should conserve and enhance the nation's diverse heritage or encourage more people to be involved in their heritage or both. Projects should also make sure that everyone can learn about, have access to and enjoy their heritage.
e.g. Blaydon, Gateshead Council
£50,000 +
26173rrAppendix H – Page 4 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
UK Sport Through Sport England National Lottery and Exchequer funding is invested in organisations and projects that will grow and sustain participation in grassroots sport and create opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport.
See Sport England
In England, funding can be accessed from a range of government agencies. Often this money can be used to fund green spaces.
This includes agencies such as the Highways and Environment Agencies, Learning and Skills Partnership, Homes and Communities Agency, Natural England, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Department of Energy and Climate Change, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission. A number of funds are available often with support from lottery initiatives.
Access to Nature Fund- To encourage people from all backgrounds to understand access and enjoy the natural environment. Funded through the Big Lottery Fund Changing Spaces programme and Countdown 2010. Access to Nature will only award grants to not-for-profit community based organisations in England.
e.g. River Routes in Stockton, Groundwork North East
£50,000-£715,000
Wetland Vision A new fund for reinstating wetlands. The Wetland Vision is a partnership between the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts, English Heritage, the Environment Agency and Natural England. Natural England has allocated a further £4,000,000 to the Wetland Vision partnership between 2009 and 2011, in support of landscape-scale wetland projects and the delivery of the targets for priority wetland habitats.
e.g. Wicken Fen, East of England
The minimum threshold for project funding is £50,000 for projectdevelopment,and £100,000 for habitat creation/ restoration work, including land purchase.Natural England will fund up to a maximum of 50% of total project costs.
NationalAgencies
Energy Crops Scheme Natural England’s Energy Crops Scheme aims to increase the amount of energy crops grown in England in appropriate locations. It offers grants to farmers in England for the establishment of Miscanthus and short rotation coppice.
Coppice (SRC). Payment will be made on the basis of :
40% of Actual costs i.e. suppliers/materials/contractors costs and/or
40% of On-farm costs i.e. use of own labour and machinery, where applicable.
26173rrAppendix H – Page 5 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme that provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England who deliver effective environmental management on their land.
Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) provides a straightforward approach to supporting the good stewardship of the countryside. This is done through simple and effective land management that goes beyond the Single Payment Scheme requirement to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition. It is open to all farmers and landowners.
Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) is the organic strand of ELS. It is geared to organic and organic/conventional mixed farming systems and is open to all farmers not receiving Organic Farming Scheme aid.
Payment rates are £175 per hectare per year for two years for improved land and £600 per hectare per year for three years for established top fruit orchards.
English Heritage Grants English Heritage offers grants for:
� Historic Buildings, Monuments and Designed Landscapes
� War Memorials
� Capacity Building for the Voluntary Sector
� Local Authorities - Area Partnership Funding
� Local Authority Grants to Underwrite Urgent Works Notices
� Acquisition Grants for Local Authorities
� Local Authority Grants for Conservation Staff
� Historic Environment Enabling Programme
Historic Buildings, Monuments and Designed Landscapes
Organisations and individuals who have a legal responsibility for the repair of a historic building, scheduled monument or designed landscape have the opportunity to apply for grant funding for urgent repairs or other work required within two years to prevent loss or damage to important architectural, archaeological or landscape features. There is no maximum grant level that organisations or individuals can apply for, however the minimum grant available under this scheme is £10,000. The grant is managed by English Heritage (EH) and applications need to be submitted to EH relevant regional offices. Most grants will be conditional upon an agreement to provide public access.
There is no maximum grant level that organisations or individuals can apply for, however the minimum grant available under this scheme is £10,000.
Repair Grants for Places of Worship
This scheme is jointly funded by English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund and gives grants for urgent repairs to listed buildings which are in regular use as public places of worship. The day-to-day administration of the scheme will be carried out by English Heritage.
£10,000-£250,000
Acquisition Grants for Local Authorities
This grant scheme focuses on help to local authorities to underwrite the cost of serving a Repairs Notice under sections 47, 48 and 52 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 on historic buildings which have fallen into a serious and dangerous state of decay.
Grant eligible expenditure can include the cost of professional services brought in by an authority to enable it to serve Repairs Notices, as well as the acquisition price.
26173rrAppendix H – Page 6 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund
A levy on aggregate extraction finances the ALSF which can be used to address historic and current local environmental and social costs of aggregate extraction. Grant schemes are normally in the range of 50% - 70% of eligible project costs.
The ALSF is distributed on behalf of Defra by English Heritage, Natural England, MIRO, WRAP, BERR, DfT, CLG, selected Local Authorities and CEFAS. This includes a ring-fenced allocation for marine initiatives which is to be distributed by English Heritage and CEFAS.
e.g. Teesmouth- The Story of Sand
Not specified
FC English Woodland Grant Schemes
The English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) is the Forestry Commission's suite of grants designed to develop the co-ordinated delivery of public benefits from England's woodlands. EWGS is supported via the Rural Development Programme for England. The grants include:
� Woodland Planning Grant (WPG)
� Woodland Assessment Grant (WAG)
� Woodland Regeneration Grant (WRG)
� Woodland Improvement Grant (WIG)
� Woodland Management Grant (WMG)
� Woodland Creation Grant (WCG)
e.g. Thames Chase Forest
Woodland Planning Grant (WPG)
Woodland Planning Grant (WPG) contributes to the costs of producing management plans for existing woodlands that meet the planning requirements of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard.
e.g. Berry Field Wood, Saltford
£20 per hectare
Woodland Assessment Grant (WAG)
The objective is to improve the sustainable management of woodland by ensuring that management decisions are based on good knowledge of the sensitivities and needs of the woodland and the opportunities to derive benefits for the public.
Rate/hectarebased on type
(£2.80-£5.60/h)
Woodland Regeneration Grant (WRG)
Woodland Regeneration Grant (WRG) contributes to the costs of making changes to the composition of woodland within the normal cycle of felling and woodland regeneration.
e.g. Mersey and Red Rose Forests
Rate/hectarebased on type
(£350-£1.750/h)
26173rrAppendix H – Page 7 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Woodland Improvement Grant (WIG)
Woodland Improvement Grant (WIG) funds capital investment in woodlands, over an agreed period, to create, enhance and sustain an increase in the quantity and quality of public benefits delivered.
Within the East of England there is a specific Ancient Woodland Restoration WIG. Up to 80% of standard costs can been paid for applications for the protection and restoration of ancient woodlands within targeted parts of the region.
Up to 80% of standard costs can been paid for
Woodland Management Grant (WMG)
The objective of WMG is to:
contribute to the additional costs of providing public benefits that arise from meeting the UK Forestry Standard for sustainable woodland management protect, increase and maintain the area of woodland under sustainable management and identify and address threats to woodland, prevent decline and increase the capacity for sustainable management.
e.g. Birch and Rowdown Woods, Croydon
Not specified
Woodland Creation Grant (WCG)
This grant supports the establishment of new woodlands that meet national and regional priorities. The grant is available on a competitive and regional basis, using scoring systems that select applications based on best fit with the public benefit priorities.
e.g. Maxey Quarry, Peterborough
£1,800 per hectare, up to £3,800 per ha in priority areas
Sport England Sport England administers a number of funding programmes for sport related initiatives. These are:
� Small Grants
� Sportsmatch
� Innovation Fund
� Rural Communities
� Sustainable Facilities Fund
Small Grants The Sport England Small Grants Programme has been set up to support local community sport projects which seek to increase participation, sustain participation or develop opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport.
£300-£10,000 but the total project cost cannot exceed £50,000
Sportsmatch Sportsmatch is funded by Sport England to support the development of grassroots sport in England. It makes awards to organisations running projects aimed at increasing participation in sports at community level. We do this through matching eligible funding invested in community sport.
£1,000-£100,000.
Innovation Fund The overall aim of this £5 million investment programme is to find and nurture genuine breakthroughs that will transform the way community sport looks and feels in the future
£10,000-£500,000
26173rrAppendix H – Page 8 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Rural Communities The Rural Communities Themed Round aims both to address barriers and create new opportunities for participation in sport in rural communities. The programme is open to applicants from sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations, local authorities and educational establishments (such as schools, colleges and universities) which provide participation opportunities in community sport.
Not specified
Sustainable Facilities Fund
Applications will need to meet the following criteria to be eligible for this funding:� Benefit all sections of the local community
� Be submitted by an organisation entitled to receive lottery funding
� Relate to a recognised sporting activity of more than one national governing body
� Comprise capital costs only which are eligible for lottery funding
� Include partnership funding in cash or in kind.
� The sports facility provision elements of the project for which funding is sought must not have started
Not specified
Low Carbon Buildings Programme
Through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme grants are available to support the costs of renewable energy generation.
Up to £2,500 per property
Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Biodiversity Strand
The Esmee Fairbarn Foundation is one of the largest independent grant-making foundations in the UK. It offers grants for education and learning, the natural environment and enabling disadvantaged people to participate more fully in society. Funding strands are available for biodiversity, heritage and food production.
In relation to biodiversity the fund has a focus on increasing the knowledge base and testing out ideas for the future conservation of the habitats listed below. Applications are considered from research organisations, practical conservation charities and voluntary nature societies.
e.g. Sheffield City Council
A range of grants, with a small number of larger grants (£100,000+) complemented by smaller awards.
Trusts
Esmee Fairbarn Foundation Food Strand
Funding is increasingly becoming available for food production. The Esmee Fairbarn Foundation supports work which explores the relationship between people and food setting aside £3million over three years from 2008, subject to annual review. A mix of practical projects that have wide significance, and some research and policy based work including the following are supported:
� Improving access to appropriate, diverse and sustainable food in areas where availability is limited
� Exploring or enhancing understanding of the impact of food on wider well-being
� Demonstrating the positive role of food in a social context or how food can contribute to community cohesion
� Developing leadership in food policy and/or enabling greater connection among currently diverse food-related interests
� Scaling up effective local or regional practice that deserves a wider platform
e.g. Community Food Initiatives North East (Aberdeenshire and Moray)
A range of grants, with a small number of larger grants (£100,000+) complemented by smaller awards.
26173rrAppendix H – Page 9 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Landfill Tax Communities Fund
The Landfill Tax Communities Fund can provide funding for environmental initiatives managed by environmental bodies for projects located within 10 miles of an active landfill site. A number of trusts have been run by waste companies and independent bodies.
� Biffaward
� Grantscape
� Wren
� SITA Trust
� CDENT
� Veolia Environmental Trust e.g. Caldervale Nature Trail, Wakefield
See below
SITA Trust SITA Trust operates under the Landfill Communities Fund distributing funds donated by the recycling and resource management company SITA UK. West Gateshead is within the zone for funding. There are two strands to the fund enriching nature and enhancing communities.
See below
Enriching Nature Enriching Nature is the name of SITA Trust's funding programme for biodiversity/conservation projects. This programme supports projects within 10 miles of landfill sites in England. Enriching Nature supports projects with a focus on a species or habitat that has been identified as a priority by the UK Biodiversity Action Planning Process.
e.g. Land for Lapwings, Northern Pennines
Grants up to £120,000
Enhancing Communities
Enhancing Communities - For community improvement projects within three miles of qualifying waste processing sites owned by SITA UK. Not for profit organisations, community groups, parish councils, local authorities and charities can apply.
e.g. Reclaiming Our Parks, Coventry
Small Grantsbelow £10,000
Large Grants £10,001-£50,000
The WREN Small Grant Scheme
The Small Grant Scheme is designed to assist applicants looking for funding on small projects that can make a difference to their local communities. This includes: Recreation Grounds, Nature Reserves, Village Greens, Public Footpaths/Towpaths, Multi-Purpose Sports Clubs, Playgrounds.
e.g. Clyde Muirshiel Park, Glasgow
£2,000-£15,000 but the total project cost should be under £50,000.
The WREN Main Grant Scheme
Funding of between £15,001 and £50,000 is available for the following types of projects:
� The provision, maintenance or improvement of a public park or other public amenity in the vicinity of a landfill site.
� The delivery of biodiversity conservation for UK species or habitats
� The maintenance, repair or restoration of a building or other structure, which is a place of religious worship or of historic or architectural interest.
e.g. Anderton Boat Lift, Cheshire
£15,001-£50,000 to projects which fall within WREN policy and the LandfillCommunitiesFund.
26173rrAppendix H – Page 10 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
The WREN Biodiversity Action Fund
A project's primary intent must relate to specific improvements to a site to aid the conservation of a priority habitat to help achieve national, regional or local biodiversity targets. Projects which involve research, survey and monitoring work and educational elements may be funded but only where there is a clear intent that this work will lead to actual conservation improvements. Grants for environmental organisations, voluntary groups, charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups can apply for funding.
e.g. Anderby Marsh Habitat Re-Creation, Lincolnshire
£75,000-£250,000 to deliverbiodiversity improvementprojects.
Green Energy Trust Local community groups and not for profit organisations and charities within the UK can apply for grants for the installation of renewable technologies. The funding which is available through the Green Energy Trust will provide grants of up to 25,000 (but most projects receive around £10,000) for up to half the cost of the chosen renewable technology.
e.g. Crosscanoby Community Centre, Maryport, Cumbria
Up to 25,000 (but most projects receive around £10,000)
Community Tree Planting Grant Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is offering grants for community tree planting initiatives. Community groups, associations and not for profit organisations such as community action groups, local residents groups, environmental action group, scouts, brownies, etc. can apply for grants of £100 for tree planting projects organised by the local community. The grant covers costs directly related to the tree planting project. This can include purchase of native trees, the purchase of other tree planting materials and publicity costs.
e.g. Dalwood Parish Council
£100
One Planet Living Grant Scheme (UK) B&Q
Through the One Planet Living (OPL) Grant scheme, schools, community groups and charitable organisations can apply to their local B&Q store for funding to support a local community project. Projects must support at least one of the following themes; Environment/Energy Saving; Natural Habitats/Wildlife; and Local Culture/Heritage.
The scheme provides £50 to £500 (at retail cost) of B&Q materials
Sustainable Energy Fund (England, Scotland and Wales)
The E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund offers grants of up to £20,000 to community groups and not for profit organisations who wish to consider and implement sustainable energy projects in their buildings. Projects that can be considered include; the purchase and installation of one or more renewable energy technologies (e.g. wind, solar thermal, PV, wood etc); the renovation of existing facilities to incorporate micro-generation technology (e.g. the reinstatement of a watermill and the purchase of a turbine to produce hydro-electricity); an energy efficiency makeover for your building that could demonstrate significant energy savings and also behavioural change amongst users; and the use of new or innovative technology to deliver either energy savings or micro-generation capacity. To be eligible organisations must benefit specific community groups namely: Young people; Elderly people; and People in fuel poverty.
Up to £20,000
26173rrAppendix H – Page 11 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Its Your Community (UK) Conservation Foundation and O2
The Conservation Foundation and O2 have come together to operate this award scheme to help people improve their local environment. “Its Your Community” will provide awards of up to £1,000 to local organisations and individuals to support environmental projects such as turning derelict land into an amenity park or wildlife area, tree planting, creating a wildlife pond, renovating neglected river and canal footpaths, providing water butts and recycling facilities in village halls, etc. The fund is open to local amenity groups, parish and village councils, schools, youth clubs, heritage groups, environmental and conservation groups, and individuals who can show that their project will benefit their local environment.
e.g. Jesmond Old Cemetery, Newcastle upon Tyne
Up to £1,000
BP Conservation Programme (UK)
The BP Conservation Programme (BPCP) supports and encourages conservation projects that address global conservation priorities at a local level. The Conservation Leadership Programme is offering Future Conservationist Awards of up to £12,500 to high potential teams who aim to develop their skills through practical conservation projects.
Up to £12,500
J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust
The Trust started distributing funds in 1986, and since then it has awarded nearly £38 million to over 3,000 charities across the United Kingdom. The Trust's main aim is to support projects which help to relieve poverty, support disadvantaged people, and effect long-term change where help is not readily available from the public or private purse. The Trust also provides funding for the arts, and towards the conservation of the natural and built environment. The Trust makes grants through two funding streams. Main grants can be between £10,000 and £250,000 over a period of 1 to 3 years. Small grants of up to £5,000 are also available for smaller charities.
e.g. Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
Main grants can be between £10,000 and £250,000 over a period of 1 to 3 years. Small grants of up to £5,000 are also available for smaller charities.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Used to secure developer funded initiatives and ongoing maintenance. Can be used by Local Authorities on adoption of a CIL Development Plan Document within the Council's Local Development Framework (LDF). CIL differs from previous s106 regimes in that it captures a much wider range of development thereby sharing the burden, and will also break the direct link between the obligation and the development, so that infrastructure spending can be managed at a strategic level.
The purpose of CIL is to help provide for community infrastructure needs. It enables local authorities to apply a levy to all new developments (residential and commercial) in their area, subject to a low de minimis threshold. Where appropriate the local planning authority can use CIL to supplement a negotiated agreement, which may be required for site specific matters, including affordable housing and open space or play areas to serve an particular site.
VariableLocal Initiatives / considerations
Planning obligations and section 106 contributions
Used to secure developer funded initiatives relating to their proposals. The funding should be directly related to local authority policies and published standards. Ongoing maintenance should be considered.
e.g. Forest of Marston Vale, The Marston Vale Trust
Variable
26173rrAppendix H – Page 12 of 14 August 2011
Source Details Funding
Private sector funding through property and financial endowments
Provision of income generating funds or assets which will assist with running costs and ongoing maintenance of green infrastructure. Endowments provide long-term funding for urban green spaces from the interest gained on investments in assets such as property or the stock market.
e.g. Peterborough Development Corporation - Nene Country Park
Variable
Business / developer sponsorship
Opportunities for generating revenue income, such as licensing and franchising, sponsorship, entry fees and fines, are ways in which funding from the private sector and users of urban green space can be sourced.
e.g. Playground Project in Auchinlea Park, Glasgow, is sponsored by the Body Shop
Variable
Established area based vehicles and partnerships
Area based partnerships can secure funding from the Homes and Communities Agency in addition to the Growth Fund. The voluntary sector can be engaged through the formation of parks ‘friends’ groups.
e.g. Rossmere Park, Hartlepool, where the community was encouraged to take ownership of the park
Variable
Funds accessible by various local charities, e.g. Groundwork, BTCV etc
Not-for-profit organisations and voluntary/community groups can contribute time and labour, raise funds and encourage community development and local ownership of urban green space. Charity status can also attract investment from funding bodies which may not have been accessible to the local authority. They can also access funds aimed at social inclusion and community cohesion due to the crosscutting nature of its work.
e.g. Finsbury Park Volunteer day
Variable
26173rrAppendix H – Page 13 of 14 August 2011
26173rrAppendix H – Page 14 of 14 August 2011