south oxfordshire green infrastructure strategy march july 2011

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March July 2011

South Oxfordshire Green Infrastructure Strategy

South Oxfordshire District Council March July 2011

Contents

Section Page 1.0 Introduction

- What is green infrastructure? 1 - Why do we need a green infrastructure strategy? 1 - What are the benefits of green infrastructure? 2 - Aims of this strategy 3

2.0 Methodology - What to include as green infrastructure 4 - Our approach to biodiversity improvements 5 - Our approach to the delivery of new green infrastructure 7 - Our approach to the identification and delivery of new green links 8

3.0 Funding the delivery of new green infrastructure 12

4.0 How we will deliver measures to conserve and enhance biodiversity

13

5.0 How we will deliver new green infrastructure

- Existing green infrastructure assets 15 - Addressing the need for South Oxfordshire’s main towns 15 - Addressing the need for South Oxfordshire’s larger villages 18

6.0 Guidance on green infrastructure provision 20

Appendix 1 Green infrastructure benefits in relation to our Sustainable Community Strategy objectives

22

Appendix 2 Existing parks and gardens within the larger villages 26 Appendix 3 Existing accessible natural green space sites 41 Appendix 4 Main honey- pot sites in South Oxfordshire 57 Appendix 5 Summary of the Didcot Greenspace Network Feasibility Study 58

Introduction

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1.1 South Oxfordshire District Council produced a draft green infrastructure strategy for consultation in December 2009. That report was distributed for consultation prior to Christmas 2009 and the formal consultation took place from 4 January to 1 February 2010.

1.2 Since that consultation there has been a change of government. The new

coalition government has indicated its intention to revoke the Regional Spatial Strategy and consequentially the housing figures in it. The revocation will happen as part of the Localism Bill. We have decided to continue with the housing delivery targets in the South East Plan as they were based on credible, well researched and robust demographic projections and economic forecasts. As a result in South Oxfordshire we need to allocate 11,487 houses for the period up to 2027: 6,053 have already been completed or are existing allocations and identified deliverable sites. The number of houses allocated to Didcot remains unchanged and the findings of the Didcot Greenspace Network – Feasibility Study remain valid. The distribution of the remaining houses has been altered by the removal of the division in the South East Plan, of the district outside Didcot (rest of Central Oxfordshire and remainder of the district). There is now just one area – rest of the district;

1.3 The reduced housing allocations have affected the consequent green

infrastructure requirements and reduced them too. What is green infrastructure? 1.4 Green infrastructure is a collective term for open green spaces which can

include amongst other things parks and gardens, woodlands, commons, playing fields, outdoor sports facilities, recreation spaces, rights of way and bridleways and river corridors.

1.5 Our work on green infrastructure planning has been undertaken within the

context of government policies which aim to achieve more sustainable development, protect the environment and combat climate change.

Why do we need a green infrastructure strategy? 1.6 This strategy will contribute towards effective spatial planning and place

shaping by ensuring that proposals for new development take account of existing and proposed green spaces within the district.

1.7 The Green Infrastructure Strategy is underpinned by our Sustainable

Introduction

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Community Strategy1. This strategy sets out that South Oxfordshire should continue to be recognised for its high quality and well managed environment both in terms of its countryside and natural environment, and its built and historic environment. Accordingly, key objectives of the Sustainable Community Strategy are to improve the quality of our natural environment and support biodiversity and improve the quality of access to our public open space and green spaces.

1.8 Our Proposed Submission Core Strategy, part of the South Oxfordshire

Local Development Framework, seeks to deliver these aims. Policy CSG1 ‘Green infrastructure’ states that:

“A net gain in green infrastructure including biodiversity will be sought through developer works, developer contributions and the targeted use of other funding sources. Proposals for new development must demonstrate that they have taken into account the relationship of the proposed development to existing green infrastructure. Where appropriate, proposals will be required to contribute to the delivery of green infrastructure and/or the improvement of existing assets including Conservation Target Areas in accordance with the standards in the South Oxfordshire Green Infrastructure Strategy and Didcot Natural Greenspaces Study. A net loss of green infrastructure including biodiversity through development proposals will be avoided”.

1.9 This Green Infrastructure Strategy will ensure that this is carried out in a planned and coordinated manner.

What are the benefits of green infrastructure? 1.10 When planned and managed properly, green infrastructure networks can

deliver significant and wide ranging environmental, social and quality of life benefits for local communities. These include:

• the protection and enhancement of biodiversity resources; • the conservation and enhancement of cultural and landscape heritage

and the creation of a sense of place and identity; • improved access to recreational opportunities to support healthy living; • helping to deliver sustainable water management and reduce the risk

of flooding; • assisting with adaptation to and mitigation of the effects of climate

change;

1 Our Place, Our Future – The Sustainable Community Strategy for South Oxfordshire 2009-

2026.

Introduction

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• promoting sustainable transport through green routes for walking and cycling; and

• providing a resource for education and learning;

1.11 These benefits contribute significantly towards the social, economic and environmental objectives contained within our Sustainable Community Strategy and this is demonstrated in more detail in the table contained within Appendix 1.

1.12 This strategy will also contribute towards effective spatial planning and

place shaping by ensuring that proposals for new development take account of their relationship to existing and proposed green spaces within the district and their connections to it.

Aims of this strategy 1.13 The overall aims and objectives of this strategy are as follows:

• Preserve and enhance the condition, extent and connectivity of wildlife habitats;

• Protect and enhance existing natural and historic assets and provide new green infrastructure assets to meet identified needs;

• Reflect and enhance the area’s locally distinctive character, including local landscapes and habitats;

• Provide a varied, widely distributed, strategically planned, interconnected and multi-functional green space network;

• Provide a green space network that is accessible to local people, offers recreational opportunities, provides alternative means of transport and promotes healthy lifestyles;

• Provide green infrastructure that is economically self sustaining; and • To recognise the importance of private parks, gardens and areas of

sensitive habitat which may not be accessible but can contribute to conserving and enhancing biodiversity.

Methodology

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�� What to include as green infrastructure 2.1 Green infrastructure includes a variety of different types of land including

parks and gardens, woodland and grassland, outdoor sports facilities, amenity green space, allotments, churchyards, river corridors, rights of way, bridleways, skateboard parks and green roofs. This strategy aims to deliver the following types of green infrastructure in South Oxfordshire:

• Parks and gardens • Accessible natural and semi natural green space • Green links • Accessible countryside • Registered Common Land • Nature reserves (national / local / private)

2.2 Our approach excluded playing pitches, children’s play areas, and amenity

greenspace. This is because playing pitches and play areas are already covered by our Leisure Facilities Strategy2. By its nature, amenity green space generally exists within existing housing areas. It is therefore extremely difficult, if not impossible, to retrofit new provision to make up any identified shortfall. We will therefore expect new provision to be incorporated as part of new development and it is not appropriate to include standards and deficits for amenity green space as part of this strategy. Allotments, cemeteries and church yards generally have one predominant use and do not lend themselves well to the multifunctional requirements of green infrastructure open space. Nevertheless in response to our consultation we do recognise that these can provide green links, wildlife stepping stones and their connectivity is important. The Strategy recognises the importance of wildlife corridors such as rights of way, cycle paths, bridleways and river corridors3. They also add to the visual pleasure of an area as PPG 17 says they “provide visual amenity; even without public access, people enjoy having open space near to them to provide an outlook, variety in the urban scene….etc.” We have not sought to map this entire green infrastructure.

2 Draft Leisure facilities Strategy September 2010 3 Responses from Environment Agency and Oxfordshire County Council February 2010

Methodology

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Our approach to biodiversity improvements 2.3 A key function of green infrastructure is the conservation and

enhancement of biodiversity including the need to mitigate the impacts of new development4. The most effective way to conserve and enhance biodiversity using green infrastructure is to create an ecological network that extends and links existing areas of high biodiversity value, facilitating the colonisation of new areas in response to new opportunities or changing conditions. This approach is supported in the Government’s Planning Policy Statement 9.

2.4 Our approach is targeted on the conservation and enhancement of

biodiversity in the Conservation Target Areas as indicated on Map 1. The Conservation Target Areas identify the most important areas for wildlife conservation in Oxfordshire, where targeted conservation action will have the greatest benefit. The main aim within Conservation Target Areas is to restore biodiversity at a landscape scale through the maintenance, restoration and creation of Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats.

2.5 The Conservation Target Areas were mapped by the Thames Valley

Environmental Records Centre in consultation with local authorities, the statutory agencies and conservation organisations in Oxfordshire. They were identified by taking into account existing concentrations of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and important areas for priority species. The potential for habitat restoration was also considered and took into account geology, topography and hydrology, archaeological interest and public access. A statement has been produced for each of the Conservation Target Areas identifying features of biodiversity importance and targets for maintenance, restoration and creation of habitats. The Conservation Target Areas provide a focus for co-ordinated biodiversity action in the county including biodiversity project work by a range of organisations, delivery of agri-environment schemes and provision of biodiversity enhancements through the planning system. Delivery of Conservation Target Area aims is co-ordinated by the Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum (ONCF).

4 South East Plan Green Infrastructure Framework – From Policy into Practice, June 2009

Methodology

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Map 1. Conservation Target Areas within South Oxfordshire.

Methodology

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Our approach to the delivery of new green infrastructure 2.6 We have used the adopted standards for open space contained within our

Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facility Assessment5 to determine the deficiencies in green infrastructure provision. These relate to natural and semi-natural green space and parks and gardens. We used these standards to calculate the deficiency in provision as a result of the housing allocations in the Core Strategy.

2.7 A key feature of this strategy is that it is focussed on the actual delivery of

new green infrastructure. It has an emphasis on what can reasonably be delivered, as opposed to being more aspirational in nature. The strategy therefore distinguishes between the existing deficiency in green infrastructure that exists within the district, and the need specifically created through planned new development as part of the Local Development Framework. The emphasis for the delivery of new green infrastructure will be on meeting the need created as a consequence of new development. The existing deficiency in green infrastructure within the district is also identified within this strategy. The measures to deliver new green infrastructure to meet the backlog of need will form part of a separate longer term, more aspirational strategy, involving wider partnership working.

2.8 The Local Development Framework directs new development to the four

main towns and the larger villages within the district. This is set out in Table 1 below. It is reasonable to expect that the delivery of new green infrastructure will primarily be funded through developer contributions, because the demand for additional green infrastructure will be created as a direct result of this planned new development.

Table1. The locations for new development identified in the Core Strategy Towns Larger Villages

Didcot Benson Berinsfield Thame Chalgrove Chinnor Henley Cholsey Crowmarsh Gifford Wallingford Goring on Thames Nettlebed Sonning Common Woodcote Watlington Wheatley Bayswater Farm* * This is a small area of land next to Oxford which performs well against sustainability criteria.

5 SODC Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facility Assessment, November 2008 (also know as the PPG17 Assessment)

Methodology

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2.9 For Thame and Wallingford in Table 1 where a deficiency in parks and gardens and natural and semi-natural green space has been identified due to allocated housing, we have made the assumption that the deficiency will be addressed within the development itself. If the need cannot be met on site then contributions will be sought towards offsite provision.

Our approach to the identification and delivery of green links 2.10 An important element of this strategy is to promote access for people to

green space and provide links between areas of green infrastructure. This brings significant benefits both in terms of improving opportunities for recreational activity and consequently promoting more healthy lifestyles while providing valuable wildlife corridors which will help animals adapt to the effects of climate change. Green links are linear green spaces also known as greenways or green corridors.

2.11 Such links, where suitable and possible, should also be used to provide

sustainable modes of travel e.g. walking and cycling, particularly links to employment sites. This accords with the objectives contained within our Core Strategy which seek to build on opportunities for sustainable travel and particularly Policies CSM1 and CSM2.

2.12 Map 2 shows the existing and proposed greenways that are included as

part of this strategy. We chose these links because of their ability and potential to:

• provide access to employment sites • provide access to popular ‘honey pot’ sites (see Appendix 4) • provide links between green infrastructure assets

Methodology

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Map 2. Existing and proposed greenways for South Oxfordshire.

Methodology

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2.13 In accordance with Policy CSG1: ‘Green infrastructure’ of the Core

Strategy, proposals for new development will be required, where appropriate, to contribute towards the delivery of green infrastructure. As shown in 2.1 of the methodology above this includes green links.

2.14 New development in the vicinity of existing green links that need

improvement or proposed new green links will be required to make a financial contribution.

2.15 Green links, if properly designed can help with the movement of species

through the countryside, particularly within areas of intensively farmed landscape. By creating habitat corridors using native hedgerows and species rich grass margins alongside green links it is possible to create new movement corridors, especially where they link existing green infrastructure assets.

2.16 The overall green infrastructure strategy for the district is show in Map 3.

Methodology

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Map 3. The green infrastructure strategy for South Oxfordshire.

Funding the delivery of new green infrastructure

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�� 3.1 As set out in paragraph 2.7 this strategy differentiates between the

existing backlog of need for green infrastructure within the district and the need created as a direct result of planned new development contained within the Core Strategy. For the latter, it is intended that funding for the delivery of new green infrastructure is provided through developer contributions to offset the impact of these developments.

3.2 The provision of new green spaces to meet the existing deficit in green

infrastructure is an integral part of this strategy. Whilst it is possible to justify asking for developer contributions to fund the provision of new green infrastructure which arises as a direct result of planned new development it would not be reasonable to ask developers to fund existing deficiencies.

3.3 The Council will work in partnership with a variety of organisations to

develop innovative methods to deliver the existing greenspace requirements using a variety of funding mechanisms, including:

• Landfill tax schemes • Aggregates Levy scheme • Lottery funding • Private Trusts • LEADER funding (a European Union fund) • Environmental Stewardship Schemes (where it is possible to negotiate

access agreements) • English Woodland Grant Scheme • Community groups, charities and sponsorship.

3.4 Delivery will be dependant on successful partnership working and the

availability of appropriate funding therefore, the delivery of these deficits will necessarily be a longer term aspirational objective.

�3.5 Green infrastructure and biodiversity gains may be delivered through one

of the existing delivery mechanisms or through other mechanisms which are developed specifically to enable change. The level of contributions required is set out in the Councils Interim Planning Guidance - Services and Facilities for New Development (September 2008).

Delivery of measures to conserve and enhance biodiversity

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��# �� 4.1 This section sets out how we will deliver measures to conserve and

enhance biodiversity. 4.2 South Oxfordshire is rich in biodiversity resources with good examples of a

variety of habitats which are important at local, national and international levels. The work which has been done to identify the Conservation Target Areas has identified those areas in which, due to a variety of environmental factors, there are particular concentrations of important habitats and species and therefore where sustained effort is most likely to have the greatest benefits. There are other areas which are important for biodiversity which fall outside the Conservation Target Areas; however, primarily targeting investment of the limited resources available on the Conservation Target Areas is most likely to bring the greatest benefits to biodiversity.

4.3 The creation and enhancement of natural habitats is a key aim of this

Green Infrastructure Strategy. Some biodiversity enhancements can be delivered on sites which have been identified for the delivery of new green infrastructure in the following chapters. These new sites will include the creation and enhancement of habitats alongside the creation of other more formal park type facilities and will contribute to our overall target.

4.4 The biggest potential gains for biodiversity will be by investment of time,

resources and expertise within the Conservation Target Areas which will enable the creation, restoration, enhancement and linking of habitats within these areas.

4.5 Oxfordshire has a well established reputation for effective partnership

working through its Biodiversity Action Plan. The Conservation Target Areas work is coordinated through the Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum which employs a Biodiversity Project Manager whose primary role is to deliver biodiversity enhancements within the Conservation Target Areas. The key to delivering this change is to coordinate the activities of partners such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, the two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.

4.6 The various partners have all signed up to the Conservation Target Area

approach and are able to work pro-actively with farmers and landowners within the Conservation Target Areas to enhance biodiversity on their landholdings. The mechanisms for delivering this change are many and varied and some of the key tools are identified below:

Delivery of measures to conserve and enhance biodiversity

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• Encouraging landowners and farmers to enter into EU funded agri-environment schemes such as the Entry and Higher Level Environmental Schemes. This provides them with annual and capital payments for managing their land for the benefit of biodiversity (and other environmental benefits)

• Promoting large area based projects which aim to restore key habitats such as the RSPB’s work at Otmoor and BBOWT’s project on the River Ray and Chimney Meadows. This may involve direct land acquisition or working in partnership with other landowners

• Encouraging landowners to enter into Woodland Grant Schemes in target areas such as the Chilterns where woodland is a key habitat.

4.7 The biodiversity section in chapter 16 Green infrastructure and biodiversity

of the Core Strategy gives further guidance on the Council’s approach to biodiversity.

Delivery of new green infrastructure

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5.1 This section sets out how we will deliver new green infrastructure within the district.

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Existing green infrastructure assets 5.2 Map 2 in section 2 shows the existing green infrastructure assets within

the district. In accordance with Policy CSG1: ‘Green Infrastructure’ of the Core Strategy, proposals for new development will be required to contribute towards the delivery of new green infrastructure assets to meet identified needs or deficiencies and towards the improvement and enhancement of existing green infrastructure.

5.3 The council’s Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 17 Assessment of Sport

and Recreation Facilities 2008 identified where there are shortfalls in the provision of green space for the major towns and larger villages of South Oxfordshire. This section builds on the information published in the PPG17 assessment. It looks at the existing shortfalls in the provision of green space whilst also taking into account any increase in these shortfalls which will be created by the proposed new housing set out in the council’s Core Strategy.

5.4 We used population data from the Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion

(OCSI) profile of December 2006 as a baseline. This data is more up to date than that used for the PPG17 assessment and is considered to show a more accurate profile of the settlement’s populations. The existing shortfalls in provision of green space therefore differ in this strategy when compared with the shortfalls identified in the PPG17 assessment.

5.5 We looked at the identified shortfalls in provision of green space in the

three market towns (Henley, Thame and Wallingford), and for the larger villages proposed for new housing in the period up to 2027. Didcot has been looked at separately as part of the Didcot Green Space Network project6. A brief summary of the recommendations of the Didcot study are contained at Appendix 5.

Addressing the need for South Oxfordshire’s main towns

Parks and Gardens

5.6 Parks and gardens are multi-functional green spaces which are used for informal recreation (including community events such as firework displays and fetes), plus other activities such as outdoor sports activities and children’s play.

6 Didcot Greenspace Network – Feasibility Study, March 2008


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5.7 The standard of provision for parks and gardens is 3.5ha per 1000 people

within 1000m of all homes within the district’s main towns7. The shortfall for parks and gardens was predicted for 2027 based on estimates of population growth. Estimated population growth was calculated using housing allocations outlined in the South Oxfordshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy and the average 2011 household occupancy based on Oxfordshire Data Observatory predicted figures of 2.27 people per house. Table 2 summarises the identified shortfalls for Wallingford, Thame and Henley.

Table 2: Summary of existing and predicted shortfall in the provision of parks and gardens for the main towns

Settlement Pop 2001

Current provision

Current shortfall ha

Proposed housing allocation in Core Strategy

Pop growth predicted

Shortfall for proposed housing ha

Total shortfall ha

Henley 10513 29.9 6.9 400 908 3.18 10.08 Thame 10886 20.1 18 530 600 1362 4.76 22.21 175 397 1.39 24.158 Wallingford 8019 27.1 0.96 400 555 1259 4.4 5.37 4.14

ha = hectares Accessible natural and semi-natural greenspace

5.8 Accessible natural and semi-natural green spaces consist of sites that provide for wildlife conservation, biodiversity, environmental education and awareness. The criterion for assessing accessible natural greenspace is based on distance from a settlement as opposed to population size. The standard for provision of accessible natural greenspace is a minimum of one site in each of the categories listed below in Table 38. The table summarises the accessible natural greenspace shortfall for Wallingford, Thame and Henley. It shows there is only a deficiency in Thame for the 20 – 100 ha a site within 5km category. This deficiency could be remedied if the Cuttlebrook in Thame was extended by 6ha or more.

7 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facility Assessment, April 2008 8 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facility Assessment, April 2008


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Table 3: The number of accessible natural greenspace sites needed for each town

Settlement

Deficit in 2 – 20ha sites within 2km



Henley 0 0 0 Thame 0 1 0 Wallingford 0 0 0

5.9 The PPG17 assessment categorises green spaces based on their primary

uses but there is a degree of overlap for sites categorised as parks and gardens and those classed as accessible natural greenspace, particularly in the 2 – 20ha category. Sites can potentially be made up of a mixture of more formal recreation areas and less formal ‘natural’ areas which would be considered as accessible natural greenspace. Therefore, the areas of new greenspace identified in this strategy have been reduced by combining the two requirements. As a result it will be important that these new areas are developed to be multi-functional, delivering both new accessible natural greenspace and parks type facilities.

5.10 The assessment of the need for new greenspace has been divided into

two categories: • need associated with the existing population of a settlement and • need created by the requirement for new housing which is set out in

the Core Strategy. 5.11 In some settlements, notably Henley and Thame, the assessment has

demonstrated that there is a considerable existing deficit of greenspace according to the standards we have set. By comparison, the deficits attributable to new housing allocations can be linked directly to the proposed new development.

5.12 As set out in paragraph 2.7, one of the key underlying aims of this strategy

is that it should be realistic and achievable. As a result we have prioritised the provision of the new greenspace to meet the need created by planned new development in the Core Strategy. We will seek to deliver these new green spaces by working with developers, town and parish councils and other potential funding partners. We will also look to deliver these green spaces within the plan period of the Core Strategy, which now runs to 2027.


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Addressing the need for South Oxfordshire’s larger villages

Parks and Gardens 5.13 Our adopted standard of provision for parks and gardens for villages is

1ha per 1000 people within 1000m of all homes in the settlement9. The shortfall for parks and gardens was predicted for 2027 based on estimates of population growth. Estimated population growth was calculated using the overall housing allocation for larger villages in the South Oxfordshire Proposed Submission Core Strategy Preferred split equally over the twelve villages (and 50 dwellings at Bayswater Farm) and the 2011 average household occupancy based on Oxfordshire Data Observatory figures at 2.27 people per house.

5.14 The settlements, as defined in the Core Strategy as larger villages in the

rest of district (the whole district other than Didcot) are, Benson, Berinsfield, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Cholsey, Crowmarsh Gifford, Goring on Thames, Nettlebed, Sonning Common, Watlington, Wheatley, Woodcote and Bayswater Farm (a small area of land next to Oxford which performs well against sustainability criteria). A total of 740 1154 houses are allocated to these settlements within the Core Strategy. This figure has been divided equally between these settlements for Table 4 below to give a rough estimate of future housing provision for 2027 at 57 92 homes per settlement (50 at Bayswater Farm). The final number allocated to each village through the Site Allocation Development Plan Document is likely to differ from this however.

5.15 The settlements listed in Table 4 which are shaded in pink are settlements

where there is an assessed shortfall of parks and gardens.

9 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Facility Assessment, April 2008


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Table 4: summary of existing and predicted shortfall in the provision of parks and gardens for the larger villages

Settlement Pop 2001 Current provision

Current shortfall ha

Proposed housing allocation in Core Strategy

Pop growth predicted

Shortfall for proposed housing ha

Total shortfall ha

Bayswater Farm 50 113.5 0.40 0.40

Benson 5567 4.6 0.97 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 1.1 1.2

Berinsfield 2700 8.10 -5.4 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -5.27 -5.19

Chalgrove 2909 3.6 -0.69 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -0.56 -0.48

Chinnor 5407 3.6 1.80 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 1.93 2.01

Cholsey 3034 3.77 -0.73 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -0.6 -0.53

Crowmarsh Gifford 1101 4.16 -3.06 57 92

129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -2.93 -2.85

Goring-on-Thames 3934 8.7 -4.76 57 92

129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21

-4.63 -4.55

Nettlebed 711 4.9 0 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -4.06 -3.98

Sonning Common 4736 9.2 -4.46 57 92

129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -4.33 -4.25

Woodcote 2715 3.4 -0.68 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -0.55 -0.48

Watlington 2139 5.7 -3.56 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 -3.43 -3.35

Wheatley 5453 0.53 4.92 57 92 129.39 208.84 0.13 0.21 5.05 5.13

Accessible Natural Greenspace 5.16 The PPG17 assessment identified where there are deficits in the provision

of accessible natural greenspace for the larger villages, these requirements have been re-assessed for the purpose of this strategy to take account of new information and differences in classification of sites. The revised results are shown in Table 5, deficiencies are highlighted in pink.

Table 5: the number of accessible natural greenspace sites needed for each larger village

Settlement




Benson 0 0 0 Berinsfield 0 0 0 Chalgrove 1 0 0 Chinnor 0 0 0 Cholsey 0 0 0


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Crowmarsh Gifford 1 0 0 Goring-on-Thames 0 0 1 Nettlebed 0 0 0 Sonning Common 0 0 0 Woodcote 0 0 0 Watlington 0 0 0 Wheatley 0 0 0

Guidance on green infrastructure provision

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%�� &�� 6.1 This strategy has identified where there are deficits in the provision of

green infrastructure for the main towns and larger villages as a result of proposed new developments. This deficit is made up of a combination of the requirements for more formal provision of parks and gardens as well as provision for more biodiverse areas of natural greenspace. The exact balance of requirements for each of these elements varies from place to place but as a general rule we will expect developers for all of the allocated and windfall sites to contribute to the provision of green infrastructure where there is an identified need.��

6.2 For the towns of Wallingford and Thame it is likely that due to the size of

the allocated sites it will be possible to deliver much of the requirement on site and in these instances developers are urged to contact the Council at a very early stage of planning their developments to discuss the best ways this requirement can be integrated into the site.

6.3 For all other allocated and non allocated windfall sites where there is a

demonstrated deficit in the provision of green infrastructure we will expect the developer to provide a contribution to the provision of new green infrastructure within the Conservation Target Areas. Where there is scope for the provision of the identified shortfall within sites this provision must be clearly distinguished from the general requirements for amenity greenspace and from other operational areas such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.

6.4 For all other allocated and non allocated windfall sites where there is a

demonstrated deficit in the provision of green infrastructure we will expect the developer to provide a contribution to the provision of new green infrastructure within the Conservation Target Areas. Where there is scope for the provision of the identified shortfall within sites this provision must be clearly distinguished from the general requirements for amenity greenspace and from other operational areas such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.

6.5 As an initial guide when planning areas of new Green Infrastructure we

would expect developers to refer to documents such as the Oxfordshire Wildlife and Landscape Study (available at http://owls.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/wcm/connect/OWLS/Home/ ) which gives guidelines for the restoration and creation of wildlife habitats for all of Oxfordshire. In addition, the South Oxfordshire Landscape Assessment by Atlantic Consultants (available to view at council offices) provides guidance on landscape restoration for all areas of the district. The provision of significant areas of new wildlife habitats should form an important part of the open space elements of these new developments and careful consideration will need to be given to how these areas

Guidance on green infrastructure provision

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integrate with more formally managed publicly accessible areas and into the new development itself.

6.6 Natural England has also produced guidance on green infrastructure

provision this can be found at http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com/NaturalEnglandShop/NE176

Appendix 1

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Appendix 1. Green infrastructure benefits in relation to our sustainable Community Strategy objectives

Green infrastructure functions10

Sustainable Community Strategy objectives

Biodiversity conservation

and enhancement

Sense of place and

appreciation of landscape and cultural

heritage

Recreational opportunities

and supporting

healthy living

Water resources and flood

management

Climate change

adaptation and mitigation

Sustainable transport, education and crime reduction

Economy Create conditions that encourage a vibrant and thriving economies in villages and towns ��

Provide an environment that supports creation and growth of new and existing businesses and attracts businesses into district

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Achieve a sustainable balance of business growth, new jobs and environmental protection ��

Ensure we have a workforce matched to local business needs and opportunities ��

Develop the transport infrastructure, services and housing needed to support economic development

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Environment Enhance quality of built and historic environment through appropriate development, quality building standards and sustainable design

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Improve quality of our natural environment and support biodiversity ��

10Extracted from South East Green Infrastructure Framework - From Policy into Practice, June 2009

Appendix 1

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and enhancement

Sense of place and


heritage


and supporting

healthy living


management

Climate change



Improve quality of and access to public open and green spaces ��

Reduce waste to landfill through reducing, reusing and recycling waste and support, individuals, communities and businesses to the same

Conserve resources, including water, reduce energy consumption and support individuals, communities and businesses to seek way to economise on resource use

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Thriving Communities Safe communities Reduce crime and antisocial behaviour / improve feelings of safety

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Reduce drug and alcohol problems / Tackle domestic abuse / Break cycle of reoffending

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Improve safety of our roads

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Meeting housing needs Increase housing numbers to meet people's current and future housing needs / Meet housing and support needs of vulnerable groups including old people Strive to ensure new housing meets high quality standards for size design and environmental efficiency

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Appendix 1

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and enhancement

Sense of place and


heritage


and supporting

healthy living


management

Climate change



Ensure new housing developments are sustainable by putting in place the appropriate levels of infrastructure and community facilities

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Balance housing development with protecting and enhancing the environment ��

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Ensure existing housing stock is enabled to become more energy efficient and that affordable housing complies with Decent Home standards Strong communities Improve support services for voluntary, community and faith groups ��

Support opportunities to make an active contribution to planning for their future

Promote and support opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in activities and community life

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Tackle deprivation and inequality ��

Improve access to services and facilities for local people, particularly those who need support because of deprivation, health or access issues

��

Healthy communities

Appendix 1

26




and enhancement

Sense of place and


heritage


and supporting

healthy living


management

Climate change



Improve access to quality health and social care

Proactively work in partnership to prevent ill health / Promote encourage and support health lifestyles and mental well being

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Plan for services for an ageing population ��

Increase participation in sport and active recreation ��

Appendix 2

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Appendix 2 Existing parks and gardens within the larger villages

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Appendix 3 Existing accessible natural green space sites

Exiting accessible natural green space provision in relation to the following standards: A 2 to 20ha site within 2km of settlement A 20 to 100ha site within 5km of settlement A 100 to 500ha site within 5km of settlement

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Appendix 4 Main Honey-Pot sites in South Oxfordshire

75% of walks involve a round trip of less than 5 miles (Source: N.E. Greenways Handbook)

Chinnor Hill Chinnor SP 766 602 BBOWT Sydlings Copse Oxford SP 559 096 BBOWT Warburg Reserve Henley-on-Thames SU 720 878 BBOWT Watlington Hill Watlington SU 702 935 NT Aston Rowant Chinnor SU 732 966 EN Cuttlebrook Thame SP 702 057 Thame Town Council Ladygrove Park & Lakes Didcot SU 528 908 SODC Shotover Country Park Oxford SP 561 056 Oxford City Council Wallingford Castle Meadows Wallingford SU 611 899 SODC Little Wittenham Nature reserve Wallingford SU 567 924 Northmoor Trust Mill Meadows Henley-on-Thames SU 767 822 Henley Town Council Harcourt Arboretum Oxford SU 554 985 University of Oxford Nettlebed Commons Henley-on-Thames SU 702 873 to

SU 706 816 Nettlebed and District Commons Conservators

Otmoor Oxford SU 573 130 RSPB North Grove Wallingford SU 639 831 WT Thames Path n/a n/a The Ridgeway n/a n/a Cowleaze Wood Watlington SU 726 957 FC Waterperry Wood Oxford SP 604 091 FC

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Appendix 5 Didcot Greenspace Network – Feasibility Study, March 2008 In 2007 Chris Blandford Associates were commissioned to undertake a feasibility study to look at the current provision of accessible greenspace available in and around Didcot, and consider what additional facilities may be required in the future, as the town continues to expand.

Results from the study will be used in the development of the Core Strategy of the Local Development Framework.

The study area extended outside of Didcot by approximately 10-12 km and therefore encompassed some land within the Vale of White Horse District and West Berkshire District. The accessible natural greenspace criterion was applied to identify existing and proposed areas of greenspace in and around Didcot, it showed a total of 626ha within 10km of Didcot distributed over 38 sites.

Continuing expansion of Didcot means that by 2026 at least 100ha of accessible greenspace will be required. In order to meet the accessible natural greenspace requirements the study suggested the development of a Didcot Greenspace Network linking the existing and proposed greenspaces in and around Didcot. Implementing the network would provide approximately 110ha of new accessible natural greenspace and 30km of greenways, therefore meeting the 2026 requirement.

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south oxfordshire green infrastructure strategy march july 2011

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