making effective use of land, improving biodiversity, using natural resources prudently, minimising waste and pollution, and mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy′(NPPF 2023; Paragraph 8 c)). Within the Leicestershire green wedges there are a number of protected and designated sites, habitats and species including: Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves, Local Wildlife Sites, and Priority habitats and species. The green wedges also provide a multi-functional green and blue infrastructure network and provide a green lung within urban environments, aiding air quality and minimising pollution.
2.4 In addition to this, green wedges also support the social strand of sustainable development through supporting 'strong, vibrant and healthy communities' as they provide urban communities with the opportunity to access open spaces and countryside which supports 'communities health, social and cultural well-being' (NPPF 2023; Paragraph 8 b)). For instance, providing access to Leicestershire's Public Right of Way Network and open spaces such as Burbage Common and Woodland (HBBC), Aylestone Meadows (LCC), Brocks Hill Country Park (OWBC), and Watermead Country Park in Charnwood (CBC).
2.5 Green wedges have a more limited role regarding the economic strand of sustainable development although they do aid the direction of growth of development helping to shape communities. For example, as part of the Local Plan preparation process, the green wedge review process allows for development needs to be weighed against the functions of the green wedge. This can result in a change to existing green wedge boundaries to accommodate development as well as the identification of new areas of green wedge. The process is therefore responsive to economic needs. Green Wedges also provide a multi-functional green infrastructure network which 'can drive economic growth and regeneration, helping to create high quality environments which are attractive to businesses and investors'. In Charnwood the green wedge connects to the Grand Union Canal and River Soar corridors which attracts 250,000 visitors annually looking to use the network of footpaths, cycle routes and boating facilities5.
2.6 Green wedges have a role to play in achieving sustainable development by making environments which are vibrant and healthy whilst enhancing the natural and built environment through the efficient use of land and supporting improvements to biodiversity and green infrastructure. Green wedges have helped to guide development form and protect settlement identities of communities within and around urban areas by preventing the merging of settlements.
2.7 Paragraph 15 of the NPPF sets out that 'the planning system should be genuinely planed. Succinct and up to date plans should provide a positive vision for the future of each area; a framework for meeting housing needs and addressing other economic, social and environmental priorities; and a platform for local people to shape their surroundings'. In 2011 Leicestershire County Council undertook a public consultation exercise to understand the value of local green spaces in Leicestershire. The green
4 NPPG Natural Environment Paragraph: 006 Reference ID: 8-006-20190721
5 Charnwood Borough Council Green Wedges, Urban Fringe Green Infrastructure Enhancement Zones and Areas of Local Separation Methodology and Assessment Findings Report, March 2016, page 81.
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