individual Local Plans and illustrates an effective and on-going joint working relationship across Leicestershire in relation to green wedges.
2.12 Paragraph 35 of the NPPF details what makes a Local Plan 'sound', one of the tests of soundness is to be 'consistent with national policy'. Criteria d) of paragraph 35 expands on this and states that to be consistent with national policy a Plan should enable 'the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in this Framework and other statements of national planning policy, where relevant'. This statement sets out how the green wedge designation meets this test.
2.13 Paragraph 96 outlines that planning policies should aim to achieve healthy and inclusive places that promote social interaction, are safe and accessible and enable and support healthy lifestyles. Green wedges support this paragraph of the Framework at a local level by providing safe and accessible green infrastructure networks, as well as including uses such as allotments and sports facilities. In addition, the green wedges provide many walking and cycling routes which encourages exercise and active travel through the green wedge areas which provide connectivity between urban areas.
2.14 Paragraph 102 of the Framework highlights the importance of having 'access to a network of high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity' in relation to achieving 'health and wellbeing of communities and' the delivery of 'wider benefits for nature and support efforts to address climate change'. One of the agreed functions of the green wedge is to provide a recreational resource and green wedges contain uses such as public open spaces, country parks, allotments, fishing lakes, golf courses, football and rugby fields, as well as a network of formal and informal footpaths which provide opportunities for the local communities to achieve healthy lifestyles. Green wedges are important as they provide access to open space from urban areas. For instance, the green wedges in Leicestershire include facilities such as the Leicester Road Stadium (HBBC), the Great Central Way (LCC), and an outdoor pursuits centre (LCC).
2.15 Paragraph 123 of the Framework states that planning policies 'should promote an effective use of land in meeting the need for homes and other uses, while safeguarding and improving the environment and ensuring safe and healthy living conditions'. Green wedges enable this within Leicestershire by providing strategic gaps which protect the setting and identity of settlements, prevent the merging of settlements, retain and shape new settlement patterns by maintaining the openness of land whilst supporting social interactions and healthy lifestyles (supporting both physical and mental wellbeing). The green wedge designation enables the protection of strategic open land which helps to shape urban growth as it progresses by ensuring new developments are sensitive to the green wedge functions; preserve and enhance links between urban areas and the open countryside; and facilitate sustainable management of land.
2.16 Paragraph 124 b) of the NPPF states that planning policies should 'recognise that some undeveloped land can perform many functions, such as for wildlife, recreation,
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