2.21 Green wedges also provide a role in relation to integrated water management in relation to flood risk. A number of water courses flow through the Leicestershire green wedges within an urban catchment; for example, the Wash Brook, Rothley Brook and Saffron Brook where they receive urban run-off. The Environment Agency flooding maps also indicate that flood zones fall within the Leicestershire Green Wedges and flood prevention measures are in place within the Green Wedge. For instance, a section of green wedge located in Knighton Park within the Leicester City administrative area forms part of a flood storage area. This area of land becomes flooded during heavy periods of rainfall and rather than flooding occurring downstream which would affect residential properties this area of parkland acts as a basin for flood water storage.
2.22 Paragraph 181 of the NPPF states 'Plans should: distinguish between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites; allocate land with the least environmental or amenity value, where consistent with other policies in this Framework; take a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing networks of habitats and green infrastructure; and plan for the enhancement of natural capital at a catchment or landscape scale across local authority boundaries'. Green wedges are locally designated areas which help guide development, provide a green lung and act as a recreational resource which directly relates to this paragraph.
2.23 The NPPF defines green infrastructure as 'A network of multi-functional green and blue spaces and other natural features, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental, economic, health and wellbeing benefits for nature, climate, local and wider communities and prosperity.' (NPPF; page 70). The green wedge designations reflect this as they are a multifunctional designation recognising the importance these areas have in providing a green lung into urban areas and creating access to green infrastructure.
2.24 Paragraph 191 of the NPPF sets out that 'Planning policies and decisions should also ensure that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account the likely effects (including cumulative effects) of pollution on health, living conditions and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site or the wider area to impacts that could arise from the development'. One of the functions of the green wedge is to provide a green lung into urban areas; this relates to environmental value such as green infrastructure, wildlife sites, air quality and flood alleviation measures.
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