2.25 The green wedge designation is important locally with green wedges providing multifunctional green spaces which help to maintain settlement identity, provide a green lung into urban areas and provide a recreational resource. The multi-functional role of green wedges and the benefits they deliver for local communities and the natural environment in and around the urban area sets them apart from the wider countryside.
3.1 NPPG states that 'When preparing Local Plans and taking planning decisions local planning authorities should pay particular attention to integrating adaptation and mitigation approaches and looking for 'win-win' solutions that will support sustainable development'. This includes 'through the provision of multi-functional green infrastructure, which can reduce urban heat islands, manage flooding and help species adapt to climate change – as well as contributing to a pleasant environment which encourages people to walk and cycle6. The green wedge achieves this by providing a multifunctional green and blue infrastructure network close to urban environments.
3.2 NPPG notes how positive planning can contribute to healthier communities through the 'design and use of the built and natural environments, including green infrastructure are major determinants of health and wellbeing. Planning and health need to be considered together in two ways: in terms of creating environments that support and encourage healthy lifestyles, and in terms of identifying and securing the facilities needed for primary, secondary and tertiary care, and the wider health and care system'. The green wedge helps to promote healthy lifestyles through the provision of open space and recreational facilities, as well as green routeways for walking and cycling.
3.3 NPPG provides further detail on what green infrastructure can include and why it is important. It highlights that green infrastructure can 'include parks, playing fields, other areas of open space, woodland, allotments, private gardens, sustainable drainage features, green roofs and walls, street trees and 'blue infrastructure' such as streams, ponds, canals and other water bodies'. The majority of these are green infrastructure assets that can be found within the Leicestershire Green Wedges.
3.4 NPPG also highlights that 'Green infrastructure is a natural capital asset that provides multiple benefits, at a range of scales. For communities, these benefits can include enhanced wellbeing, outdoor recreation and access, enhanced biodiversity and landscapes, food and energy production, urban cooling, and the management of flood
6 NPPG Climate Change Paragraph: 004 Reference ID: 6-004-20140612 (gov.uk)
7 NPPG Healthy and Safe Communities Paragraph: 001 Reference ID:53-001-20190722 (gov.uk)
8 NPPG Natural Environment Paragraph: 004 Reference ID: 8-004-20190721 (gov.uk)
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