risk. These benefits are also known as ecosystem services9. The green wedge designation provides the multiple benefits listed above.

3.5 NPPG continues to set out how local planning authorities can help to support biodiversity, geodiversity and ecosystems. The green wedges within Leicestershire contribute towards ecological connectivity, facilitating biodiversity net gain and supporting biodiversity and geodiversity within and outside of designated areas. There are a number of designated sites within the green wedges including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves and Local Wildlife Sites as we well Protected Species and Priority Habitats and Species. The green wedges help to conserve and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity and contribute to habitat connectivity in the wider area.

4.1 Green Wedges have considerable local support across Leicester and Leicestershire which has been shown through the support for green wedge policies through the local plan process. For many years they have successfully guided development in Leicester and Leicestershire by helping to shape the urban area as it grows, ensuring green spaces penetrate into urban areas, providing a green lung, protecting environmental assets and providing a recreational resource. They represent a unique and bespoke local solution to managing growth, which could not be addressed by other national designations. For the reasons outlined in this statement, the green wedge designation is consistent with policies set out within the NPPF 2023. It is the intention of the Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities to continue to utilise green wedges as a strategic planning tool and to review the scope of individual green wedges through the preparation of their local plans and seek their review and justification as part of Local Plan preparation.

I11