Designing green infrastructure

The Government has updated the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to include the requirement that “new streets are tree-lined”.  In consideration of this requirement, trees and verges might be located:

  • Within highway proposed for adoption by the council, for which a commuted sum will be requested for future maintenance;
  • Between the highway and other built development (for example, between the footway and residential properties) and maintained by a management company;
  • Other areas outside of adoptable highway, such as gardens and commercial landscaping areas, to be maintained by the landowner.

NPPF also states that “Applicants and local planning authorities should work with highways officers and tree officers to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right places, and solutions are found that are compatible with highways standards and the needs of different users.” NPPF section 131 states that appropriate measures must be in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly planted trees, and that existing trees are retained wherever possible.

Preliminary considerations

In designing green infrastructure for a development, it also is important to consider the character and heritage of the area. Green infrastructure within highway areas can be as important in determining the character of the development and integrating it into its surroundings as landscaping elsewhere within the site. 

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Photo showing the difference green infrastructure can make to a street scene

Figure 34: Photo showing the difference green infrastructure can make to a street scene

Trees and hedgerows may also have landscape and historic value, for example, old hedgerows provide an important element of the setting of heritage assets, or they form an intrinsic part of the wider historic landscape. Please discuss the scheme with the council’s planning archaeologists at an early stage.

Highway design must protect our watercourses from damage that would impact on associated wildlife. Mitigation must be provided where appropriate. Responsibilities and rules in relation to watercourses can be found on the Government’s website.

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