Neighbourhood planning

We are in the middle of a climate and nature emergency, and the two are inextricably linked. Climate change is driving nature’s decline, and the loss of wildlife and wild places leaves us ill-equipped to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to change. However, there have been wildlife successes and Neighbourhood Plans are extremely valuable in providing opportunities at a local level to improve and restore the natural environment and protect wildlife.

The Government requires that Neighbourhood Plans include policies that outline how they will safeguard and enhance the environment and these can be very ambitious; green infrastructure can be created and enhanced, ‘Local Green Spaces’ designated, green corridors can link habitats etc. Networks of green and blue spaces and other natural features can bring large benefits for nature and climate as well as for people and communities.