Public reports pack PDF 3 MB - Blaby District Council

Surveys repeatedly show how much the public values them, while research
reveals how closely the quality of green spaces links to levels of health, crime
and the quality of life in every neighbourhood. Well designed green space
provides space for recreational activities, improving physical health and
fitness and improving mental health and well being.
6.3 National best practice guidance for developing Green Space Strategies has
been used to provide the structure of the Green Space Strategy.
6.4 An earlier version of the Green Space Strategy was brought to Cabinet
Executive on 11 June 2012 (minute 48 refers). Following Scrutiny ‘call in’ a
further report was taken to Cabinet Executive on 30 July 2012 (minute 101)
withdrawing the Strategy: recognising it needed further development work and
consultation. This process is now complete and the version appended to this
report is a complete revision taking on board the views of the Council’s
Scrutiny Commission and those of local Parish Councils and other external
community groups.
6.5 The Strategy now has a clear purpose, to:
• Provide a shared vision for the future and ensure linkages are evident.
• Provide a framework for Parish / Town Council’s and community
groups.
• Help to identify improvements required and to set priorities.
• Help make the case for funding opportunities and planning obligations.
• Be responsive to the changing financial, planning and policy
environment.
� Understand and manage public expectations in relation to green space
issues.
• Improve access and usage.
6.6 To deliver the strategy an action plan has been developed using the following
themes:
• Provide - we will seek to provide sufficient accessible green space to
meet current and future demand
• Improve - we will seek to maintain and raise the quality of our green
spaces
• Connect - we will work in partnership to develop and manage
continuous green networks for people and wildlife
• Involve - we will work in partnership with the community and
stakeholders to develop, manage and promote green spaces
• Resource - we will seek to ensure sufficient resources are available to
develop, manage and maintain green spaces
• Sustain - we will work to ensure that the management of our green
spaces have a positive impact on people, the local economy and the
environment
• Conserve - we will ensure that green space biodiversity, landscape
and natural heritage is protected and conserved
6.7 The action plan will be monitored through quarterly Portfolio Reports and
internal working groups and will remain a working document.
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