This Local Plan chapter includes policies to manage:
- Metropolitan Green Belt (Policy DM8.1)
- Green Infrastructure Network (Policy DM8.2)
- Urban Greening Factor (Policy DM8.3)
- Southend Foreshore (Policy DM8.4)
- Biodiversity and Net Gain (Policy DM8.5)
- Trees (Policy DM8.6)
Green infrastructure, including open space, trees and soft landscaping such as green walls and roofs, plays a vital role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. It:
Reduces the urban heat island effect
Provides shade
Reduces air pollution
Stores surface water and carbon
Access to parks and open spaces is also important for health and wellbeing.
Southend-on-Sea is a densely developed area with limited opportunities for new green space. However, there will be potential to create/contribute to green space and green infrastructure where new development is proposed. This includes enhanced public realm and improving connections between green spaces with soft landscaping, tree planting, better signage and wayfinding.