• Local Plan, 2018 - 2033 (adopted 23 June 2020)

Green Infrastructure (GI) Text 27.18-27.21 (only relevant para shown)

27.21 It is important that changes to the Borough's urban environment contribute to the wider GI network. Development should be planned to avoid habitat loss and fragmentation, and opportunities sought to improve ecological connectivity, including through the creation, restoration and enhancement of linking habitats and 'stepping stones' through the landscape. The Council will also maximise opportunities to increase movement throughout the Borough and enhance public access to the rights of way network, and open and green spaces.

Policy NEB3 Green Infrastructure

I. The Local Plan will create a diverse, linked network of multi-functional green infrastructure. The network will be protected and enhanced for its biodiversity, recreational, accessibility, health benefits and landscape value, and for the contribution it makes towards combating climate change.

II. Development proposals should:

(a) Avoid the loss, fragmentation or functionality of any component of the green infrastructure network, including within the built environment, such as access to urban waterways;
(b) Maximise opportunities for extensions, additions and improvements to the green infrastructure network;
(c) Maximise opportunities for urban greening through landscaping, the planting of street trees and restoration of channelised or culverted watercourses where possible;
(d) Consider opportunities to enhance connections and extensions to footpaths, bridleways or rights of way where appropriate opportunities exist.

III. Contributions towards local green infrastructure projects will be sought where appropriate. If providing green infrastructure as part of a development contribution, applicants should detail how it will be maintained in the long term.

See also polices on SuDS, Water and the New River Path

Policy TM1 Sustainable Transport

Sustainability initiatives

I. The Council will expect all major development proposals to show how ways to reduce car use and promote alternative ways to travel have been considered and incorporated into the development. Detailed evidence of this process must be included in the Transport Assessment and supporting Travel Plan accompanying a planning application.

Pedestrian movement

II. Development must not detrimentally impact upon existing footpaths and public rights of way and proposals should, wherever possible, extend, enhance or provide for new pathways, rights of ways and equestrian routes.
III. Development proposals must clearly demonstrate how pedestrian movement and connections have been prioritised and provided for.
IV. All new paths should be safe, direct, appropriately lit and signed. They should be suitably constructed for all users, and provide direct and easy access to services and facilities.
V. The Council will support proposals that protect and enhance the New River towpath, pedestrian routes to, and within, the Lee Valley Regional Park and connections by foot to other open spaces.

Cycling provision

VI. Development proposals must provide for cycle facilities through the use of accessible and safe routes to and around the site, the provision of cycle storage and cycle parking areas. Guidelines regarding the number of cycle spaces can be found in Appendix B.

Public transport

VII. All major developments should contribute to improved public transport, including infrastructure and revenue contributions for enhanced services, and should ensure that internal layouts do not impede the passage of buses.

Equestrian Development Text 24.19-24.23

24.19 Equestrian or horse related activities are popular forms of leisure and recreation in the Borough. Riding schools and stables can contribute to the range of outdoor sport and fitness activities on offer, fit in well with agricultural activities and help to diversify the rural economy. The Council will support equestrian development that maintains environmental quality and the character of the countryside.

24.20 While equestrian development can be appropriate in the open countryside, the cumulative impact of horse related activities and associated buildings can have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of rural areas. Existing buildings should, where-ever possible, be re-used. New buildings for horse related activities, including stables, field shelters and tack rooms should be no larger than is essential, and careful attention paid to siting and landscaping. Particular care will be needed where floodlighting is proposed in order to avoid an unacceptable impact on residential amenity.

24.21 In assessing any application, regard will be had to the British Horse Society standards for welfare, and particularly grazing, access to clean water, and space, taking account of access to the wider countryside.

24.22 In considering any proposal, the Council will expect freestanding stables to be well screened from the surrounding countryside and that new buildings for indoor use should be located closely to existing buildings.

24.23 The Code of Welfare (above) recommends minimum land requirements and stable sizes for horses. Applicants should demonstrate how they have adhered to these standards in any application.

Policy ORC5 Equestrian Development

Proposals for equestrian development, whether domestic or commercial, will be permitted when the following criteria are met:
(a) The proposal is not sited in a prominent location;
(b) Where new buildings are proposed, applicants must demonstrate that existing structures cannot be re-used;
(c) The siting, scale and design of the proposal is in keeping with the character of the area, with adequate pasture to support the anticipated number of horses in accordance with the DEFRA (2009) Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and their Hybrids;
(d) Suitable provision is made for the storage of hay, feed, tack, and manure;
(e) The amenity of nearby residential properties is not adversely affected, for example, in relation to floodlighting, smell, noise and disturbance;
(f) The proposal would not (by itself or cumulatively) have a significant adverse impact in terms of traffic generation;
(g) suitable provision is made for drainage.