Consultation deadline extended to 16 August 2021
Residents are invited to contribute and work with Cotswold District Council on their Green Infrastructure Strategy, which will aim to boost green and open spaces as part of the Council priority to respond to the climate and ecological emergency.
The proposals include more places to exercise, improving cycle routes and footpaths to support safe and sustainable travel, creating more ‘natural’ play areas for the young, building desirable places to live and work and incorporating green areas that support wildlife habitats and mitigate climate change.
The new strategy outlines a number of key recommendations that could be taken to benefit the district as a whole, as well as focusing on the 17 settlements where major development is most likely to happen.
Members of the public and key stakeholders are now invited to share their views on the strategy, which will be going out to consultation from 14 June and will close on 16 August. Covering a wide variety of open spaces and green features, green infrastructure typically includes parks, playing fields, woodland, allotments and private gardens but can include sustainable drainage features – used to alleviate flooding and water pollution – urban planting, cycle tracks and Public Rights of Way as well as ‘blue’ features such as streams and other waterways.
The final version of the strategy will be used to inform the district’s Local Plan, which sets a framework for future planning decisions, including how the Council will meet the need for new homes, employment, open spaces, schools and leisure facilities.
The draft Green Infrastructure Strategy can be found on the Cotswold District Council website (www.cotswold.gov.uk/greeninfrastructure). Copies of the document are available to view at all district libraries as well as the Council offices at Trinity Road, Cirencester and the Moreton in Marsh office. Hard copies can be obtained on request by contacting the Council’s customer services team on 01285 623000.