Local Green Spaces

England, Leicestershire Historic Environment Records, Leicestershire Environmental Record Centre records (biodiversity), Environment Agency, British Geological Survey, Old maps (Ordnance Survey, archive), local history and archaeology publications, and local knowledge.

The fieldwork checked and recorded among other things significant species, habitats, landscape characteristics, earthworks and other extant features, access, amenity value and use.

This data, along with all relevant site-specific information from the existing information review, were mapped and tabulated, and each site was scored and evaluated using the seven criteria for Local Green Space selection noted in the National Planning Policy Framework 2019, paragraph 100. The methodology and scoring system used to identify the highest scoring site(s) under relevant criteria and allocate them to policy areas is part of Appendix 4.

Of the 44 inventoried open spaces, two score 72% or more of the maximum possible (18/25 - the locally agreed appropriate threshold) and meet the essential requirements for designation as Local Green Space as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF 2021, paragraph 101). The evidence base for the resulting designations is in Appendix 4. Statutory protection of these sites will ensure that these most important places in Glenfield’s natural and human environment are protected for future generations.

These sites are currently classified as ‘Green Wedges’ in the Blaby Core Strategy. However, this policy is under review through the new Local Plan with the expectation that the further development required in Glenfield will result in the deletion of the Green Wedge Policy.

Irrespective of this, the Green Wedge Policy represents a blanket coverage of land outside of the Glenfield Settlement Boundary. The NPPF allows for designation as Local Green Space the most important spaces locally. The current Green Wedge Policy does not rule out development and does not afford the level of protection required by residents and which would be achieved by designating these areas as Local Green Spaces.

POLICY ENV 1: LOCAL GREEN SPACES - Development proposals that would result in the loss of, or have an adverse effect on, the following Local Green Spaces (details Appendix 4; map figure 7 will not be supported other than in very special circumstances.

St Peter’s Churchyard, Glenfield (Inventory reference OS23); area 0.27 ha Blackthorn Green and Fishley Belt (OS08); area 17.8 ha

32