5.4 Biodiversity and Greening
The integration of green and blue infrastructure aims to connect people to nature, improve air quality, biodiversity and climate resilience, and enhance the well-being of residents, workers, and visitors.
Investment will focus on creating green corridors that link with existing amenities such as Gloucester Park and the green space to south and east of Town Centre, enhancing current green areas, and creating new pocket parks, green streets, and public spaces that support ecological health and offer relaxation and social interaction. Developers are encouraged to collaborate with community groups on urban greening initiatives.
improved surface
White Horse Square, Wembley (DSDHA) includes biodiverse planting beds with low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly species that provide an urban oasis for locals. Designed in collaboration with local groups. Photo: Dennis Gilbert / VIEW
Futuro Office Park, Liestal, Switzerland. This permeable parking strip drains to an adjacent grassy swale and helps protect water quality. Photo: Laura Tam
Grey to Green, Sheffield. In addition to its biodiversity benefits and
water management, the project has stimulated economic growth, generating footfall and enhancing the food and drink offering in the area. Photo: Nigel Dunnet
Grey to Green, Sheffield (Sheffield City Council with Robert Bray Associates) is the UK’s largest retrofit SuDS project and also the UK’s largest inner-city ‘Green Street’.
Sovereign Square Park, Leeds (re-form Landscape) provides accessible green space for residents, workers, and visitors.
Photo: Simon Vine
Sharrow School, Sheffield, is an example of a biodiverse green roof.
Policy: Biodiversity and Greening
To promote ecological health, new development within Basildon Town Centre should propose the integration of features that enhance biodiversity, foster a connection to nature, and improve public health. All new developments must meet the following criteria:
a. All new developments in Basildon Town Centre should incorporate green spaces and, where possible, blue spaces that enhance biodiversity, connect people to nature, and improve well-being. A minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain should be achieved on site (except in exceptional circumstances), with accessible green spaces provided for the public, alongside any residents-only areas;
b. New developments should integrate biodiversity-supporting features in the designs, such as green roofs and walls, swift boxes, and pollinator-friendly plants. Landscaping should create attractive resilient places that can also help the management of surface water;
c. Green spaces shall be designed to be accessible to residents, workers, and visitors, with pleasant areas for relaxation and social interaction. Educational signage should be included to raise awareness of local biodiversity and sustainability; and
d. Planting shall be robust and well-designed, with plant selection tailored to respond effectively to the local microclimate, soil type, and other environmental factors. Management plans must be in place to ensure the longevity of planting and green spaces.